From Vision to Reality
Ohio Northern’s ambitious, pioneering attitude has been alive since the very beginning. The school started with a single person and a single idea. With the help of the community, Henry Solomon Lehr founded the Northwestern Ohio Normal School in 1871. When the college’s curriculum grew to include pharmacy, engineering, law and business programs, its name was changed to Ohio Normal University and, eventually, in 1903, Ohio Northern University.
There should be a school patterned to the needs of the common people, and it must recognize God in all its teachings."Henry Solomon Lehr, founder Ohio Northern University
Featured Alumni Stories
From pioneers in modern medicine to top CEOs to influential policy makers, Ohio Northern University alumni have made their mark on the world in so many different ways over the past 150 years.
Sesquicentennial Committee Members
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William Robinson, BSEd ’61, Hon.D. ’05, committee chair
John Berg, education faculty
Chris Burns-DiBiasio, first lady and director of community relations
Jeffrey Coleman, BA ’90, development
Matthew Francis, University archivist
Scott Greene, BSBA ’90
Chad Hummell, BSBA ’91
Quintin Jessee, BSPh ’95
Jim Kennedy, Hon.D. ’17
Jennifer Lambdin, student affairs
Paul Logsdon, retired archivist
Natalie DiPietro Mager, PharmD ’01, pharmacy faculty
Barbara (Long) Meek, BA ’90, development
Kirsten Osbun-Manley, alumni relations
Hannah Smith, BSBA ’20
Hayley Stratton, communications & marketing
Emily (Barbee) Toms, BA ’14
Charles Van Dyne, BA ’52, JD ’54, Hon.D. ’09
2021 Sesquicentennial Pictorial Book on sale
Celebrate Ohio Northern University’s sesquicentennial with this stunning pictorial book that captures the spirit of the University's 150-year journey.
Celebrating Northern
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33,081 Living alumni
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1871 Year ONU was established
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50 States where alumni reside
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69 Countries where alumni reside
History of ONU
From a small, regional teacher’s college to an esteemed institution of higher education, the evolution of Ohio Northern University has been marked by both success and struggle. Every milestone has played a role in making the University what it is today. We treasure our rich history and will continue writing the story of Ohio Northern to honor those who came before us.
WELL ATTUNED: MUSIC INSTRUCTOR COMPOSING ONU SESQUICENTENNIAL CHORAL PIECE
If Ohio Northern University’s sesquicentennial celebration was a song, what would it sound like? Adjunct music instructor Jonathan Wey has been commissioned to answer that very question.
Becoming Polar Bears
In 1923, the University established the Polar Bear as the school’s official mascot. Throughout the years, there have been several iterations of the mascot – who now goes by the name Klondike. As we plan for Klondike’s 100th birthday celebration in 2023, we are looking to compile the memories of former students who donned the Polar Bear suit over the years. To share your Polar Bear mascot story, please contact us below.
Nexus Sculpture Unveiling
Ohio Northern University’s year-long sesquicentennial celebration pivots from looking backwards at our history to looking forward into our future on Nov. 5, with the unveiling of a special art installation in Heterick Memorial Library. A ceramic statue aptly named Nexus is a work of art by ONU faculty member and alumnus Luke Sheets, BFA ’95, professor of art and design, who created a piece to represent “our past, our current reality and the future yet to come.”How to get involved
Connect with Ohio Northern University to celebrate our sesquicentennial from wherever you are. Learn more about about ways you can engage with us during this special time of celebration.
How do you ONU?
Showcase what ONU has meant to you and help us curate an image gallery about what it means to be a Polar Bear. Use the hashtag #LoyalForeverToDearONU on Instagram to be featured in the images below.
show us how you onu
The Letter “N” is a familiar icon with the ONU community. Using the letter “N” as art, submit your photo on social media by using the hashtag #LoyalForeverToDearONU to show what Northern means to you. Please join us for this nostalgic celebration!
Share your ONU story
Share gratitude, fond memories and images about what ONU has meant to you.
Heart of an Ideal
“Heart of an Ideal” is a cinematic celebration of Ohio Northern University’s founding and its 150 years of success in preparing students to positively impact the world. The film showcases how founder Henry Solomon Lehr established a clear vision and enduring values that have lived on at Ohio Northern. Defining moments in the life of ONU are chronicled, weaving the University’s story through presidential eras following Dr. Lehr’s, and presenting more than a century and a half of growth, trial, triumph and change. Included are interviews and footage not seen in nearly 50 years.