Celebrating 150 Years

In August 1871, the Northwestern Ohio Normal School officially opened its doors, with a central mission to train teachers in effective classroom instruction methods. For the past 150 years, ONU has shaped some of the brightest scholars, scientists, philanthropists, businesspeople, health care professionals and performers – to name a few. Through wars, economic turmoil, social unrest and other unprecedented challenges, Northern has always remained Northern.

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.

Normal building was the first building on campus

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.

Benjamin Brafman, JD ’74

Counsel to the stars.

Frank Willis, LLB 1893

Former Ohio governor.

Gov. Mike DeWine, JD ’72

Ohio's 70th governor.

See more

Celebrating Northern

33,081 Living alumni
1871 Year ONU was established
50 States where alumni reside
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.

1871 - First classes held at Northwestern Ohio Normal School with initial student enrollment of 147.

1874 - The first commencement ceremony takes place on June 12 at 9 a.m. for eleven graduating members (six males/five females).

1893 - ONU participates in the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, also known as the The Chicago World’s Fair. An exhibit was created by faculty member Mrs. Maglott. Students received a blue ribbon award and bronze medal.

1896 - Students created a University-based “athletic organization” (not sanctioned by the University), which promoted athletics, most notably including baseball and football.

1903 - Institution name changed to Ohio Northern University (from Ohio Normal University) in recognition of the university expanding beyond its original mission as a normal school.

1910 - President William Howard Taft delivered the 1910 commencement address.

1923 - The University establishes the Polar Bear as the official mascot.

Polar Bear established as mascot 1923 - reflected on cover of yearbook in 1925

1900s Post-WW II - May Day established as an ONU tradition.

1968 - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. speaks at ONU.

1973 - ONU signs a “Friendship Pact” with Dankook University (South Korea).

1991 - Freed Center for the Performing Arts, an indoor Sports Center/Fieldhouse constructed alongside King-Horn and the “Green Monster” track are finalized.

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 contact us below.

Share your Klondike story and images with us

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.

Sesquicentennial Celebration Opportunities

Aug.

02

Ada Community Engagement (ACE) Day 2021

Read More
Oct.

01

2021 Homecoming

Make your plans to attend ONU's 2021 Homecoming
Read More

Event Category

150

Share your ONU story

Share gratitude, fond memories and images about what ONU has meant to you.

Share now!

Heart of an Ideal

A new documentary film about the 150-year history of Ohio Northern University coming in October 2021.

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.

Don't have Instagram? Email Us!

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!

Sesquicentennial Committee Members

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