Skip to main content
Home
  • Request Info
  • Visit
  • Apply
  • Give
Celebrating Northern
Alt text goes here
Forward Together

The Campaign for Ohio Northern University

  • Make your gift today

Breadcrumb

  1. Home
  2. Forward Together
Aerial photo of ONU

Forward Together Campaign Video

The Forward Together Campaign was born out of the commitment that Ohio Northern has to secure a bright future for current and future Polar Bears, and to uphold the pillars of unity and community that have kept ONU strong for more than 150 years. These aspirations will bring that vision into clear focus.

Your support will ensure student success today, and in the future

The Forward Together campaign – with a goal of $100 million – was born out of Ohio Northern University's commitment to support current and future Polar Bears, and to uphold the pillars of unity and community that have kept ONU strong for more than 150 years. 

These four campaign aspirations will lead us Forward Together:

  • Student scholarships – $50 million
  • Teaching and learning excellence – $30 million
  • Facilities for the future – $5 million
  • The Northern Fund – $15 million
Give Now

Goal: $100 Million

100%

Raised: $102 Million

Our 4 Aspirations

Pie chart of amounts in aforementioned text

*click above to view larger version

Photo of Melissa J. Baumann
Quote SVG
Through this campaign, we will continue to invest in our students and their futures, initiating a vision that we can and must achieve. We will build on the things that have made ONU great: outstanding faculty, excellent academic programs and co-curricular opportunities.
President Melissa J. Baumann, Ph.D.

CAMPAIGN PILLARS

Student walking
Student scholarships – $50M
ONU teacher instructing his student
Teaching and learning excellence – $30M
Tennis players
Facilities for the future – $5M
student in lab coats
The Northern Fund –$15M
ONU student looking in the distance

Forward on student scholarships

An ONU education is truly life-changing, yet without financial assistance, many of our promising young students wouldn’t be here. In fact, more than 99 percent of ONU students receive financial support to offset the cost of attending. Scholarships of all sizes can help to make Ohio Northern not only a student’s first-choice university, but also their best choice. With your help, we can aspire to reduce student loan debt and help more students benefit from the unique value of an ONU education.
  • Learn More
ONU teacher instructing her students on the grass outside

Forward on teaching and learning excellence

Exceptional professors. Personalized attention. Unique learning opportunities. Quality academic programs and resources. Teaching and learning excellence stand at the core of student success at Northern. More investment in this area will enable us to enhance the transformative nature of an ONU education. With your help, we can cement ONU’s legacy of rigorous academics and life-changing relationships.
Learn More
Tennis courts

Forward on facilities for the future

State-of-the-art academic, athletic and recreational facilities are the places where students unlock their potential and create memories. When we provide and upgrade spaces for collaboration, competition, learning, performing arts and social activities, we improve our ability to recruit top scholars, athletes and artists. These spaces foster enthusiasm and a sense of belonging among ONU students. With your help, we can ensure that the equipment, labs and facilities at Northern are befitting of our reputation.
  • Learn more
Student chatting

Forward on The Northern Fund

A robust Northern Fund is crucial to making sure ONU can nimbly address the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow. Gifts to the Northern Fund enrich and sustain the student experience through annual support for academic programs, facility improvements and financial assistance. With your help, we can grow The Northern Fund to allow the University to take advantage of emerging opportunities, such as establishing a new academic program in a growing field.
Learn more

Ways to Give

There are many ways that you can provide financial support for the Forward Together campaign. You may choose to make a single gift, spread your contributions over a period of time or choose a deferred giving option. Your gifts are deeply appreciated, and we will steward them with care. Options include:

Cash • Appreciated securities• Retirement plans • Mutual funds • Life income plans
Life insurance policies • Bequests • Real estate • Corporate matching gifts

  • Learn more
Forward Together Campaign Image

Campaign Brochure

Interested in seeing our full campaign brochure? We have it available to view/download.
Download or View Brochure

CAMPAIGN STORIES

News Article Image - Ohio Northern University launches student-centered Forward Together Campaign

Ohio Northern University launches student-centered Forward Together Campaign

Ohio Northern University has embarked on an ambitious endeavor to enhance student success. The Forward Together Campaign seeks to…

Learn More
 
News Article Image - Hamilton comes full circle after a lifetime in higher education

Hamilton comes full circle after a lifetime in higher education

Dr. Wayne Hamilton, BSCE ’58, knows the value of supporting higher education, because higher education has been his life’s work. His…

Learn More
News Article Image - Entrepreneur supports the Northern Fund and ONU music

Entrepreneur supports the Northern Fund and ONU music

Jason Duff, BSBA ’05, is a forward-thinking entrepreneur who focuses on what is possible, not what is. His outlook has not only led to…

Learn More
News Article Image - The Gossels continue to care for ONU students

The Gossels continue to care for ONU students

It was over 60 years ago and tuition was just $260 a quarter, but Tom, BSPh ’63, Hon.D. ’17, and Phyllis (Black) Gossel, BSEd ’63,…

Learn More
News Article Image - DiBiasios establish endowed scholarship to support future teachers

DiBiasios establish endowed scholarship to support future teachers

Ohio Northern University President Emeritus Daniel A. DiBiasio, Ph.D. (Hon.D. ‘22), and former First Lady Chris Burns-DiBiasio (Hon. ’…

Learn More
News Article Image - “Mr. ONU” and Gretchen Robinson support the Forward Together Campaign

“Mr. ONU” and Gretchen Robinson support the Forward Together Campaign

William “Bill” Robinson, BSEd ’61, Hon. D. ’05, fondly known as “Mr. ONU,” devoted his entire career to serving students and…

Learn More
News Article Image - Helping others is a “second” career for Leuthold

Helping others is a “second” career for Leuthold

Although he claims there are no more business ventures on his horizon, Doug Leuthold, BSCE ’71 has embarked on a second career. This…

Learn More
News Article Image - Lee and Shirley Stockton’s estate gift to ONU Engineering furthers Forward Together campaign

Lee and Shirley Stockton’s estate gift to ONU Engineering furthers Forward Together campaign

Long-time supporters Lee Stockton, BSCE ’61, and his wife, Shirley Stockton, are significant Forward Together contributors thanks to…

Learn More
News Article Image - Webers establish scholarship to commemorate ONU’s storied tradition and its dedicated faculty and staff

Webers establish scholarship to commemorate ONU’s storied tradition and its dedicated faculty and staff

John G. Weber, BSPh ’65 and Suzanne (Scott) Weber, BSEd ’65 have a great affinity for their alma mater and the people at ONU who…

Learn More
News Article Image - Claire Vaubel establishes a law scholarship in memory of her late husband

Claire Vaubel establishes a law scholarship in memory of her late husband

Claire Vaubel, JD ’71, on behalf of her late husband, George Vaubel, JD ’54, established the George and Claire Vaubel Endowed College…

Learn More
News Article Image - Because he found love, laughter and wisdom at ONU in the 70s, this donor gives back today

Because he found love, laughter and wisdom at ONU in the 70s, this donor gives back today

Ohio Northern University made a positive impact—academically, socially and spiritually--on Larry Winkleman, BSCE ’78 and his late wife…

Learn More
News Article Image - “It All Leads Back to Northern!”

“It All Leads Back to Northern!”

As a teacher, Joe Mileski, BS ’12, BSME ’20 wanted to change the world. As an engineer, he just might do it. Mileski returned to…

Learn More
News Article Image - Dr. Roger Goldberg leaves a golden legacy

Dr. Roger Goldberg leaves a golden legacy

Dr. Roger Goldberg was a master teacher who positively impacted countless Ohio Northern University business students. While his…

Learn More
View all Campaign Related News Stories

Campaign steering committee members:

Barbara Bowyer, BA ’76
Pam Hershberger, BSBA ’87
Doug Leuthold, BSCE ’76
R. Scott Miller, BA ’77
Rhonda Miller, BSPh ’80
Bill Robinson, BSED ’61, Hon.D. ’05
Dan Walker, BSCE ’71, Hon.D. ’19
Eileen Walker, BA ’72
Hanley Wheeler*, BSPh ’82

*Campaign Chairperson

LEARN. SERVE. DREAM. BELIEVE. – FORWARD TOGETHER

Ohio Northern launches campaign – Forward Together. ONU's $100 million campaign will build a bright and bold future for the University.

ONU is a school with a clear and certain purpose – student success. We inspire, support and drive students to go beyond what they believe they can accomplish. Ask graduates of Ohio Northern to point to a primary reason for their achievements, their success, and you’ll hear one answer: RELATIONSHIPS.

Strong, genuine, caring, committed, lasting – these are the relationships at the heart of Ohio Northern University. Relationships that bring out the best in every student and fuel their success. Relationships that foster personal fulfillment, professional achievement and civic engagement. Relationships that are life-changing and transformative, connecting Polar Bears for generations beyond their time on campus.

Through the very nature of our relationship-based model of higher education, Ohio Northern University stands firm as a beacon of opportunity. One of the best private, comprehensive universities in the nation, Ohio Northern will continue to grow and evolve to meet society’s needs as we pursue our highest goal, student success.

This goal – student success – is what the Forward Together Campaign is all about.

  • Give Now

Support that Matters

When you support the college, extracurricular activity, or educational center or initiative that is near and dear to your heart, you ensure that future ONU students will have the same life changing experiences that have shaped generations.


  • Screenshot of Arts and Sciences Sell Sheet

     

    The Getty College of Arts & Sciences brings out the best in its students. Students in our six distinct schools find the guidance and support they need to compete, grow and flourish, whether they are preparing for a future in medicine, musical theatre, politics, teaching, or anything in between. Offering a combination of liberal arts and professional education, the college fosters independent thinking and creative problem solving. Your support can help the College of Arts & Sciences fund student scholarships; endowed professorships, chairs or fellowships; faculty research; facility improvements; the Getty Opportunity Fund; and more. Give Now 

    Download/View Arts & Sciences pdf

     


  • Screenshot of College of Engineering Sell Sheet

     

    One of the top 20 undergraduate engineering schools in the country, the T.J. Smull College of Engineering produces engineers and computer scientists who blaze trails and harness technology for the betterment of humankind. With your support, we can strengthen our ability to recruit students who thrive here and attract and retain outstanding faculty who seek to build relationships with students as they challenge and mentor them. Your support can help the College of Engineering fund student scholarships; endowed chairs and professorships; junior faculty fellowships; study abroad; summer research opportunities for students; STEM outreach in K-12; and the Dean’s Opportunity Fund. Give Now

    Download/View Engineering pdf

     


  • Screenshot of College of Business Sell Sheet

     

    Students at the James F. Dicke College of Business are not only prepared for the jobs of today, but they also are equipped for the jobs of tomorrow. To help students become prepared the college utilizes a proven formula: real-world business experience via experiential learning, study abroad, preparation for employment, targeted internships and service through business. As a result, nearly 100 percent of graduates find employment within six months of graduation in their field. Your support can help fund leadership scholarships; diversity scholarships; endowed professorships; faculty awards; and funding for the Business Student Support Fund. Give Now

    Download/View College of Business pdf

     


  • Screenshot of College of Pharmacy Sell Sheet

     

    The Raabe College of Pharmacy has a reputation and outcomes among the best in the nation. Our pharmacy graduates are confident and practice-ready thanks to the rigorous hands-on education offered at the Raabe College of Pharmacy. They also are driven by a sense of purpose – whether that’s to provide direct patient care, to advance important research or to seize a new business opportunity. Your support will enable us to invest in facilities for the future; provide student scholarships; reward exceptional teaching with endowed positions, faculty awards, summer scholars and sabbaticals; and aid the Pharmacy Skills and Enrichment Fund. Give Now

    Download/View College of Pharmacy pdf

     


  • Screenshot of College of Law Sell Sheet

     

    ONU’s Pettit College of Law offers small classes and individualized attention from faculty members who are dedicated to helping students succeed. The college is known for producing practice-ready, purpose-driven attorneys who make a mark in the legal profession and serve their communities. Your support can help support endowed positions; faculty awards; a variety of student scholarships; and the Pettit College Dean’s Discretionary Fund. Give Now

    Download/View College of Law pdf

     

     


  • Screenshot of Angel for the Arts Sell Sheet

     

    The visual and performing arts have the power to uplift and transform people and societies. At Ohio Northern, we seek to broaden the reach and impact that the arts have on our world. To this end, we offer exceptional arts programming and produce enlightened artists and leaders. When you become an Angel for the Arts, you support the best of what we offer. Your support can help fund productions, performances and exhibits; guest artists and master classes; equipment and facilities; and student travel and professional opportunities. Give Now

    Download/View Angel for the Arts pdf


  • Screenshot of Athletic Endowment Sell Sheet

     

    ONU Athletics is integral to our educational offerings because not all learning takes place in the classroom. In stadiums and pools, on fields, tracks and courts, our student-athletes develop valuable life skills such as teamwork and leadership. Most importantly, they build character traits like resilience, perseverance and integrity that are so needed in today’s world. To secure the future of ONU Athletics, we’ve been working to establish an athletic endowment fund for each of our 12 men’s and 11 women’s sports programs. Your endowment gift would be a game changer, creating a legacy of support that will positively impact Polar Bear athletes for generations to come. Give Now

    Download/View Athletic Endowment pdf


  • Screenshot of Polar Bear Club Sell Sheet

     

    Ohio Northern’s student-athletes and coaches set a high bar for achievement and integrity both inside and outside the classroom. Here we build relationships and character along with athletic ability. When you join the Polar Bear Club, you keep our tradition of excellence alive. You help ensure that Polar Bear student-athletes have the equipment, experiences and opportunities they need to compete and learn at a high level. We are one Polar Bear team, separated only by years, and every generous gift makes us stronger. Give Now

    Download/View Polar Bear Club pdf


  • Screenshot of Cafe Sell Sheet

     

    ONU established the Center for the Advancement of Faculty Excellence (CAFE) to aid and uplift our faculty. Through your support of CAFE, you ensure that ONU’s most valuable resource is equipped with the resources needed for continued innovation and excellence in teaching. Your support can help ONU provide professional development, promote innovation and collaboration, and reward teaching excellence. Give Now

    Download/View CAFE pdf

     

     


  • Screenshot of Honors Program Sell Sheet

     

     

     

    Our Honors Program is designed to challenge ONU’s most intellectually gifted students. These students possess the potential for extraordinary academic achievements, such as becoming Fulbright or Goldwater scholars. Our Honors Program is a training ground for tomorrow’s leaders and difference makers. By supporting our Honors Program, you enable us to attract and inspire these outstanding young scholars by providing funding for scholarships, student projects and distinctive programming. Give Now

    Download/View Honors Program pdf


  • Screenshot of Interdisciplinary Studies Sell Sheet

     

     

    The Center for Interdisciplinary Studies brings together faculty expertise from a variety of disciplines to offer academic programs centered on today’s pressing issues. Students enrolled in interdisciplinary programs explore topics using multiple lenses. As a result, they gain well-rounded knowledge and a big-picture perspective. By supporting the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies, you help ONU respond to the needs of the times, with interdisciplinary programs and students, physical space and personnel, and special programming. Give Now

    Download/View Interdisciplinary Studies pdf


  • Screenshot of ICAPP Sell Sheet

     

     

    ICAPP harnesses the collective expertise on ONU’s campus to promote civic literacy and a knowledgeable understanding of public policy. In addition, ICAPP serves as a go-to resource for local, regional and national media who need expert input on current events and politics. Non-partisan and education-based, ICAPP fosters a mission-focused learning environment. Your support of ICAPP will enable us to support student internships; produce policy briefs; host campus seminars and lectures; and conduct public opinion polling. Give Now

    Download/View ICAPP pdf


  • Screenshot of Student Success Sell Sheet

     

     

    The Student Success Center opens doors of access to every resource needed for academic accomplishment from freshman year to graduation and beyond. Its programs help students transition to campus life and set goals for school and work, keeping every Polar Bear on track to graduate. These programs assist struggling students before they become discouraged, energize high-achievers who seek additional knowledge and experience, and equip graduates with the tools for professional success. Your support can assist with numerous initiatives, from Polar Careers to tutoring services, the honors program to support for international students. Give Now

    Download/View Student Success pdf


  • Screenshot of Writing Center Sell Sheet

     

    At Ohio Northern, we seek to grow exceptional communicators. We know that students who learn to write clearly, concisely and persuasively will achieve success not just in their coursework, but also in their future career. The ONU Writing Center nurtures the development of strong writing skills, thus providing an invaluable service to the campus community. Students come to the center with questions, concerns or confusion about the writing process, and leave armed with the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to become better writers. When you give a gift to the Writing Center, you make it possible for ONU students to receive this critical support service. Give Now

    Download/View Writing Center pdf

Sunset over ONU

For more information about the Forward Together Campaign, contact:

Office of University Advancement
advancement@onu.edu | 419-772-2035
onu.edu/give
  • Email Advancement
  • Make Your Forward Together Gift Today
Learn more about life as a Polar Bear:
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • instagram
  • youtube
  • google
image of campus - decorative only

Forward Together and Ohio Northern Logo

525 South Main Street Ada, OH 45810
419-772-2000

MB: Footer: Middle 1

  • Libraries
  • Bookstore
  • Freed Center
  • Career Services
  • ONU HealthWise Pharmacy

MB: Footer: Middle 2

  • Directory
  • Employment
  • Registrar
  • The Inn
  • Calendar
  • Campus Map

Footer Menu

  • Events
  • News
  • Mission & Vision
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Consumer Information
  • USDA Statement

Information for:

  • my.onu.edu
  • Alumni/Friends
  • Parents/Families
  • Directory
  • Request Info
  • Visit
  • Apply
  • Give
  • About
    • Facts and Figures
    • President and Leadership
    • Trustees
    • Financial Affairs
    • University Advancement
    • Recognition of Excellence
    • Getting to Know Ada
    • Commencement
    • Controller and Bursar
    • Human Resources
    • Campus Sustainability
    • 150 Year Milestone
  • Academics
    • Programs of Study
    • Academic Affairs
      • Honors Day
    • College of Arts & Sciences
    • College of Business
    • College of Engineering
    • College of Law
    • College of Pharmacy
    • Center for Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Institute for Civics and Public Policy
    • Student Support Services
    • Camps, Conferences, Workshops and Community Events
    • Registrar
    • Heterick Library
    • Taggart Library
  • Admissions & Aid
    • Apply
    • Accepted Students
      • time to celebrate
    • Visit
    • Financial Aid
    • Undergraduate
    • Pharmacy
    • Transfer
    • Graduate
    • International–Degree and Exchange
    • College Credit Plus
    • Virtual Tour Map
  • Student Life
    • Housing
    • Dining
    • Student Support Services
    • Polar Careers
    • Health and Wellness
    • Public Safety
  • Distinctly ONU
  • Athletics