This Thanksgiving season, Ohio Northern University is celebrating the enduring bonds among our alumni with stories of friendship.
Meet five guys from the Class of 1987 who met in the marching band their first year at ONU. Forty-two years later, they are still marching in step as best friends. Their friendship is marked by annual traditions, mini-trips, and grand adventures every milestone birthday.
Bob Zigmund, BSEE ’87, Brian Knotts, BSBA ’87, Pete Krause, BSME ’87, Steve Osborne, BSBA ’87, and Tom Ryan, BM ’87, bonded over music and food at ONU in the ‘80s.
In those early years, they’d stay up late talking about everything from basketball to rock bands to the Cold War. They shared countless meals and played intramural sports together.
Three of the friends found love at ONU. Tom met his wife, Linda (Knecht) Ryan, BA ’87, Pete met his wife, Beth (Breitzig) Krause, BSPh ’90, and Bob met his wife, Lisa (Rowland) Zigmund BSCE ’88, during college.
After graduation, the five friends stayed close.
“We kept those connections going over the years, and we still do,” said Bob.
Each year, the group gathers at Pete and Beth’s home to celebrate the Fourth of July, and again in early December to herald the holiday season. They make a point to attend ONU’s Homecoming & Reunion Weekend whenever they can.
Over the years, they’ve continued to make memories: attending comedy shows and concerts (Kansas and Eric Clapton among them); going Christmas shopping as a group; spending occasional weekends simply enjoying each other’s company; and taking vacations together.
“These friends are the closest friends I’ve had in my lifetime,” said Pete.
Their most cherished tradition? Celebrating every birthday milestone with unforgettable trips.
At 30, they cruised the Bahamas. At 40, they teed off at the famous Oglebay Resort in West Virginia. Turning 50 led them to Louisville, Kentucky for a Bourbon tour. This past summer, they celebrated 60 with a 14-day Alaskan cruise—their most scenic adventure yet.
And they’re already planning the next one—for age 65.
“We’re not going to wait until we’re 70,” said Bob. “Life is too short.”
All five credit ONU for giving them friendships that have enriched their lives.
“We all love Northern and that’s the bottom line,” said Steve. “ONU was a great building block for us, and it led to good lives.”
