More than a diploma, many Ohio Northern University alumni leave campus with a family. We’re shining the spotlight on several incredible friend groups this Thanksgiving season.
Sharing the ordinary rituals of life at ONU in the 1980s forged an extraordinary, enduring friendship among seven ONU alumnae.
As Gail (Teschner) Beicke, BSPh ’88, puts it: “No one knows you better than the people you grew up with.”
Bonded by Alpha Xi Delta sisterhood and the goal of becoming pharmacists, the seven women did everything together, from classes to study sessions, social activities to meals.
“We just clicked,” said Gail.
After graduation, the friends scattered across the country, keeping in touch primarily through weddings. But as they started raising families and building careers, staying connected became increasingly difficult.
Then, about 10 years ago, with their children grown and careers established, they made a concerted effort to nurture their friendship. They planned annual gatherings in cities like Nashville, Charleston, and Seattle, where they could try new restaurants and attend shows.
The Covid-19 pandemic only strengthened their commitment. They established regular Zoom calls during the shutdown, a practice they’ve continued ever since to share news and laughs.
Beyond their core group, the friends also rallied behind Gail for a major endeavor: planning a giant reunion of ONU Alpha Xi sisters from the mid- to late-1980s on a Royal Caribbean cruise.
Approximately 50 Alpha Xi sisters embarked on the four-day cruise in October 2024, where they enjoyed pickle ball, shows, pool lounging, and eating dinner together every evening.
“We had so much fun that I still feel the good vibes over a year later,” said Ellen (Tirpak) Keating, BSPh ’88. “Friendships were rekindled and everyone was asking about the date for the next one.”
Gail is already working on the next big reunion, and the seven core friends are planning their upcoming get-togethers, too. Having supported one another through life’s joys and challenges so far, they are now looking forward to celebrating retirements and new grandchildren.
“My life wouldn’t be the same without these girls. They are the people I can count on; my best friends,” shared Gail.
Friendship group: Gail; Ellen; Greta (Thielking) Sweney, BSPh ’88; Susanne (Short) Rosselit, BSPh ’88; Susan (Richert) Rector, BSPh ’88; Carol (Adams) Miller, BSPh ’88; and Kathryn Westlake, BSPh ’88.
