EBN gearing up for largest annual fundraiser, old-school house party

A group of attendees pose during the Ebony Bobcat Network’s (EBN) Alumni Weekend 2015.

Join fellow Ohio University alumni and the Ebony Bobcat Network (EBN) on Saturday, Aug. 11, for two exciting events, celebrating the organization’s accomplishments of the past year, planning for its future and engaging in lively discussion, fundraising opportunities and an old-school house party.

The first event of the day, “A Think Tank Adventure,” will be held from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the Ohio University Dublin Campus in Dublin, Ohio. In addition to reflecting on EBN’s successes throughout the year, attendees will discuss ways to expand the organization’s mission and explore new ways of providing financial support for that mission.

“We want to engage our audience,” said Lori Peterson, BSJ ’87, president of EBN Columbus. “We’re not coming and saying, ‘Sit down and listen.’ We’re asking what we can do to be different, and we want participants to be part of the conversation.”

In addition to connecting with fellow Bobcats as well as OHIO faculty, attendees will hear from Ohio University President M. Duane Nellis, who will speak about the state of the University and his vision for its future.

“A Think Tank Adventure” is also a philanthropic event. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in the organization’s largest annual fundraiser for OHIO’s Urban Scholars Program by donating to the EBN Urban Scholars Endowment. Designed for high school graduates of urban school districts in Ohio, the Urban Scholars Program provides scholarship and academic support to students with demonstrated financial need and exceptional scholarly achievement.

“In addition to a network, we are also a philanthropic alumni association,” Peterson said. “We want to get people excited about being involved in something that has more of a global mission.”

The festivities will resume at 6 p.m. at the White House in Reynoldsburg, Ohio, where attendees will be treated to “A White House Affair,” an evening of fun at a decades-themed, old-school house party.

Peterson said “A White House Affair” is the perfect opportunity for alumni to connect in an environment reminiscent of what they experienced with while attending OHIO. This event will include delicious food, signature cocktails and a DJ.

Admission for “A Think Tank Adventure” is free. Tickets for “A White House Affair” are $35 each and will include one drink ticket and complimentary heavy appetizers. Additional information and registration for either event can be found on the Association’s website. Space is limited, so RSVP today.

“This is a great opportunity for alumni to network with other alumni, meet other alumni and just get involved on another level in terms of fundraising,” Peterson said. “If you’ve ever wanted to reach back to a potential student, this kind of introduces you to how we do it.”