Ohio University to honor life of President Emeritus Vernon R. Alden through virtual memorial service

During a special virtual memorial service on Thursday, August 13, at noon EDT, the Ohio University community will celebrate the life and legacy of President Emeritus Vernon R. Alden, who passed away this June. 

A private service in Galbreath Chapel on the University’s Athens Campus will be streamed live so that all members of the Ohio University family can take part in honoring Dr. Alden’s life of service, passion, and innovation. Joining members of the Alden family, speakers at the service will include OHIO Presidents Emeriti Charles Ping, Robert Glidden, and Roderick McDavis, as well as OHIO President M. Duane Nellis.

“President Alden was a visionary leader who guided Ohio University through a time of tremendous growth and change. The initiatives that Dr. Alden led have benefited generations of students and will continue to do so. He remained involved with Ohio University throughout his career, and I appreciated the insights, support, and guidance that I received from him,” Nellis said.

Dr. Alden served as the 15th president of Ohio University from 1962 to 1969. During this period, Dr. Alden and his administration saw a doubling of enrollment and staff. His administration expanded research and academic programs including the Honors College, the Cutler Program of Individualized Study, sabbatical leaves, the Ohio University Press and area studies including funding a Black Studies Institute.

Visit https://www.ohio.edu/aldenmemorial/index.html to learn more about Dr. Alden’s legacy and to view the memorial service Thursday, August 13, at noon EDT.