From a new brand to a new era for The Ridges, Ohio Today captures how OHIO is forever moving forward

“The world has changed tremendously since Ohio University was founded in 1804, and change has become a constant in the last year. But no matter the day, Ohio University remains steadfast in its mission.” – President M. Duane Nellis

Over the course of its 217-year history, Ohio University has seen many firsts, but none like the past year, filled with moments that demonstrate in remarkable ways Bobcat Nation’s commitment to growth in knowledge, wisdom and love—and to forever moving forward.

The spring 2021 issue of Ohio Today captures just a few of these moments. From the development of OHIO’s new brand platform and a snapshot of how COVID-19 has impacted life on the University’s campuses and the lives of Bobcats near and far to the history-making and preserving transformations at The Ridges, Ohio University is forever moving forward.

The digital issue of Ohio Today magazine is available at ohiotoday.org and will be arriving in mailboxes, inboxes and on campuses soon. Some highlights of the spring issue include:

First. Finest. Forever. — Ohio University’s new brand platform, “Forever OHIO,” is bringing the University’s story—and your story—to life. 

Far from normal — This series highlights how the OHIO community—from faculty and staff to first-year Bobcats, soon-to-be graduates and 2020 alumni—has managed to survive and thrive during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A new era for The Ridges — Take a look at how OHIO has repurposed elements of The Ridges since taking full ownership of the property in 1993, preserving its historic character while building a future that serves campus and community. Explore an interactive map of The Ridges Green that includes an immersive 360-degree experience of renovated spaces inside the Kirkbride complex. And check out a companion article on The Ridges Land Lab, where forests and former farmland and orchards serve as one of OHIO’s most unique classrooms and research spaces. 

It’s a date — The Ohio University Alumni Association’s new Empower Hour virtual series is bringing the OHIO community together to explore timely topics—uplifting the eclectic expertise of alumni, faculty and staff—and foster personal growth and connection.

Time Machine: 50 years of ACRN — Read about Ohio University’s first and only student-run radio network and how a half century of Rock Lobsters have built their resumes, friendships and OHIO legacies.

Little things, big returns — In just a few weeks, Bella Miller will join the OHIO alumni community that has supported her in myriad ways throughout her college years and reflects on the moments that will fuel her forever.

Alumni profiles — Whether their OHIO degrees were earned in their hometowns or oceans away from where they were born, Bobcat alumni continue to change the world for the better. The spring issue of Ohio Today spotlights alumni:

• Surinder S. Bedi, MSISE ’84, whose road from India to Ohio University led to a career marked by pioneering work in Silicon Valley and global leadership in renewable energy.
• Roshelle Pate, BSC ’93, who after serving her country is now serving Ohio communities as a “Food Soldier” whose war on hunger recently brought her back to the bricks.
• Donald R. Pollock II, AB ’94, an acclaimed novelist and Ohio University Chillicothe graduate whose debut novel was recently adapted into a Netflix film. 

Last Word — In a Q&A, Dr. Christine Suniti Bhat, an OHIO alumna and professor of counselor education in the Patton College of Education, opens up about her career, mental health during COVID-19 and how she wants to be remembered.

Grounds for change — The past year has seen significant transformations on the Athens Campus—some quite prominent and others a little more behind the scenes.  

An enduring legacy — The first floor of OHIO’s Baker University Center features a terrazzo installation by Aminah Brenda Lynn Robinson. A new book published by the Ohio University Press explores the artist’s seven-decade career and begins a new phase in which her legacy passes to new generations.

To read these stories and more, click here. Scroll to “Archives” at the bottom of the Ohio Today homepage to flip through a digital version of the magazine. 

Ohio Today is Ohio University’s alumni magazine and is a publication of The Ohio University Foundation. For additional information about Ohio Today or to provide feedback, please email ohiotoday@ohio.edu.