Celebrating the 200th anniversary of John Newton Templeton enrolling at OHIO

Ohio University will celebrate the 200th anniversary of John Newton Templeton’s enrollment and graduation throughout the 2024-25 academic year.

Arriving on the Athens Campus in 1824, Templeton earned his undergraduate degree in education in 1828. Templeton was the first Black graduate of Ohio University and the fourth Black graduate of any college or university in the United States of America. 

“Ohio University is proud to honor John Newton Templeton in celebration of the 200th anniversary of his time here as a student,” President Lori Stewart Gonzalez said. “He left an incredible legacy, not just here at Ohio University, but also through the important work he did throughout his life and the lives he touched through his teaching. He was a true pioneer and stands as a role model for all OHIO students and alumni.”

A new website dedicated to the 200th anniversary has been developed and can be seen here.

The website provides information on Templeton’s time at OHIO, including some of the classes he took, where he lived as a student and comments from the speech he gave at the 1828 Commencement Ceremonies. The website also includes details about his childhood, his family, his career as an educator and his incredible legacy.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine also recorded a special video for the website, honoring Templeton as a leader and a trailblazer.

“We are grateful to Gov. DeWine for acknowledging the remarkable life and impact of John Newton Templeton and what he means, not just for Ohio University, but for the entire state of Ohio,” said Russell Morrow, interim vice president for diversity and inclusion at Ohio University.  “I invite all students, faculty, staff and alumni to join us as we commemorate Templeton’s life, influence and impact on our campus and beyond."

Honoring John Newton Templeton

Throughout the year, Ohio University will highlight the history of Black culture at OHIO and celebrate the legacy of Templeton and other members of the OHIO community.

In addition, anniversary events and activities will be held at special occasions such as Homecoming, Juneteenth and the Black Alumni Reunion.

Information about upcoming events and activities will be posted on the new website. The website also includes information about how OHIO has several awards named after Templeton, including the John Newton Templeton Outstanding Senior Leader Award and the John Newton Templeton Scholarship. The Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium also honors Templeton and Marth Jane Hunley Blackburn, who was OHIO’s first female Black graduate.

The new website also provides information Black History in Athens, Ohio, and features video about Black History at OHIO.

OHIO community invited to submit stories, participate in Quilt Project

All members of the OHIO community are also encouraged to submit stories about their own “first” accomplishments or their memories of Ohio University. Stories can be submitted through the website or at this webpage.

In addition, Ohio University is inviting all members of the community to take part in the new Quilt Project, which will result in a new community quilt that will highlight the past, present and future of Ohio University.

More information on the Quilt Project can be found on the John Newton Templeton website.