Ohio University's vision for diversity and inclusion is to celebrate all members of our University community, and the triennial Black Alumni Reunion is a cornerstone of OHIO’s aspirations to broaden our collective understanding by uplifting diverse identities, cultures, experiences, and perspectives.
The work of building a diverse and inclusive community is far more than a set of boxes to check or a series of events to attend. It happens in small steps and in big leaps, in one-on-one conversations and in institutional progress. To succeed we must be both relentlessly intentional and open to spontaneous opportunities for positive change.
Black Alumni Reunion is a reminder of the rich history and deep commitment of our University’s Black graduates and friends to OHIO, our students, faculty and staff, and one another. Your gift today to one of these deserving funds will bring the OHIO experience to more students from diverse backgrounds than ever before, enriching their college and career pathways and lifting our entire OHIO community in the process.
In recognition of the Reunion and in honor of the Black Bobcats who are following in your footsteps, please make a gift today to support scholarships, programs, or the arts. These 11 named funds were selected for their impact on students and campus life.
The Brown-Fields Family Scholarship Endowment for Brothers Rise
Supports the Brothers RISE (Rallying to Inspire and Shape Education) initiative within the Patton College of Education, designed to strengthen public education by recruiting students, particularly African American males, into Teacher Education.
The Rev. Dr. Francine C. Childs Social Justice Scholarship Endowment
Supports undergraduate students enrolled in the College of Arts and Sciences with a demonstrated financial need with a preference for students majoring or minoring in African American Studies.
Ebony Bobcat Network (EBN) Dr. Michele Curtis Penick, 1966 Scholarship Endowment
Supports students enrolled in the Patton College of Education with a demonstrated financial need who are majoring in Early Childhood Education. Priority is given to students who are underrepresented in the University student body population, who have overcome obstacles such as socioeconomic or educational disadvantage, or are the first in their family to attend college.
EBN Urban Scholarship Endowment
Provides life-changing tuition assistance to students accepted into OHIO's Urban Scholars Program.
Kent-Rudolph Blue Crescent Scholarship Endowment
Created by members of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., it is the first scholarship endowment at Ohio University whose founders represent two historically Black Greek letter organizations. Scholarship awards will benefit student members of National Pan-Hellenic Council organizations at the University.
Dr. Roderick J. and Deborah A. McDavis Urban Scholarship
Supports students who are full-time undergraduates enrolled in or accepted for admission to the Urban Scholars Program.
The Michael and Lori K. Peterson EBN Scholarship Endowment
Supports undergraduate students within the Scripps College of Communication who contribute to the intellectual, cultural, and social diversity within Scripps College of Communication programming.
Beatrice Selotlegeng Scholarship
Supports students within the College of Business who are members of underrepresented populations with four-year scholarships, unique mentorship opportunities, and a community of fellow Selotlegeng Scholars.
Templeton Scholars Program Support Fund
Supports participants in The John Newton Templeton Scholars Program, a comprehensive scholarship program designed for academically talented students and honoring John Newton Templeton, Ohio University's first African American graduate (Class of 1828) and his legacy with an emphasis on academic excellence, leadership, and campus and community involvement at Ohio University.
Urban Scholars General Scholarship Endowment
Supports students who excel academically, take initiative to succeed and have a demonstrated financial need.
Vibrancy Theater Fund
Supports Vibrancy Theater, a theater organization designed to provide a sustainable space for Black indigenous people of color (BI-POC) student theater artists, to support and amplify BI-POC voices, stories, and artistry in the spirit of authenticity and excellence.
African American Heritage Wall
Dr. Patricia A. Ackerman proposed the idea of the African American Alumni Heritage Wall at Ohio University, located in the lobby of Templeton Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium. The wall is an opportunity for Black alumni to thank and honor those who made their degrees possible. Plaques displayed include the names of graduates and those who helped support their matriculation at Ohio University. Gifts to this account will provide support for the preservation Wall, including but not limited to renovations, maintenance, upkeep, and improvements. To learn more about getting your name on the wall, contact the Office of Annual Giving.
View all 2,000+ Ohio University funds, from The Ohio Bobcat Club, the Fund for OHIO, and the African Studies Program fund, to funds named for or established by faculty, alumni, or friends
At Ohio University, we offer donors the ability to choose exactly how their gift impacts our students, communities, and programs. Search for a specific fund or use filters to find a fund by category. Give to the areas that you care most about. Visit the Explore Funds page to get started.
Your donation helps students earn more than a degree: you’re bringing them the hands-on experiences that will transform them into community leaders, creative thinkers, and people who change the world. Thank you!
You know first-hand that Ohio University delivers far more than a diploma: the experiences Bobcats have at OHIO will stay with them, forever. By making a charitable gift as part of BAR 2022, you are paying it forward and affecting the next generation.
Your actions now will make the BAR 2022 participation goal of 100 donors quickly attainable. Here are four things alumni, families, and friends can do to support a bright future for Black students:
Looking to make a gift to a different OHIO fund? Visit give.ohio.edu/funds and search our database of over 2,000 funds, all aimed at supporting our students, faculty, and campuses.