August 2025
‘On a Rocket’
Ohio Wesleyan is celebrating its largest incoming class in 17 years and its largest two-year enrollment increase in the 21st century.
Ohio Wesleyan’s Class of 2029 features approximately 580 new Bishops from 30 states and 23 countries, including more than 50 transfer students — the largest transfer class in OWU’s 183-year history.
“Thanks to the extraordinary efforts of our community, Ohio Wesleyan is on a rocket,” President Matt vandenBerg said.
Read the convocation story, watch the video, and view the photos →
Leaders Across Borders
Students from around the world, including Doubra Akika ’27, Jack Gatchel ’26, and Ella Holtsberry ’27, attend the OWU-led Leaders Across Borders program in Northern Ireland.
A LEAP Forward
Ebuka Okpalume ’27 interns as a job coach in Cleveland, helping people with disabilities transition into employment. His internship is arranged by the Summer on the Cuyahoga program.
Doing What’s Right
Madeline Paulley ’26 pets Sir Ivy during her internship with the Ohio Department of Children and Youth. Paulley plans to build a career helping children.
Political Tastes
Alana Wilson ’26 (from left) researches severe food allergies and electoral politics with Professor Franchesca Nestor and Camille Payne ’26.
Third Places
Annika Pardee ’26 (from left) and Abigail Kallay ’27 work with Professor Bona Kang to research places beyond home and school where Delaware youth interact and build community.
‘Life-Changing Teaching’
Ohio Wesleyan welcomes (from left) Mehwish Abbasi, Mathematics & Computer Science; Ben Douglas, Psychology; and Carolina Barbosa, Environment & Sustainability.
Seeing Starspots
Professor Bob Harmon and Rachael Roettenbacher ’08 earn a $600,000 NASA grant for “the largest-scale study of starspots performed to date in terms of the number of stars involved.”
Gaining STEM
Ohio Wesleyan is recognized as a STEM leader among liberal arts colleges with a $500,000 grant from the Austin E. Knowlton Foundation to support student scholarships.
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An Artistic Triumph
The Ross Art Museum is using an Ohio Arts Council grant for exhibitions and programming, including an “Art and the Environment Talk Series” and make-and-take events for children and families.
‘Radical Innovation’
OWU is named “one of the most transfer-friendly colleges in the nation” in recognition of its bold initiatives to support transfer students who choose to become Bishops.
Global Growth
Methodist Theological University President Kyoung-dong Yoo (left) and Ohio Wesleyan President Matt vandenBerg sign an agreement creating new opportunities between the Methodist-affiliated schools.
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Hunsinger Award
Trey Theobald ’25 wins the NCAC’s 2025 Don Hunsinger Award in recognition of his outstanding achievements in academics, athletics, service, and leadership. A Bishop last won the award in 2020.
Women’s Basketball Coach
After 10 years at Baldwin Wallace, Cody Hartzler is named head coach for OWU women’s basketball. “He understands the strong tradition of pride, passion, and purpose,” Athletics Director Doug Zipp says.
Tennis Director
Adrian Tolentino is named director of OWU’s tennis program after coaching in Olentangy Local and Hilliard City schools. He brings “energy and thoughtful leadership,” Athletics Director Doug Zipp says.
Day on the JAY!
OWU students, faculty, and staff came together Aug. 22 to celebrate community and togetherness at Day on the JAY, sponsored by the Campus Programming Board to kick off the new academic year. (Photo by Paul Vernon)
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