December 2025
OWU in Review 2025
How did we thrive in 2025? Let us count the ways as we look back at a big, bold year that included announcing and breaking ground for the John F. Milligan Library. It was a great year to be a Bishop, and we can’t wait to see what’s in the mix for 2026!
Advancing Engineering
OWU launches the Conrades School of Engineering with a lead gift of $13 million from George Conrades ’61 and Patsy Belt Conrades ’63. The school will begin accepting students in 2027.
Granting Possibility
Ohio Wesleyan awards $67,200 in university-funded OWU Connection grants this fall to support hands-on learning that helps students “Think Big, Do Good, Go Global, and Get Real.”
Analytics Intern
Luke Johnson ’27 takes part in Vertiv's STEM Day with the Columbus Crew during his internship as a sales analytics intern for the Columbus company.
Positive Development
Keion Stevens ’28 (third from right) supports his goal of becoming an occupational therapist by working with LiFEsports campers at Ohio State.
Found in France
Abigail Colbow ’27 spends the fall in France at the College International de Cannes. She takes courses in French, Art History, and Cinema, growing academically and personally.
'Eye' for Art
Olivia Ross of Olentangy Berlin High School earns Best of Show at Ohio Wesleyan’s 2025 High School Art Showcase hosted by the Department of Fine Arts.
Field Hockey
Midfielder Alyssa Markell ’26 (left) is named to the 2025 National Field Hockey Coaches Association Collegiate Senior Team, and midfielder teammate Grace Ammon ’27 is named to the association’s Division III Region VI First Team.
Volleyball
Middle blocker Abby Nulph ’29 is named NCAC Newcomer of the Year and a first-team All-NCAC volleyball selection. Natalie Dieball ’27 is a second-team selection, while Lily Bechina ’26 and Mason Campbell ’27 are third-team picks.
Football
Wide receiver Reddik Pillarelli ’29 is named NCAC Newcomer of the Year and second-team All-NCAC. Jake Smothers ’26 and Bryan Hines Jr. ’26 are first-team choices, and Josh Hurst ’26 and Grant Johnson ’27 are third-team picks.
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Record-Breaking Receptions
Wide receiver Josh Hurst ’26 etches his name into the Battling Bishop football record book, hauling in seven catches in his final game to surpass Calvin Cagney ’15 for the most career receptions in Ohio Wesleyan program history with 200.
Men’s Swimming and Diving
At the Corbiere-Merion Invitational, John Wion ’28 breaks school records in the 100-yard backstroke and as part of the 400-yard medley relay team with Ian Sander ’27, Evan Lucas ’26, and Nathan Ambler ’27.
Men’s Soccer
Forward Gabe O’Reilly ’26 is named a first-team 2025 All-NCAC selection, with teammates and defenders Jack Jennings ’27 named to the second team Alex Bucher ’28 named to the third team.
Women’s Soccer
Midfielder Tiffany Trinh ’26 (from left) and goalkeeper Natalie Ryan ’26 are named first-team 2025 All-NCAC selections, with defender Halle Dacek ’26 named to the second team.
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Women’s Cross Country
Zoe Ward ’27 runs the 6000-meter course at the 2025 NCAA Division III Men's and Women's Cross Country Championships, finishing 42nd. Ward, Sophie Cotts ’27, and Brianna Montgomery ’27 earn NCAA Great Lakes All-Region recognition.
Gordon Field House
The home of OWU indoor track & field, indoor tennis, wrestling, and more undergoes a donor-funded renovation that includes a complete resurfacing of the track and tennis courts.
Valued Venue
OWU is chosen to host the 2026 Great Lakes Invitational, bringing “Division III's best programs to one of the level's best venues,” say the creator of the men’s basketball tournament.
There’s snowbody like you!
Enjoy a restful, well-deserved winter break. See you in 2026!
(Photo by Conner Ford ’29)
January’s OWU Events
Resolve to attend these
new year happenings
Learn More
‘Lantern Keepers’
Delaware MLK Celebration
tickets are available now
Learn More
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