September 2026
History-Making Philanthropy
Ohio Wesleyan is entering a new phase of national momentum, supported by the two largest years of philanthropic investment in its history.
In Fiscal Year 2026, alumni, parents, and friends gave more than $94 million in gifts and multi-year pledges to the university. That total represents a 35% increase over the previous record of $69.4 million in FY25, which itself marked a dramatic leap from historic annual philanthropic support levels for OWU.
“Philanthropic investment of this magnitude reflects extraordinary confidence in the direction of Ohio Wesleyan,” said President Matt vandenBerg, Ed.D. “Our donors are helping us capitalize our strategy, rooted in boldness, kindness, and innovation, by building the permanent programs, opportunities, and institutional capacity that will shape OWU for generations.”
The funding included $17 million to endow the Conrades School of Engineering, which will open in fall 2027. Up next, Dr. v will oversee a series of exciting campus announcements at noon Oct. 23 on the Rock Quad. Please mark your calendar and join us!
Translational Immunology
Sharvi Arora ’26 (left) collaborates with Jamie Harden ’06 during an internship at California-based Evommune, a clinical-stage biotechnology company.
Trajectory-Altering Trip
Students from Ohio Wesleyan and the University of Ostrava collaborate to study “First-Gen Students and Socioeconomic Transitions” in the Czech Republic.
Building Confidence
Abrianna Hite ’28 completes OWU’s first Young/Gatz Academic Emergency Medicine Fellowship, mentored by fellowship namesake Dr. David Gatz ’10.
Ewe-Nique Experience
Emily Keckler ’28 is surrounded by sheep, a newfound favorite, during her Farm Camp counselor internship at Delaware’s Stratford Ecological Center.
Successful Start
OWU announces its 2026-2027 Woltemade Economics and Business Fellows, selected for their potential for success in the business world.
2026-2027 Global Scholars
Ohio Wesleyan names 20 first-year students as Palmer Global Scholars, recognizing their passion for world issues.
‘Exceptional Teaching’
Ohio Wesleyan welcomes six tenure-track professors this fall, all committed to helping OWU students earn their degrees and achieve their goals.
Influential Alumna
Wandia Chiuri ’05 will discuss “Your Human Advantage in the Age of AI” on Oct. 1 when she presents the 2026-2027 Milligan Leaders in Business Lecture.
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Field Hockey Record
Midfielder Grace Ammon ’27 is OWU’s new career assists record-holder. She reached 26 on Sept. 13, breaking the record held by Lesley Hendershott ’90.
Hall of Fame
Ohio Wesleyan will induct nine Bishops into the Athletics Hall of Fame and honor two Teams of Distinction during an Oct. 3 Homecoming celebration.
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