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Alumni and Friends

The Office of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving provides opportunities for events, programs, volunteer activities, networking and anything that creates an affinity to ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Northern University, which leads to opportunities for alumni to give back to their alma mater.

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Office of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving

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Resources for Alumni

FOREVER A POLAR BEAR!
The Office of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving would like to encourage all ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ alumni to take advantage of these services.

  • Alumni Resources
  • Transcripts
  • Refer a Student
  • Alumni Career Services
  • Ways to Give
  • Where to Stay
  • Support ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Baseball
  • Plan your Affinity Event
This is a screenshot of the front page of Northern Express

Northern Express Archive

Northern Express is ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Northern University’s community newsletter that is distributed quarterly.
See our Archived Newsletters

Meet the Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving

  • Office of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving, alumni@onu.edu, 419-772-2727
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Alumni Facts & Figures

  • 34,683 Living alumni
  • 1871 Year ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ established
  • 50 States where alumni reside
  • 69 Countries where alumni reside

Alumni Awards

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  • The Distinguished Alumni Award was created in 1956 by the Alumni Advisory Board to recognize alumni with exemplary professional careers that illustrate the value of an ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Northern University education and to recognize those alumni with continued relationships with the University who have made a tangible expression of loyalty to their alma mater. This award provides an opportunity to recognize, engage and steward outstanding alumni. 

    Nominate a Polar Bear

     

    Previous Recipients


  • The Alumni Service Award was created by the Alumni Advisory Board in 2017 to recognize alumni who serve the University in a volunteer capacity consistently over time and/or who make a significant impact on a University project or initiative. This award provides an opportunity to recognize, engage and steward key volunteers whose energy, dedication and enthusiasm epitomize the spirit of ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Northern University. 

    Nominate a Polar Bear

     

    Past Recipients

  • The William L. Robinson Young Alumni Award was established in 2004 by the Alumni Association to honor and recognize William L. Robinson and the 50 years he dedicated to impacting ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Northern University students. This award recognizes alumni who graduated within the last 15 years and who demonstrate passion and loyalty toward their profession, community and alma mater. It provides an opportunity to engage and steward young alumni donors who exemplify the values and outcomes of an ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ education. Up to one female and one male may be selected per year.

     Nominate a Polar Bear

     

     Past Award Recipients

  • The highest athletic honor bestowed by the University, the Athletics Hall of Fame recognizes ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Northern University men and women who have distinguished themselves in the field of athletics by virtue of their performance on athletic teams representing the University or by meritorious efforts on behalf of athletics either as an undergraduate or in years after leaving the University. 

    Nominate a Polar Bear

     

     Past Award Recipients

  • The ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Northern University College Distinguished Alumni Awards provide an opportunity to recognize, engage, and steward outstanding alumni from each of the five colleges.

    Nominate a Polar Bear

     

     Past Award Recipients

     

Alumni News

News Article Image - Endowing a legacy

Endowing a legacy

Alumni gift fully endows ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ track and field fund in honor of Coach Jason Maus.

Learn More
News Article Image - Serving our Neighbors

Serving our Neighbors

ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Law participates in a collaborative effort to combat attorney shortages in rural Northwest ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½.

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News Article Image - Being “hero supportâ€

Being “hero supportâ€

Three distinguished appointments expand the reach of Dean Stacey Lowery Bretz.

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News Article Image - Step up to the plate

Step up to the plate

ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ launches campaign to upgrade its baseball facility for future generations of Polar Bears.

Learn More
News Article Image - The road less traveled

The road less traveled

After an adventurous 50-year career, an ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ alumnus shifts his focus to what matters most—giving back.

Learn More
News Article Image - The blueprint for a better life

The blueprint for a better life

ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ philosophy professor publishes a book on character and moral virtue.

Learn More
News Article Image - A 5-acre refuge

A 5-acre refuge

Cultivating life at ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½â€™s Nature Pond.

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News Article Image - Raising the bar

Raising the bar

Student-athlete Avery Baker-Schlendering wins the national title in the high jump.

Learn More
News Article Image - Love, loss, and “The D8tesâ€

Love, loss, and “The D8tesâ€

Back by ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½â€™s supportive theatre community, Jessica Sanders, BFA ’26, brought her first musical to stage.

Learn More
News Article Image - Commencement 2026: Polar Bears ready to lead

Commencement 2026: Polar Bears ready to lead

ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½â€™s Class of 2026 embarks on the next chapter.

Learn More
News Article Image - Engineering a smooth ride

Engineering a smooth ride

ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ STEM program equips local children with new bikes and engineering skills.

Learn More
News Article Image - Walking through history

Walking through history

ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ students trace the scars of World War II in Europe.

Learn More

ALUMNI PROFILES

ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Northern produces alumni whose impact on society cannot be overstated. We invite you to learn about some of these remarkable people and the contributions they are making to our world.

graphic circle - decorative only Photo of Rick Keyes, BSPh ’92, Hon. D. ’19

Rick Keyes, BSPh ’92, Hon. D. ’19

CEO of Meijer.

Read More
graphic circle - decorative only Photo of Angela Phares, BS ’08

Angela Phares, BS ’08

Senior medical physicist and owner, Modern Medical Physics

Read More
graphic circle - decorative only Photo of Ashley (Dally) Hornish, BFA ’04

Ashley (Dally) Hornish, BFA ’04

Exhibit Designer, Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum

Read More
  • See all Alumni

Class Notes

Catch up on the latest news from your classmates and friends, including careers, accomplishments, recognitions, marriages, retirements, and the addition of new family members.

  • Read Class Notes

Enduring Friendships of ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Alumni

This collection of stories celebrates the unbreakable bonds forged within the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Northern University community. Explore how these friendship groups, which began on campus in residence halls, classes, and student organizations, have flourished over decades, providing a continuous source of adventure, laughter, and steadfast support through every stage of life’s journey.

  • From Lima Hall to lifelong friendship
  • Marching band friends still marching in step
  • Fantasy football, friendship, and international adventure
  • Alpha Xi bonds of sisterhood
  • Friendship built on encouragement and creativity
  • Pyramid of support

Upcoming Alumni Events

  • Jul.
    29

    Columbus Clippers 2026 Alumni Event

    Read More
  • Sep.
    25

    Homecoming and Reunion Weekend 2026

    Read More
  • Sep.
    25

    1976 50-Year Reunion

    Read More
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Office of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving

301 Lehr Memorial Building
525 South Main Street
Ada, ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ 45810

419-772-2727
alumni@onu.edu

Hours: Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Closed Saturday and Sunday
  • Contact Us
Learn more about life as a Polar Bear:
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525 South Main Street Ada, OH 45810
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