JUNE 2025

Summer is here in Athens! While the residence halls have closed for the year, campus is buzzing with Bobcat Student Orientation (May 28 to July 12), summer housing, and plenty of hard hats as construction on McDavis Hall moves full speed ahead toward its August 2026 opening.

This past year gave us so much to celebrate, from being named School of the Year to recognizing two incredible student staff members with our first Directors Award of Excellence, and we’re excited to share those highlights with you. We’d also love to see you back on campus, whether it’s for Back on the Bricks, helping out during move-in, or getting more involved as an Alumni Network Representative or Distinguished Alumni Award nominee.

Keep reading to catch up on the latest, relive a few great memories, and see how you can stay connected with OHIO.

Reconnect, reminisce, and rediscover OHIO during Back on the Bricks, a weekend filled with optional campus tours, social gatherings, and outdoor fun, all set against the backdrop of Brew Week. Whether you're reliving your favorite OHIO moments or creating new ones, it’s the perfect time to be a Bobcat again.

About the award
Since 2018, Ohio University’s Housing and Residence Life department has honored an outstanding alumnus annually with the Distinguished Alumni Award. This award recognizes alumni who have made significant contributions in their careers and communities.

The award is given to those who have been part of Housing and Residence Life, through employment, leadership in organizations like the Residence Action Council (tRAC), Residence Hall Association, or hall councils. Recipients exemplify leadership, service, and community engagement.

Nominations
University faculty, staff, alumni and friends are invited to submit nominations. Self-nominations or nominations of deserving Housing and Residence Life alumni can be submitted now and are due by August 1. 

Ohio University has been named School of the Year by the Central Atlantic Affiliate of College and University Residence Halls (CAACURH), recognizing its strong impact on student leadership and campus life.

The award, announced during a regional conference hosted on OHIO’s campus, highlights the work of its Residence Hall Association (RHA) and National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH).

RHA was also honored with the award for 'Outstanding Program- Fall'. at the 42nd Division of Student Affairs Leadership Awards.

Click below to see how OHIO students and staff are building campus communities across the region and beyond.

 →  Read more 

Housing & Residence Life is proud to recognize the outstanding contributions of our student staff with the inaugural Director’s Award for Excellence. This new honor celebrates individuals who go above and beyond in their roles, demonstrate a deep commitment to HRL’s mission, and make a meaningful impact on their peers, residents, and the university community.

Congratulations to our first-ever recipients, Enzo Baranyai-Lewis and Emma Krawiec, who were recognized at both the Division of Student Affairs’ Leadership Awards and the Housing & Residence Life End-of-Year Celebration in April 2025.

As part of this recognition, each recipient received a $1,000 scholarship in acknowledgment of their exceptional service and leadership.

August 21 and 22  | 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

We invite alumni to return to campus for first-year move-in and welcome our newest Bobcats!

Join us on your favorite green to share your experiences and be part of the move-in excitement.

If you're interested, email moveincrew@ohio.edu by August 9. Additional details about parking, meeting spots, and more will follow.

If you were once part of Housing and Residence Life as a student staff member, we’d love for you to join a virtual panel this August! Share how you’ve translated your HRL experience into your resume, job interviews, and career success.

This panel will be a valuable opportunity for current student staff to hear how their experiences can shape their professional futures. If you're interested, email Ally Schatzer at armstroa@ohio.edu.

Are you looking to stay connected with OHIO and support the next generation of Housing and Residence Life staff? We’re seeking a new HRL Alumni Network Representative to step into this volunteer role as Jacob Levin finishes his term this fall. The representative helps foster alumni connections, support current staff, and create meaningful engagement opportunities throughout the year. Interested in learning more? Email Ally Schatzer at armstroa@ohio.edu.