DECEMBER 2025

In just three unforgettable days, from August 21 to 23, our campus came alive as we welcomed the largest incoming class in university history with more than 4,450 new residential and commuter Bobcats. The excitement of move-in could be felt in every corner as families, students, and staff worked side by side to begin an incredible new chapter. From tearful goodbyes to the buzz of first introductions, those days captured everything that makes our community so special: hope, possibility, and the promise of growth.

Once the last box was unpacked, Welcome Week was in full swing. Students filled quads, walkways, and lounges with laughter and anticipation, diving into a week designed to connect them with the people and places that will shape their university experience. New Student Convocation, First Day of Class Photos, and countless residence hall gatherings set the stage for a year of discovery. These moments reflect how Housing and Residence Life continues to build a supportive, inclusive environment where every student feels at home.

This fall has been a celebration of community spirit and campus engagement. Housing and Residence Life signature events such as All Hallows East and the Bobcat County Fair brought hundreds of students together, while Chilled Grounds: Rebrewed and Battle of the Greens offered fun retreats from the semester’s early rush of academic deadlines and projects. Our commuter students also found their own sense of belonging through interactive programs which made them feel part of the vibrant campus community.

As we reflect on this remarkable start to the academic year, one thing is clear: the Class of 2029 has already made an unforgettable impression. Their energy, curiosity, and enthusiasm have reinvigorated our community, and we look forward to all they will accomplish. 

Housing and Residence Life proudly recognizes Jim Sabin (posthumous) as the 2025 recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award. Jim’s life reflected the very best of what it means to be Forever OHIO: dedicated service, authentic leadership, and care for others.

As a Resident Assistant in the Convocation Center during the 1990s, Jim brought empathy, humor, and quiet confidence to his role, helping create an inclusive and supportive community for his peers. Those early experiences shaped his lifelong commitment to communication, connection, and student success. Jim went on to serve as editor of the Lancaster Eagle-Gazette and later as a communications professional at Ohio University, where he mentored countless students and colleagues. Known for his integrity and kindness, he led by example, always focused on listening and lifting others up.

His influence extended beyond campus through his involvement in the Lancaster, Canal Winchester, and Athens communities. Whether through journalism, service, or friendship, Jim left a lasting mark that continues to inspire all who knew him.

The 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award ceremony, held on October 17, brought together Jim’s colleagues, friends, and family members, who accepted the award on his behalf. The gathering was a heartfelt celebration of a life defined by humility, service, and connection. As stories and memories were shared, the room reflected Jim’s quiet but powerful influence—how he made every space warmer, every conversation meaningful, and every person feel valued. Those who worked alongside him spoke of his unwavering integrity and steady encouragement, qualities that shaped not only their professional paths but also their personal growth.

Jim’s legacy continues to resonate deeply within the OHIO community and beyond. His example reminds us that leadership is not always about visibility, but about presence: the steady hand, the kind word, the genuine care for others. Housing and Residence Life is proud to honor Jim Sabin not only for his professional achievements, but for the compassion and authenticity he brought to every role he held. His spirit endures in the countless lives he touched, embodying what it truly means to be Forever OHIO.

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Ohio University marked a significant milestone on Friday, September 26, with the unveiling of the cornerstone for McDavis Hall, our new residence hall scheduled to open in August 2026. The ceremony honored President Emeritus Roderick J. McDavis and former First Lady Deborah McDavis for their lasting contributions to the University community.

Following a tour of the construction site, the McDavises were recognized during a cornerstone celebration at Paw Print Park. Speakers included Ohio University President Lori Stewart Gonzalez, Board of Trustees Chair Matt Evans, Executive Director of Housing and Residence Life Jneanne Hacker, and Chris Owens, Director for Capital and Facilities Planning with Housing and Residence Life, who reflected on the McDavises enduring impact on students and the campus experience.

Members of Dr. McDavis’ fraternity, Omega Psi Phi, and Mrs. McDavis’ sorority, Delta Sigma Theta, offered personal tributes to their leadership and commitment to education and service. The McDavises were also presented with a series of symbolic gifts commemorating their influence on the University’s growth and success.

The ceremony concluded with the formal unveiling of the McDavis Hall cornerstone. As the Marching 110 performed “Stand Up and Cheer,” music echoed across South Green, where the new residence hall will soon welcome future generations of Bobcats.

McDavis Hall will serve as both a modern living space and a tribute to the McDavises’ vision of community, opportunity, and student success at Ohio University. To view more information about the new residence hall visit the Roderick J. McDavis Hall website.

 →  Read more about the unveiling and visit 

This holiday season, consider supporting a Housing and Residence Life fund, a key resource that helps celebrate and empower our Housing and Residence Life leaders while directly helping Bobcats. With your generosity, we can continue to create opportunities that honor and equip student leaders, fostering a stronger sense of community, gratitude, and lasting impact among their peers.

July 17-20, 2026

Get ready, Bobcats, Back on the Bricks is back for its second annual celebration! This immersive on-campus experience is designed to bring alumni together for a weekend of connection, nostalgia, and fun, coinciding with Brew Week. It’s the perfect opportunity to relive your OHIO days and craft your own adventure with a residence hall as your home base. Save the date today and get ready to register around March!

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