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30th Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament Raises Over $40,000 for Students July 1, 2021

30th Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament Raises Over $40,000 for Students

Ohio Christian University's 30th Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament was held on Saturday, June 19th, at the Pickaway Country Club Golf Course. Four-person teams enjoyed a round of golf, raising over $40,000 to fund scholarships for current students. These OCU Scholarships are awarded to current campus students each year at the Annual Scholarship Banquet. "The annual OCU golf tournament is one of our major fundraising events for student scholarships – and is also a great way to connect with donors who love golf and love our students", explained OCU President Dr. Jon Kulaga. "With over 100 registered golfers, the money raised at this annual event is critical to our ability to assist OCU students with the very real financial needs they have, even as they seek to acquire a Christ-centered, Biblically-based education - an opportunity becoming increasingly more rare with each passing year". The Assistant Golf Coach Ryan Holbrook was well pleased with the successful event. "The OCU Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament is always full of family, friends, golf, great food, and a lot of Jesus! This year was no different and was such a great time. I have been attending these tournaments for many years, and it is always a great time to connect with fellow alumni and friends of OCU. It is very encouraging to see businesses and members of the community having a good time playing golf while investing in the lives of our students. I love this tournament, and it is always marked on my calendar, and I look forward to it every year. Here's to another 30 years!" 1st Place went to Elsea, Inc. whose team consisted of: Asa Jay Elsea, Don McIlroy, Ryan Scribner, and Tim Wilson. The 2nd Place finishing team was Jonah Mitchell Real Estate, consisting of: Tom Heilbron, Tommy Gilbert, Stu Smith, and Pat Banta. And our 3rd Place team was Wint Financial Services, whose team members were: David Wint, Mark Taylor, Ty Pell, and Jerry Edwards. The continuing generosity, camaraderie, and goodwill of this tournament's sponsors and donors is greatly appreciated. OCU would like to extend a special thanks to all of our sponsors and the volunteers that make this event better every year for our scholarship recipients.

Dr. Caleb Friedeman Publishes Major Reference Work April 1, 2021

Dr. Caleb Friedeman Publishes Major Reference Work

Ohio Christian University is pleased to announce that Dr. Caleb Friedeman, David A. Case Chair of Theology and Ministry and Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies, has published A Scripture Index to Rabbinic Literature(ASIRL) with Hendrickson Academic. This volume is a comprehensive Scripture index to classical rabbinic literature in English that contains approximately 90,000 entries and represents over 2,500 hours of work by a seven-person team over the course of two and a half years. In addition to the work of the editorial team, a group of OCU staff and students assisted in reviewing several thousand entries in the index. ASIRL is already receiving praise from top scholars in the field. “A Scripture Index to Rabbinic Literature is a most welcome addition to the tool kit of resources for the critical study of rabbinic Judaism’s creative interpretation of the Bible,” says Steven D. Fraade of Yale University. “It promises to set the standard for many years to come.” David Stern of Harvard University remarks, “ASIRL is an extraordinary contribution to the existing fund of resources for the study of rabbinic literature.… Nothing like this has ever been attempted before.” Ohio Christian University will be celebrating the publication of this volume with a release event on Tuesday, April 6 at 11am in the Ministry and Performing Arts Center. Off-campus visitors may register for the event here.

Ohio Christian University Ranked #1 on Social Mobility by U.S. News  December 1, 2020

Ohio Christian University Ranked #1 on Social Mobility by U.S. News 

U.S. News and World Report recently ranked Ohio Christian University (OCU) as the #1 Top Performer on Social Mobility in the Regional Universities Midwest category. The social mobility indicator measures how successfully colleges graduate economically disadvantaged students who receive need-based federal Pell Grants.   According to U.S. News, “Economically disadvantaged students are less likely than others to finish college. Some colleges are more successful than others at advancing social mobility by enrolling and graduating disadvantaged students awarded with Pell Grants. Students receiving these grants typically come from households whose family incomes are less than $50,000 annually, though most Pell Grant money goes to students with a total family income below $20,000.”  Provost Dr. Bradford Sample explains that OCU has aimed to continually improve the student experience. “We have worked diligently to expand academic support, improve the online and onsite classroom environments, hire diverse instructors, restructure for improved service, and increase academic rigor,” said Sample. “Although we want to assist all students, we’ve taken care to especially focus on activities that would help first-generation students, economically disadvantaged students, and second-chance students returning to college.”  In addition to academic support, students receive quality financial aid guidance as well. “We work hard to counsel and provide every student with all the financial resources at their disposal,” explains Director of Financial Aid Brandon Ritchey. “We strive to keep OCU affordable for students from any economic background.” OCU even offers Payback Promise Loan Repayment Assistance to qualified students.  OCU students can study entirely online, onsite or a combination to meet their needs. Submit our free Fast Application to get started.  The U.S. News and World Report Best Colleges rankings are released yearly and analyze U.S. bachelor’s degree-granting institutions on 17 measures of academic quality. Click here to see Ohio Christian University’s ranking. 

29th Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament Raises $30,000 for Students November 13, 2020

29th Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament Raises $30,000 for Students

Ohio Christian University’s 29th Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament occurred on Friday, October 2nd at the Pickaway Golf Course. Twenty-five four-person teams enjoyed a round of golf raising over $30,000 to fund scholarships for current students. These OCU Scholarships are awarded to current campus students each spring at the Annual Scholarship Banquet. "The golf tournament is one our major fund-raising events for student scholarships,” explained OCU President Dr. Jon Kulaga. “The engagement and generosity of each of the golfers is critical to our ability to assist OCU students with financial needs as they seek to acquire a Christ-centered, Biblically-based education.” Eighteen OCU alumni attended, including 2013 graduate Chris Thompson. “It’s just a great time when you can come and raise money for a good cause,” Thompson said. “Plus, you get to have fun doing it. I enjoy getting out there with alumni of OCU. We laugh, talk about old times, and compete hard to win the prizes.” 1st Place went to the Wint Financial Services Team consisting of Team Leader David Wint, Ty Pell, Chad Wilson and OCU’s Mark Taylor. The Proshield Team, made up of Team Leader Tim Stonerock, Brian Chaney, Gary Young and OCU Golf Coach Brent Martin earned 2nd Place. Neil Uhrig’s team, including Jason Uhrig, Kyle Uhrig and Jerry Mowery, took 3rd Place. Neil is a recently retired member of The Guardians gospel quartet. 2011 graduate Joshua McGrady explained it is important for him to support the Scholarship Golf Tournament because of his experience at OCU. “My time at OCU was so valuable to me. Being able to play four different sports during my time there and the lifelong friends I made because of it are something I can’t put time or a dollar amount to. Being able to reunite and enjoy a day with some of those friends is a highlight of the year for me.” The continuing generosity, camaraderie and goodwill of this tournament’s sponsors and donors is greatly appreciated. OCU would like to extend a special thanks to: All sponsors (to see list, click on pdf below) Corporate Sponsor, Prasco Laboratories Abby Huggins, Manager of the Pickaway Golf Course, for her excellent assistance. Gary Burns, Owner of Circleville Buffalo Wild Wings, for providing a delicious lunch. Kyle Miller of the Arington Foundation for his assistance before, during and after the event. The 30th Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament will be held on June 19, 2021 at the Pickaway Golf Course in Circleville, Ohio. Learn more about how to support Ohio Christian University.   5x7 Sponsor Sheet.pdf (.pdf size: 296.69 KB)


  • 30th Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament Raises Over $40,000 for Students


  • Dr. Caleb Friedeman Publishes Major Reference Work


  • Ohio Christian University Ranked #1 on Social Mobility by U.S. News 


  • 29th Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament Raises $30,000 for Students

Trailblazers See new Leadership in Athletic Department July 16, 2021

Trailblazers See new Leadership in Athletic Department

CIRCLEVILLE, OH – Ohio Christian University has announced the next Athletic Director for the Trailblazers: George Arroyo, Jr. Arroyo will continue to head up the Men's Soccer program while additionally leading the Trailblazers Athletic Department into its next era. "I look forward to working with our coaches as we look to enhance the student athlete experience and strive for excellence in three areas- competition, academics and our pursuit of Christ." said Arroyo.   Following closely behind Arroyo is Brenda Baker and Casey Coons taking on the titles of Assistant Athletic Directors. Brenda will be taking on the Event Management portion, while Casey will be taking on the role of HR Liaison. All three plan to continue to guide Ohio Christian University Athletics with Christ-centered attitudes and with humility illustrating their leadership.

New Women's Volleyball Head Coach July 16, 2021

New Women's Volleyball Head Coach

CIRCLEVILLE, OH -- A 2013 graduate of Kentucky Christian University, Ally had a stellar career as an outside hitter for the Lady Knights. She was named a 2x NCCAA & AVCA First Team All-American, awarded 2 First Team All-Region selections, Regional MVP as well as making the National All-Tournament Team in 2012. After graduation, Ally extended her education here at OCU, earning a Master's of Business Administration, while serving as a graduate assistant for two years in the volleyball program. Ally served five years as Head Volleyball Coach at Ohio University-Chillicothe where she led the team to two consecutive conference championships in 2017 & 2018. In 2019, the Lady Hilltoppers finished as runners up.  "I want to thank Kevin Jones and the rest of the staff for allowing me to share my vision for this program and trusting me to lead these young woman. My heart is to develop Christ-centered student athletes that will not only be successful on the court but off the court as well. I am so excited to be back at OCU and I can't wait to get started with the team," said Coyle Ally resides in Grove City, with her husband Dylan (OCU alum), and their son Carter.

David Holt Named New Sports Information Director June 6, 2021

David Holt Named New Sports Information Director

Ohio Christian University is pleased to announce that David Holt has been hired as our new Sports Information Director.David Holt is coming into his first year as Sports Information Director with experience and enthusiasm. While attending OCU from 2011-2015, he was a part of the back-to-back NCCAA National Championship Men's basketball teams in 2013 and 2014, while also doing stats for all other sports teams.David graduated from OCU in 2015 with his Bachelors in Sport Management and Business. He then went on and coached at several High Schools including Waverly, Fairfield Union and Granville Christian. He has said that God's calling for him to minister stems and flourishes within athletics and is excited to join the athletic department.David resides in Lancaster, OH with his wife, Sydney, and their 18mo old daughter, Paislee.

Maffett Crowned Shot-Put Champion at RSC Championships April 23, 2021

Maffett Crowned Shot-Put Champion at RSC Championships

EATON, OH – Friday, April 23rd, Ohio Christian University competed at the River States Conference Championships at the Eaton community schools outdoor track. The meet was hosted by Indiana University-East. The University of Rio Grande won the men's title while Point Park took the women's crown.The Trailblazers men's team placed sixth with 50 points while the women's team placed eighth with 53 points. Eleven schools took part in the competition. The top three placements in all events and relays earned All-River States Conference honors. The top eight finishers in each event earned points for their teams.Morgan Maffett (SO/Pickerington, OH) won the shot-put with a personal best throw of 11.81 meters. Maffett claimed third place in the hammer throw (41.41 meters) and also scored in the discus placing fifth with another personal best of (32.18 meters).Acacia May (SO/Valley View, OH) finished as the runner-up in the pole vault, with a jump of 2.90 meters. This broke her own previous school record. May also earned a third-place finish in the 400-meter dash with a new p.r. of 1:02.34.Gracie Lanier (SO/Scott Depot, WV) placed fourth in the 200-meter dash (28.20) and sixth in the 100-meter dash (13.62).Imani Donovan (JR/North Olmsted, OH) placed fifth in the Hammer throw with a toss of 34.53 meters.Brittany Lenz (JR/Springfield, OH) placed sixth in the 1,500-meter run (5:19.22) and 8th in the 5,000-meters (20:32.0)The women's 4x100-meter relay placed seventh in a time of 59. 03 seconds. The team consisted of Monica Caldwell, Rachel Lomaka (JR/Pataskala, OH), California Headlee (SO/Grove City, OH), and Lanier.Their 4x800-meter relay placed eighth in a time of 12:32.53. The quartet of M. Caldwell, Lomaka, Headlee, and Lenz rounded out the women's scorers.The men were led by a pair of runner-up finishes. Chester Mientkiewicz (JR/Kinsman, OH) placed second in the 3,000-meter steeplechase in a new personal and school record of 10 minutes and 12.89 seconds. Mientkiewicz also placed fifth in the 5,000-meter run with a personal best time of 16 minutes and 21.06 seconds.Elijah Newland (FR/Marysville, OH) tied for second in the pole vault while matching his own school record of 3.05 meters.Corry Mientkiewicz placed fourth in the 5,000-meter run in a new personal best of 16:19.41. He also placed sixth in the 10,000-meters (35:13.37)The 4x100-meter relay team placed fourth in a time of 45.83 seconds. The quartet consisted of Evan Caldwell, Noah Booze (SO/Urbana, OH), Nathan Rose (SR/Hilliard, OH), and Derek Donner (SO/Lebanon, OH). The same runners also teamed up to place sixth in the 4x400-meter relay in a season-best time of 3:38.94.The 4x800-meter relay team placed fifth in a time of 8 minutes and 32.33 seconds. The members included Booze, E. Caldwell, Donner, and Chester Mientkiewicz.Donner scored in the 400-meter hurdles, placing fifth with a new personal best time of 1:01.34. He also placed seventh in the 110-meter hurdles in a time of 18.56 seconds.E. Caldwell placed sixth in the 800-meter run in a time of 2:04.57. This was a new personal best.Andrew Smith finished his collegiate career with an eighth-place finish in the 400-meter hurdles in a new personal best time of 1:02.31.River Collins (JR/Akron, OH) rounded out the men's scorers with an eighth-place finish in the hammer throw, with a new personal best toss of 34.20 meters.Nathan Rose and Gracie Lanier earned spots on the RSC Champions of Character teams. These individuals were honored due to their actions, which consist of the NAIA's core values of respect, responsibility, integrity, servant leadership, and sportsmanship.

5k, Pole-Vault Records Fall During Weekends Competition April 17, 2021

5k, Pole-Vault Records Fall During Weekends Competition

Rio Grande, OH -- Friday, April 16th Ohio Christian University competed in the Art Lanham Invitational, which was hosted by the University of Rio Grande. The Trailblazers finished fourth in both the men's and women's team standings. There were 11 schools that took part in the competition. Acacia May (SO/Valley View, OH) got things going early for the Blazers. May won the pole vault with a leap of 2.75 meters. She also broke the school record in the process. The previous record of 2.60 meters was held by Dannyel Butte (2013) and Breanna West (2014). Brittany Lenz (JR/Springfield, OH) was the runner up in the 1500-meter run in a new personal best time of 5 minutes and 15.46 seconds. The 4x400 meter relay also placed second in a time of 4 minutes and 43.01 seconds. The relay members consisted of Gracie Lanier (SO/Scott Depot, WV), Acacia May, Brittany Lenz, and Monica Caldwell. Morgan Maffett (SO/Pickerington, OH) placed third in the shot put (10.96 meters), fourth in the hammer (36.27 meters), and seventh in the discus (31.85 meters). These finishes scored 13 points towards the women's team score. Gracie Lanier finished third in the 100-meter dash with a new college best of 13.37 seconds. Lanier also placed fourth in the 200-meter dash with a time of 28.09 seconds. Imani Donovan (JR/North Olmsted, OH) placed sixth in the hammer throw with a new personal best of 34.94 meters. Hailey Smith (JR/Lancaster, OH) made her collegiate debut in the Javelin. Her toss of 10.18 meters placed her eighth while rounding out the team scorers. On the men's side Elijah Newland (FR/Marysville, OH) set a new school record in the pole vault. Newland's jump of 3.05 meters won the event while earning 10 points for the team. Corry Mientkiewicz was the top collegiate finisher in the 1500-meter run. He crossed the line in 4 minutes and 21.17 seconds. Finishing right behind him was Corry's brother, Chester Mientkiewicz (JR/Kinsman, OH), in a time of 4 minutes and 25.86 seconds. The Mientkiewicz brothers combined for 18 points towards the team score. The 4x400 meter relay team placed third with a time of 3 minutes and 39.26 seconds. The quartet consisted of Noah Booze (SO/Urbana, OH), Evan Caldwell, Nathan Rose (SR/Hilliard, OH), and Derek Donner (SO/Lebanon, OH). Andrew Smith placed third in the 110-meter hurdles with a time of 20.48 seconds. Smith also ran the 400-meter hurdles where he placed fourth in 1:04.82. Derek Donner placed third in the 400-meter hurdles in a time of 1:04.08. Evan Caldwell placed fourth in the 800-meter run in a time of 2:05.84. His teammate, Noah Booze, finished right behind him in fifth with a time of 2:07.99.


  • Trailblazers See new Leadership in Athletic Department


  • New Women's Volleyball Head Coach


  • David Holt Named New Sports Information Director


  • Maffett Crowned Shot-Put Champion at RSC Championships


  • 5k, Pole-Vault Records Fall During Weekends Competition

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