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Students and Staff Serve in 22nd Annual Community Action Day  October 19, 2020

Students and Staff Serve in 22nd Annual Community Action Day 

On Thursday, October 15th, over 315 Ohio Christian University students and staff served the community through Ohio Christian University’s 22nd annual Ralph C. Starkey Community Action Day. A beloved tradition at OCU, classes were canceled and students were able to implement the service attitude taught at OCU by engaging in projects at several sites throughout Circleville and the surrounding community.  “Community Action Day is an important tradition because it sets a precedent for students to reach outside of themselves and serve the community they are in,” said Brooklyn Vander Hill, OCU’s Spiritual Formation Graduate Assistant. “It reminds us all that we are a part of the community and the value of going out of our normal circles and doing good for the Lord!”  To promote safety, groups served in mostly outdoor spaces such as Mary Virginia Crites Hannen Park, A.W. Marion State Park, Downtown Circleville and around campus while following COVID-19 precautions. Additionally, athletics teams served together led by their coaches to prevent excess overlapping of students. Groups worked together cleaning up trash, renovating local parks and facilities, and building relationships with those in the community.  Ohio Christian’s Director of Spiritual Formation Kevin Bennie emphasized the impact of the student’s service and how it reflected Christ to the community. “The students always serve with a smile and love to give back to the community that is their home away from home,” Bennie said. “All in all, we value service because Jesus challenges his followers to ‘be a servant of all’ (Mark 10:44) and we want to train students not only in their field of study but to follow Jesus with their whole lives.”  In the spring, students and staff will again partner with the community to assist local churches with OCU’s annual Church Service Day.    To hear more about the day and how Athletics participated in this massive service project to the community, click here.

Emergency & Disaster Management Students Serve Local Public Health October 9, 2020

Emergency & Disaster Management Students Serve Local Public Health

On Wednesday, October 7th, eight students in Ohio Christian University’s Emergency and Disaster Management Program assisted Pickaway County Public Health with a Drive-Through Flu Vaccine Clinic. Students learned about coordinating a mass vaccination effort as they assisted with traffic flow, pre-screening, registration and helping the nurses. “I really appreciated the experience,” said OCU Student Caraline Ferguson. “It gave me a wonderful idea of real careers I could use with my major.” OCU Student Jacob Werkmeister said, “I learned real-life experience on how to manage an event or situation. I enjoy the amount of real-life scenarios that we are put in to help prepare us for our future.” “Our goal is to get our students hands-on experience to help them determine what area of Emergency and Disaster Management they could see themselves working in after graduation,” according to Dr. Anthony Dillard, Assistant Professor of Emergency and Disaster Management at OCU. Public health is one area in which graduates of OCU’s Emergency and Disaster Management Program could decide to work. Several OCU graduates are Emergency Response Coordinators for public health departments, while others assist public health departments as directors of county emergency management agencies. When asked what she enjoys most about OCU’s Emergency and Disaster Management Program, OCU Student Rachel Schneider said “I enjoy getting hands-on experience. I also really like that the professors have had years of experience and really know what they are teaching their students.” Explore OCU’s Emergency Management Programs: BA in Emergency and Disaster Management (campus or online) BA in Business with Emergency Management Concentration (campus or online) Emergency Management Certificate (online) Grant Writing Certificate (online)

Onsite and virtual options for prospective students to experience campus October 6, 2020

Onsite and virtual options for prospective students to experience campus

Ohio Christian University is excited to offer several options to connect with prospective students of our Undergraduate Campus Program this fall and help them experience OCU: Option 1: Individual Campus Visits Step on campus! Ohio Christian is open for prospective students to visit campus and has COVID-19 procedures in place to help everyone on campus stay safe. Learn more. Option 2: Virtual Preview Days Join us for a Virtual Preview Day on Saturday, October 17th or Thursday, November 19th! Learn why students choose OCU, interact with panelists during the live Q&A, virtually tour campus and win prizes. Learn more. Option 3: Virtual Meetings Video chat with an Admissions Counselor, a professor in your major, a Financial Aid Counselor, or virtually audition for a performing arts program and scholarship. Learn more. We hope to see or connect with you soon!

Ohio Christian University presents “Little Women” September 23, 2020

Ohio Christian University presents “Little Women”

Ohio Christian University presents two free performances of Lousia May Alcott’s “Little Women”, adapted for the stage by Marisha Chamberlain. The performances will be Friday, October 9th at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, October 10th at 2:00 p.m. in Ohio Christian University’s Ministry and Performing Arts Center. The performance has an approximate running time of 110 minutes.  Although the tickets are free, they must be reserved in advance at the link below. Get Tickets COVID-19 precautions will be followed at the performances. All guests will have their temperature taken upon arrival, and those with a temperature over 100 will not be permitted to enter. Everyone will be required to wear a mask until seated in the auditorium. Audience members will be seated in groups of 2s and 3s together, with larger groups being separated but seated near each other. For those who prefer to watch the production remotely, please check ohiochristian.edu/dramateam for updates on a potential livestream option. The production was initially scheduled for April of this year but was moved to October due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “The cast and crew are excited to finally share what has taken many months to prepare, re-shape and carefully rehearse,” said Director Alana Bradley. “Now more than ever, we feel that the timeless message of ‘Little Women’ is a welcome escape into a nostalgic story that centers on family and hope.”   

Trailblazer Athletic Teams Recognized for Academic Achievement September 18, 2020

Trailblazer Athletic Teams Recognized for Academic Achievement

The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) held its National Awards Day on September 15, 2020. The day recognized the highest individual honors and achievements of NAIA student-athletes, administrators and coaches. All 17 of Ohio Christian University’s Trailblazer Athletic Teams and 41 individual student-athletes were recognized for their academic achievements. “We place a high emphasis on succeeding in the classroom,” said OCU Director of Intercollegiate Athletics David Bireline. “This past year was one of our most successful years to date, as we saw accolades given to both individual student-athletes as well as team awards.” The Trailblazer Athletic Teams were all named Scholar Team recipients to recognize each team’s average GPA being above 3.0. The Volleyball team had the highest team GPA of the Trailblazer teams with a GPA of 3.71. Additionally, 41 individual student-athletes received the Daktronics Scholar-Athlete Award, which recognizes excellence in the classroom for those NAIA student-athletes who are juniors or seniors with a 3.5 or higher cumulative GPA. “Our goal will be to continue this trend as we work to achieve our mission of academic and athletic excellence by utilizing the athletic experience as a platform to prepare our student-athletes for lives of vibrant faith, learning and servant-leadership in their chosen field,” commented Bireline. “Many schools fail to emphasize the ‘student’ part of the student-athlete equation,” said OCU President Dr. Jon S. Kulaga. “It is thrilling to see these results, knowing the mission of our athletic department, and the hard work put in by our athletic director, coaches, GA’s, tutors and academic support staff.  Like many things in athletics, this is a big ‘team win’ for our entire athletic department and I could not be prouder of our OCU Trailblazer Scholar Teams.  ALL of them!”   Read the full release from the NAIA. Learn more about Trailblazer Athletics.  

Ohio Christian Welcomes the Courageous Class August 17, 2020

Ohio Christian Welcomes the Courageous Class

Ohio Christian University welcomed the class of 2024 on Saturday, August 15th while following COVID-19 Precautions. Over 120 incoming students arrived on campus to start their journey as Ohio Christian University Trailblazers. “My favorite part of Move-In Day was the home feeling I got from the student leaders and faculty,” said Stacey Porter Jr., a Sport Business Management major from Long Beach, CA. “The staff made me feel at home,” said Lincoln Waters, a Christian Ministries major from Lima, OH. “They welcomed me like they’ve known me my whole life!”  Allison Thompson, an Early Childhood Education major from Charleston, WV, said, “My favorite part of Move-In Day was meeting my roommates for the first time and watching our fathers hammer in our beds!” Ohio Christian names and commissions each incoming class on Move-In Day. This year’s class is named “Courageous” based on Isaiah 41:10: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” After the Class Photo and Naming Ceremony, students said goodbye to their parents and met with their First Year Experience (FYE) groups. FYE groups connect new students with each other as well as upperclassmen and a staff member to help with the transition to college. Move-In Day wrapped up with the Student Involvement Council’s Annual Game Show where students could play popular game shows and compete for prizes. Alpha Week, a fun week of student activities to kick-off the semester continues through August 22nd. Some of this year’s activities include Mario Party Live, Lakeside Devos & Donuts, OCU Worship Experience, OCU Olympics, Movie on the Lawn and Quad Bash! Download the Alpha Week Schedule. Returning students move back on campus on Monday, August 17th before classes begin on Wednesday, August 19th. Campus students can enroll for the Fall 2020 Semester through August 28th. Apply today.


  • Students and Staff Serve in 22nd Annual Community Action Day 


  • Emergency & Disaster Management Students Serve Local Public Health


  • Onsite and virtual options for prospective students to experience campus


  • Ohio Christian University presents “Little Women”


  • Trailblazer Athletic Teams Recognized for Academic Achievement


  • Ohio Christian Welcomes the Courageous Class

Trailblazers Participate In 22nd Annual Ralph C. Starkey Community Action Day October 19, 2020

Trailblazers Participate In 22nd Annual Ralph C. Starkey Community Action Day

CIRCLEVILLE, OH – Ohio Christian University participated in the 22nd Annual Ralph C. Starkey Community Action Day on October 15th, serving the city of Circleville by picking up trash, renovating local parks and facilities, and building relationships with those in the community. Overall, Trailblazer Athletics saw 100% team involvement throughout the day, as teams worked at multiple locations including the Everts Center, Roundtown Trail, Pickaway County Health Department, Downtown Circleville, and Ohio Christian's main campus. "Community Action Day is one of our many opportunities to see our student-athletes make an impact on the community," said Director of Intercollegiate Athletics David Bireline. "One of our five smooth stones is community engagement and involvement, and impacting the city of Circleville in this manner is a great way for us to serve those around us." In the Spring, Trailblazer Athletics will once again partner with the school to assist in Church Service Day, as the University seeks to assist the churches in the local community. For more on the Ohio Christian University Athletics, follow us on Twitter (@OCUTrailblazers), Facebook (Ohio Christian University Trailblazers), and Youtube (Ohio Christian University Trailblazers)

Lady Trailblazers Grab First RSC Win Of 2020 October 18, 2020

Lady Trailblazers Grab First RSC Win Of 2020

BECKLEY, WV – The Lady Trailblazers snagged their first River States Conference win of 2020 on Saturday evening, grinding out a tough 1-0 win over the Golden Bears of West Virginia Tech. After an 0-4 start to the conference season, the Lady Trailblazers were hungry to get some momentum on their side. Despite the long road trip, the squad came prepared with a game plan that worked in their favor. After a scoreless first half, Senior Mylie LaFountaine scored the GW goal in the 53rd minute of the match, splitting the Golden Bears' defense and sneaking one past the goalkeeper. From then on, a solid defensive performance put the game away for OCU. WVU Tech did not lack opportunities, as OCU's Danica Hanschu had a busy day keeping 13 shots on goal out of the net to back her team. Ohio Christian finished the night with 10 shots on goal, but needed only one from LaFountaine to walk away with the win. "This was a huge win on the road for us and we are very excited," said Interim Head Coach Jocelyn Mantz. "We had a pretty specific game plan going into the match tonight and I am pleased with the team's execution of it. We've got a good amount of conference games still remaining and I think this will be a significant turning point for us." Next up, Ohio Christian will return home for a busy week. The squad will host both Carlow University on Thursday and Midway University on Saturday, two key matchups as the squad aims to get back in the race for the RSC postseason. For more on the Lady Trailblazer Soccer Program and the rest of Ohio Christian University Athletics, follow us on Twitter (@OCUTrailblazers), Facebook (Ohio Christian University Trailblazers), and Youtube (Ohio Christian University Trailblazers)

Bearcats Defend Homecourt Against Lady Trailblazers October 18, 2020

Bearcats Defend Homecourt Against Lady Trailblazers

OWENSBORO, KY – Facing the Bearcats of Brescia University, the Ohio Christian University Lady Trailblazers traveled south over the weekend for a lone Saturday matchup following the postponement of their Friday night duel with Indiana University Southeast. Both teams came out ready to play, as the opening set went all the way to the wire. The Lady Trailblazers and the Bearcats shared turns holding the lead, all the way up to the end as Brescia finished it by putting together consecutive plays for the 25-23 win. Sets two and three went much easier for the Bearcats. After being tied 8-8, the Bearcats went on a 17-9 run to end the second set, followed by a decisive 25-14 win in the final set for the 3-0 win. Overall, the Bearcats held the advantage in most categories on the stat sheet, including limiting their errors to a minimum. The Lady Trailblazers were led offensively by Senior Brooke Mazzocca (SR/Green, OH), who tallied 10 kills and six digs. Freshmen Kaylee Garren (FR/Columbus, OH) and Allie Thompson (FR/Charleston, WV) also had good performances, continuing their strong play in their first seasons. Next up, Ohio Christian will return home for a busy week. The squad will host Indiana University East on Tuesday night at 7:00 PM, followed by another match on Friday night against Point Park University. For more on the Lady Trailblazer Volleyball Program and the rest of Ohio Christian University Athletics, follow us on Twitter (@OCUTrailblazers), Facebook (Ohio Christian University Trailblazers), and Youtube (Ohio Christian University Trailblazers)

Bears Sneak Past Lady Trailblazers In Non-Conference Battle October 16, 2020

Bears Sneak Past Lady Trailblazers In Non-Conference Battle

PORTSMOUTH, OH – The Ohio Christian University Lady Trailblazers took a break from River States Conference play on Thursday as they traveled to face the Bears of Shawnee State University. In a low scoring match, the Bears used a second half score to break the tie, going on to win 1-0. The Bears' offense saw multiple looks to break the game open throughout the night, totaling 11 shots on goal. Danica Hanschu (SO/Canal Winchester, OH)'s performance in goal helped keep the Lady Trailblazers within striking distance, however the lack of offensive production kept OCU from converting on opportunities. Darian Wolfinbarger (SO/Lebanon, OH) led her squad in opportunities with four shots, including the team's lone shot on goal for the match. Outside of her, Jaydon Hollstein (JR/Elida, OH) and Mylie Lafountaine totaled five shots between the two of them for the rest of Ohio Christian's offensive opportunities. "We put forth a solid effort against a good opponent," said Interim Head Coach Jocelyn Mantz. "We struggled to find the back of the net but are creating more chances with every match. This game was all about preparation for us to use a non-conference game to get ready for some big conference matches coming up. That's where our focus is, and we'll be ready." Next up, the Lady Trailblazers will travel to West Virginia Tech on Saturday for their next RSC match, facing the 3-2-2 Golden Bears. For more on the Lady Trailblazer Soccer Program and the rest of Ohio Christian University Athletics, follow us on Twitter (@OCUTrailblazers), Facebook (Ohio Christian University Trailblazers), and Youtube (Ohio Christian University Trailblazers)

New Look Lady Trailblazers Picked 8th in RSC Coaches' Preseason Poll October 14, 2020

New Look Lady Trailblazers Picked 8th in RSC Coaches' Preseason Poll

CIRCLEVILLE, OH - The Ohio Christian University Lady Trailblazers have been selected 8th overall in the 2020-21 River States Conference Women's Basketball Coaches' Preseason Poll. Released on the Wednesday, the poll has 2019-20 regular season champion West Virginia Tech listed as the favorite to win the conference.  WVU Tech led this year's poll with 144 total votes. The Golden Bears were 25-7 overall, 16-0 RSC last year and have won 29 straight conference regular season games dating back to the year before last. WVU Tech is the defending RSC Regular Season and RSC East Division champs. The Golden Bears made the NAIA Division II National Championship last season and pulled an upset of No. 10-ranked Morningside (Iowa) in the first round before the pandemic cancelled the rest of the tournament.   University of Rio Grande (Ohio) came in second in the poll with 127 total votes and the remaining first-place vote. The RedStorm is coming off a season of 19-13 overall, 10-6 RSC in which it was second place in the RSC East behind WVU Tech.  Ohio Christian enters the 2020 season coming off a historic season, ending with a trip to the 2020 NAIA DII Women's Basketball National Championship. Overall, the Lady Trailblazers finished with an overall record of 21-12, going 8-8 in RSC play and winning the RSC postseason tournament.  Watch the RSC Basketball Media Days Oct. 13-14 from 12:00-3:00 p.m. ET on the RSC Facebook Page. Men's Basketball Oct. 13, Women's Basketball Oct. 14. Click the link above for more information and the complete broadcast schedule. Media Day will feature videos of head coaches and players from all 13 schools across five states in the conference.    For more on the Trailblazer Basketball Program and the rest of Ohio Christian University Athletics, follow us on Twitter (@OCUTrailblazers), Facebook (Ohio Christian University Trailblazers), and Youtube (Ohio Christian University Trailblazers) 

Trailblazers Wrap Up Fall Schedule At Cedarville October 13, 2020

Trailblazers Wrap Up Fall Schedule At Cedarville

BEAVERCREEK, OH - Wrapping up their Fall slate at the Cedarville Invitational, the Ohio Christian University Trailblazers had a solid finish to an impressive start to the 2020-21 golf calendar. As a team, the Trailblazers shot a 305-309 to shoot an overall 614. Playing 36 holes in one day, the Trailblazers powered through a long event to shoot two solid 18 hole scores. Leading the way for OCU was Elias Montgomery (SO/Piketon, OH). Listed as the squad's #4, Montgomery put together rounds of 73 and 76 to finish with a score of 149, placing him in a tie for 8th overall. The team's #5, Noah Lung (FR), came in second for the Trailblazers, firing rounds of 77 and 76 to grab a share of 16th place. The rest of OCU's scoring included scores of 154 from Michael Cooper (SR/Pauma Valley, CA), 158 from Quinn Chapman (SR/Heath, OH), and 163 from Casey Moore (SR/Piketon, OH). Ohio Christian's team score of 614 put them in 4th place overall, finishing behind three NCAA DII schools in Ohio Dominican, Tiffin, and Cedarville. For more on the Trailblazer Golf Program and the rest of Ohio Christian University Athletics, follow us on Twitter (@OCUTrailblazers), Facebook (Ohio Christian University Trailblazers), and Youtube (Ohio Christian University Trailblazers) 


  • Trailblazers Participate In 22nd Annual Ralph C. Starkey Community Action Day


  • Lady Trailblazers Grab First RSC Win Of 2020


  • Bearcats Defend Homecourt Against Lady Trailblazers


  • Bears Sneak Past Lady Trailblazers In Non-Conference Battle


  • New Look Lady Trailblazers Picked 8th in RSC Coaches' Preseason Poll


  • Trailblazers Wrap Up Fall Schedule At Cedarville

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About Ohio Christian University

Ohio Christian University is committed to offering a complete education that develops students intellectually, professionally, and spiritually. OCU offers degree programs for residential undergraduate students, graduate students, adult and Online student. The Trailblazer Academy allows high school students to complete college classes. All programs are designed to equip students to become leaders in their careers, communities, families, and the world.