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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

Dickerson Grabs Third At Chick-Fil-A Invitational October 26, 2020

Dickerson Grabs Third At Chick-Fil-A Invitational

WILMORE, KY – Getting in a final tune up prior to the 2020 River States Conference Championships, the Ohio Christian Cross Country program traveled to conference foe Asbury University on Saturday to participate in the Chick-Fil-A Invitational, hosted by the Eagles. Taking four individuals from the squad, Head Coach Dr. Tim Sykes hoped to see how his top runners compared with the RSC's best heading into the championship meet. On a hilly course, both the men and women ran quality times to build confidence moving forward. On the men's side, Drake Dickerson (JR/Lancaster, OH) continued his solid stretch of competition with a third place finish, coming up just short of winning down the final stretch. Chester Mientkiewicz (JR/Kinsman, OH) also ran well, grabbing 10th place with a new lifetime best. For the women, Brittany Lenz (SR/Springfield, OH) had her strongest performance of the season, finishing in 13th place overall after a solid, tactical approach to the course. Lauryn Rutan (SR/Troy, OH) also had her best performance of the year with a 37th place finish. "Overall, we are still taking it day-by-day with the training and recovery but today was another nice step forward with these individuals," said Sykes. "We will have a full team racing in two weeks at the RSC Championships, so that will be fun to compete together healthy and fit again." For more on the Trailblazer Cross Country 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)

Gillum Posts Huge Numbers In Season Opening Victory October 25, 2020

Gillum Posts Huge Numbers In Season Opening Victory

GRAYSON, KY – Kicking off the 2020-21 season, the Ohio Christian women's basketball program headed south to face non-conference foe Kentucky Christian University on Saturday. Coming off a historic 2019-20 season, the Lady Trailblazers had little trouble kicking off the rust in their 80-66 win over the Knights. Led by Sophomore center Rachel Gillum (SO/Springboro, OH), OCU recovered from a small halftime deficit to run away from the Knights, outscoring their opponent 27-12 in the third quarter. Another strong 10 minutes down the stretch put the game out of reach of KCU, as the Lady Trailblazers moved to 1-0 on the season. Gillum had one of her best performances ever as a member of the program, leading the team in scoring (27), rebounds (31), and steals (5). Her 31 rebounds also set a record for the OCU history books. Helaina Limas (JR/Medina, OH) teamed up with Gillum to also score in double figures, finishing with 21. Nicole Cunningham (FR/Noblesville, IN) began her career at OCU with a strong start, tallying 18 points, three rebounds, and three steals, while also going 7-8 from the line. Overall, the Lady Trailblazers shot 40.7% from the field and 76.9% from the line, finishing 30-39. Turnovers were one of the few blemished in the box score, as OCU committed 23 on the night, while forcing 19. "I am very proud of the effort the ladies showed on the floor tonight," said Head Coach Brenda Baker. "We were able to learn a lot about ourselves and will continue to work to get better at the things we need to." Ohio Christian's next game will take place on October 30th when they travel to Indiana to face St. Mary-of-the-Woods College. 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, Eagles Finish Battle In 2-2 Draw October 25, 2020

Trailblazers, Eagles Finish Battle In 2-2 Draw

CIRCLEVILLE, OH – Playing their second home match in three days, the Ohio Christian men's soccer program hosted Midway University in a back in forth affair on Saturday afternoon. Despite holding a late lead, a tying goal from the Eagles forced two over time periods leading to a 2-2 draw.  Ohio Christian stuck first in the match, as Elijah DeZurik (JR/Upper Sandusky, OH) scored his second goal in as many games, heading in an assist from Samuel Wilson (FR/Westerville, OH) in the 25th minute. DeZurik's goal was the only offensive production by either team in the game's first 60 minutes.  The second half held the rest of the scoring for the day. Midway evened the score at one a piece in the 61st minute, followed by another go ahead goal by the Trailblazers in the 70th minute by Grant Huthmaker (FR/Carroll, OH), assisted by Blake Brigner (SR/Mt. Sterling, OH). The Eagles squeezed in a game tying goal in the 81st minute, forcing extra time.  In overtime, both teams had their share of opportunities, however neither could not convert those shots into goals to win the game. At the end of 110 minutes, the match ended in a 2-2 tie.  "I think the team is frustrated because we saw the opportunity to grab the win tonight," said Head Coach George Arroyo. "We have been working hard in training to get the ball moving quicker and I believe we are seeing it click. Once we become more clinical in front of the goal, we will start to see the results we want. I am proud of the men in executing our game plan! Now we quickly shift our focus to the next match."  Now standing at 1-1-1 in RSC play, Ohio Christian will prepare for a trip to Indiana University East on Thursday October 29th.  For more on the 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)

LaFountaine Has A Day In OT Win Over Midway October 24, 2020

LaFountaine Has A Day In OT Win Over Midway

CIRCLEVILLE, OH – The Lady Trailblazers needed extra time on Saturday to advance their winning streak to three games, as a second goal from Mylie LaFountaine (SR/Port Orchard, WA) in the 99th minute handed Ohio Christian the win over Midway University. With the win, the Lady Trailblazers move to 3-4 in River States play. LaFountaine opened the scoring as well on Saturday, putting in the game's opening score in the 37th minute to hand her squad a 1-0 lead. After trailing at the half, OCU scored what seemed to be a potential game winner in the 72nd minute. Assisted by LaFountaine, Darian Wolfinbarger (SO/Lebanon, OH)'s goal moved the score to 2-1, which would stand up until the 86th minute. It was then that Midway converted a late game opportunity, scoring the tying goal on a beautiful shot by Marissa Sauer. After nine scoreless minutes of overtime, LaFountaine put the game away in the final seconds of the first OT, sending her team home with their third consecutive victory. "It wasn't the prettiest game in the world, but I am thrilled we pulled it out at the end," said Interim Head Coach Jocelyn Mantz. "Good to see some things we still need to sharpen up as we look to finish out conference play well. Another big win for us as we turn this season around!" Now standing at 3-4 in RSC play, Ohio Christian will prepare for a trip to Indiana University East on Thursday October 29th. 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)

Mazzocca, Zelenka Lead Charge In Five Set Upset Of Pioneers October 23, 2020

Mazzocca, Zelenka Lead Charge In Five Set Upset Of Pioneers

CIRCLEVILLE, OH – Coming from behind in a stellar five set performance, the Ohio Christian University Lady Trailblazers upset the Pioneers of Point Park in the Maxwell Center on Friday night. It marks the first win against the Pioneers in program history. The win, despite historic, did not come easily. Finding themselves in an 0-2 hole following a 31-29 loss in the second set, the Lady Trailblazers stuck together to rally off three consecutive set wins. The set of the night came in the fourth, as both teams traded blows taking yet another set to extra points. OCU staved off the Pioneers by winning 30-28, setting up a winner-take-all fifth set. It was there that the Lady Trailblazer attack took over, finishing off Point Park with a 15-12 victory. Senior Brooke Mazzocca (SR/Green, OH) continued to impress, leading her squad with a whopping 20 kills. The true momentum boost came from elsewhere, however, as Freshman Victoria Zelenka (FR/Elyria, OH) grabbed a career high 13 kills to be a key contributor alongside Mazzocca. Senior Dakotah Zaph (SR/Piketon, OH) also finished with double digit kills, ending the night with 11. Freshman Allie Thompson (FR/Charleston, WV) racked up 43 assists, while Autumn Paugh (SR/Gahanna, OH) and Kaylee Garren (FR/Columbus, OH) each finished with 20+ digs.   Having a rare off day on Saturday, the Lady Trailblazers will now focus on resting up for their next battle, a home contest with Oakland City University a week from tonight. 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)

Dezurik's OT Goal Seals Arroyo's First Win At Helm October 22, 2020

Dezurik's OT Goal Seals Arroyo's First Win At Helm

CIRCLEVILLE, OH – In a season of unique challenges, the Ohio Christian men's soccer program took a step forward on Thursday night with an overtime victory over the Celtics of Carlow University. The win marks George Arroyo's first as head coach of the program.  Following a 21 day layoff, the Trailblazers were hungry to get on the field, and that hunger quickly turned into results. After falling behind 1-0 early, the Trailblazers bounced back with two goals in two minutes. The duo of Blake Battogtokh (FR/Arlington, VA) and Bryce Hull (JR/Grove City, OH) traded turns scoring, while the other assisted on each of the goals.  Trailing by one, the Celtics responded in the second half with the tying goal in the 49th minute. Both of Carlow's scores came via Sudesh Tiwari, who finished the day with six shots on goal.  Following 90 minutes of play, with the score tied at 2-2, the Trailblazers took to the attack. After five minutes of overtime, OCU put the game away thanks to a beautiful pass from Ezra DeZurik (JR/Upper Sandusky, OH) and a great finish from his brother, Elijah DeZurik (JR/Upper Sandusky, OH).     With the win, Ohio Christian moves to 1-1 in the RSC, placing them in 6th place behind Asbury University.  Next up, Ohio Christian will quickly recover to host Midway University on Saturday. The women's game is set to begin at 1:00 PM with the men following at 3:30 PM.  For more on the 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)


  • Dickerson Grabs Third At Chick-Fil-A Invitational


  • Gillum Posts Huge Numbers In Season Opening Victory


  • Trailblazers, Eagles Finish Battle In 2-2 Draw


  • LaFountaine Has A Day In OT Win Over Midway


  • Mazzocca, Zelenka Lead Charge In Five Set Upset Of Pioneers


  • Dezurik's OT Goal Seals Arroyo's First Win At Helm

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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.