Ohio Christian University campus welcomed the class of 2023 to campus on Saturday, August 17. Over 100 students and their parents converged on campus, organizing dorm rooms, attending meetings and hugging farewells.
As the students were occupied, Ohio Christian President Dr. Jon Kulaga and his wife, Lena, met with the parents over coffee. The Kulagas advised them on how to effectively support their student as they transition to college life and assured the parents that their students would be well cared for.
“When I’m on campus, I’m looking at the students as a mom,” Lena said. “We know right where you’re at.”
Having spent over 30 years in higher education and sent all four of their children to college, the Kulagas had plenty of advice to share. After sharing, they then answered questions on a wide variety of topics and concerns. The questions ranged from where students could seek medical aid to if air fryers are allowed in the dorms (they are).
Students and parents were then reunited in the Ministry & Performing Arts Center, where the freshmen were given T-shirts with the class name and verse. The class of ’23 is the “Abiding” based on the class verse John 15:4, which encourages believers to abide in Christ.
“This was the theme that kept coming up when we were reading Scripture and praying over this class,” Dean of Students Joe Wuest said. “When you think of the word ‘abiding’ there are some words that come to mind. It’s lifelong. It’s enduring. It’s continual. It’s steadfast.”
These are all characteristics Wuest said are part of a committed relationship with Christ and is something Ohio Christian hopes to foster in them.
After the naming ceremony, the Abiding class went outside for a group photo and ribbon cutting ceremony. Students stood in a circle holding a ribbon emblazoned with the “Abiding” wordmark and class verse. After each section of ribbon was cut, students presented their piece to their parents to keep as a memento.
Articles of Interest
2021 Refer-A-Friend Program Announced
Published: February 2, 2021
Ohio Christian University (OCU) is pleased to announce an ongoing
Refer-A-Friend Program where individuals can invite a friend to learn more
about OCU. A monthly drawing for referrers and a scholarship for prospective
students make this an excellent opportunity to refer a friend.
The referrer should enter his or her friend’s information at
ohiochristian.edu/referafriend. This will automatically qualify the referrer
to enter that month’s drawing for a $50 e-gift card of the winner’s
choice and qualify the referred student for a Refer-A-Friend Scholarship.
Refer A Friend
Program
Ohio Christian University (OCU) is pleased to announce an ongoing
Refer-A-Friend Program where individuals can invite a friend to learn more
about OCU. A monthly drawing for referrers and a scholarship for prospective
students make this an excellent opportunity to refer a friend.
The referrer should enter his or her friend’s information at
ohiochristian.edu/referafriend. This will
Ohio Christian University (OCU) is pleased to announce an ongoing
Refer-A-Friend Program where individuals can invite a friend to learn more
about OCU. A monthly drawing for referrers and a
Incoming Campus Students Attend Summer Orientation
Published: July 13, 2020
On July 10th, Ohio Christian University welcomed 62 incoming students to
campus for the first Orientation Day of the summer. Orientation Days are
for incoming students to the Undergraduate Campus Program to register for
classes and prepare for their first semester on campus.
OCU had several COVID-19 procedures in place including taking temperatures,
requiring masks, social distancing guidelines, and hand sanitizing stations
to help ensure the safety of everyone on campus.
OCU President Dr. Jon S. Kulaga welcomed the students and encouraged them to
be part of God’s story. Students and
On July 10th, Ohio Christian University welcomed 62 incoming students to
campus for the first Orientation Day of the summer. Orientation Days are
for incoming students to the Undergraduate Campus Program to register for
classes and prepare for their first semester on campus.
OCU had several COVID-19 procedures in place including taking temperatures,
requiring masks, social distancing
On July 10th, Ohio Christian University welcomed 62 incoming students to
campus for the first Orientation Day of the summer. Orientation Days are
for incoming students to the Undergraduate Campus
Prospective Students Have Many Options to Experience Campus this Summer
Published: June 4, 2020
Ohio Christian University is excited to offer several options to connect with
prospective students of our Undergraduate Campus Program over the summer
and help them experience OCU:
Option 1: Individual Campus Visits
Ohio Christian University is now open for prospective students to visit
campus. The university has social distancing procedures in place to help
everyone on campus stay safe. Learn more.
Option 2: Virtual Preview Day
Join us for a Virtual Preview Day on Friday, June 26th! Learn why students
choose OCU, ask our panelists questions, virtually tour campus, win prizes,
Ohio Christian University is excited to offer several options to connect with
prospective students of our Undergraduate Campus Program over the summer
and help them experience OCU:
Option 1: Individual Campus Visits
Ohio Christian University is now open for prospective students to visit
campus. The university has social distancing procedures in place to help
everyone on campus stay safe.
Ohio Christian University is excited to offer several options to connect with
prospective students of our Undergraduate Campus Program over the summer
and help them experience OCU:
Option 1:
Alumni Spotlight: Lauren Ray
Published: April 26, 2020
CIRCLEVILLE, OH – A familiar face is once again killing it for Ohio
Christian University, only this time her impact is being seen off the court.
Lauren Ray, a 2018 Emergency and Disaster Management graduate of OCU,
currently serves as the Assistant Director of Student Life – Housing and
Discipline, a role she took over earlier this year. Lady Trailblazer
Volleyball fans will remember Lauren as a key member of the program, playing
for the team for three seasons (2015-17). Originally from Canal Winchester,
OH, Lauren transferred into OCU following her freshman year at Ohio
University,
CIRCLEVILLE, OH – A familiar face is once again killing it for Ohio
Christian University, only this time her impact is being seen off the court.
Lauren Ray, a 2018 Emergency and Disaster Management graduate of OCU,
currently serves as the Assistant Director of Student Life – Housing and
Discipline, a role she took over earlier this year. Lady Trailblazer
Volleyball fans will remember Lauren
CIRCLEVILLE, OH – A familiar face is once again killing it for Ohio
Christian University, only this time her impact is being seen off the court.
Lauren Ray, a 2018 Emergency and Disaster Management
Online Emergency & Disaster Management Program Ranked #2 in the Country
Published: March 18, 2020
Ohio Christian University’s online Bachelor of Arts in Emergency
Ohio Christian University’s online Bachelor of Arts in Emergency
Ohio Christian University’s online Bachelor of Arts in Emergency
Archived Articles of Interest
Community Action Day - It was a GREAT Day!
Published: April 18, 2019
April 11th proved to not just be a nice day to be outside, but a great day to
serve the community of Circleville and surrounding areas. In its 20thyear,
Community Action Day brought out over 400 students to serve residents and
businesses who were in need. A tradition at Ohio Christian University,
classes were canceled, and students were able to go into the public and
implement the service attitude taught at OCU.
With help from Volunteer Economy and RPHF Solid Waste District, students were
equipped to effectively serve and feel prepared to do so. Students served in
various capacities
April 11th proved to not just be a nice day to be outside, but a great day to
serve the community of Circleville and surrounding areas. In its 20thyear,
Community Action Day brought out over 400 students to serve residents and
businesses who were in need. A tradition at Ohio Christian University,
classes were canceled, and students were able to go into the public and
implement the service
April 11th proved to not just be a nice day to be outside, but a great day to
serve the community of Circleville and surrounding areas. In its 20thyear,
Community Action Day brought out over 400
OCU Scholars Day 2019 Has Big Winners!
Published: March 22, 2019
Each year Ohio Christian University conducts a Scholars Day where applicants
compete for over $300,000 worth of scholarships.
Scholars Day provides an opportunity to compete for the Creative Communities
Scholarship, the Ohio's Future Scholarship and the Homeschool Excellence
Scholarship, which are each worth $50,000 and guarantee a coveted internship
position. Also awarded is OCU’s highest scholarship, the Distinguished
Trailblazer Scholarship, which covers all tuition costs for a four year
degree.
During Scholars Day, students compete for the full-ride tuition scholarship
to OCU
Each year Ohio Christian University conducts a Scholars Day where applicants
compete for over $300,000 worth of scholarships.
Scholars Day provides an opportunity to compete for the Creative Communities
Scholarship, the Ohio's Future Scholarship and the Homeschool Excellence
Scholarship, which are each worth $50,000 and guarantee a coveted internship
position. Also awarded is OCU’s highest
Each year Ohio Christian University conducts a Scholars Day where applicants
compete for over $300,000 worth of scholarships.
Scholars Day provides an opportunity to compete for the Creative
State Representative Rick Carfagna Visits Campus
Published: March 11, 2019
On Friday, March 8th, State Representative Rick Carfagna (Chair, Finance
Subcommittee on Higher Education) visited Ohio Christian University (OCU). He
was welcomed to the president’s office by Dr. Jon Kulaga (President), Ted
Perry (Chief Financial Officer) and Craig Brown (Chief Relationship
Officer) where the group discussed multiple partnerships related to
micro-credentialing, entrepreneurship and workforce development for regional
incumbent industry.
Rep. Carfagna received a campus tour from OCU students, then ended his time
on campus with a meeting in the Robert W. Plaster Free
On Friday, March 8th, State Representative Rick Carfagna (Chair, Finance
Subcommittee on Higher Education) visited Ohio Christian University (OCU). He
was welcomed to the president’s office by Dr. Jon Kulaga (President), Ted
Perry (Chief Financial Officer) and Craig Brown (Chief Relationship
Officer) where the group discussed multiple partnerships related to
micro-credentialing,
On Friday, March 8th, State Representative Rick Carfagna (Chair, Finance
Subcommittee on Higher Education) visited Ohio Christian University (OCU). He
was welcomed to the president’s office by Dr.
Behind the Scenes: Inside Festival of Carols
Published: December 3, 2018
By Amber Ginter ‘19
Behind the scenes, behind the curtains of this year’s Festival of Carols,
the perspective is different for the eyes of this observer, who happens to be
part of the creative moment team. The choirs warm their vocal cords until
their voices float in glorious harmonies across the auditorium. The actors
labor in hectic preparation to perform with excellence and seeming
effortlessness.
Learning choreography with live choirs singing was a challenge that Movements
from the Heart (MFTH), the creative movement team, met in the practice time
afforded before the first
By Amber Ginter ‘19
Behind the scenes, behind the curtains of this year’s Festival of Carols,
the perspective is different for the eyes of this observer, who happens to be
part of the creative moment team. The choirs warm their vocal cords until
their voices float in glorious harmonies across the auditorium. The actors
labor in hectic preparation to perform with excellence and seeming
By Amber Ginter ‘19
Behind the scenes, behind the curtains of this year’s Festival of Carols,
the perspective is different for the eyes of this observer, who happens to be
part of the creative
Hands-on Teaching: OCU Professor Keeps Science 'Fun'
Published: November 19, 2018
By Steven Collins, Senior Reporter, Circleville Herald
Photo by Nancy Radcliff, Chief Photographer, Circleville Herald
Circleville Herald, November 14, 2018
When teaching, Rolanda Hurtt believes a hands-on approach is a way to keep
both students and teachers interested and engaged.
Hurtt, an Affiliate Professor in the Teacher Education department at Ohio
Christian University, shares her hands-on approach with her students who can
then pass it on to their students once they are in the classroom.
“We always try to have fun,” she said. “I want my students at OCU to
enjoy what we’re
By Steven Collins, Senior Reporter, Circleville Herald
Photo by Nancy Radcliff, Chief Photographer, Circleville Herald
Circleville Herald, November 14, 2018
When teaching, Rolanda Hurtt believes a hands-on approach is a way to keep
both students and teachers interested and engaged.
Hurtt, an Affiliate Professor in the Teacher Education department at Ohio
Christian University, shares her
By Steven Collins, Senior Reporter, Circleville Herald
Photo by Nancy Radcliff, Chief Photographer, Circleville Herald
Circleville Herald, November 14, 2018
When teaching, Rolanda Hurtt believes
