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
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
Youth Groups Invited to Pizza and Points
Published: January 9, 2020
Ohio Christian University is hosting Pizza and Points for youth groups and
prospective students to cheer on the Ohio Christian University Trailblazers
during the Men’s Basketball game against the Point Park University Pioneers
on Saturday, January 18th at 3 p.m.
The free event includes admission to the game, pizza, giveaways and face
painting. In addition, high school juniors and seniors can enter to shoot a
half court shot for a chance to win a $12,000 scholarship!
Watch our video from a previous Pizza & Points:
REGISTER A STUDENT REGISTER A GROUP
Ohio Christian University is hosting Pizza and Points for youth groups and
prospective students to cheer on the Ohio Christian University Trailblazers
during the Men’s Basketball game against the Point Park University Pioneers
on Saturday, January 18th at 3 p.m.
The free event includes admission to the game, pizza, giveaways and face
painting. In addition, high school juniors and seniors can
Ohio Christian University is hosting Pizza and Points for youth groups and
prospective students to cheer on the Ohio Christian University Trailblazers
during the Men’s Basketball game against the
Archived Articles of Interest
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
Trunk-or-Treat Brings Big Smiles!
Published: November 5, 2018
Ohio Christian University's Maxwell Center parking lot was filled with
hundreds of smiling Trunk-or-Treaters on October 23 as the University hosted
many neighbors and friends at its annual Halloween fun fest.
As ever, the children showed delight in the Trunk-or-Treat destinations and
games, engendering another memorable time for the young-at-heart.
Families moved about the parking lot lined with cars with Halloween-style
decorated trunks, collecting candy and playing games.
OCU students, staff, and faculty enjoy bringing this happy and safe
experience to the Pickaway County community
Ohio Christian University's Maxwell Center parking lot was filled with
hundreds of smiling Trunk-or-Treaters on October 23 as the University hosted
many neighbors and friends at its annual Halloween fun fest.
As ever, the children showed delight in the Trunk-or-Treat destinations and
games, engendering another memorable time for the young-at-heart.
Families moved about the parking lot lined
Ohio Christian University's Maxwell Center parking lot was filled with
hundreds of smiling Trunk-or-Treaters on October 23 as the University hosted
many neighbors and friends at its annual
Psychology Department Offers New Degree in Human Services
Published: November 1, 2018
Ohio Christian University (OCU) has launched a new Bachelor of Art in Human
Services in response to demand from students in the School of Adult
Ohio Christian University (OCU) has launched a new Bachelor of Art in Human
Services in response to demand from students in the School of Adult
Ohio Christian University (OCU) has launched a new Bachelor of Art in Human
Services in response to demand from students in the School of Adult
Faculty Profile: Dr. Caleb Friedeman
Published: November 1, 2018
Dr. Caleb T. Friedeman recently joined Ohio Christian University’s Religion
Department as Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies. A disciple of Jesus
Christ with a passion to serve the Church as a pastor-theologian, Friedeman
brings to the department the heart of a pastor and the mind of a scholar.
Friedeman holds a B.A. in Ancient Languages from Asbury University, an M.A.
in Biblical Literature from Wesley Biblical Seminary, and a Ph.D. in Biblical
Theology (New Testament) from Wheaton College. His doctoral dissertation
focused on the Christology of Luke chapters 1 and 2 and its
Dr. Caleb T. Friedeman recently joined Ohio Christian University’s Religion
Department as Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies. A disciple of Jesus
Christ with a passion to serve the Church as a pastor-theologian, Friedeman
brings to the department the heart of a pastor and the mind of a scholar.
Friedeman holds a B.A. in Ancient Languages from Asbury University, an M.A.
in Biblical
Dr. Caleb T. Friedeman recently joined Ohio Christian University’s Religion
Department as Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies. A disciple of Jesus
Christ with a passion to serve the Church as a
