Ohio Christian Welcomes the Abiding Class

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.