Ohio Wesleyan Near You is September 11-18, 2025!

OWU Near You is returning from September 11-18, 2025, with numerous alumni, families, and friends already eager to take the helm as event hosts. 

We're expanding our reach to connect Ohio Wesleyan alumni & friends in places where we haven't traditionally held events. From unexpected pockets of Bishops in major cities to close-knit groups in smaller communities, OWU Near You brings together alumni, family, and friends in relaxed, local settings worldwide.

During this week-long celebration, hosts organize casual gatherings that reflect their community's character - whether it's meeting at a coffee shop, brewery, restaurant, or park. These informal get-togethers help us discover and strengthen OWU connections in new territories, ensuring every member of our global university family can stay connected, no matter where life has taken them.

Current OWU Near You Events 

Below you will find a list of locations and hosts that have been confirmed for OWU Near You (Fall 2025). We will be adding more locations each month and registration for each event will open in early July 2025

Thursday, September 11

City  Registration Time  Location  Host(s) 
Saunderstown, RI REGISTER HERE 6-8 PM Personal Residence Perry '91 P'24 and Darby '91 P'24 Buroker
Charleston, SC  REGISTER HERE 6:30-8:30 PM Personal Residence (Hampton Park) Jonathan Woods '85 P'20
Chicago, IL  REGISTER HERE 7-9 PM Prost  Phoebe Bush '18

Saturday, September 13

City  Registration Time  Location  Host(s) 
Durham, NC  REGISTER HERE 1-3 PM  Lakewood Social Laura Baker Campbell '87 P'19
Toronto (Canada) REGISTER HERE 5-7 PM  Fox & John Restaurant Asmita '92 and Neel '93 Sharma
Boise, ID  REGISTER HERE 10AM - 12PM  Alchemist Coffee 27th St Savannah Domenech '25

Sunday, September 14

City  Registration Time  Location  Host(s) 
Half Moon Bay, CA REGISTER HERE 2:00-5:00 PM Personal Residence James Burns '99

Tuesday, September 16

City  Registration Time  Location  Host(s) 
Newport Beach, CA REGISTER HERE 5:30-7:30 PM  JOEY Newport Beach Janet de Michaelis '74
Columbus, OH  REGISTER HERE 6:00-8:00 PM Land Grant Brewery  Sophie Gipson '24 and Faith Deschamps '24

Wednesday, September 17

City  Registration Time  Location  Host(s) 
Ann Arbor, MI  REGISTER HERE  5:00-7:00 PM  Casey's Tavern  Kat Dudzik '03
Cincinnati, OH  REGISTER HERE  6:00 - 8:00 PM  Northwood Cider Jon Sinclair '90 and Sara Sheets '93 
Toledo, OH  REGISTER HERE  5:30-7:30 PM  Toledo Country Club  Kelli '93 and Thomas '92 Winston

Thursday, September 18

City  Registration Time  Location  Host(s) 
Denver, CO  REGISTER HERE 5:00-7:00 PM  Happy Camper Pizza Bob Gordon '88
Houston, TX REGISTER HERE 5:30-7:30 PM Axelrad Kelsey Ullom '14
St. Charles, MO REGISTER HERE 6:00-8:00 PM  Chicken 'N Pickle Lydia Hall '17

Questions

Don't see your city listed? Interested in helping organize a OWU Near You gathering in your area? We can use your help! Email Katie Webster, Director of Alumni Engagement, to learn more about coordinating an event in your region.

Want to be a host? 

Host an OWU Near You Gathering: It's Easier Than You Think!

Connecting with fellow Bishops in your area is a relaxed, hassle-free experience. As a host, you'll help create a casual space for alumni to meet, share stories, and strengthen their OWU connections. Here's how simple it is:

Your Role as Host:

  • Choose a favorite local spot - whether it's a cozy coffee shop, casual restaurant, or friendly bar where people can easily order and pay for their own food and beverages
  • Select a date and time that works for you
  • Arrive a few minutes early to save space for the group and welcome fellow Bishops as they arrive

We Handle Everything Else:

  • The Alumni Office manages all event communications, sending invitations to local alumni using your name (but protecting your privacy)
  • We respond to all RSVPs and questions, so you don't have to manage any correspondence
  • There's no cost to you or the attendees for organizing the gathering
  • We'll send you a package of OWU swag to share with attendees

That's it! The focus is simply on creating an informal atmosphere where Bishops can connect and catch up. We've streamlined the process to make hosting as effortless as possible.

Have questions? The Alumni Engagement team is here to help. We're happy to schedule a call or Zoom meeting to discuss the details and ensure you feel completely comfortable with the process. Email Katie Webster, Director of Alumni Engagement, to learn more about coordinating an event in your region.