Ohio Wesleyan Near You
Ohio Wesleyan Near You is September 11-18, 2025!
OWU Near You is returning from September 11-18, 2025, with numerous alumni already eager to take the helm as event hosts.
We're expanding our reach to connect Ohio Wesleyan alumni 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 | Time | Location | Host(s) | Registration |
| Atlanta, GA | TBD | TBD | Tom Simons '88 | Coming Soon! |
| Saunderstown, RI | 6-8 PM | Personal Residence | Perry '91 and Darby '91 Buroker | Coming Soon! |
Saturday, September 13
| City | Time | Location | Host(s) | Registration |
| Durham, NC | 1-3 PM | Lakewood Social | Laura Baker Campbell '87 | Coming Soon! |
| Toronto (Canada) | 5-7 PM | Fox & John Restaurant | Asmita '92 and Neel '93 Sharma | Coming Soon! |
| Boise, ID | 10AM - 12PM | Alchemist Coffee 27th St | Savannah Domenech '25 | Coming Soon! |
Sunday, September 14
| City | Time | Location | Host(s) | Registration |
| Half Moon Bay, CA | TBD | Personal Residence | James Burns '99 | Coming Soon! |
Tuesday, September 16
| City | Time | Location | Host(s) | Registration |
| Newport Beach, CA | 5:30-7:30 PM | JOEY Newport Beach | Janet de Michaelis '74 | Coming Soon! |
Wednesday, September 17
| City | Time | Location | Host(s) | Registration |
| Cincinnati, OH | 7:00 - 9:00 PM | TBD | Jon Sinclair '90 and Sara Sheets '93 | Coming Soon! |
Thursday, September 18
| City | Time | Location | Host(s) | Registration |
| Charleston, SC | TBD | Personal Residence (Hampton Park) | Jonathan Woods '85 | Coming Soon! |
| Denver, CO | TBD | TBD | Bob Gordon '88 | Coming Soon! |
| Houston, TX | 5:30-7:30 | Axelrad | Kelsey Ullom '14 | Coming Soon! |
| St. Charles, MO | TBD | Chicken 'N Pickle | Lydia Hall '17 | Coming Soon! |
Other planned events - more details coming soon
| CITY OR REGION | HOST(S) |
| Ann Arbor, MI | Kat Dudzik '03 |
| Dayton, OH | Amy Kreps Shreve '04 |
| Indianapolis, IN | Shannon Sedwick '10 |
| Los Angeles, CA | Keith Rozanski '99 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | Kristin Henning '15 |
| Toledo, OH | Kelli Winston '93 |
| London, England | Katie Venditti Wilkes '91 and Anthony McGuire '13 |
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 Nick Bowlby, Associate Director of Alumni & Volunteer 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 Nick Bowlby, Associate Director of Alumni & Volunteer Engagement, to learn more about coordinating an event in your region.
