Host a Gathering, Build a Community: OWU Near You Returns September 11-18

From September 11-18, 2025OWU Near You will connect Bishops across the globe, and we need your help to make it happen. We’re especially excited to expand our reach into areas where OWU gatherings have been rare or non-existent. Whether you’re in a major metropolitan area or a smaller community, if there are Bishops nearby, we want to bring them together.

The best part? Hosting couldn’t be simpler. Pick your favorite local spot – perhaps that charming café down the street or the brewpub with the perfect patio – and we’ll handle everything else. No coordination headaches, no financial commitment, and no complex planning required. Just show up a few minutes early, wear your Bishop pride, and enjoy connecting with fellow OWU parents and alumni. We’ll manage all the communications, RSVPs, and even send you OWU swag to share.

Many parents and alumni have already stepped forward to host gatherings, but we’re looking to expand our reach even further. Your participation could help create the first-ever OWU gathering in your area, sparking connections that might last a lifetime.

Think about it: that coffee shop where you start every morning or the neighborhood restaurant you’ve been meaning to try could become the birthplace of new Bishop friendships. All it takes is your willingness to say “yes” to hosting.

Ready to bring the Bishop spirit to your community? Contact Nick Bowlby, Associate Director of Alumni & Volunteer Engagement, to learn more about hosting an event in your area. We’re here to support you every step of the way!

OWU Sponsoring Organization/Office: Alumni & Family Engagement
Contact: Nancy Rutkowski at nbrutkow@owu.edu