Golden Reunion: Class of 1976

1776 to 2026: A Legacy Worth Declaring

In 1976, our class graduated during America’s Bicentennial — a moment defined by courage, community, and belief in the future. Fifty years later, as the nation marks 250 years, we stand by Otterbein, to declare our legacy.

In 1776, a bold declaration changed a nation.
In 1976, we stepped into the world, as we were shaped by Otterbein to forge our path. In 2026, we honor both—by investing in the students who will define what comes next.

This campaign celebrates:
• 50 years since our graduation
• 250 years of American independence
• The enduring power of education to shape leaders, citizens, and communities

The Class of 1976 Golden Reunion Committee has chosen the Otterbein READY Program to receive the class legacy gift support. Our goal is to raise $100,000 to support this innovative, important new initiative for Otterbein students. Learn more about the giving levels and Otterbein READY Program via the links to the right. All gifts received through December 31, 2026 – regardless of their designation or purpose – count towards your total Class Gift.

Class of 1976 Legacy Gift “Declaration” Levels:

Gifts totaling $2,000 or more can be pledged and fulfilled over several months or up to three years.

$5,000+ — The Founders Circle

• For those who lead boldly and want to help shape Otterbein’s future.
  Recognition: Named listing, special reunion recognition, private thank-you from Otterbein leadership, special gift.

$2,027–$4,999 — The Liberty Bell Level

• Coming together to invest in the common good.
  Recognition: Named listing in reunion materials and thank you gift.

$1,776 – $2,026 — The Declaration Gift Level *Signature Class Giving Amount

• Honoring the year that changed everything!
  Recognition: Special proclamation created for the reunion event and a thank-you gift.

$1,000–$1,775 — The Bicentennial Level

• Celebrating our graduation year and shared journey.
  Recognition: Named listing in reunion materials and thank you gift.

$100–$999 — The Golden Level

• Standing up for Otterbein’s future.
  Recognition: Named listing in reunion materials.

To support the class gift, you can:

• Return the gift pledge form from the first reunion mailing you receive, or download the pledge form here.
• Visit www.otterbein.edu/give and choose the Class of 1976 Gift in the “Designation” field.
• Individuals who have reached age 72 can make a gift from their IRAs and in doing so may reduce their taxable income. Contact your IRA administrator for more information or to request a transfer. Contact Kathleen Bonte (614-823-1400; kbonte@otterbein.edu), to alert her to any forthcoming stock transfers or IRA distributions.
• Let the University know of any intentions to remember Otterbein in your estate plan.

If you have any questions about donating or would like to donate over the phone, please contact the Philanthropy Office at 614-823-1400.

Your class, like Golden Reunion Classes before it, is creating a special 50th Reunion Memory Book. Every member of the class is invited to share their memories of their time on campus – pictures included! A secure, easy-to-use form where you can write and submit your entry is below. It can take a narrative form or simply be a bulleted list of memories – you decide. Whichever style you choose, please limit your entry to TWO pages (about 750 words). And remember, even if you can’t make it to your reunion, your classmates will still want to hear your story in your own words. You’re also invited to submit a page in memory of any friends or relatives from the Class of 1976 who have passed.

Start writing your entry today! It’s never to early to get started!

Need a little inspiration?

Take a look at the Memory Books from the classes of 1972 and 1973.

Or maybe take a stroll down memory lane with the yearbooks from your years on campus!
1972 | 1973 | 1974 | 1975 | 1976

All members of Otterbein’s Class of 1976 are invited to redeem a complimentary Spring 2026 semester membership to our Lifelong Learning Community (LLC). Registration for the LLC Spring 2026 semester is open now, and classes begin on February 19, 2026, and continue through early May. For more details about the LLC, click here. 

To claim your free semester membership, visit the LLC registration page and use one of the two codes provided in the email or postcard you receive from the Alumni Office in early 2026. You’ll have a choice of an in-person membership, which will allow you to attend the live class each week at the Point in Westerville, or a virtual membership, which will allow you to view the classes via our livestreaming platform from anywhere in the world, or watch the recorded classes at a time that is convenient for you!

Didn’t get a code? Need help navigating the LLC registration process? No problem! Just call our office at 614-823-1400 or email us at alumni@otterbein.edu. 

Aloft Westerville Hotel (1.7 miles)
32 Heatherdown Drive, Westerville, OH 43081

Embassy Suites by Hilton Columbus (2.7 miles)
2700 Corporate Exchange Drive, Columbus, OH 43231
Book Your Room Here by September 9, 2026!
All Suites – Includes Hot Breakfast & Evening Reception
Otterbein Friends and Family Individual Rate: $129 Suite

Renaissance Columbus Westerville-Polaris (1.5 miles)
409 Altair Parkway, Westerville, OH 43082

Holiday Inn Express Columbus-Worthington (5 miles)
55 Hutchinson Ave, Columbus, Ohio 43235

Courtyard Columbus Worthington (5.1 miles)
7411 Vantage Drive, Columbus, OH 43235

Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Columbus/Polaris (2.6 miles)
8411 Pulsar Place, Columbus, OH 43240
Phone: 614-885-8400
Otterbein University Preferred Corporate Rate:
$125.00/night, plus tax.
Please call the hotel directly to make your reservation and request the “Otterbein Rate”.