Cardinals are reminders of
how much we appreciate
all things bright and beautiful.
We give thanks for those whose
friendship, kindness, and support
stand out just as brilliantly.
With Cardinal Tidings of Comfort and Joy,
Your Friends at Otterbein University
Cardinals are reminders of
how much we appreciate
all things bright and beautiful.
We give thanks for those whose
friendship, kindness, and support
stand out just as brilliantly.
With Cardinal Tidings of Comfort and Joy,
Your Friends at Otterbein University
Annual Tree Lighting
Cardinals Make Forever Friends!
Otterbein has an incredible history of launching great futures and inspiring impressive success stories. Equally as notable and just as meaningful — Otterbein is the proud home to many enduring friendships. We treasure the bonds formed here and are heartened by the many ways Cardinals stay connected after they leave this quiet, peaceful village.
Remembering those most dear to us is a special part of the holiday season. We invite you to read some stories of Otterbein friendship and hope you will share your own at the link below!
Towers Feature
Did you miss the fun Towers story about two Cardinal friends who traveled together across the country twice — first as recent graduates and then a second time some 50 years later?
Learn more about this great friendship that has always been a grand adventure! Read the story here. >
Remembering those most dear to us is a special part of the holiday season. We invite you to read some stories of Otterbein friendship and hope you will share your own at the link below!
“Attending Otterbein” was such a special time, and a big part of that wasn’t just what you gleaned from your education, but also the friendships that you made.”
— Darcy Elliott McDonald ’72
Reading “Road Trip! 50 Years in the Making,” inspired Gail Miller ’66, to share his own story of friendship and world travel with Ron Orbin ’66. You can read about Miller and Orbin’s adventures and a friendship that has lasted more than 60 years and still counting! Read the story here. >
Alumni Friendship Stories
Several years ago, many alumni shared memories, stories, and insights to commemorate 175 years of Otterbein University for a memory book! We’ve shared a few of those stories below and hope they inspire some memories of your own.
“My dad attended Otterbein. Listening to his stories about what a great experience he had — it just sounded like the right place. I made friends that have been my friends for the rest of my life. I can go years without seeing them but I know that we will always have a special connection. I met my first best friend at orientation. I ended up chatting with a girl who wanted to play softball, and we just hit it off. We were roommates the entire time we were in college. I don’t think that if I had gone to a bigger school that I would have made the friends I have, had the kinds of relationships with the professors I appreciated, and maybe I wouldn’t have stuck it out until graduation. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience.“
– Kelly Barnett (Easter) ’89
“My best friend and I grew up in Westerville, and both of us were playing athletics at our respective universities. My best friend went to Otterbein. One thing led to another, and I decided, ‘It’s time to go home.’ Westerville was home, and Otterbein was comfortable, so that was how I wound up back at Otterbein. I pledged Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity. My friends made the most lasting impression. We were in a fraternity together, and we competed in sports together. There is a core of us that still gather. One of the guys ended up being a college football coach, and we would go to one of his games every year. It is a brotherhood, and it has been lifelong for us. We call each other and lean on each other all the time. Several of us stayed in the Central Ohio area, and throughout our careers, we have leaned on each other. Otterbein was a special time in our lives.”
– Mark A. Seymour ’85
“As far as people were concerned — Otterbein was warm. It was easy to have friends, and it seemed as if almost everybody there was my friend. I could talk to and be with anybody. There was a lot of friendship and fellowship the whole time I attended Otterbein University. I remember that very much, and it was fun.”
– Donna Hardin (Edwards) ’57
