Highlights from the Class of 2023 Commencement Celebrations and Ceremonies

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News - May 10, 2023

The Otterbein University Class of 2023 crossed the commencement stage on Sunday, April 30. This year, Otterbein granted 491 bachelor’s degrees, 80 master’s degrees, and 34 doctor of nursing practice degrees. The undergraduate commencement was split between two ceremonies, one at 9:30 a.m. and one at 1:30 p.m. Jonathan Hargis ’79, Otterbein alumnus, retired executive vice president and chief marketing officer of Charter, spoke at the morning ceremony and former Senator Rob Portman addressed the undergraduates at the 1:30 p.m.…

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Associate Professor Tammy Birk Honored with Exemplary Teaching Award

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News - May 10, 2023

Associate Professor Tammy Birk, Department of English, has been honored with the Exemplary Teaching Award, a national honor by the United Methodist Church’s General Board of Higher Education. In addition to her English courses, Birk has been director of the Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (WGSS) program since 2009. She also advises a number of student organizations, including the WGSS honorary and Otterbein’s feminist and queer-friendly zine, kate. Outside of work, Birk is involved in local political activity and activism,…

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Lavender Graduation: The Celebration of LGBTQ Graduates and Allies

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News - April 28, 2023

By Erica Bush ’25 Each year, Otterbein celebrates its LGBTQIA+ seniors at the Lavender Graduation ceremony, held during the week before commencement in the historic Philomathean Room in Towers Hall. While eight students participated in the ceremony this year, 23 LGBTQIA+ graduates were honored. Lavender Graduation honors the great accomplishments made by LGBTQIA+ graduates and the community they shared during their time at Otterbein. Students are presented a lavender cord to be worn at Commencement as well as an amethyst…

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130 Years Ago, William Henry Fouse Took the Stage as Otterbein’s First Black Graduate

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News - April 24, 2023

Otterbein University’s first Black graduate, William Henry Fouse, class of 1893, was a teacher, a principal, a lifelong learner, a musician, and an inspiration to students and educators in his 45 years of work in public education.  On the 130th anniversary of his graduation from Otterbein, there is no one better to tell his story than Fouse himself.  In 1927, Fouse wrote to Mrs. George Alexander of Westerville, thanking her for an invitation to the Westerville High School Golden Anniversary.…

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A Migrant’s Journey from Nepal to Otterbein’s Commencement Stage

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News - April 24, 2023

By Erica Bush ’25  For Bhawana Khatiwada, graduating from Otterbein this spring with a double major in communication studies and computer science is a dream come true.  When Khatiwada was a child in Nepal, her family was forced into a refugee camp after experiencing religious persecution. They moved to the United States in 2008, bringing only what they could carry and the clothes they were wearing.  “I didn’t have schooling in Nepal. Schooling wasn’t a possible thing. I didn’t think…

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Otterbein Students Make Up 30% of Inductees in National Honor Society and Present Research at National Conference

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News - April 24, 2023

By Erica Bush ’25  This past March, six Otterbein students were inducted into Chi Omega Lambda, the honor society of the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) in Seattle. This year, only 20 students nationwide were inducted into Chi Omega Lambda — meaning Otterbein students represent 30% of the new class.  The six students inducted were Olivia Brickey, Olivia Miller, Mason Nolan, Kaitlin Dean, Jenna McPeek and Ashni Patel. The induction ceremony was held during the ASBMB yearly…

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Otterbein Alumnus Inspires and Finds Inspiration as Columbus City Schools Music Teacher 

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News - April 6, 2023

By Erica Bush ’25  Otterbein music alumnus Kendell Edgerton’21 has found himself in a job that allows him to educate, inspire, and lead all at once. Edgerton is a music teacher at Starling K-8 School in Columbus City Schools teaching middle school instrumental music.  Edgerton graduated from Otterbein with a degree in music education and says that Otterbein’s connections and proximity to Columbus made all the difference for him in his search for jobs and networking.  “Just by being in…

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Senior Athletic Training Students Advance to the National Athletic Trainers Association Quiz Bowl

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News - April 6, 2023

By Erica Bush ’25  After a fierce competition at the Great Lakes Athletic Trainers Association (GLATA) Quiz Bowl, three senior athletic training students will advance to compete in the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) Quiz Bowl in June in Indianapolis.  The competition started for three Otterbein students — Leah McNutt, Mamadu Nabe, and Olivia Teague — in November 2022 at the Ohio Athletic Trainers’ Association (OATA) Quiz Bowl, which they won. Two other athletic training seniors, Kalie Siereveld and Courtney…

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How is a Philosophy and Religion Major or Minor Perfect for a Future Doctor, Lawyer, Software Engineer, and More?

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News - April 6, 2023

By Erica Bush ’25  When considering what major to study, many students choose one with a career in mind, so they may overlook a versatile degree like philosophy and religion.   We asked Assistant Professor Alex Rocklin, Department of Philosophy and Religion, why students should consider studying philosophy and religion at Otterbein.   What specific jobs are out in the market for people with an undergraduate degree in philosophy and religion?   Career outcomes are so much more diverse than most people realize.…

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Cool Courses: Otterbein’s President and First Lady Want You to Learn about Civic Engagement

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News - April 6, 2023

If you want more face time with Otterbein’s president, all you have to do is take his course! President John Comerford and his wife, Rachel, teach a Senior Year Experience course about civic engagement and leadership before sending them off into their careers with a professional network many people would envy! And they do it while providing the strong support and life lessons that students get from all their professors at Otterbein.  Are you ready to enroll so you can…

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