Cardinals,
Fall is a wonderful time to be on a college campus. Students and faculty are back and hard at work in classrooms, labs, and on the playing fields. Parking lots are full, and the Cardinal’s Nest is busy. Otterbein is excited to welcome nearly 750 new first-year, adult, and transfer students to campus this fall.
Those students arrive on a campus that is significantly changed after the retirement of two Otterbein legends. Professor Joan Rocks, who developed the Athletic Training program at Otterbein and built the Department of Health and Sport Sciences, retired after serving Otterbein for 34 years. And George “Skip” Ford, after impacting the lives of thousands of Otterbein athletes in his role as athletic facilities supervisor/equipment administrator, retired after 32 years. Both Joan and Skip shaped Otterbein through their hard work, their care, and their commitment to serving others.
READY is another program that sets Otterbein apart from other universities. READY is the only four-year career and professional development program in the state of Ohio in which participation is required to graduate. The most visible part of the program is READY Day, when classes are cancelled and offices are closed so all faculty, staff, and students can participate in an on-campus career development conference. Students are required to participate in immersive, high-impact practice like internships, research and creative work, study abroad, significant leadership activity, or community service. And the program works — 100% of seniors who participated in the National Survey of Student Engagement reported completing an immersive experience. Even more amazing, 90% of seniors reported completing two such experiences, significantly more than our private university peers in the Great Lakes regions.
The Church of the Master celebrates its 175th anniversary this fall. Otterbein and the Church (first known as Otterbein Station) have a history and future that are intertwined. The supportive relationship continues to strengthen. Associate Pastor Lucy Kelly also serves as Otterbein’s director of faith and spiritual life and is making a huge impact on campus while the Church membership provides funds for students in need, special events, and free coffee and donuts every Monday morning!
President John Comerford is pictured here with Church of the Master Senior Pastor Katya Brodbeck. Comerford spoke at the church’s 175th celebration and presented a gift from Otterbein that was created at the Point in the Maker Space. The inscription reads: “Praeterita et Futura Nexa (from Latin, “the past and the future are interconnected”). Presented on this 27th Day of September, 2026 on the Occasion of the Church’s 175th Anniversary.”
Finally, Otterbein celebrated another great Homecoming Weekend. It is wonderful to welcome our alumni back to campus. We had a great 50th Reunion celebration for the Class of 1976.
With Cardinal pride,
John L. Comerford, Ph.D.