Busy Spring Quarter

Leesha Blake, Senior, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

Athens, OH 10 May 2012 – Spring quarter has been busy, but fun. My family came to visit two weekends ago for the Athens triathelon. My dad and my brother both competed. My mom and I had to get up really early to watch them compete, but it was still fun. They did really well; my brother even got first place in his age division! Last weekend was moms’ weekend, and my mom and I got to do a lot of fun stuff, like shopping and watching movies. We have also been doing a lot to get ready for graduation. Some of my family is coming to see graduation, and we are going to have a cookout at my apartment after the ceremony. I am really excited to see everyone.
I still have a lot to do in the meantime, though. Next weekend is the spring Tau Beta Pi induction, and since I am an officer, I get to help induct the new initiates. Tau Beta Pi is the engineering honor society, and we are getting ready to start some pretty fun stuff for next year, like volunteer work, tutoring sessions, and even some fun social activities.

I’ve also been doing a lot to get ready to go to graduate school. I already started research on my first grad school project, and I am registered to present my project at an American Institute of Chemical Engineers conference in the fall. All in all, it has been a busy but fun quarter, and I have a lot to look forward to as I get ready for graduation and moving on to grad school.

Sibs Weekend 2012

Evan Teske, Senior, Industrial and Systems Engineering

Athens, OH 21 February 2012 – This past weekend was Sib’s weekend here at OU. Normally I’d expect weekends like this to be a bit chaotic, with siblings of every age uniting after time apart—-if only to just show off the new pad-—but it usually ends up leading to good old times. This year was a pleasant break from the usual crowded apartments and houses I’ve lived in off campus, when occupancy suddenly doubles or triples and everyone shows their true selves with a brother or sister around. My house this year is spacious, and having only one roommate as opposed to four makes having company pretty manageable. We were even able to cook dinner Friday before going out.

It ended up being beautiful on Saturday, and I got to show them the Ridges and a little driving tour of campus in the car I bought last year for my internship. I got to show them my old houses and dorms, and some of my other favorites around Athens (Miller’s Chicken, OU Golf Course, Haffa’s, The Donkey). It was fun for me too; I don’t often have a reason to venture down to South Green or across the river. I felt like I was reminded of some of the things that drew me here in the first place.

Homecoming 2011

Abby Frankart, Senior, Mechanical Engineering

Athens, OH 18 October 2011 – Homecoming at Ohio University is not only a fun opportunity for alumni to enjoy college again, but it is also a great weekend for current students.

To start, there is the parade that goes the wrong way up one-way Court Street. The street lines up with students supporting student organizations, Athens fire department and law enforcement, political parties, and the homecoming court. Voting for homecoming king and queen is a tradition not left behind in high school (though the homecoming dance is!!).

There is also the chance to show your school spirit by attending the football game. This year the stadium was packed with undergrads, grad students, and alumni alike in support of the Bobcats.

Another great opportunity that many don’t associate with homecoming is the fact that a lot of distinguished alumni come back to campus. This homecoming I had the privilege of meeting Carla Lucchino who is the highest ranked civilian in the Navy and recent recipient of the Medal of Merit from Ohio University. Myself and a few other students were able to listen to her speak in one of our classes as well as have breakfast with her.

Showing school spirit, meeting distinguished alumni, and enjoying the parade are just some of the fun things during homecoming weekend.

Homecoming Pride

Bill Kandel, Senior, Mechanical Engineering

Athens, OH 17 October 2011 – This weekend reminded me how beautiful Athens can be in the fall. The temperature was perfect–in the low 70’s, the skies were clear, and the smell of fall filled the air. Yet this weekend was not about the weather; this weekend, like all things Ohio University, was about the people. It was about bringing together of the entire Bobcat family, with people from all over the nation, and even world, to celebrate the Green and White. Alumni, facility, staff, and students all witnessed many heartwarming experiences this homecoming. Alumni filled the stadiums, streets, and bars renewing Ohio University pride for another year.

The Homecoming parade was probably my favorite part of the entire weekend. Thousands of alumni, students, facility and their children filled the street united in their sense of Ohio pride. The Marching 110 topped off the parade in the company of the alumni band in a beautiful demonstration of Ohio unity. You’re not a Bobcat for four years; you’re a Bobcat for life. I had the honor of meeting people that graduated in the 1960’s to 5 year old children wearing Bobcat shirts that read “Class of 2028” (If that doesn’t make you feel old I don’t know what will). Regardless the reason for being there it was great to see the pride of Ohio at its finest. There’s no place like Ohio University home.

Homecoming Weekend

Leesha Blake, Senior, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

Athens, OH 17 October 2011 – I have been doing A LOT this quarter! Class work takes up most of my time, but when your classes are as interesting as mine, that’s ok. I think the most interesting class that I’m taking right now is Unit Operations. It’s one of those “putting it all together” kinds of classes. The class is a lot of work, but it is so interesting to finally get to see firsthand what we learned in class. The best part is that we work in groups and there are no exams!

Of course, I have also been doing some fun stuff too. This weekend was homecoming weekend, which was especially fun. On Friday night I went to the hockey game, which (lucky for me!) got rescheduled to be a home game instead of an away game. I love going to the hockey games whenever I can. It’s only a few dollars for students to get in, and the hockey team is really good. One of my friends is on the team, so I like to go and watch him play.

Homecoming celebrations happened all day on Saturday. I went to see the parade on Saturday morning, which required me to get up early, but was totally worth it. My favorite entry was the Chinese dragon made entirely from balloons! And of course the Marching 110 and the alumni band were amazing. Every year, alumni from the 110 come back and play in the parade and during halftime at the football game. They are so much fun to watch because it is obvious that they are having a blast out there. I also went to the game that afternoon, which is a great thing to do on weekends because it’s free for students to go. I left before the end, but it was an exciting game.

I’m also looking forward to all of the fun stuff that is coming up soon. Halloween is always a fun time—-everyone has such great costumes! And I have a couple of Halloween parties already planned. College is busy, but definitely fun!