Bishop Stories & News

Meet our Bishops

The Bishop network is full of amazing alumni, friends, parents, donors, and volunteers who connect in their local communities and around the globe to make a difference in our shared world.

When Givers Gain: The Reciprocal Power of Service and Social Good

Ken Robinson '95 and his wife, Dr. Tara Stipe Robinson '93 reminisce about their time at Ohio Wesleyan and share a core memory, "We used to drink our coffee from this big, old, plastic, 1990's coffee mug with a tagline 'Education for Leadership and Service.'" The message on the mug, philanthropy through Delta Zeta, and the transformational influence of Chaplain Jon Powers set the Robinsons on personal and professional paths based on compassionate service and advocacy for others. Click here to read more about Ken and Tara's story.

OWU's Beloved Mathematician

Throughout his career, Jeff Nunemacher consistently embraced new challenges and opportunities. As an experienced mathematician and professor of mathematics at the University of Texas at Austin, Kenyon College, and Oberlin College, Nunemacher was ready for a new challenge when Ohio Wesleyan asked him to tackle Computer Science as an incoming professor in 1985. Read more about Jeff here.

Shaping the Future through Devoted Service

When Chris Litzler ʼ14 participated in the Summer on the Cuyahoga (SOTC) program as a student,  his experience shaped his future involvement with Ohio Wesleyan University. As an alum of the program, Chris has become a dedicated volunteer and philanthropist, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of current OWU students. Read more about Chris and the impact of his service.

Empowering the Next Generation of First-Gen Students

As a first-generation college student, Linda Stude '71 recognizes the value of higher education. However, some members of her family were resistent when she told them she was going to college. She fondly recalls her late grandfather asking her, "Why do you want to attend college? You're just going to get married." Learn more about Linda and how she is helping current first-gen students realize their dreams.

A Perfect Pairing: Ohio Wesleyan and JP Morgan Chase

What do peanut butter and jelly, cookies and milk, Superman and Lois Lane, Nutella and well, anything, and Paida Saburi '02 and Ohio Wesleyan have in common? They are all magical pairings, and in the case of Paida and OWU, they can even change lives. Read more about how Paida connected OWU to JP Morgan Chase.

From OWU to Formula One Racing

How did a boy from New York, break dancing in the streets of Brooklyn, end up at Ohio Wesleyan in 1988? "I did research and visited OWU during the Slice of Life weekend, and that weekend sold me on coming to OWU. And my years here, those were the best four years of my life," shared Paul Asencio '92, a distinguished alum and the Chief Revenue Officer in the Formula One industry, during his visit to OWU. 

When She Taught, Everything Just Made Sense

As an Emeritus Professor, Anne Fry, Ph.D., '15 HON, has been a champion of the liberal arts, and most specifically, Ohio Wesleyan University since she joined the faculty in 1969.

Within the zoology department, Anne developed a reputation as a strong researcher and a demanding, fair, and inspiring teacher. Anne became the youngest faculty member to receive Ohio Wesleyan's Welch Meritorious Teaching Award, which is given to Ohio Wesleyan professors who have made a significant contribution to the academic climate at the University. 

Learn how Anne Fry made a difference at OWU and beyond.

Endowed Scholarships Shape the Future of OWU

Memories, relationships, and current engagement with the University prompted Nancy Spain's '64 generosity.

"I realized that it was both possible and easy to begin supporting a student financially. Moreover, a scholarship does not have to be huge to generate a big return. Giving is exhilarating. One's gift benefits a student personally and immediately. AND it is perpetual!" Read more to discover why Nancy chooses to give back to OWU.

Sharing Parent Gratitude 

Steve and Hope Heaney P'19 sought to give back to Ohio Wesleyan University in gratitude for the education, leadership, and support their student had received, hoping that future students would similarly benefit. The Heaneys met with Doug Koyle, Associate Dean for Student Success, who helped identify mental health as an area that needed enhancement on the OWU campus. As a result of their contribution, the University reinforced the importance of health, wellness, and mental health as an essential component of each student's overall health, well-being, and performance. Read more about how Steve and Hope Heaney support OWU.

Nan's Fans: The Heritage She Left Behind

Nan Carney-DeBord was the number one fan of countless Bishops. While coaching and teaching at Ohio Wesleyan, she cheered on students and athletes in the classroom, on the court and field, and in life. Nan's positivity and enthusiasm extended to colleagues, alumni, and parents.

Today, Nan has her official cheering section in the recently renovated Branch Rickey Arena thanks to two top fans—Rachael Grant Allison '89 and Ellen Simpson '77. Read more about Nan's Fans.

A Welcoming Place

When Elizabeth Dale '04, Ph.D. was searching for a college as a high school student, she remembers Ohio Wesleyan as very welcoming. That feeling, along with scholarship support, sealed OWU as her college choice. Today, Elizabeth is investing in current Bishops so they also may discover where they belong at Ohio Wesleyan. Read more about how Elizabeth Dale supports OWU.

Belonging to the Wider Community

Ohio Wesleyan parents Lou and Cindy Rose have been deeply impressed by OWU's philosophy that the liberal arts provide not only a means of self-education, but also a sense of belonging to the wider community. Read more about The Rose Family and how they are helping to shape a successful Bishop community.

 Lifelong Volunteer 

During his time at Ohio Wesleyan, Jim Mendenhall '73 was active in Greek Life, a Resident Advisor, SUBA, and Council on Intercollegiate Athletics. Jim's connection to OWU goes all the way back to his childhood in Delaware, OH, and in the fifty years since he graduated, Jim has worn many hats in service to his alma mater. We recently asked Jim to share what motivates him to volunteer in support of Ohio Wesleyan. Read more here.

Young Alum Giving Back

As a student, Ahmed Hamed '20,  served in many leadership positions including Co-Director of the 2020 Mock Convention and OWU's interfaith programming. As an athlete he won the NCAC's Don Hunsinger award for most outstanding student athlete his senior year. The experiences he had as a student will stay with him forever. Learn more here about his desire to give back to future Bishops.