2003-2004 celebrates the Bicentennial of Ohio University at Athens, Ohio -- the oldest university in the original Northwest Territory.
The Beta Chapter of Delta Tau Delta, the oldest continuously existing chapter of the Fraternity was founded in 1862, and it's members have been instrumental in the leadership and history of the University. Two buildings, the Galbreath Chapel (
http://www.ohiou.edu/athens/bldgs/gchapel.html) and the Konneker Alumni Center(
http://www.ohiou.edu/athens/bldgs/konneker.html) were donated by, are named after Beta Delt brothers. Ohio Delts have served the university as everything from professors, to administrators to football coach -- a man who was also Chapter Advisor for many years.
As a proud alumni of both the University and the Chapter, I can't wait to attend Homecoming in about a month, as the year kicks off.
Here is an excerpt from the official Bicentennial book:
Ohio University, 1804–2004
The Spirit of a Singular Place
Author: Betty Hollow
Book Review
Collaborative history published in celebration of the university's bicentennial, Betty Hollow’s lively narrative depicts the historical, academic, and cultural events that shaped the school’s growth.
"In 1787, New Englanders Rufus Putnam and Manasseh Cutler were eager for better lives in the Northwest Territory, the country's new frontier. As members of the Ohio Company, they purchased a tract of land north of the Ohio River. The purchase as approved by the Continental Congress included the gift of two townships to support a university.
In 1804 the Ohio University was chartered; in 1808 it opened its door to three students. Over the next two centuries, this public institution in the small town of Athens, Ohio, became known as a place of beauty buoyed by a democratic spirit, unswerving individualism, and dynamic appeal."
To quote Ohio Alumn Matt Lauer on the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade (last year I believe), when the O.U. Marching 110 passed by, "Can I gloat?"
What a great school!
www.ohio.edu
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