OWU Near You is returning from September 11-18, 2025, with numerous alumni already eager to take the helm as event hosts.
We're expanding our reach to connect Ohio Wesleyan alumni in places where we haven't traditionally held events. From unexpected pockets of Bishops in major cities to close-knit groups in smaller communities, OWU Near You brings together alumni, family, and friends in relaxed, local settings worldwide.
During this week-long celebration, hosts organize casual gatherings that reflect their community's character - whether it's meeting at a coffee shop, brewery, restaurant, or park. These informal get-togethers help us discover and strengthen OWU connections in new territories, ensuring every member of our global university family can stay connected, no matter where life has taken them.
Below you will find a list of locations and hosts that have been confirmed for OWU Near You (Fall 2025). We will be adding more locations each month and registration for each event will open in early July 2025.
| City | Time | Location | Host(s) | Registration |
| Atlanta, GA | TBD | TBD | Tom Simons '88 | Coming Soon! |
| Saunderstown, RI | 6-8 PM | Personal Residence | Perry '91 and Darby '91 Buroker |
| City | Time | Location | Host(s) | Registration |
| Durham, NC | 1-3 PM | Laura Baker Campbell '87 | ||
| Toronto (Canada) | 5-7 PM | Asmita '92 and Neel '93 Sharma | ||
| Boise, ID | 10AM - 12PM | Savannah Domenech '25 |
| City | Time | Location | Host(s) | Registration |
| Half Moon Bay, CA | 2:00-5:00 PM | Personal Residence | James Burns '99 |
| City | Time | Location | Host(s) | Registration |
| Newport Beach, CA | 5:30-7:30 PM | JOEY Newport Beach | Janet de Michaelis '74 |
| City | Time | Location | Host(s) | Registration |
| Ann Arbor, MI | 5:00-7:00 PM | Kat Dudzik '03 | ||
| Cincinnati, OH | 7:00 - 9:00 PM | TBD | Jon Sinclair '90 and Sara Sheets '93 | Coming Soon! |
| City | Time | Location | Host(s) | Registration |
| Charleston, SC | 6:30-8:30 PM | Personal Residence (Hampton Park) | Jonathan Woods '85 | |
| Denver, CO | TBD | TBD | Bob Gordon '88 | Coming Soon! |
| Houston, TX | 5:30-7:30 PM | Kelsey Ullom '14 | ||
| St. Charles, MO | 6:00-8:00 PM | Lydia Hall '17 |
| CITY OR REGION | HOST(S) |
| Dayton, OH | Amy Kreps Shreve '04 |
| Indianapolis, IN | Shannon Sedwick '10 |
| Los Angeles, CA | Keith Rozanski '99 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | Kristin Henning '15 |
| Toledo, OH | Kelli Winston '93 |
| London, England | Katie Venditti Wilkes '91 and Anthony McGuire '13 |
Don't see your city listed? Interested in helping organize a OWU Near You gathering in your area? We can use your help! Email Nick Bowlby, Associate Director of Alumni & Volunteer Engagement, to learn more about coordinating an event in your region.
Host an OWU Near You Gathering: It's Easier Than You Think!
Connecting with fellow Bishops in your area is a relaxed, hassle-free experience. As a host, you'll help create a casual space for alumni to meet, share stories, and strengthen their OWU connections. Here's how simple it is:
Your Role as Host:
We Handle Everything Else:
That's it! The focus is simply on creating an informal atmosphere where Bishops can connect and catch up. We've streamlined the process to make hosting as effortless as possible.
Have questions? The Alumni Engagement team is here to help. We're happy to schedule a call or Zoom meeting to discuss the details and ensure you feel completely comfortable with the process. Email Nick Bowlby, Associate Director of Alumni & Volunteer Engagement, to learn more about coordinating an event in your region.
