Ottawa University Alumni

09/16/2026

We are deeply saddened to share that Jeanne (Elwell) O’Dell ’56 passed away on the evening of September 15.

Jeanne was a warm, strong, and deeply committed member of the OU family who exemplified the very best of the Ottawa Spirit. She and her husband, Jim ’57, have been among Ottawa University’s most devoted and generous supporters, and Jeanne’s love for OU will be remembered by many.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Jim, their daughter, Donna Petrocco ’82, and the entire O’Dell family during this difficult time.

Information regarding services will be shared at a later date.

09/15/2026

Phoenix-area OU alumni and friends — let’s connect!

Join us Thursday, October 1, for a special OU Connect happy hour at Aunt Chilada’s in Phoenix and meet Dr. Theresa Billiot, Dean of Ottawa University’s Angell/Snyder School of Business.

Enjoy margaritas and appetizers on us, reconnect with fellow alumni and friends, make some new connections, and hear from Dr. Billiot about ways you can get involved — including mentoring, job shadowing, networking, advisory opportunities and more.

Most importantly, she wants to hear from you — your ideas, your experience and your perspective.

📅 Thursday, October 1
⏰ 5–8 p.m. — come and go as your schedule allows
📍 Aunt Chilada’s, Phoenix

Let us know you're coming: Phoenix-area OU alumni and friends — let’s connect! 🧡

Join us Thursday, October 1, for a special OU Connect happy hour at Aunt Chilada’s in Phoenix and meet Dr. Theresa Billiot, Dean of Ottawa University’s Angell/Snyder School of Business.

Enjoy margaritas and appetizers on us, reconnect with fellow alumni and friends, make some new connections, and hear from Dr. Billiot about ways you can get involved — including mentoring, job shadowing, networking, advisory opportunities and more.

Most importantly, she wants to hear from you — your ideas, your experience and your perspective.

📅 Thursday, October 1
⏰ 5–8 p.m. — come and go as your schedule allows
📍 Aunt Chilada’s, Phoenix

https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/registration-form/?formId=241ecf9f-73ab-4e60-a5dc-8f6f818c07ba&envId=p-1YTMRzsU1kGfurndiZ8YpA&zone=usa

Alums. Friends. Forever Connected.

09/11/2026

🖤💛 YOUR HOMECOMING WEEKEND IS WAITING! 💛🖤

Three days. Plenty of reasons to come home.

Ottawa University Homecoming 2026 is set for October 15–17, and we’ve got a full weekend planned for Braves returning to campus!

From reconnecting over coffee and touring campus to celebrating fellow alumni, tailgating with friends and cheering on the Braves, Homecoming is all about the people, places and memories that make OU special.

👀 Check out the full schedule below and start planning your weekend!

Already know someone you want to see at Homecoming? Tag them in the comments and tell them it’s time to come back to OU!

🗓️ October 15–17, 2026
📍 Ottawa University | Ottawa, Kansas

Register today: https://www.ottawa.edu/homecoming/registration

09/10/2026

Join us in the Arrowhead Suite this Saturday night for OU Braves Football 🏈

09/09/2026

Students, staff and alums are invited to join Doc Menninger in one of the seasonal devotional projects. Email: [email protected]
OUKS Campus Ministries If you are interested in writing a devotional for this season.

Call for Lenten Devotionals...It's that time again!

09/08/2026

Ottawa University is saddened to learn of the passing of longtime professor Dr. Lora K. Reiter, who passed away September 4 at the age of 87.

Dr. Reiter dedicated many years to teaching at Ottawa University, sharing her love of literature, language, writing, and learning with generations of students. Her influence extended well beyond the classroom, and she will be remembered by countless alumni and colleagues whose lives she touched during her years at OU.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Dr. Reiter’s family, friends, former students, and all who knew and loved her.

Her legacy as an educator, writer, and member of the Ottawa University family will be remembered with gratitude.

https://www.schoenfhm.com/obituaries/lora-reiter

09/05/2026

📬 OU Alumni — check your inbox!

The latest edition of the OU Forever More Newsletter was sent yesterday, and we hope you'll take a few minutes to check it out!

Inside, you'll find stories about the people, students and opportunities that continue to make Ottawa University such a special place — including stories of impact from across our campuses and a look at what's happening at OU today.

Didn't receive it? Let us know in the comments and we'll provide info on how to update your contact information in the OU Portal. We'd love to make sure you're on the list for future editions.

🖤💛 Once a Brave, Always a Brave.

09/04/2026

🖤💛 BLACK & GOLD IS CALLING YOU HOME! 💛🖤

Ottawa University Homecoming 2026 is coming October 15–17, and we’re ready to welcome Braves back to campus!

Whether it’s been a year, a decade or several decades since you’ve been back, Homecoming is your chance to reconnect with old friends, revisit familiar places and celebrate the OU memories and friendships that last a lifetime.

This year’s weekend will feature the Braves Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet, campus tours, Celebration Luncheon, Alumni Association Banquet, Braves Tailgate, Homecoming football, alumni gatherings, Braves and Beverages on campus and much more.

📅 October 15–17, 2026
📍 Ottawa University — Ottawa, Kansas

Registration is now open! Make your plans, reach out to your OU friends and come home to Black & Gold.

👉 https://www.ottawa.edu/homecoming/registration

Once a Brave, Always a Brave. 🖤💛

09/02/2026

OU CONNECT is headed to the KC Zoo & Aquarium! 🦈🖤💛

Braves, we’re ready to Connect again—and this time we’re gathering inside the KC Zoo & Aquarium!

Join us Thursday, September 24, from 5–7 p.m. for a casual evening of reconnecting, sharing stories and spending time with fellow members of the OU family in an amazing setting... the Zoo Aquarium 🐬

OU alumni, family and friends are all invited—and the event is FREE!

We’ll provide the drinks and appetizers. You just bring yourself, your family and a few OU stories to share!

📅 Thursday, September 24 | 5–7 p.m.
📍 KC Zoo & Aquarium | 6800 Zoo Drive, Kansas City

Admission is free, but registration is required so we know how many guests to plan for.

REGISTER HERE:
https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/registration-form/?formId=58205366-c86e-419d-8a44-236664eb7d1f&envId=p-1YTMRzsU1kGfurndiZ8YpA&zone=usa

Know a fellow Brave in the Kansas City area? Tag them or share this post and invite them to join you!

Braves. Friends. Forever Connected.