Westerville 'Hearts' Otterbein

CELEBRATING 175 YEARS OF EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE

How often do we stop and think about the fact that Otterbein University is nestled right here in Westerville? In Uptown, with a 140 acre-footprint and some 3,000 students from all over the world?

It’s impressive. It’s important. It’s been 175 years in the making.

Otterbein’s storied history in Westerville indeed started in 1847, when founded by the Church of the United Brethren in Christ (named for founder Philip William Otterbein). That was before slavery was abolished in the U.S., and before many institutions admitted women and people of color.

Otterbein was progressive even then, earning the distinction of equality and inclusivity it carries today when it became the nation’s first institution to admit women as faculty members and students and then students of color before the Civil War. (Decades later, Otterbein welcomed Japanese- American students who had been sent to internment camps during World War II.)

Westerville’s geography and character were important to Otterbein’s founders. The proximity to Columbus is an ongoing asset that keeps students near metropolitan opportunities with the amenities and safety of a nowsuburban community.

More than 25,000 alumni call or have called Westerville home during their academic pursuits, creating some of the finest liberal arts minds who go on to influence and change the arts to corporate America and everything in between. In the modern era, Otterbein has invested in technology and innovation, exposing students to an unmatched level of readiness for post-collegiate life.

The Point at Otterbein, for example, was among Westerville’s first major innovation declarations. The City is a partner and collaborator in The Point as an economic development investment. This particular partnership is a business attraction tool and helps build and recruit talent in innovation and technology.

But, Westerville and Otterbein have been partners for more than 100 years. Practically founded together, the formation of our communities have been in sync from the very beginning. It’s called a Town/Gown relationship, a moniker to describe how cities and colleges or universities work and live together. An example: the Westerville Division of Fire was founded by the College before becoming a public safety department operated by the City.

It’s not only the traditional on-campus students Otterbein has touched in its decades of existence. Otterbein meets every student where they stand, developing programs for adult learners as well. Its graduate school offers advanced degrees in the areas of allied health, business (MBA), education, educational mathematics and nursing.

Otterbein’s prominence in the Westerville community is among the most visible and cherished. Join us in celebrating Otterbein throughout the year, as they mark the occasion through special events. And learn more about the University at www.otterbein.edu/175-years.

Header photo provided by Otterbein University.