60th Anniversary: Celebrating the Center for International Studies

Join us at Jackie O's Brewpub (to the left of Jackie O’s Public House) for a special welcome reception celebrating the 60th Anniversary of the Center for International Studies at Ohio University. Reconnect with fellow alumni, enjoy local flavors, and rediscover your Bobcat spirit in a festive atmosphere.

Recommended attire: Bobcat casual

Celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the Center for International Studies with a distinguished welcome dinner at the historic Zenner House. This elegant evening will be an opportunity for alumni to reconnect, reflect on shared memories, and look forward to new chapters in the heart of Athens.

Recommended attire: Business casual

In partnership with Rural Action and Appalachian Understories, Echoes of Athens: Stories of Diversity and Discovery invites you on a profound journey through the vibrant mosaic of Athens' community. Explore unique cultural landmarks, engage in enriching experiences like drum circles and historical moments, and uncover the rich, diverse narratives that have shaped this region.

We will meet at the Ohio University Inn, 331 Richland Avenue. Each activity takes place at various locations throughout the surrounding Athens area. 

Itinerary
9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Our first stop of the day is with David Butcher to explore his People of Color Museum. David is a master storyteller and will share his life-long genealogical research with us.

12:15 p.m.-1:15 p.m.
Lunch by Mauvette’s Jamaican Food Catering at the Federal Valley Resource Center 

1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m.
Partaking in a drum circle led by Lawrence R. Greene who is the founder of Ugata: drum and dance. Lawrence started leading drum circles as a way to connect Southern Ohio with Pan African culture. Ugata is the study of a set of rhythms from the African diaspora.

3:15 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
Partake in an Underground Railroad immersive journey at the Multicultural Genealogical Center where you and other participants will seek clues that Freedom Seekers used. Come discover the journey to freedom that Chesterhill is part of. The Multicultural Genealogical Center began in 2000 and is dedicated to documenting the contributions of multicultural and multiracial families to the social, cultural, political, religious, educational, and economic development of the Ohio River Valley.

Join us for the Bobcat Brunch, a delightful brunch event where alumni can enjoy a spread of morning favorites paired with spirited conversations. Gather at Baker Center on the second floor to reconnect and reminisce about your time at the Center for International Studies, celebrating its 60th anniversary.

Join us for an elegant evening from 5:30 to 8:00 pm at the Baker Ballroom, celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Center for International Studies and Ohio University’s commitment to global engagement. The evening features the International Education Week Awards Ceremony, where we will honor faculty, staff, alumni, and community members (individuals or organizations) for their outstanding contributions to international education, global competency, cultural understanding, and international programs at Ohio University or in their respective fields.

Following the awards ceremony, enjoy an evening filled with music, fine dining, and the opportunity to connect and network with OHIO’s globally engaged community. This gala will celebrate CIS’s rich legacy of academic excellence and showcase perspectives from distinguished alumni of the programs.

Dress Attire: Guests are encouraged to dress in an internationally festive, formal flair, or business style to add to the evening's celebratory atmosphere.

Please Note:

• Complimentary Admission: Includes access to both the awards ceremony and the gala.
• Support-a-Student Sponsorship - $24: In addition to your admission, your $24 sponsorship will help a student attend the event, fostering the next generation of global leaders.

We look forward to welcoming you to this memorable celebration of global excellence and community at Ohio University.