Alumnus/a of the Year
This distinction is presented to alumni who previously have received the Medal of Merit or Distinguished Service Award and who either have distinguished themselves professionally or given notable service and support to Ohio University.
Medal of Merit Award
This award is presented to alumni who have achieved distinction in their chosen fields. Formerly called the Certificate of Merit, it was officially renamed by the Alumni Association Board of Directors in 1979. All past Certificate of Merit recipients are also listed as holders of the Medal of Merit.
Distinguished Service Award
The Alumni Association established this award in 1982 to recognize exceptional service on behalf of alumni chapters, clubs, constituent societies and, in special instances, Ohio University and its colleges and schools. Groups that nominate or that have as members successful candidates present these awards.
Charles J. and Claire O. Ping Recent Graduate Award
This award is presented to alumni who graduated with their first baccalaureate degree from Ohio University within the last 15 years, and who demonstrate the positive impact their University education has had on their profession and community. Awardees have been actively involved with the University through exemplary service or support.
In 1990, the Alumni Association Board of Directors established the Recent Graduate Award. In 1994, it was renamed to honor President Emeritus Charles J. Ping, HON ’94, and First Lady Claire O. Ping, HON ’94, for their years of service to Ohio University. The 18th president of Ohio University, Charles Ping served from 1975 to 1994.
Honorary Alumnus/a
Honorary membership to Ohio University or to the Alumni Association is bestowed on non-alumni who have made a positive impact on OHIO’s students, faculty, staff, and community.
The Kermit Blosser OHIO Athletics Hall of Fame
OHIO’s Athletics Hall of Fame was established in 1965 and presently includes 230 members. Current Hall of Fame members, coaches, student-athletes, alumni, and/or Ohio Athletics staff members may make nominations. A committee comprising former student-athletes, Hall of Fame members, and staff members meet annually to review the nominations. Former student-athletes, coaches/administrators, and staff members are eligible for nomination. Guidelines allow the committee to annually induct up to four new members from the “Contemporary Era” and one from the “Heritage Era.”
Periodically, the Ohio Athletics Department will recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of Ohio University Intercollegiate Athletics. These recipients are typically also recognized for their accomplishments in the athletics/sports industry as well as in their personal and/or professional life. These individuals are given the distinction of the “Glenn C. Randall Lifetime Achievement Award," which is named after its first recipient.
The Hall of Fame is located in the main lobby of the Convocation Center and is open to the public during normal business hours.