Professional development for OHIO’s next generation of volunteer leaders.
A message from Dr. Lori Stewart Gonzalez on this unique program opportunity.
About Young Alumni Leaders
The Young Alumni Leaders (YAL) program is designed to empower you—an engaged and enthusiastic recent OHIO graduate—to stay connected with your alma mater and gain the skills, experiences, and relationships that will help you become a successful Bobcat volunteer leader. Throughout the program, you’ll focus on your personal and professional growth through lessons and opportunities that are relevant to your work, life, and future volunteer service.
While we will have occasional, optional volunteering opportunities during the program, our time together will be spent learning about the University landscape and how to be an exceptional volunteer leader for OHIO and beyond.
Group-based project: Program participants will also be assigned to a small group within the cohort with whom they will work on an Alumni Engagement project. This project is based on appreciative inquiry, identifying and elevating what works well in alumni engagement efforts, and co-creating simple strategies to amplify existing success. We are excited to have several campus partners in this project which allows cohort members to meaningfully connect with University leaders. This will be a practical and applicable exercise aimed at providing real-world experience to cohort members.
Program Benefits
- Discover OHIO: Get an inside look at OHIO’s mission, and how alumni like you support our students and communities.
- Expand Your Bobcat Network:Connect with recent grads and build lasting relationships with fellow young alums.
- Grow as a Leader: Explore and refine your personal working style while shaping your legacy as an engaged alum.
- Give Back with Purpose: Explore meaningful ways to support OHIO through your lived experiences and talents.
- Enjoy Exclusive Perks: Access special events, program swag, and connections with faculty and University leaders.
Schedule of Sessions
The Young Alumni Leaders Fall 2025 cohort will run from August through November 2025. This is a 14-week program, and all sessions are mandatory.
- Tuesday, Aug. 12 | 5:30-7 p.m. EST | Virtual Opening Session
- Tuesday, Aug. 26 | Noon-1 p.m. EST | Virtual
- Tuesday, Sept. 9 | Noon-1 p.m. EST | Virtual
- Tuesday, Sept. 23 | Noon-1 p.m. EST | Virtual
- Tuesday, Oct. 7 | Noon-1 p.m. EST | Virtual
- Tuesday, Oct. 21 | Noon-1 p.m. EST | Virtual
- Monday, Nov. 3 | Noon-1 p.m. EST | Virtual
- Friday, Nov. 14 | Full Day | In-person Closing Sessions in Athens, OH
Program Cost
The cost to participate in the Young Alumni Program is $50. Participants of the program will receive monthly professional development, YAL swag, and will enjoy catered meals during the in-person event. Payment is due upon acceptance into the program.
Requirements and Additional Information
- The Young Alumni Leaders program is open to all Ohio University alumni up to approximately 35 years of age.
- Approximately 30 alumni will be selected to join the Fall 2025 cohort.
- Participants must attend all sessions, both in-person and virtual.
- The 14-week program time commitment is approx. 20 hours with additional group work time for the Alumni Engagement project work.
How to Apply
Applications will be accepted through Monday, June 24.
Application elements include:
- Basic contact and education information
- Resume
- Three brief essay prompts:
- Please provide a brief bio (1200-character max.)
- Why are you interested in participating in the Young Alumni Leaders program? (1200-character max.)
- What inspires you to be a volunteer for Ohio University? (1200-character max)
Please note, our application system will not save progress if exited mid-way. Therefore, please plan to submit all pieces of the application in one sitting.
Program Testimonials
"The YAL program has been extremely enlightening. I’m grateful to have built relationships with alumni from diverse backgrounds with the common goal of enhancing the university we love. I am excited for the opportunity to contribute even more!"
“The YAL program has allowed me to re-engage with my university in a way I hadn’t imagined. While I was gaining leadership skills, I was also making an impact and expanding my network. It was so much fun to be with other Bobcats and band together to improve the university we love!”
“Being part of the Ohio University Young Alumni Leadership Program has been an incredible journey of growth, connection, and purpose. Collaborating with fellow alumni on our initiative reinforced the power of collective leadership and the impact we can make together.
I am grateful for this experience and excited to carry forward the lessons and relationships built along the way.”
“As a proud Ohio University Chillicothe alum, I am grateful for my time in the Young Alumni Leadership program. Connecting with passionate Bobcats and contributing to our alumni community's growth has been incredibly rewarding.
I eagerly look forward to bringing the skills and experiences I've gained back to Chillicothe and fostering a stronger sense of pride among our regional campus alumni.”
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Meet OHIO’s Young Alumni Leaders