Spring 2017 EditionAlumni & Friends Magazine
More reasons why Athens ranks as “Best College Small Town”
This year, USA TODAY confirmed what students, faculty, staff, and alumni know—that Athens is the country’s “Best College Small Town.”
By Jen Jones Donatelli, BSJ ’98 | March 15, 2017
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In our print issue, we asked OHIO enthusiasts to share some thoughts on why Athens deserves the honor. More perspectives from Bobcats follow:
“What I didn’t appreciate enough as a student was how unique the culture is for a small town in Appalachia. Truly, where else can one support such unique businesses and restaurants and have a real sense of community outside of student life? It’s such an interesting blend of liberal, conservative, and openness. I can’t think of anywhere like it in a more beautiful setting.” — Samantha Dean Depue, BSS ’00
“Athens reflects the generations of students that graced its brick streets. Many students became permanent residents due to how impactful their time spent was cheering on the Bobcats at Peden Stadium, voicing their opposition to the Vietnam War, dancing the night away at Swanky’s, enjoying the day at The Dairy Barn Arts Center, or having a re-energizing swim at Strouds Run State Park. Norman Rockwell would have been inspired as we all were.” — Tim Guesman, BSC ’81, BSC ’14
“I think Athens is the ‘best college small town’ because it’s so much more than that. We have a vibrant community both on- and off-campus. Athens changes people because we’re accepting and open, active in the community, and always looking to help each other out. Athens is an oasis of positive attitudes.” — Melody Weary, BSC ’19
“One of many reasons I believe Athens is the quintessential college town is due to its aesthetically beautiful setting in the rolling hills, dotted by spires sitting atop the Georgian architecture of the University and its historic buildings that sit within it. In other words, it’s an awesome sight to behold.” — Kelly Czack, BSRS ’87, MED ’00, academic advisor, OHIO’s Patton College of Education
“Since this town has such a high density of cultural diversity, you are able to see people from different parts of the world. As for the environment, the image of people running or walking on the bike path under the twilight would be what comes to my mind.”— Tiansen Wu, MFA ’17
“The community works hand in hand with the administration at OHIO to make sure there is a seamless transition between cultures. Athens is OHIO, and OHIO is Athens!” — Andrew Pueschel, management lecturer, OHIO College of Business
—Jen Jones Donatelli, BSJ ’98, a freelance journalist in Los Angeles, California, has written for REDBOOK, Playboy, Natural Health, and Variety. She co-directs OHIO’s OHIO-in-LA program. Catherine Hofacker, BSJ ’18, contributed reporting. Photos by John Halley, MFA '87
Each fall, more than 350 Ohio University Alumni Band members dust off their instruments and flags to strut their stuff at OHIO’s colorful and high-spirited Homecoming Parade. Photo by John Halley, MFA ’87
Graduation day is a busy one, but some still find time to snooze. OHIO’s Spring 2016 commencement honored nearly 3,000 undergraduate students. Photo by John Halley, MFA ’87
A unicyclist balances on the corner of Union and Court Streets, silhouetted by a West Union Street steam tunnel. While a unicyclist sighting is unusual in many towns, it is not for Athens. Photo by John Halley, MFA ’87
Graduation day is a busy one, but some still find time to snooze. OHIO’s Spring 2016 commencement honored nearly 3,000 undergraduate students. Photo by John Halley, MFA ’87
Each fall, more than 350 Ohio University Alumni Band members dust off their instruments and flags to strut their stuff at OHIO’s colorful and high-spirited Homecoming Parade. Photo by John Halley, MFA ’87
Students find unexpected places to sit between classes, including the columns of Margaret M. Walter Hall. The building has many nooks and crannies, perfect for work or relaxation. Photo by John Halley, MFA ’87
The Alumni Gateway incoming inscription as one enters College Green reads, “So enter that daily thou mayest grow in knowledge wisdom and love.” Perhaps puppies should be added to the list. Photo by John Halley, MFA ’87
As the sun sets on Court and Union Streets, the uptown area remains busy. (October 2013) Photo by John Halley MFA ’87
The warmer the weather, the more students flock to College Green. While many prefer to just lounge, this student practiced juggling. Photo by John Halley, MFA ’87
Only in Athens
After moving to Athens in 1985 to pursue a graduate degree, John Halley, MFA ’87, landed a job in 1990 as staff photographer at The Athens Messenger. He’s been photographing the people and places of Athens County in his singular way ever since. An excerpted Q&A with Halley that first appeared in The Athens Messenger follows. (Used with permission.)
Why photography? “I thought it was going to be easy... As the years go on, I find out just how much depth there is to photography, and I’m still discovering more depth.”
Why do you like small towns? “…I really don’t like traffic. (In big cities) you could be stuck in traffic for an hour trying to get to work and here, if you have a 10-minute delay, everyone’s up in arms. I like the smallness of it…”
What should a first-time visitor to Athens County do first? “They need to go down Court Street (in Athens). They need to go there in the daytime and then again at night. It’s two different worlds.”
