Forever OHIO: A network beyond OHIO’s walls

“Once a Bobcat, always a Bobcat” is a common expression in the Ohio University community. Becoming a Bobcat for life means OHIO students build themselves, prepare for the future and foster lifelong and meaningful connections. Forever OHIO isn’t just about a community that exists within Ohio, but one with roots globally coming together to form the global Bobcat spirit.

Programs like OHIO Excursions , planned and coordinated by the Ohio University Alumni Association (OUAA) provide transformative, memorable experiences that strengthen the University's alumni network and allow current students and alumni to connect, expanding their Bobcat network locally and internationally. A classic example has been the OHIO Excursions: Soccer & Culture Tour in England.

This trip brought together 25 alumni and students for an experience blending sport, culture and deep Bobcat connections. It was an opportunity for alumni and students—many of whom had never met before—to create lifelong friendships and strengthen their connection to OHIO.

Part of the traveling group was the assistant professor of instruction in sports coaching education who is a former professional soccer player for Hull City Tigers FC and Scunthorpe United FC, Dr. Ashley Allanson . Allanson, who helped create the Ohio University Alumni Association’s soccer-themed excursion, reflected on how the experience deepened connections within the Bobcat community.

"I was able to connect with the alums on the tour through their passion of soccer in the hope to assist Ohio University students in the undergraduate and graduate coaching education degrees to potentially connect with these alums for job opportunities and/or mentorship," Allanson said.

One standout connection was with alumna Megan Normansell, BSC '14, associate director for recreational sports at  UCLA .

"We have been collaborating on how we can think about ways academia and recreational sports can be used for student opportunities, as well as research," Allanson said, citing the opportunity for internships and further research "to develop how recreational sport engages university students in both institutions."

The group travel experience itself left a lasting impression. 

"It was incredible to be around like-minded Bobcats who embraced my own [British] culture... especially enjoying the 'football' at different levels," Allanson said. "The camaraderie was unforgettable—whether watching matches, sightseeing, or simply socializing, everyone was eager to share the journey together."

There were many unique experiences on this particular tour. Bobcat Tyler Hamstra, MRSS ‘23, was an online master’s student . Although OHIO’s online programs usually include a residency component, Hamstra missed coming to campus because of COVID, and the OHIO Excursions trip was a long-awaited chance to connect.

"It was great to finally meet so many current Bobcats and alumni in person," Hamstra said. "It was great to meet so many current bobcats and bobcat alumni."

The highlight? A vibrant OHIO alumni party in Chelsea, London.

"I believe almost 60 to 70 alumni joined us in London who all live in Europe," Hamstra said. "It really was impressive. I know it has helped create a bigger community in Europe for the future."

The experience reignited Hamstra's pride in Ohio University. 

"The trip was so inspiring that I finally drove from Pittsburgh to visit campus for the first time," he said. "Now, I can’t wait for the next one."

Terry Trnavsky, BSSE ‘99, experienced this journey with his son Evan Trnavsky, who is a current OHIO student. Both agreed it was an unforgettable experience that allowed them to share their mutual love of the sport and their alma mater.

"Evan is one of the biggest football fans you’ll meet of both current and past teams,” Trnavsky said. "He was a little hesitant... but once the trip was underway, he was another Bobcat on a trip to Europe to watch football matches with folks who shared the same love of the game." 

The trip gave them flexibility to explore but also moments to bond—whether over pints, stadium tours, or dissecting the differences between American and European football.  

For Terry Trnavsky, seeing his son keep in touch with the group back on campus made the experience even more special.

"My wife, and I met at the CSC computer lab and have been coming to Athens and the Hocking Hills with the kids for years after we graduated," he said. "The school and area are one of favorite places to visit as a family, but when it came time to choose a school, we left the decisions in our boys’ hands to decide. Not only is Evan going to OU, but his older brother is also there which couldn’t have made us happier!"

Taylor Hayes, assistant director of alumni relations and campus partnerships in the OUAA, organized the trip. She said it was "incredibly rewarding."

"The enthusiasm and engagement we witnessed affirmed the value of such immersive experiences," Hayes said. "This trip served as a pilot for a model we’re developing, inspired by the strong connections and positive feedback from our alumni. We’re excited to see where OHIO Excursions goes next. Stay tuned for what’s to come!"

Normansell and Ashley Thomas, BSC ‘17, who both live in Los Angeles, didn’t know each other as students but have now met—without planning to—in three different countries as Bobcats abroad.

“Ashley and I never knew each other as students, yet we’ve now watched soccer together in three different countries,” Normansell said. “From L.A. to Marseille to England, OU brought us together.”

Thomas was "a little hesitant" going into the trip. 

"I honestly didn’t really know what to expect when traveling with a group of people I’ve never met before, but I felt so at ease with everyone within the first day or so," Thomas said. "I think it was because we all had a base level understanding of each other being that we’re Bobcats who love soccer."

For both of them, this trip made them appreciate Bobcat pride and showed just how far the University’s network reaches. 

"It turned out to be the perfect choice and now we joke about what country we’ll go to next to watch soccer games," Thomas said.

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OUAA has another Excursion experience planned. This time, they will take a group to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park.

Learn more and register