OUKS News

(Ottawa, Kansas) – After 18 years at the helm of Ottawa University’s Athletic Department, Arabie Conner, who was the University’s first female athletic director (AD), is stepping down from the role, effective September 8, 2023.

“It is with a deep sense of gratitude mixed with a lot of emotions that I announce the close of my tenure with Ottawa University,” said Conner. “This 27-year journey has afforded me the best years of my career, with the opportunity to collaborate with incredibly dedicated coaches, administrators, faculty, and athletes to grow OU and the OU athletic department into what it is today. I’m thankful for our incredibly loyal and dedicated coaches and staff and to those who have supported me every step along the way.  I’m proud of what we’ve built and looking forward to the next chapter.”

Conner’s athletic leadership at Ottawa University began in 1996, when she was hired as head women’s basketball coach. She went on to become the all-time winningest coach in Braves history with 162 victories over 11 years. During that time, she earned the Kansas Basketball Coaches Associations (KBCA) Women’s College Basketball Coach of the Year award twice (2003-04; 2006-07). In 2004, 2006 and 2007, Conner led the Braves to the KCAC Basketball Tournament Championship and to the NAIA Division II National Tournament. She also helped OU to its first ‘Sweet 16’ appearance at the NAIA National Tournament in 2007.

When Conner transitioned to Director of Athletics in the fall of 2005, she remained the head women’s basketball coach for two additional years until devoting her full attention to the role of AD in fall 2007, where she carried on her tradition of outstanding performance. Throughout her tenure, Conner amassed more honors than any other AD in OU history:

• 33 Varsity Athletic Teams; plus, 18 Developmental/Reserve Teams
  • 17 New Athletic Teams Added
    • Women’s Teams - Golf, Tennis, Wrestling, Lacrosse, Bowling, Beach Volleyball, Powerlifting, Flag Football, STUNT
    • Men’s Teams – Wrestling, Lacrosse, Volleyball, Bowling, Powerlifting
    • Co-Ed Teams - Competitive Cheer, Competitive Dance, Esports
  • 3 Athletic Teams Re-introduced 
    • Men’s Indoor Track & Field
    • Women’s Indoor Track & Field
    • Men’s Tennis
• Student athletes increased from 278 to more than 900
• 6 National Championships including women’s flag football—2021, 2022, 2023, esports (Call of Duty)—2021, competitive dance (NDA)—2014, 2022
• 36 Teams have earned Regular Season KCAC Championships
• 56 NAIA National Tournament Appearances
• 23 Teams have earned KCAC Tournament Championships
• 160 NAIA All-Americans
• 146 NAIA Scholar Teams
• More than 502 Daktronics NAIA Scholar Athletes
• 385 KCAC Players of the Week
• 1,416 All-KCAC Selections
• 12 Times named a Five-Star Champions of Character Institution
• 41 Coaches named KCAC Coach of the Year
• 3 Regional Coaches of the Year.
• 3 Coaches named Kansas Basketball Coaches Association (KBCA) College Coach of the Year
• Assisted with the facility design and campaigns for a number of athletic facility additions and renovations, including but not limited to:
  • New turf fields for baseball, softball, and a multi-purpose field
  • The Braves Athletic Performance Center - a 9,000-square-foot weight room
  • New Press Box at AdventHealth Field at Ottawa University
  • Campus tennis courts
  • New turf design and track upgrades
  • Renovations to Wilson Field House
• Assisted with introduction of the University’s graduate assistant program

While at Ottawa University, Conner was also a leader within the KCAC and NAIA, serving on a variety of committees that facilitate change in the collegiate athletics landscape. She served as the KCAC representative on the Board of Directors for the NAIA Athletic Directors Association, on the KCAC governing council executive committee (including Chair), KCAC Sport Expansion Committee, KCAC Game Fees Committee, member of the KCAC Covid-19 Task Force, on the NAIA/NAC National Rating Oversight Committee for Football, Women’s Lacrosse and Women’s Basketball (NAIA Division II), and currently on the NAIA National Drug Education and Testing Committee, among others.

Conner’s impressive record has earned her a number of accolades throughout the years. She was named KCAC Athletic Director of the Year four times (2010-11; 2015-16; 2017-18; 2021-22). In 2016-17, she was also named the Under Armour Athletic Director of the Year as the first KCAC recipient in the award’s 19 years of being presented. Ottawa University recognized Conner’s contributions when she was inducted into OU’s Braves Athletic Hall of Fame (BAHOF) in 2013.

“Arabie has been transformational for Braves athletics,” said Chancellor Bill Tsutsui. “She has led the University’s athletic department through the expansion to 33 varsity programs during her tenure, has been instrumental in the department’s robust organizational structure, and has mentored generations of students and coaches. Arabie’s impact on Braves Nation is one that will be remembered for years to come. Please join me in thanking Arabie for her dedication and many successes while at OU and in wishing her continued success in all that her future holds.”

In addition to being OU’s AD, Conner served as an associate professor in the OU physical education department and taught in the liberal arts studies program. She earned a master’s degree in sports administration and sport psychology from the University of Kansas and her undergraduate degree with a double major in health/exercise science and English from William Jewell College, where she was a four-year letter winner on the basketball court for the Cardinals. Conner earned HAAC Player of the Year in 1991, was fourth all-time in career scoring (1,893), was named William Jewell Athlete of the Year twice, and was inducted into William Jewell’s Hall-of-Fame in 2004.

An Interim AD will be announced soon. Ottawa University will be launching a national search for a new athletic director. Conner will remain a part of Braves Nation as she pursues her Doctor of Business Administration degree with Ottawa University.

Ottawa, Kan. (Oct. 17, 2022) –Ottawa University has received approval from its institutional accreditor, the Higher Learning Commission, to offer a Master of Science in Applied Psychology (MSAP) degree. The degree will be offered at the residential campus in Ottawa, Kan., and was available starting in the Fall 2 term which began on October 3, 2022.

The MSAP will have three tracks for students to choose from for specialization: Forensic Psychology; Culture, Inclusion and Diversity; and Generalist. Designed by Dr. Pilar Galiana Abal, Associate Professor of Psychology and Lead Faculty in Applied Psychology at OU, the program will offer multiple experiential activities and professionalizing experiences as well as supervised internships and research practicums. Dr. Galiana Abal holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and a re-specialization in forensic psychology and neuropsychology. Apart from her vast clinical experience, she has worked as a consultant in multiple criminal cases involving sexual crime and homicides in the last 12 years. As a clinician, she also has extensive experience with diverse clients coming from geographically remote cultures, LGBTQIA+ communities, and correctional populations.

“The Master of Science in Applied Psychology aims to bring to graduate students exciting professionalizing experiences through internships, residency, and research practicums,” said Dr. Galiana Abal. “Students will have the opportunity to develop the skills required in their discipline and substantial knowledge of the best practices within their field in the US and beyond. International collaborations are on the horizon for research and other professionalizing opportunities.”

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to apply for positions in law enforcement, governmental and private agencies (FBI, DEA, Homeland Security, US Marshalls, NGOs), to serve in roles such as diversity and inclusion consultants, case managers, crisis intervention advocates, victim advocates, community specialists, project coordinators, expert witnesses in criminal and civil cases, human resources managers, correctional agents, rehabilitation program designers, and community support managers.

The MSAP builds off the curriculum and experiences provided in both the Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees in Applied Psychology. Interested students can contact admissions advisors for additional details.

Ottawa, Kan. (Oct. 11, 2022) – Ottawa University is pleased to announce the hiring of Dr. Joann Bangs as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. Dr. Bangs brings more than 20 years of higher education experience to OU, most recently as the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty at Cottey College, an independent women’s liberal arts institution located in Nevada, MO.

“I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to join Ottawa University,” said Dr. Bangs. “I'm inspired by the mission to prepare 'graduates for lifetimes of personal significance, vocational fulfillment, and service to God and humanity' and impressed by the breadth of what OU has achieved. With its strong commitment to understanding and meeting the needs of all students, OU has been able to build a thriving new residential campus in Surprise, Ariz., launch a new Doctor of Business Administration degree program, and support a wide variety of online and adult programs. I look forward to being part OU's future successes.”

Prior to Cottey, Bangs was the Associate Provost of the College for Women, Dean of the School of Business and Professional Studies, and Professor of Economics at St. Catherine University in St. Paul, MN, one of the largest private women’s universities in the nation.  She has also taught at DeVry University Online and at Oakland University in Rochester, MI.  She earned her Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Minnesota and holds a B.S. in Economics from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.  Dr. Bangs co-authored an annual research report on women in corporate leadership in Minnesota from 2008 to 2018 and has published numerous journal articles and textbook chapters on pedagogy in economics. In 2021, she participated in Bravely Confronting Racism in Higher Education, a workshop offered by the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

At Cottey College, Dr. Bangs led the self-study process for reaffirmation of accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission, collaborated with faculty on a complete revision of the Faculty Handbook, and oversaw the creation of new academic programs in psychology, secondary education, and elementary education.  At St. Catherine University, she developed strategic initiatives for the School of Business and Professional Studies and the College for Women, implemented an academic program prioritization process, and launched a new MBA program.

“In an extremely talented pool of candidates, Joann Bangs quickly emerged as the very best choice for Ottawa University’s next Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs,” shared Dr. Bill Tsutsui, Chancellor of Ottawa University. “Dr. Bangs impressed me and the community as an accomplished educator, a productive scholar, and a seasoned academic leader who will be able to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, University leadership, and the Board of Trustees to advance Ottawa University’s academic mission.”

Dr. Bangs will begin her duties on January 1, 2023. She will transition to succeed outgoing University Provost and Chief Academic Officer Terry Haines who announced he will be stepping into a part-time role with the University in anticipation of retirement after more than 17 years with OU.

“For almost two decades, Terry has served the University in a wide range of roles, leading many critically important projects and contributing to virtually every major initiative undertaken by OU,” said Chancellor Tsutsui. “Although I have only worked with Terry a short time, I have come to appreciate and respect his deep commitment to this University and its mission, his broad knowledge and experience of higher education, his good heart, his profound faith, and his wise counsel.  Although Terry will be leaving behind all the responsibilities of the provost, he will continue to serve OU and I am thankful the OU community will continue working with him on an ongoing basis on issues of significance to the institution.”

Ottawa, Kan. – Ottawa University announces that they received a $100,000 grant this week from the Lewis H. Humphreys Charitable Trust, Bank of America, N.A. Trustee. The grant is directed to the aiding the completion of the Advancing the Experience campaign for the Mabee Center.

Janet Peters, Director of Advancement, shared “Ottawa University is so pleased to have been awarded this grant so the dream of this building can fully realized and its essential services are available to our students as soon as possible.” 

With the help of generous alumni, friends and foundations, nearly $8 million has been generated in gifts for the Advancing the Experience campaign to date. This was the first time the University received funds from the Lewis H. Humphreys Charitable Trust, Bank of America, N.A. Trustee, but hope to work with Bank of America more in the future.

The final phase plans to begin construction in the spring/summer of 2023. Plans in this phase include replacing Mabee Center with a new indoor athletic facility constructed adjacent to the Braves Athletic Performance Center (BAPC). This Center will include basketball goals and volleyball nets and will be fully air conditioned. The completed project will provide essential courts in a flexible design with four courts for the team practice options for volleyball and basketball, as well as a one large court option for games. As it shares a wall with the BAPC, it also houses two offices, shared restrooms and more. These indoor facilities are key to the many athletic programs on campus. The new indoor multipurpose athletic center will be utilized by all students for academic classes, student activities, community engagement and as a practice facility for athletic programs.

The mission of the Ottawa University Athletic Department is to develop student-athletes for lifetimes of success, service and significance while making a major contribution to the University's broader aims and objectives. This new Braves Athletic Performance Center and the new indoor multifunctional facility will be an important enhancement to the Ottawa campus that will not only help fulfill this mission; these facilities will support and benefit academics and activities for our students and for the greater community.

Ottawa, Kan. (Sep. 2, 2022) – Ottawa University is proud to announce that they are the recipient of one of the American Eagle Outfitter Future Together Grants. This grant will provide $10,000 to Ottawa University to aid in the Technology Club’s goals for equipment, and encouraging other young people to get involved in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) programs. This grant is one of 20 Future Together grants awarded this fall.

Isidora Hrnjak, the Ottawa University, Ottawa, Kan., Tech Club President was responsible for the initial application and was also selected to be an AE Ambassador. Dayana Raygoza was added as an Ambassador to represent the Tech Club partnership with the Ottawa University, Surprise, Ariz., community.

Hrnjak, a senior from Serbia who is on the Braves tennis team, was thrilled to get involved and ecstatic to be selected. “This is such a great opportunity for our Club and University to not only get additional equipment, but to travel to OU’s residential campus in Surprise and show off our skills to engage younger students,” she said.

The science and technology equipment will be displayed at the City of Surprise SciTech Festival in December of 2022. The grant also provides the travel funds for the more established club in Ottawa to send members to help the developing club in Surprise. Both clubs hope to encourage more young people to seek STEAM programs for their ultimate education and career choice.

Raygoza, a junior from Las Vegas, Nev., and a beach and indoor Spirit volleyball player, is also excited to be selected as an Ambassador to highlight the STEAM field both in Arizona and online through the promotional opportunities. “I am glad to represent Ottawa University while highlighting STEAM fields at the SciTech event.” She also looks forward to helping her Tech Club grow and evolve, building on the knowledge the Kansas club already has. Sharing these resources is an ideal opportunity for all the students at OU and builds on the creativity they are known for as Tech Clubs. The SciTech event was already in planning, so the clubs felt it would be a great place to showcase club efforts and engage many area high school students.

Since its inception in 1865, Ottawa University has sought to live out its mission in direct ways. It began with the collaboration between two American Baptist missionaries, Jotham and Eleanor Meeker, and the Ottawa Indians of Kansas to promote education and peace in a changing world. Out of this relationship, Ottawa University was born. Ever mindful of its original commitments, Ottawa University is now a comprehensive, not-for-profit, educational institution, which serves students of traditional age and adult learners worldwide. Grounded by its mission, Ottawa University carries out its educational purposes through its liberal arts and professional studies programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Ottawa University guides learners to integrate faith, learning, and life, to gain the abilities they need to succeed and prosper, and to do so with an increased sense of the knowledge, compassion, respect, and service our world requires.

American Eagle Outfitters® (NYSE: AEO) is a leading global specialty retailer offering high-quality, on-trend clothing, accessories and personal care products at affordable prices under its American Eagle® and Aerie® brands. We are an inclusive, optimistic and empowering company that celebrates the individuality of our customers and associates. Our purpose is to show the world that there’s REAL power in the optimism of youth. The Future Together campaign hopes to create positive change in the community and Ottawa University know it will be successful in that endeavor as it relates to Ottawa Kansas and Surprise Arizona.

OTTAWA, Kan. – Ottawa University announced on Thursday, June 30, the establishment of the Kevin and Marylin Eichner Scholarship, in honor of the transformative impact the Eichner's have had on the University. The scholarship, a $3 million endowed fund, will support undergraduates at both the Ottawa, Kan., and the Surprise, Ariz., residential campuses.

“Kevin and Marylin have been the face of Ottawa University for many years,” said Dr. Bill Tsutsui, OU President and CEO. “Kevin’s leadership and vision as President and Chancellor from 2008 to 2021 and Marylin’s warmth and commitment to the OU community as First Lady laid the groundwork for the University’s ongoing growth and dynamism.”

The Kevin and Marylin Eichner Scholarship will support students of promise with demonstrated financial need. In addition to the newly endowed scholarship, the original building at Ottawa University Arizona (OUAZ), Founders Hall, will be renamed the Kevin and Marylin Eichner Hall. The OUAZ campus was a vision of Eichner’s early in his tenure at OU and through his leadership and persistence, the highly successful second residential campus opened in 2017. A ceremonial rededication of the building will take place in early October.

Leadership gifts to the Eichner Scholarship were made by Jim ’57 and Jeanne ’56 O’Dell, Jeff Hull ’88, Hank Scherich ’60, and John ’79 and Marny Sherman. Other major gifts were provided by Tim ’80 and Karla ’79 Dye, Kevin ’73 and Marylin ’00 Eichner, Ron and Peggy Guziak, Michael ’68 and Martha ’68 Hetrick, and Anne Mills.  Dozens of additional donors – alumni, current and former Board of Trustees and Chancellor’s Advisory Council members, faculty and staff – have also made meaningful contributions towards the endowment.

Gifts and pledges toward the Kevin and Marylin Eichner Scholarship are still being gratefully accepted and may be made online at http://Support.ottawa.edu/Eichner.

“The creation of this scholarship not only celebrates the legacy of the Eichner's, but also represents a historic investment in the long-term future of the University,” said Dr. Tsutsui. “The Eichner Scholarship, along with the many other sources of financial support available to our students, underlines Ottawa University’s commitment to keeping our life-changing education affordable and accessible to all. Generations of Ottawa students will benefit from the generosity of the donors to this scholarship.”

The scholarship is the largest endowed fund in the University’s history and will increase the University’s endowment by more than 15 percent. While June 30 marks Kevin’s last day as Chancellor Emeritus, his involvement in the OU community will continue for years to come as he was voted a Life Trustee during the University’s June Board of Trustees meeting.

OTTAWA, Kan. – Ottawa University President and CEO Dr. Bill Tsutsui is proud to announce that Geoff Poston has been named as the University Director of Bowling Operations. In this newly created, unique role, Poston will assist both the campus in Ottawa, Kan., as well as the residential campus in Surprise, Ariz. (OUAZ) to grow not just the individual teams but the sport as a whole.

“This position will leverage Geoff Poston’s proven talents as a coach, recruiter, and program-builder,” Tsutsui said.  “Geoff will bring the skills he has honed with the outstanding Braves varsity bowling team to the growing club team at OUAZ.  As we seek innovative ways to build collaborations and better serve students across our campuses and programs, the creation of the University Director of Bowling Operations is an important step forward for the entire institution.”

Poston is entering his sixth year as the head coach for men’s and women’s bowling at Ottawa University. Both teams are nationally ranked and have qualified for the NAIA National Championship Tournament each of the last two seasons.

Focused on the student-athlete, the Braves teams’ graduation and retention rates are high, with many student-athletes entering a graduate program after completion of their undergraduate degree. Since the bowling program began in 2017, no student-athletes have transferred to bowl for another school.

"I am excited for this opportunity as the University Director of Bowling Operations over both residential campuses, said Poston. “I remain committed to growing our nationally ranked men’s and women’s programs as the Head Coach here in Kansas, while assisting OUAZ Head Coach Jen Bullard with recruiting, fundraising and mentoring the OUAZ student-athletes down in Arizona. In addition, I have worked with our colleagues at MOTIV and secured a bowling ball contract for the OUAZ team. I look forward to having an impact in the growth of the sport and providing more opportunities for students to bowl at the collegiate level."

With Poston at the helm, the Braves bowling team qualified for the NAIA National Tournament in 2020, upsetting the no. 1 seed Midland University to earn the trip. The 2017-18 team won its first tournament championship and had eight top 15 finishing, including a 14^th place finish at the Intercollegiate Team Sectional Championship.

Poston has been involved in bowling for more than 35 years and coaching for more than 20 years. He has also spent time on the PBA Regional Tour, winning the Gardner Master’s Floor Covering Championship in 1999. From 2011 to 2015, he was President of the Kansas Bowling Coaches Association. Poston was named to the 2019 Kansas State USBC Hall of Fame and the 2018 USBC Kaw Valley Topeka Bowling Association Hall of Fame.

Ottawa, Kan. (Dec. 8, 2021) – Ottawa University is pleased to announce the hiring of Wynndee Lee ’89 as the Director of Major Gifts for the Office of University Advancement. Lee will begin her duties on January 3, 2022.

“I have loved working for the city and community, but the opportunity to work for another love of mine, Ottawa University, could not be any more perfect for my post public service life,” said Lee.

In her new role, Lee will develop and implement strategies to identify, cultivate and solicit new major gifts prospects for the University. In addition, she will manage the existing portfolio of nearly 100 major gift prospects. Lee will be taking a leave of absence from her position as Life Trustee on the OU Board of Trustees while employed by the University.

“We could not be more excited to welcome Wynndee to the Ottawa University Advancement team,” said Janet Peters, Vice President for Advancement. “She has so many OU connections and relationships, a strong work ethic and an amazing positive attitude. She will be able to hit the ground running to help Ottawa University raise funds for several important projects and to build relationships with even more alumni.”

Lee has spent the past 19 years with the City of Ottawa, most recently as the Director of Community Development where she oversaw planning, zoning, subdivision codes and economic development negotiations for the city. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from OU in 1989 and a Master in Public Administration from the University of Kansas in 1997.

“The City is appreciative of Wynndee’s many of years of service to our community,” said Richard Nienstedt, City Manager of the City of Ottawa. “We are a better community because of Wynndee’s leadership and passion for especially quality of life improvement. Not only is Wynndee a friend but she is also a consummate public professional, and I will miss the day-to-day interaction of working with her. I am pleased that she is excited with taking the next step in her life at Ottawa University. OU will be served very well and I look forward to working with Wynndee in her new capacity.”

OTTAWA, Kan. – Ottawa University has received approval from its institutional accreditor, the Higher Learning Commission, to offer a Doctor of Business Administration degree. The degree will initially be offered at its residential campus in Ottawa, Kan., beginning in the fall of 2022. This is Ottawa University’s first doctoral program.

“Ottawa University has an extraordinary Business, Education, and Arts & Sciences faculty, all with outstanding credentials and experience within the professions and the academy,” said Dr. Terry Haines, University Provost. “Our graduate-level business program has served thousands of students from around the world and our new doctorate in business administration will expand that transformational impact to an ever-growing number of future business and organizational leaders. I look forward to Ottawa’s work in providing this dynamic curriculum and in further serving our diverse business communities”

The Doctor of Business Administration degree was designed for those seeking to advance their careers in management, strategic and executive leadership, and consulting. The delivery for the 56 credit-hour degree coursework will include six, two-day, on-campus residencies each year of enrollment. Students will be able to continue their current employment while working on their doctorate. Graduates of this program will be expected to be at the forefront of strategic evidence-based management, an increasingly important skill for knowledge generation, and executives and scholar-practitioners expected to make significant contributions in business, leadership and the advancement of management practice and science.

“The establishment of our first doctoral degree is an important milestone in the evolution and growth of Ottawa University,” said William M. Tsutsui, President and CEO. “We owe thanks and congratulations to the team of faculty who collaborated to develop this timely program, and to President Reggies Wenyika and Provost Terry Haines, who spearheaded and supported the effort all along the way.”

“Ottawa University has a long innovative tradition of reaching and serving students with relevant degrees offered in accessible and flexible modalities,” said Dr. Marylou DeWald, Dean of the Angell Snyder School of Business. “Delivering the DBA in an executive format from the Ottawa, Kansas, residential campus will reinforce that innovative history while supporting our mission of preparing students for a lifetime of significance. With a storied 156-year history, moving the institution into the ranks of universities offering doctoral programming is not only logical, but quite simply, thrilling.”

An obvious next step for a university that has seen more than 1,300 graduate with their MBA degrees in the last 10 years, including a current enrollment of more than 600 in its business graduate programs, OU will begin the process of preparing to accept its first cohort of doctoral students. Prospective students will be expected to hold an MBA or an equivalent qualification in addition to relevant work experience. Details, announcements, and advertisements soliciting applications will be forthcoming.

DBA Program Details

Ottawa, Kan. – Ottawa University has announced the festivities scheduled for its annual Homecoming weekend, Oct. 21-24 at the residential campus, 1001 S. Cedar Street, Ottawa. This year’s celebration features the Braves Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, the OU Alumni Association Awards Banquet, Inauguration of President and CEO Dr. William M. Tsutsui and the Homecoming football game.

On Thursday, Oct. 21, six individuals will be inducted into the Braves Athletic Hall of Fame: Richard (Dick) Maack ’59, Paul Wheaton ’52, Birch Roybal ’06, Brittany Broyles ’07, Kevin Eichner ’73, and Corkie Hedlund. The Ottawa University Alumni Association Awards Banquet will take place Friday, Oct. 22, honoring Harold Popp ’59, Mitch Barnhart ’81, Michael ’16 and Regan (Aeschliman) ’16 Jones, and Dr. John Holzhuter. On Saturday, Oct. 23, President and CEO Dr. William M. Tsutsui will be installed as the 22nd President of Ottawa University; and the Braves will battle the Friends University in the homecoming football game at AdventHealth Field at Ottawa University at 1 p.m.

While several events are free and open to the public, some require a ticket or advance registration. For more information on ticketed events, please contact Susan Trendel at 785-248-2331 or susan.trendel@ottawa.edu.

Thursday, October 21
8 a.m.    Chamber Coffee, Gangwish Library, Schendel Conference Center
8 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.    Braves Fan Shop Open
6:30 p.m.    Braves Athletics Hall of Fame Banquet*, Schendel Conference Center; Inductees: Richard (Dick) Maack ’59, Paul Wheaton ’52, Birch Roybal ’06, Brittany Broyles ’07, Kevin Eichner ’73, and Corkie Hedlund.

Friday, October 22
8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.    Alumni Check-In, Gangwish Library, Scherich Atrium
8 a.m. - 6 p.m.    Braves Fan Shop Open
9:30 - 11:30 a.m.    Class ’70 and ’71 – 50th Year Class Reception*, University Lawn
11:30 a.m.    Celebration Luncheon*, Gangwish Library, Schendel Conference Center
5 p.m.    Women’s Soccer vs. Southwestern College, AdventHealth Field at Ottawa University
6 p.m.    Women’s Basketball Scrimmage at Coffeyville Community College, Coffeyville, Kan.
6 - 8:30 p.m.    Ottawa University Alumni Association Banquet*, Schendel Conference Center; Recipients: Harold Popp ’59, Mitch Barnhart ’81, Michael ’16 and Regan (Aeschliman) ’16 Jones, and Dr. John Holzhuter
6:30 p.m.    Men’s Basketball Alumni Scrimmage, Wilson Field House
7:30 p.m.    Men’s Soccer vs. Southwestern College, AdventHealth Field at Ottawa University
8 p.m.    Late Night Bonfire, 11th & Mulberry St.
8:30 p.m.    Class & Affinity Socials*
    Class of ’70, The Historic Post Office
    Class of ’71, Smoked Creations BBQ

Saturday, October 23
8 a.m.    Men’s and Women’s Cross County at Mid-States Classic, Winfield, Kan.
10 a.m.    Baseball Inner-squad Scrimmage, Dick Peters Sports Complex
9 a.m.    Creed Family Greenhouse Dedication, Creed Family Greenhouse
9 a.m.    Braves Visit Day; Gangwish Library
9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.    Alumni Check-In, Gangwish Library, Scherich Atrium
9 a.m. - 6 p.m.    Braves Fan Shop Open
10 a.m.    Softball Alumni Scrimmage, Dick Peters Sports Complex
10:30 a.m.    Inauguration Ceremony for William M. Tsutsui, Fredrikson Chapel
11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.    Alumni Tailgate Lunch at Food Trucks*, University Mall
12:45 p.m.    Homecoming Coronation, AdventHealth Field at Ottawa University
1 p.m.    Football vs. Friends University, AdventHealth Field at Ottawa University
6 p.m.    Class Dinners* (Golden Club, Class of ’60, Class of ’61, Class of ’70, Class of ’71)
7 p.m.    Women’s Volleyball vs. Oklahoma Wesleyan University, Wilson Field House

Sunday, October 22
9:30 - 10:30 a.m.    Community Worship Service, First Baptist Church, Ottawa, Kan.

*Denotes event that requires advanced registration or a ticket.

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About Ottawa University
Founded in 1865, Ottawa University prepares professional and liberal arts graduates for lifetimes of personal significance, vocational fulfillment and service to God and humanity as a Christ-inspired community of grace and opening inquiry. Ottawa University is a comprehensive, not-for-profit educational institution, serving more than 4,000 students through its residential campuses in Ottawa, Kan., and Surprise, Ariz., and adult campuses in Overland Park, Kan.; Phoenix and Queen Creek, Ariz.; Brookfield, Wis.; and online. Visit www.ottawa.edu for more information.