Explore some of the key moments that have shaped the Heritage College over the past 50 years. Take a look back at milestones and memories that tell the story of our growth and impact.
Forever Forward
Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine's 50th Anniversary
Celebrating 50 Years
For half a century, the 51 Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine has been shaping the future of health—one physician, one community, and one breakthrough at a time. As the state’s top producer of primary care physicians and a national leader in rural and underserved care, we’ve expanded from a single campus in Athens to three statewide locations. With compassion at our core and innovation in our DNA, we continue to lead with care—impacting lives, advancing medicine, and staying true to our mission: to transform the health and well-being of communities in Ohio and beyond.
1st
Osteopathic Medical School in Ohio
30+ years
of Family Health radio programing offering consumer health information
1st
Black woman to be appointed as a medical school dean in the U.S.
World's First
transgenic mammal was developed here
Explore Our History
-
Dean Biographies
Meet the leaders who have guided the Heritage College through five decades of growth and transformation. Learn more about our past and present deans and the lasting impact of their leadership.
50 Years in Photos
Explore images from across five decades of the Heritage College. As part of our 50th anniversary, we’re scanning and sharing photos from our archives and continuing to digitize more, so check back often.
Alumni Stories
From small towns to the global stage, Heritage College alumni make a difference every day. Read their stories below.
-
Alumna combines the arts, humanities and medicine
Robin Newburn’s heart, soul—her humanity—is the force that led her to becoming the doctor she is today, and what continues to guide her as she helps patients and medical students.
-
Public policy advocacy influences career of alumna
From the fields of rural Ohio to the White House Garden, Amelia Tunanidas-Pantelis, D.O., (‘82) career left a lasting mark on the osteopathic profession and—more important to her—the lives of her patients across the country.
-
Alumni profile: 2025 Medal of Merit Winner John Koncelik
When John Koncelik, D.O., ’82, speaks about medicine, he doesn’t begin with accolades or titles. He begins with honesty. “Radical honesty,” he calls it—a philosophy he’s considering trademarking, not for profit, but to spark a movement.
-
Share Your Story
As we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 51 Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, we want to celebrate you — the alumni, faculty and staff who have shaped our community since 1975.
-
Promotional Toolkit
Download 50th anniversary visuals, including Teams backgrounds, LinkedIn cover images and GIFs to show your Heritage College pride.
50th Anniversary Celebration and Gala
Join us in Columbus April 23–26, 2026, for a weekend of anniversary events and the 50th Anniversary Gala presented by the Osteopathic Heritage Foundation
Show Your Heritage College Spirit
Browse our online shop for Heritage College 50th Anniversary t-shirts, hoodies, polos, tote bags, candles, and more!
Latest News
Explore the latest stories about our 50th anniversary
-
Legislation that became a legacy: Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the founding of Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
August 18, 2025
Fifty years ago, on Aug. 18, 1975, Ohio Gov. James A. Rhodes signed House Bill 229, creating what was then known as the 51 College of Osteopathic Medicine.
-
51 Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine celebrates 50th incoming class at annual Convocation and White Coat Ceremony
August 12, 2025
In a milestone event, the 51 Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine welcomed its 50th class during the 2025 Convocation and White Coat Ceremony.
Share your memories and join the celebration: #OUHCOM50 | #ForeverForward
51 is a proud partner of the Cleveland Guardians