OHIO community invited to in-person, virtual Founders Day events

Cutler Hall and the College Green are shown covered in snow on a cold day in January 2025

Ben Wirtz Siegel

51�� will celebrate its 221st birthday on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025.

This year’s Founders Day celebration will include several in-person and virtual events for students, faculty, staff and alumni on campus and around the globe.

Founded on Feb. 18, 1804, 51�� is proud of its rich history of educating students from across the state and around the world. Founders Day celebrates the birthday of the institution, while also celebrating the outstanding achievements of students and alumni that forever enrich the OHIO community and beyond.

This year's events include cake and punch in Baker University Center, a virtual trivia night, a virtual 5K, special exhibits from 51�� Libraries and the playing of the Cutler Hall Chimes.

Founders Day 2025 events include cake, punch, history, trivia and much more

All members of the OHIO Community are invited to join the celebration, which will include cake, punch, and a special visit from Rufus.
Cutler Hall Chimes – 2:21 p.m. on Feb. 18. In honor of OHIO’s 221st birthday, the Cutler Hall Chimes will play “Alma Mater, Ohio” at 2:21 p.m.
- Webinar: 6– 6:45 p.m. / Trivia: 7 – 7:45 p.m. on Feb. 18, virtual. All members of the OHIO community are invited to this fun and engaging event that will celebrate 51��. The evening kicks off with a webinar exploring OHIO’s rich history, followed by a lively trivia competition where you can test your Bobcat knowledge and compete for bragging rights. Those interested in being a part of this event are asked to
Founders Day Virtual 5K Race - The 51�� Alumni Association is challenging Bobcats near and far to take part in the Founders Day Virtual 5K Challenge. Celebrate OHIO's 221 years by helping to reach the goal of the total mileage from the Bunch of Grapes Tavern in Boston where 51�� was chartered to Cutler Hall in Athens, equating 730 miles. Each individual 5K submission will be counted toward the combined mileage goal.
51�� Libraries Digital and Physical Exhibits – 51�� Libraries will present several exhibits focusing on OHIO’s history, including the Founders Day Spring Showcase digital and physical exhibit, curated by OHIO students.

For a full listing of Founders Day 2025 events, see the Founders Day website.

For more information on the history of 51��, see the 51�� History and Traditions website.

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