Athens County • May 28, 2025
Good morning, Athens County. The torch of excellence burns bright at WOUB this week as four promising journalism students receive $1,000 awards honoring the legacies of Edmund Williams and Jeffrey Spalding—two pioneers who shaped public broadcasting. These financial lifelines allow Audrey, Addison, Haley, and Donovan to focus more intently on their academic pursuits while continuing their volunteer work at the PBS/NPR member station.
Beyond the classroom, Athens reveals itself as a culinary playground for hungry Bobcats. While campus meal plans offer convenience, the city's hidden gems await discovery—from Village Bakery's locally-sourced breakfast sandwiches to the authentic Mexican flavors at Lulu's Casa El Camino. And speaking of discoveries, Clara Leder reminds us that sometimes the most valuable college experience isn't found in textbooks but in that first brave "hello" to a classmate, which can transform an intimidating campus into a place that feels like home.
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🎓 Four WOUB students receive $1000 awards honoring former employees. The Edmund A. Williams Technology Oriented Leadership Award went to journalism majors Audrey Paquette and Addison Kearns, while Haley Richardson and Donovan Varney received the Jeffrey R. Spalding Memorial Award. Williams, who worked at WOUB from 1961-1974, had a distinguished career at PBS developing captioning for the deaf and building satellite systems. Spalding dedicated over 25 years to WOUB, with his award funded by family, friends, and a gift from his widow Marie Kopan. The financial support allows these students to focus more on their academic pursuits and volunteer work at the PBS/NPR member station.
🍽️ Athens offers hidden culinary gems beyond campus dining options. First-year Ohio University students with meal plans can explore three dining courts, markets, and coffee shops on campus, but the city provides even more delicious alternatives. For breakfast, Village Bakery & Café serves up local ingredients in tasty sandwiches and quiches Wednesday through Saturday. Lunch-seekers might prefer Big Mamma's Burritos over Chipotle, while Lulu's Casa El Camino offers authentic Mexican cuisine for dinner. When dessert cravings hit, Whit's Frozen Custard remains a popular social spot for students to enjoy sweet treats with friends.
🤝 Making friends in college classes transforms the entire experience. Finding friendships at Ohio University can feel daunting for freshmen who face pressure to quickly establish meaningful connections. Clara Leder shares how striking up a conversation with a classmate led to one of her most valuable college relationships. Classroom friendships offer both emotional support and academic benefits through collaborative learning. These connections, built on shared interests and experiences, can turn an intimidating campus into a place that feels like home.
Spacious Athens home bonus room: Priced at $219,000, this well-maintained Briarwood Heights home offers a large bonus room with gas fireplace, spacious bathroom, three bedrooms, a recently remodeled bathroom, and a screened-in patio, all in a convenient Athens location near Strouds Run State Park.
Rural paradise near Athens: This secluded 40-acre property, listed at $399,000, offers multiple private building sites among Norway and Colorado Spruce trees with year-round water from creeks and ponds, just 15 minutes from Athens.
Sunny Park-adjacent Raised Ranch: Priced at $342,000, this charming yellow raised ranch on Athens' eastside corner offers spacious living areas with hardwood floors, two fireplaces, ADA-compliant facilities, and mature landscaping, all nestled between urban conveniences and Strouds Run State Park.Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
-Romans 12:12
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