Good morning, Athens County. The invisible bridge between campus and community is strengthening this week as Ohio University students discover pathways beyond the "campus bubble" at the annual engagement fair. From food distribution with Southeast Ohio Food Bank to environmental projects with Rural Action, these connections offer more than just volunteer hours—they're gateways to understanding the broader Appalachian community that surrounds them.
Inside the university walls, student voices are making waves through multiple channels. The powerful Student Senate gives Bobcats direct influence in university decision-making under President Dan Gordillo's historic second term, while the refreshingly democratic Alden Book Club creates literary community through monthly meetings complete with cookies, discussion, and trivia. Unlike restrictive high school reading experiences, this student-run organization rotates through genres ensuring everyone finds something to love—proving that campus engagement comes in forms both administrative and deliciously informal.
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0%☕️ What's Brewing Locally
🤝 OU students discover opportunities beyond campus at engagement fair. The annual community engagement fair at Ohio University brought together local non-profit organizations to connect students with volunteer experiences in Athens. Organizations like the Southeast Ohio food bank and Rural Action showcased opportunities ranging from food distribution to environmental conservation projects. According to Courtney Lefebvre Little, who organized the event, these experiences help students break out of the "campus bubble" and engage with the broader Appalachian community. Beyond volunteering, students can find paid internships, research opportunities, and federal work-study positions that provide valuable real-world experience.
🏛️ Student Senate gives Ohio University students a powerful voice on campus. The organization represents student interests in university decision-making through various commissions covering academic affairs, residence life, and minority affairs. President Dan Gordillo, serving a historic second term, emphasizes that "without the students, there's no university." Students can engage with Senate by attending Wednesday meetings, visiting their Baker Center office, or submitting feedback forms. Beyond advocacy, Student Senate also sponsors campus events like Finals Fest through its appropriations committee.
📚 Ohio University's Alden Book Club fosters community through monthly meetings. The student-run organization welcomes readers of all preferences at their gatherings in Alden Library, where members enjoy cookies, book discussions, and trivia games with prizes. Unlike restrictive high school experiences some members had previously, this club democratically selects monthly reads through member suggestions and voting. Club executives emphasize their non-hierarchical approach, rotating through different genres to ensure everyone finds something appealing, with meetings held the first Thursday of each month.
🏡 Real Estate Reveals
Vintage Athens gem near markets: This cozy 3BR, 2BA East Side Athens home is priced at $349,000, offering vintage charm and modern updates just steps from local markets, with two living areas and a front porch perfect for summer evenings.
Historic retreat on pristine acreage: Priced at $425,000, this restored 1871 log cabin offers a private wilderness escape with 84 acres of pristine forest, featuring waterfalls, hiking trails, and abundant wildlife—all within a cozy historic dwelling with front and back porches.
Country barn with potential space: Priced at $120,000, this country barndominium-style property on 0.48 acres offers a living room, kitchen, full bath, and bedroom, with additional unfinished space for business ventures or expansion.🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla
🍞 Daily Bread Crumb
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
-Isaiah 40:31
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