Contact Information
Executive Director - Rebekah Carlisle '81
Otterbein "O" Club
1 South Grove St.
Westerville, Ohio 43081
614-325-4215 (cell)
E-mail: oclub-home@columbus.rr.com
PARENT CONTACT FORM
DONATION FORM
The Otterbein "O" Club is an unincorporated nonprofit association, operated separately from the University by a volunteer board of directors. Established in 1955 by the late Edwin "Dubbs" Roush and the late Francis "Red" Bailey, the "O" Club's mission is to aid and assist Otterbein University's athletic department.
Over its 61-year history, the "O" Club has provided millions of dollars of support and services to Otterbein University. Most recently, the "O" Club donated $50,000 towards the University's Turf and Track project inside Memorial Stadium. It was previously instrumental in jointly funding and raising funds for the renovation of the $3.2 million stadium, dedicated in 2005. As part of that project, the "O" Club also designed and furnished the $75,000 "O" Club Room inside Memorial Stadium used by departments throughout the campus for small group meetings and receptions. In 2008, the "O" Club fully funded the $86,000 "O" Club Weight Room, opened March 31. It includes $43,000 of new equipment, as well as new flooring and wall, and is used by student-athletes and non-student-athletes alike.
In the early years the primary focus of the "O" Club was to support the football program by raising money for scholarships, finding summer employment and, in general, assisting in the recruiting of "good, worthy athletes." Changes in Ohio Athletic Conference, NCAA Division III, and Otterbein University rules, regulations and policies have altered the "O" Club’s role but the mission remains the same: to aid and assist Otterbein University’s athletic department.
In the past the "O" Club provided financial support for the purchase of athletic shoes, uniforms, equipment and championship rings for all programs. For decades the "O" Club played an important role in subsidizing student-athlete transportation. This effort was significantly enhanced when the late Dorothy McVay donated her private coach to the "O" Club in 1987. The "O" Club maintained the coach, extensively renovated it in 1999, and then donated it to the College in 2002. During that time, thousands of Otterbein’s student-athletes traveled on the coach, known as the "O" Club Bus. The "O" Club was also responsible for the purchase of several vans for the University.
The "O" Club has a long history of financially supporting both new athletic facility construction as well as renovations to existing athletic facilities for all sports programs at Otterbein University. The "O" Club has also been helpful in providing volunteers and financial support for tournament events and invitationals.
The "O" Club is open to all persons and businesses who wish to support Otterbein University athletics. The Directors suggest an annual donation of $25 to $50 to help defray operating costs. Lifetime dues are $1,000. Likewise, membership to the "O" Club Foundation, established in 1981, is also $1,000. Interested parties are also encouraged to attend and/or participate otherwise in "O" Club events.
For more information, contact Executive Director Rebekah Carlisle by email (oclub-home@columbus.rr.com) or on her cell phone at 614-325-4215.
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Upcoming Events:
a. Saturday, September 16, 2017: Homecoming Reception in Roush Hall Main Lobby (4:30 to 6:30 p.m.)
b. Monday, October 9, 2017: 43rd Fall Golf Outing & Social at The Lakes Golf and Country Club (11 a.m.)
GOLF OUTING REGISTRATION FORM
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Announcement: Former "O" Club President, Sonny D'Andrea, passes away.
The “O” Club is saddened to report that Sonny D’Andrea, Otterbein class of 1973, passed away at St. Ann’s Hospital, Friday, August 4, 2017. He had been diagnosed with cancer in 2016. Sonny and his wife, Rose, had one son, Joe. Both survive him.
Sonny was appointed to the “O” Club Board of Directors in 1978 and served as the organization’s seventh president from 1994-1996 and thereafter also served on the “O” Club’s Executive Committee. In his 39 years of service to the “O” Club, Sonny was known for his passionate and tireless support of Otterbein athletics and the “O” Club.
In 1993 Sonny was awarded the “O” Club’s most prestigious award – the Outstanding Service Award.
To quote past “O” Club president Don Carlos, “We have lost a giant.” A man of large stature, Sonny had an even bigger heart. He will be greatly missed.
FULL OBITUARY
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"O' Club Board of Directors (as of Homecoming 2016)
