It's a date

Ohio University alumni have always largely been physically distanced—with Bobcats spanning the world. Months of social distancing have added a new dynamic to that physical separation and to personal connection.

Empower Hour is a virtual series for the OHIO community that explores timely topics to foster personal growth. With topics ranging from self-care to understanding the new sports gambling industry and even reclaiming mine waste products to create paint, Empower Hour uplifts the eclectic expertise of OHIO alumni, faculty and staff for a community experience rooted in growing in knowledge, wisdom and love—together.

“Bobcats are family, and we are always here for one another,” says Erin Essak Kopp, assistant vice president of alumni relations and executive director of the OUAA. “This isn’t just another video call. When Bobcats get together, magic happens.”

To nurture that togetherness, Empower Hour takes place monthly via Zoom. Registration is free.

“My favorite part of Empower Hour is that it’s easily accessible,” says Chaleta Paige-Williams, BSH ’13, who attended the session “Baby, How You Feelin’? Self-Love, Self-Esteem and Self-Care.”

“Empower Hour reminded me of the importance of caring for myself, especially during difficult times,” Paige-Williams says.

Empower Hour organizer and Associate Director of Alumni Experiences Caleb Beasecker, MBA ’18, MSA ’19, works to keep the event open and inviting to personal—even transformational—conversations.

The host kicks off the event with a welcome and introduction. From there, the presenter takes over while moderators from the Alumni Association guide the hour-long chat.

“It was really great to see the larger Bobcat community coming together to learn,” says Dr. Stephanie Tikkanen, who led the Empower Hour discussion on imposter syndrome.

Interactive polls and Q&A bring an interactive element to the presentation.

“People from all stages of life and all different backgrounds [are] brought together by one important shared characteristic” of being a Bobcat, says Tikkanen. “During this pandemic, it can be hard to feel connected to others, but Bobcats have a palpable sense of community, even through Zoom.”

During Tikkanen’s session, some participants shared feelings of inferiority in areas such as parenting and work. Tikkanen addressed those feelings and presented tactics for overcoming worries.

Empower Hour is an opportunity to “educate yourself on new topics and apply what you learn to your life, to help make you happier and more productive,” Beasecker says.

Since the pandemic transitioned in-person events to virtual gatherings, online meetings are common, Beasecker notes. Empower Hour provides a rich experience by creating a sense of community.

“Once people attend Empower Hour, the walls fall down because they see there really is personal engagement and involvement,” Beasecker says. “Most, if not all, of the conversations have ended up being transparent and very real.”

While the Alumni Association looks forward to hosting in-person events again in the future, Empower Hour is more than a virtual substitute for those events, Essak Kopp says. Instead, “It’s personal. You’re connecting with another Bobcat.”

Featured image: Illustration by Maya Ish-Shalom