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Fall 2024 Edition
Alumni & Friends Magazine

Trees Full of Bobcats

How many Bobcats are in your family tree?

Emma Henterly, BSJ ’10 | September 12, 2024

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This year, the Ohio University Alumni Association launched the Bobcat Family Tree Challenge to honor alumni’s deep connection to our beloved University. After reviewing more than 200 entries, the OUAA celebrated the winners during the Bobcat Family Picnic, held during Family Weekend in mid-September.

Georgiann Basilone-Moss, BSED ’75, submitted the grand prize-winning entry for “most Bobcats in a family;” she is one of two dozen OHIO alumni related by birth and marriage. They will be honored during a special recognition ceremony during the Bobcat Family Picnic. Check out the details of their lineage above, and learn more about the contest’s other winners below.

Most Bobcat Generations
(tie, with five generations each)
Libby Nilsen, class of 2027, and family
Megan Vogel, BA ’98, MA ’14, and family

Most Bobcats Since 1970 
Jordan Cox, BSC ’12, MED ’18, and family (16 Bobcats)

Oldest Bobcat Relative
Michelle (Johnson) Blackburn, BA ’11, and John Penrose, BSJ ’64, MS ’66 (82 years old)

First Generation Bobcat
(tie; each honored for their volunteerism with the University and response to an essay prompt about building their Bobcat family)
John Anderson, AB ’74
Lisa Gallagher, BMUS ’89

 

Feature photo by Ben Wirtz Siegel, BSVC '02