Bobcats Rally on the Hill builds campus engagement, belonging

Student organization fosters connection

When Ohio University Chillicothe students Johnathan Roberts and Maelynn Quigley realized the campus needed more opportunities for students to connect outside the classroom, they acted. With the support of a fellow founding officer, the student leaders launched Bobcats Rally on the Hill in early 2024, laying the groundwork for a student-led movement focused on engagement and community.

From those original few members, Bobcats Rally on the Hill has grown into an organization of more than 20 dedicated students, and it continues to grow every day.

Bobcats Rally on the Hill (BROH) is a social organization at Ohio University Chillicothe dedicated to enriching campus culture and strengthening student engagement. Led by club president Johnathan Roberts, BROH creates opportunities for members to connect, lead and get involved through projects, events and community-building activities. If you’re looking to get more active on campus and build friendships that last throughout your time at OHIO Chillicothe and beyond, BROH offers a welcoming place to start.

Members can take part in a variety of fun activities, including the annual pre-finals Bingo event, caravans to Athens for sporting events, group watch parties for Bobcat sports, the Chillicothe Halloween Parade, hosting school dances, and many more campus events.

BROH’s mentoring program matches upperclassmen and underclassmen for the academic year. Big BROHs serve as trusted guides to the Little BROHs, and together they participate in campus and community events. 

Roberts said having a mentee helped him feel more connected and invested on campus, while also giving him the chance to support his Little BROH as they navigate college life. Although the program doesn’t include formal mentor training, Bigs and Littles are introduced during a match luncheon where they participate in icebreakers and review their mentoring expectations together. The mentoring program has helped Roberts grow as a leader and communicator.

“Everyone looks out for each other in BROH, and it’s great to have an entire group to fall back on when I might need additional insight or guidance myself,” he said. He added that the relationship is mutually beneficial, strengthening both Bigs' and Littles' sense of community and support on campus.

Ashlee Tatman, director of student services at OHIO Chillicothe, is proud of the work BROH members have done to build a new student organization that has brought engaging new activities and programming to campus.

“We support student innovation, and I have loved watching these students identify a need on campus and take the steps to address that need,” Tatman said. “It’s so rewarding to watch students grow and build skills by stepping into leadership roles.”

Building community and support

Emma Heise, the group’s treasurer, joined the organization last year as a Little BROH and is thankful for the friendships she has formed within the group.

“I hadn’t had true friends before I joined BROH,” she said. “Everyone is so genuine and kind.”

Both Heise and Roberts have been part of BROH since its conception.

Big and Little BROHs traveled to the Athens campus together last spring for a campus tour, lunch at Nelson Commons, visits with their respective colleges and shopping uptown.

Roberts said BROH offers a network of like-minded students who share similar goals for campus life. He added that he is more likely to attend campus events when he knows his fellow BROHs will be there. 

“We all encourage each other to show up and take pride in our school,” he said. “I think other students see that and desire that same level of engagement.”

As the organization continues to grow, its members remain focused on building community and connection across campus, one student at a time.

To learn more about Bobcats Rally On the Hill, or to join, complete the interest form or email OUC-BROH@ohio.edu.