Nurturing the Bobcat Family Tree

Ohio University’s family tree is rich with interconnected branches. Some stretch across generations, connecting grandparents, parents, siblings, and more through shared experiences: the excitement of arriving in Athens, the transformative years that follow, and the Bobcat connections and last a lifetime.

The Ohio University Alumni Association (OUAA) Legacy Scholarship helps ensure that the Bobcat Family tree continues to flourish, one student at a time.

Created in 2003 by the OUAA Board of Directors, the scholarship supports the children and grandchildren of OHIO grads, helping them pursue their own educational journeys. Four scholarships are awarded annually to students who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership, and a meaningful connection to the University.

What makes the OUAA Legacy Scholarship especially powerful is the community behind it. Nearly 1,450 donors have committed more than $160,000 to the scholarship since its creation. Their generosity and collective impact have helped transform a shared love for OHIO into opportunities for current students.

This year's recipients represent the promise of that investment.

• Industrial and Systems Engineering student Riley Wagner is an accomplished leader, OHIO Honors student, and Margaret Boyd Scholar who’s actively involved in the Society of Women Engineers and other campus organizations. Her connection to OHIO runs deep: both her father and sister are grads.
• Hannah Nolan has embraced every opportunity available to her at OHIO. Set to complete her bachelor’s in accounting in just three years, she’ll continue toward a master's degree and CPA certification. Hannah credits her grandmother, an OHIO alumna and retired professor, with inspiring her educational journey.
• Misha Badhwar is pursuing a degree in psychology and a forensic studies certificate while building community through campus involvement and service. The daughter of OHIO grads, she hopes to carry the spirit of connection she’s found at Ohio University into a future career in federal law enforcement.
• Computer science major Lennon Riggs is proudly continuing a multigenerational Bobcat tradition. The son of two OHIO grads, with a younger brother joining him on campus this year, the Legacy Scholarship allows him to celebrate his family’s history while embracing the responsibility of continuing that tradition with pride.
• First-year biological sciences major Kyle Moore is marking the beginning of his OHIO story. The son of two OHIO grads and the nephew of an alumnus, he grew up surrounded by stories of Bobcat pride and connection. The Legacy Scholarship allows him to honor his family's history while building a legacy of his own centered on service, compassion, and leadership.

Together, these students reflect the many ways a university legacy evolves. While each arrived on campus with family ties to OHIO, they’re creating their own legacies through scholarship, leadership, service, and ambition.

“One of the things I love about Bobcats is that we show up for each other,” said Jennifer Bowie, associate vice president for Alumni Relations and executive director of the OUAA. “Legacy Scholarship donors may never meet the students who receive the award, but they believe in the power of an OHIO education and want future generations to have the same opportunities and experiences that they did. We come to OHIO to learn and depart to serve, and the Legacy Scholarship is a wonderful example of Bobcats living that mission while helping new branches of our family tree to bloom and grow.”

Every gift to the Legacy Scholarship adds new branches to OHIO's growing family tree, ensuring the Bobcat tradition continues for generations to come. 

Consider giving to the Legacy Scholarship Fund today!