Celebrate Socktober with limited-edition socks designed by OHIO students

The image shows three people wearing different Socktober socks and the words "Socktober 2026"

Back by popular demand, the Office of Annual Giving is excited to launch Ohio University’s second annual Socktober campaign.

Socktober, a month-long crowdfunding initiative dedicated to raising vital support for the programs, scholarships and experiences that enrich the lives of today’s Bobcats, was introduced to the OHIO community in October 2025. Last year, the campaign inspired more than 1,300 donors to give almost $100,000 to funds close to their hearts by inviting donors to choose a pair of student-designed socks as a thank you for their gift.

This October, donors who give $30 or more to the OHIO fund of their choice will receive a pair of exclusive, limited-edition OHIO socks as a thank you. Donors can choose between three styles of socks, all designed by students from the School of Visual Communication.

New this year: Cats’ Cupboard partnership

Cats' Cupboard + Socktober - Double The Good

The Cats' Cupboard, part of OHIO's Basic Needs Program, helps students access food and other essential resources when they need them most. By providing support in a welcoming, judgment-free environment, the program helps remove barriers that can impact student well-being and success.

This year, donors who give $100 or more to any fund through the Socktober campaign will receive all three pairs of student-designed socks as a thank you, plus a pair will be donated to a student in need via the Cats’ Cupboard food pantry.

“Our students who use Cats' Cupboard get very excited when we have OHIO swag in the pantry - many of them share that it's their first OHIO-branded item. I have no doubt they'll be thrilled about the socks, and I think this is especially helpful for the time of year with winter approaching and students looking for more warm clothes,” said Basic Needs Program Coordinator Kassandra Aleksiejczyk.

Your generosity helps students navigate challenges while sharing a little Bobcat warmth.

Designed by OHIO students, worn by Bobcats near and far

Socktober also highlights how Ohio University focuses on experiential learning opportunities for students.

During the 2025-26 academic year, a group of OHIO students were challenged to create and pitch original Socktober sock designs. The three winning designers worked alongside University Advancement staff to gain real-world experience in design, fundraising, public speaking, presentations and project management.

The result? Three unique sock designs that showcase Bobcat pride while celebrating the power of experiential learning at OHIO.

Ella Middleton, Zoe Geiss and Ashim Talukdar

This year’s designers are:

Ella Middleton, who is from Dayton and is an undergraduate student in the School of Visual Communication in the Scripps College of Communication. Middleton will graduate from OHIO in December
Zoe Geiss, who is a graduate student from Cincinnati in the Master’s of Public Administration program in the Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service. Earlier this year, Geiss graduated from OHIO after majoring in visual communication and philosophy and minoring in psychology.
Ashim Talukdar, who is a master’s degree student from Dhaka, Bangladesh, and is studying in the Scripps College of Communication.

“Hands-on projects in my classes have helped me understand what it is like to work in an industry-standard environment, and that deadlines matter! Time management is one of the biggest but most rewarding struggles,” Middleton said.

Middleton has enjoyed being a part of the OHIO community and is preparing for life after graduation.

“I'm excited to grow more in my final months at OU, and I will miss everyone I have met along the way dearly, but I know they have all aided me throughout my time here and will continue to be a Bobcat through and through forever,” Middleton said.

Geiss said that the hands-on projects that OHIO students get to take part in are essential for students.

“Hands on projects at OU prepared me for post-grad work in that it got me familiar with the client relationship building experience as well as the intricacies of the communication and project management process,” Geiss said. “Seeing the whole thing from start to finish multiple times a semester equipped me with good time/workload management skills.”

The projects also helped Giess to build a portfolio and learn more about marketing.

Talukdar said that the hands-on experience that OHIO students receive in their classes is very helpful for students preparing for careers.

“Here at OU, most of my courses are project-based, where I have to constantly update, showcase, present, and explain my work in front of a large audience (my classroom) all within a strict deadline,” Talukdar said. All of this work is laying the foundation for success in the next step in Talukdar’s career. He added that he is enjoying learning and living on OHIO’s scenic campus.