Ohio Wesleyan University Notable Alumni

Situated 30 miles north of Columbus, Ohio Wesleyan University is a private 4-year school in Delaware, OH. Founded in 1842 by Methodist leaders as a non-sectarian school, Ohio Wesleyan University is a member of the “Ohio Five” consortium of liberal arts colleges (Kenyon College, Oberlin College, College of Wooster and Denison University). The 200 acre campus, located in downtown Delaware, features collegiate gothic red brick and stone architecture. The campus is divided by Sandusky Street into the eastern sector with primarily academic buildings and the western sector containing mainly residences and administration buildings. Among the notable alumni of Ohio Wesleyan is theologian Norman Vincent Peale.

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

Ohio Wesleyan University is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission and offers Bachelor’s Degrees in approximately 90 majors. The University is comprised of many departments (as opposed to colleges or schools); the largest programs on campus are in Business and Social Sciences. Per the Mission Statement, “Ohio Wesleyan’s charter provided that “the University is forever to be conducted on the most liberal principles, accessible to all religious denominations, and designed for the benefit of our citizens in general.” In the spirit of this heritage, the University defines itself as a community of teachers and students devoted to the free pursuit of truth. It attempts to develop in its students qualities of intellect and character that will be useful no matter what they choose to do in later life. The transmission, extension, and discovery of knowledge are central to the liberal arts tradition… the University has as its preeminent purpose to be a quality institution for teaching and learning. Because effective teaching is of the highest importance, members of the faculty regularly are reviewed and evaluated for excellence in teaching.”

STUDENT LIFE

There are nearly 1600 undergraduate students enrolled in Ohio Wesleyan University, the vast majority of whom live on campus among the traditional dormitories, small community houses and theme housing. The University sponsors nearly 100 clubs and student organizations, including club sports and intramurals. For the varsity athlete, the red and black Battling Bishops field teams in 15 sports and participate in NCAA Division III competition. Among the campus calendar traditions are the Mock Convention, held every presidential election year since 1920 and the frequent repainting of the rock near Hayes Hall. Students understand Three Objectives of the university: The first is to impart knowledge. The objective of imparting knowledge is intrinsically worthwhile to possess the knowledge and insight transmitted through the humanities, arts, and sciences. The second major objective is to develop and enhance certain important capabilities of students. They may develop aesthetic sensibilities or creative talents in several fields. The third objective is to place education in the context of values. It accords high honor to intellectual honesty. Consistent with our Methodist tradition, Ohio Wesleyan encourages concern for all religious and ethical issues and stimulates its students to examine their own views in light of these issues.

Ohio Wesleyan University’s 2022 Rankings

Ohio Wesleyan University is ranked #98 in National Liberal Arts Colleges. Schools are ranked according to their performance across a set of widely accepted indicators of excellence.

• #98 in National Liberal Arts Colleges (tie)
• #54 in Best Value Schools
• #150 in Top Performers on Social Mobility (tie)

Notable alumni
	AcademicsDennis R. Appleyard, Class of 1961; Co-author International Economics, 4th Edition.William Hsiao, Class of 1963; Professor of Economics, Harvard University School of Public Health.Frederick Henry Koch, Class of 1900; Considered the founder of American folk drama.Bob Michael, Dean of the Harris Graduate School of Public Policy Studies at the University of Chicago.Ezra Vogel, Class of 1950; Former Professor at Harvard University. Author of Japan’s New Middle Class(1963), Japan as Number One(1979), The Four Little Dragons (1991) and Is Japan Still Number One?(2000).James R. Walker, Class of 1974; chair of the Department of Economics at the University of Wisconsin.ScienceFrank Sherwood Rowland, Class of 1948; Chemistry Nobel laurate.James F. Huhn, Class of 1937; pioneer in the reseach of synthetic fibers and plastics.EducationThomas R. Tritton, Class of 1969; President of Haverford College, PA, 1997-present.Karl Tinsley Waugh, Class of 1900; President of Dickinson College, PA, 1931-1933.Edwin Holt Hughes, President of Depauw University, IN, 1903-1909.Francis John McConnell, President of Depauw University, IN, 1909-1912.George Richmond Grose, President of Depauw University, IN, 1912-1924.Richard Franklin Rosser, Class of 1951; President of Depauw University, IN, 1977-1986.Isaac Crook, Class of 1856; President of Ohio University, OH, 1896-1898.Edward D. Miller, MD, Class of 1964; 13th Dean of The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.Charles M. Austing, Class of 1903; first President of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.SportsBranch Rickey, Class of 1904; general manager of the Saint Louis Cardinals, Brooklyn Dodgers, and Pittsburgh Pirates who pioneered the farm system and racially integrated Major League Baseball by signing Jackie Robinson for the Dodgers.PoliticsLucy Webb Hayes, Class of 1850; wife of Rutherford B. Hayes, who served as U.S. President from 1877 to 1881.Charles Fairbanks, Class of 1872; Vice President of the United States under Theodore Roosevelt.Arthur Fleming, former Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare. Served under presidents Franklin Roosevelt through Ronald Reagan.Horace Newton Allen, Class of 1878; diplomat.Shirin Tahir-Kheli, Class of 1961; Special Assistant to the President and National Security Council.Social activistsMabel Cratty, Class of 1890, Leader of Young Women’s Christian Association in its early days.Mary King, Class of 1962; civil rights activist.Norman Vincent Peale, Class of 1920; minister, author of The Power of Positive Thinking (1952), The Art of Living (1937), Confident Living (1948), and This Incredible Century (1991).William M. Brooks, Class of 1976; Director of the Civil Rights Litigation Clinic.Winston Franklin, led efforts to promote interacial understanding with Charles F. Kettering Foundation.LiteratureRichard North Patterson, Class of 1968; contemporary author.Robert Edwin Lee, Class of 1939; playwright and lyricist.LawJudge Richard Hodge, Class of 1960; Judge at California Superior Court.Judge Charles Richey, Class of 1945; late Federal US District Judge, appointed by Richard Nixon and involved in Watergate trial.EntertainmentFred Baron, Class of 1976; producer of Moulin Rouge; current executive producer for the BBS According to Bex.Jim Berry, Class of 1955; National Newspaper Cartoonist.Amelia Bigham, Class of 1890; Broadway actress in The Power of Gold, The Shaughraun, The Colleen Bawn, The Village Postmaster, Captain Impudence; indicted into the Ohio Hall of Fame.Frank Corrado, Class of 1968; actor (American Conservatory Theatre, Denver Center, Berkeley Rep, McCarter, Long Wharf).Anne Flanagan, Class of 1987; film, TV actor/writer (The Comedy Store, Disclosure, Tracey Ullman Show, 7th Heaven).Clark Gregg, Class of 1984; actor, director, screenwriter (A Few Good Men, Spanish Prisoner, What Lies Beneath, West Wing).Gerald Kline, Class of 1966; TV, film, stage actor (Law and Order, All My Children,) Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) Board member.Ron Leibman, Class of 1958; Emmy, Tony-winning actor (Angels in America, “Norma Rae”, “Slaughterhouse Five”, “Friends”).Wendie Malick, Class of 1972; film, TV actor (Just Shoot Me (NBC), Dream On (HBO)).Melvin Van Peebles, Class of 1953; actor and director,Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song (1971)Robert Pine, Class of 1963; TV, film actor (CHiPs, Murder, She Wrote, Hoover vs. the Kennedys, Six Feet Under).Wayne Turney, Class of 1968; Emmy-winning Actor (Hickory Hideout, Cleveland Play House, Actors’ Theatre Louisville).Patricia Wettig, Class of 1974; Emmy-winning actor (thirty something, The Langoliers, City Slickers, Boomtown).Eric Winzenried, Class of 1988; film, TV actor (ER, The Untouchables, Zoolander, Austin Powers).NewsCynthia Davidson, Class of 1974; editor of architecture magazine ANY.Mildred Gillars, Class of 1922, Radio Berlin announcer and actress during World War II.Susan Headden, Class of 1977; Pulitzer Prize reporter.Colin McMahon, Class of 1985; Foreign Editor, Chicago Tribune.Gregory L. Moore, Class of 1976; managing editor of The Boston Globe.Byron Pitts, Class of 1982; CBS News correspondent.Corporate leadersOrra E. Monnette, Class of 1897; author and banker, co-founder and co-chairman, Bank of America, Los Angeles.George Conrades, Class of 1961.Nicholas E. Calio, Class of 1975; Citigroup’s Senior Vice President for Global Government Affairs.Robert Dellinger, Class of 1982; CFO of Sprint, a global communications company.Clay G. Small, Class of 1972; CEO of Pepsi Bottling Group.Martha Rooney Webb, Class of 1991; director at the Seed Foundation, a foundation designed to benefit urban children.Frank Stanton, Class of 1930; former CBS CEO between 1945-1973.Gregory Wilson, Class of 1974; principal at McKinsey & Company in Washington, DC.Robert M. Best, Class of 1944; chairman and CEO, Security Mutual Life.

Notable Alumni

Leaders, influencers, and innovators in their fields, Wesleyan graduates embody the University’s commitment to boldness, rigor, and practical idealism. Widely recognized for their skills in thinking critically and creatively, Cardinals are sought after by employers ranging from nonprofits and start-ups to Fortune 500 companies. With their broad liberal education and willingness to take risks, alumni build successful and fulfilling careers around the globe, while staying connected with other Cardinals and their local communities.

Chances are, you’ve heard of our alumni. Talented Cardinals are at the forefront of countless industries—including law, science, medicine, business, politics, and the creative arts. They include Nobel Prize recipients, MacArthur “Genius” Grant winners, Fulbright scholars, Super Bowl champions, Academy Award winners, groundbreaking scientists, innovative entrepreneurs, political trailblazers, and more. 

We are proud of the long line of Cardinals who achieve professional success, and we love sharing their stories.

Driss Sekkat ’06
Executive Producer / Head of Development
Middle East Broadcasting Networks

Sahan Dissanayake ’04
Assistant Professor of Economics
Colby College

Marija Ignjatovic ’03
Special Assistant
United Nations

Anita Narayan ’00
Managing Editor, Education
U.S. News & World Report

Anand Philip ’00
Managing Director
York Capital Management

Sonya Kahlenberg ’99
Executive Director
Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education Center (GRACE)

Koritha Mitchell ’96
Associate Professor of English
The Ohio State University

Christina Zamarro ’94
Vice President of Investor Relations
Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company

James Lloyd ’92
Superintendent
Olmstead Falls City Schools

L. Marshall Washington ’91
President
New River Community and Technical College

Tracie Winbigler ’87
Chief Financial Officer
REI outdoor retailer

Evan Hirsche ’86
Co-Founder
Discover Nature Apps
President
Wild-Eyed Creative Services

Kara Trott ’83
Chief Executive Officer
Quantum Health

John Milligan ’83
Chief Executive Officer
Gilead Sciences

Byron Pitts ’82
Co-Anchor, Nightline
Chief National Correspondent
ABC News

Susan Headden ’77
Pulitzer Prize-Winning Journalist

Doug Kridler ’77
President and Chief Executive Officer
The Columbus Foundation

Greg Moore ’76
Former Editor
Denver Post

Jo Ann Emerson ’72
Former Congresswoman

Wendie Malick ’72
Actress
Hot in Cleveland; The Emperor’s New Groove; Just Shoot Me!; Dream On

Richard North Patterson ’68
Best-Selling Author
Loss of Innocence; Fall from Grace: A Novel; Degree of Guilt; Exile

William Batchelder ’64
Retired Speaker of the House
Ohio House of Representatives

Paul Schimmel ’62
Professor
Schimmel-Yang Laboratory at The Scripps Research Institute

George Conrades ’61
Chairman
Akamai Technologies

David Hobson ’58
Retired member of the U.S. House of Representatives (1991-2009)