OAKLAND CITY UNIVERSITY CELEBRATES 139 YEARS

On Friday, November 1st, Oakland City University will celebrate the 139th year of its founding. The 2024 OCU Board of Trustees has invited the largest student body on the Oakland City, Indiana campus since World War II, their faculty, OCU staff, and alumni to participate in a historical program, enjoy a meal, and receive updates about the University. The evening will conclude with a Gospel Night concert. 

Founded in 1885 by the General Baptist, the University began on ten acres donated by Col. William Cockrum and his wife, Lucretia. Classes first convened in 1891 in rented spaces, with the completion of the first building, a two-story brick structure, in 1892. 

This year, Oakland City University celebrates significant achievements, including a 10.2% year-over-year increase in enrollment and an impressive 51% rise over the past four years. OCU continues to fulfill its mission of promoting social advancement and mobility, earning recognition as the fifth-best university in the nation according to U.S. News and World Report's 2024-2025 Best Colleges rankings. 

OCU President Dr. Ron Dempsey remarked, "The growth in our academic and athletic programs has fostered a renewed atmosphere on campus. Our students, professors, and student-athletes are achieving remarkable successes, contributing to a sense of pride and accomplishment that elevates our university. While we've faced challenges throughout our 139-year history, the grace of God has guided us. We anticipate more challenges ahead, but we envision a future rich in academic and athletic innovation and success. I couldn't be more excited about what lies ahead for OCU." 

The celebration will culminate with a Gospel concert featuring the award-winning Hoppers and Triumphant Quartet. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. CT at OCU's Johnson Center, with the concert beginning at 7:00 p.m. CT. Tickets are limited and available for purchase at: https://www.oak.edu/gospel-night/ 

Oakland City University provides students with a Christian learning environment, giving them a hand-up and supporting them financially and academically as they pursue fulfilling careers and purposeful lives. OCU is ranked 5th Nationally by U.S. World Report for social mobility and 4th by OnlineU for Online Forensic Science degree program in the U.S. OCU is blessed with 53.2% student diversity and 54.9% first- generation First-year Freshmen students, awarding over $13M in financial aid awards. In addition, OCU's student-athlete success rate is 88%, with a 12:1 student-to-faculty class ratio in over 50 career- focused concentrations. Enter to Learn - Go Forth to Serve. OCU is located at 138 North Lucretia Street, Oakland City, IN 47660, and can be found online at www.oak.edu. Follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube.