Olney Friends School Commencement & Alumni Celebrations
Spring at Olney Friends School always brings a special energy to our campus. As our 350-acre farm bursts with new life, we prepare to celebrate one of our most cherished traditions: Commencement Weekend.
This meaningful gathering brings together current students, graduating seniors, alumni, and family and friends to honor achievements and renew connections within our unique community.
We warmly invite all alumni, families, and friends to join us for the 187th Commencement Exercises on Saturday, May 24th, at 10:30 AM and the associated alumni activities.
This weekend offers the perfect opportunity to reconnect with old friends, make new ones, and celebrate the accomplishments of our graduating class as they prepare to carry Olney’s values into the world.
2025 Weekend Schedule: A Time for Celebration & Reflection
Friday, May 23
4:00-6:00 PM: Alumni Reception on the Front Lawn — Begin your weekend by signing in, greeting friends, and enjoying refreshments in front of our historic Main Building. This casual gathering provides the perfect opportunity to catch up with classmates and meet members of our current community.
4:00 PM Friday- 2:00 PM Saturday: Silent Auction in the Collection Room
Browse and bid on a variety of items donated by alumni and friends. All proceeds benefit the school, supporting our commitment to providing an exceptional educational experience.
Donations are welcome—you can contact Vicki at mainoffice@olneyfriends.org for this charitable giving opportunity.
6:00 PM: Supper Buffet
Join us for a delicious buffet-style meal in our Dining Room, served with seating arranged under a tent on the front lawn. This outdoor setting provides a perfect atmosphere to continue conversations with fellow alumni and meet our current students and faculty. (In case of inclement weather, seating will be relocated to our gymnasium.)
7:30 PM: Alumni Association Annual Meeting
Gather at the historic Stillwater Meetinghouse for our annual meeting. In keeping with tradition, the 50-Year Class of 1975 will officially welcome the graduating Class of 2025 into the alumni community— a touching ceremony that connects different generations of Olney students.
Saturday, May 24
10:30 AM: 187th Commencement Exercises
Join us at Stillwater Meetinghouse to celebrate our graduating seniors as they complete their Olney journey. In the tradition of our Quaker values, this ceremony reflects both our academic excellence and our commitment to personal growth and community.
12:15 PM: Luncheon Buffet
Following Commencement, we’ll gather for a celebratory meal, starting with a buffet in the Dining Room, with seating on the front lawn. Reunion classes will have reserved tables to facilitate connections among classmates.
Afternoon: Class Reunions
Classes celebrating milestone reunions will have time to gather for special activities. Contact your class representative for specific plans.
2025 Reunion Classes
The following classes will celebrate milestone reunions at the 2025 Commencement Weekend:
| 1945 – 80 years 1950 – 75 years 1955 – 70 years 1960 – 65 years 1965 – 60 years 1970 – 55 years 1975 – 50 years 1980 – 45 years | 1985 – 40 years 1990 – 35 years 1995 – 30 years 2000 – 25 years 2005 – 20 years 2010 – 15 years 2015 – 10 years 2020 – 5 years |
If you’re a member of one of these classes, we encourage you to start connecting with classmates and planning for this special milestone. Our Development Office is happy to assist with contact information and reunion planning support.
Planning Your Visit
How to Attend
For all school events and meals, please RSVP to alumni@olneyfriends.org or call 740-425-3655 ext. 210. This helps us prepare appropriately for our visiting community members.
Accommodations
On-Campus Camping
For those seeking a more nostalgic experience, camping is available in our Locust Grove. Please contact Bob Rockwell at (740) 425-2013 or (740) 238-2178 to make arrangements.
Local Lodging
Several comfortable options are available in and around Barnesville:
- Various Airbnbs in Barnesville (we recommend booking early)
- Sleep Inn & Suites in Belmont/St. Clairsville (approximately 15 minutes from campus)
- Days Inn & Suites in Belmont (approximately 15 minutes from campus)
Dining Options for Class Gatherings
Many reunion classes enjoy organizing dinners together. Here are some local options to consider:
- In Barnesville: On the Rocks Grill & Tavern, Main Street Barrel House
- In Belmont: The Pike 40, Days Inn & Suites Restaurant
- In St. Clairsville: Various options at and across from the Ohio Valley Mall
Getting to Campus
Our campus is located at:
61830 Sandy Ridge Road
Barnesville, OH 43713.
We’re approximately:
- 2 hours from Columbus, Ohio
- 90 minutes from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- 2 hours from Cleveland, Ohio
The Olney Experience: Then and Now
While many things have changed since our founding in 1837, the core of the Olney experience remains consistent.
“It always amazes me the way that you … teachers and staff made such a wonderful learning environment. I can honestly say that you gave me tools that I have never stopped using – including but not limited to compassion, empathy, patience, creative and critical thinking, and an understanding of the written and spoken word. Now more than ever, places like Olney must be protected and encouraged to grow.”
—Kelsi Miller ‘14 (Kelsi’s father, aunt, grandmother, and great aunt also graduated from Olney.)
When you return to campus, you’ll notice how we’ve integrated modern approaches while maintaining our commitment to environmental stewardship and community-centered learning.
Our students still address teachers by first name, make decisions through consensus, and embrace the SPICES values (Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality, and Stewardship) that have guided Olney for generations.
Join Us for This Special Weekend
Commencement Weekend is more than just a ceremony— it’s a time to celebrate the unique community that has shaped generations of students. Whether you’re a recent graduate or celebrating a milestone reunion, we hope you’ll join us for this meaningful occasion.
For questions or additional information, please contact:
- Vicki Lowry (Silent Auction, Main Office): mainoffice@olneyfriends.org
- Danyel Stringham (Events Coordinator): danyel@olneyfriends.org
- Anne Marie Taber (Development): annemarie@olneyfriends.org, ext. 210
- Shea Bugala (Development): alumni@olneyfriends.org, ext. 253
We look forward to welcoming you back to the campus that holds so many cherished memories for our alumni community.
