Celebrating Tradition: Olney’s 187th Commencement & Alumni Weekend
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 RoomBrowse 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 BuffetJoin 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 MeetingGather 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 ExercisesJoin 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 BuffetFollowing 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 ReunionsClasses 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 years1950 – 75 years1955 – 70 years1960 – 65 years1965 – 60 years1970 – 55 years1975 – 50 years1980 – 45 years 1985 – 40 years1990 – 35 years1995 – 30 years2000 – 25 years2005 – 20 years2010 – 15 years2015 – 10 years2020 – 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 CampingFor 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 LodgingSeveral comfortable options are available in and around Barnesville: Dining Options for Class Gatherings Many reunion classes enjoy organizing dinners together. Here are some local options to consider: Getting to Campus Our campus is located at:61830 Sandy Ridge RoadBarnesville, OH 43713. We’re approximately: 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: We look forward to welcoming you back to the campus that holds so many cherished memories for our alumni community.
2024 Commencement Speaker
We are excited to announce our 2024 Commencement Speaker. Rosemary Ketchum is a member of the City Council of Wheeling, West Virginia representing Ward 3. She also serves as the Executive Director of the West Virginia Nonprofit Association advocating for nonprofits at the state local level. In her tenure, Rosemary has worked closely on issues related to housing, small business, homelessness, and urban development. In 2023, Rosemary was named Appalachian Statesperson of the Year and has been a returning guest on MSNBC including profiles on The Today Show, Time Magazine, and CNN for her work in community organizing and politics. Olney Friends School’s 186th Commencement Exercises will take place on Saturday, May 25, 2024, 10:30 AM EST. Click the preceding link for details.