Olney Friends School Commencement and Alumni Celebrations
Commencement Weekend at Olney is when the school’s past and present come together in one place. Alumni return to campus, families gather, and a new class of graduates prepares to step into the world carrying the same values that have shaped this community since 1837.
We warmly invite all alumni, families, and friends to join us for Commencement Exercises on Saturday, June 6th, at 10:30 AM EST, along with a full weekend of alumni gatherings and class reunions across our 350-acre campus.
2026 Weekend Schedule
Friday, June 5
4:00 to 6:00 PM: Alumni Reception on the Front Lawn
Begin the weekend by signing in, greeting friends, and enjoying refreshments in front of the historic Main Building. A casual chance to catch up with classmates and meet members of the current community.
4:00 PM Friday to 2:00 PM Saturday: Silent Auction in the Collection Room
Browse and bid on items donated by alumni and friends. All proceeds benefit the school. Donations are welcome. Contact Melissa at mainoffice@olneyfriends.org.
6:00 PM: Supper Buffet
A buffet-style meal served in the Dining Room, with seating in a tent on the front lawn. In case of inclement weather, seating moves to the gymnasium.
7:30 PM: Alumni Association Annual Meeting
Gather at the historic Stillwater Meetinghouse for the annual meeting. In keeping with tradition, the 50-Year Class of 1976 will officially welcome the graduating Class of 2026 into the alumni community.
Saturday, June 6
10:30 AM: Commencement Exercises
Join us at Stillwater Meetinghouse to celebrate the graduating seniors. The ceremony follows Olney’s Quaker tradition.
12:15 PM: Luncheon Buffet
Following Commencement, a celebratory buffet in the Dining Room with seating on the front lawn. Reunion classes will have reserved tables.
Afternoon: Class Reunions
Classes celebrating milestone reunions will have time to gather for special activities. Contact your class representative for specific plans.
2026 Reunion Classes
The following classes will celebrate milestone reunions at the 2026 Commencement Weekend:
| 1946 (80 years) | 1986 (40 years) |
| 1951 (75 years) | 1991 (35 years) |
| 1956 (70 years) | 1996 (30 years) |
| 1961 (65 years) | 2001 (25 years) |
| 1966 (60 years) | 2006 (20 years) |
| 1971 (55 years) | 2011 (15 years) |
| 1976 (50 years) | 2016 (10 years) |
| 1981 (45 years) | 2021 (5 years) |
If you’re a member of one of these classes, we encourage you to start connecting with classmates now. The Development Office is happy to help with contact information and reunion planning.
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.
Accommodations
On-Campus Camping: For a more nostalgic experience, camping is available in Locust Grove. Contact Dennis Rockwell at (740) 425-2466 to make arrangements.
Local Lodging: Several options are available in and around Barnesville.
Various Airbnbs in Barnesville. airbnb.com/barnesville-oh/stays (we recommend booking early)
Sleep Inn & Suites by Choice Hotels, Belmont/St. Clairsville. 41371 Reco Road, Belmont, OH 43718. (740) 421-4417. Approximately 15 minutes from campus.
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Belmont. 66774 Belmont Morristown Road, Belmont, OH 43718. (740) 202-9846. Approximately 15 minutes from campus.
Dining Options for Class Gatherings
Many reunion classes enjoy organizing dinners together. Some local options:
In Barnesville: On the Rocks Grill & Tavern (740) 425-3456, Main Street Barrel House (740) 619-0591
In Belmont: The Pike 40 (740) 782-0001, Days Inn & Suites Restaurant (740) 202-9846
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; and 2 hours from Cleveland, Ohio.
Join Us for This Special Weekend
Commencement Weekend is a chance to celebrate the community that has shaped generations of Olney students. Whether you’re a recent graduate or celebrating a milestone reunion, we hope you’ll join us.
For questions or additional information, please contact:
Anne Marie Taber (Dean of Learning, formerly Development/Alumni Director) alumni@olneyfriends.org, ext. 210
Shea Bugala (Development): alumni@olneyfriends.org, ext. 253
Melissa Rataiczak (Silent Auction, Events Coordinator, Main Office): mainoffice@olneyfriends.org, ext. 218
We look forward to welcoming you back to campus.
