How Students Define “Community” at Ohio Wesleyan University

Community can be defined in many different ways, but at Ohio Wesleyan University, community is one of the most defining elements the university has to offer.

At a smaller institution like Ohio Wesleyan, students tend to describe the campus environment as welcoming, supportive, and well-rounded. Whether this is through creating newfound friendships, shared traditions, or campus organizations, community is at the heart of this Delaware, Ohio liberal arts institution. 

For some students, community stems from the people they meet and the relationships they build throughout their college years. Sophomore Carolina Sola described her experience at Ohio Wesleyan as her home away from home because of the connections she has made.

“The people I have met have become my home away from home, a support system, and the people I can lean on through anything” (Sola, ‘28).

Many students share similar beliefs; they say that the close-knit nature of this campus makes it easier for students to feel comfortable. From celebrating milestones, to late-night study sessions in Slocum Hall, the relationships built through this university are what make the college experience so special. 

For others, they define community at Ohio Wesleyan as supportive.

Senior Paige Orlando explained that one way students find community is simply by “showing support to all organizations on campus through attending events,” (Orlando, ‘26).

This highlights how students come together to celebrate their hard work and passions. Whether it is through attending sporting events, theatre performances, or Greek life philanthropy events, these moments create opportunities for students to connect outside the classroom and strengthen the sense of community across campus. 

Junior Grace Gagne describes community as something deeply intertwined with diversity and collaboration.

She says, “While there are many different organizations that you can join and feel a sense of community, the best part about OWU is that we all work together” (Gagne, ‘27). 

Rather than feeling secluded to one group of friends or organization on campus, OWU encourages students to venture outside of their comfort zones and explore many different communities on campus.

“The diversity that this campus brings is what community means to me. You can learn so much from other groups that you have never even thought of,” Gagne said.

The openness of students on this campus allows them to expand their minds and experiences at Ohio Wesleyan University. 

Together, all of these perspectives define what community means to the student body of Ohio Wesleyan University. OWU offers many things, but the most important things are support systems, diversity, and a home. While everyone’s experience and journey on this campus can differ, most agree they have found community here in Delaware, Ohio.