Campaign to discourage use of ‘OU’ goes back many generations

To the editor:

As a follow-up to former President Alden's letter about the proper designation for Ohio University, I would add the following comments from an alum written around 1917:

"The Ohio University"

For years past many of our friends have not deemed us worthy of the respect and dignity of a respectful and dignified name. We announce right now that the school we represent is "The Ohio University." That it is located at Athens is a fact, but that it should be called the "Athens University" is no more excusable than that our sister institution should be called the University of Columbus because it is located in the capital city. Ohio University has had a glorious past; a splendid future is foreseen. Why belittle her with a name that is not her own. We have heard the school referred to hundreds of times as "0. U." Are initials used in referring to a respected friend? Perhaps the worst characterization of all is ''the summer school down at Athens." We are not a summer school; we are not a normal college. We are both, but far more than either. We are the oldest university west of the Allegheny Mountains. We are THE OHIO UNIVERSITY, and not "O.U." or any of the other characterizations. Does it hurt you to hear those names? Are you guilty of using them?"

By the way, there is a rumor that President Alden fined his upper echelon 25 cents if they used the term "OU" (of course, upper administrators weren't paid so much in those days).

Barry Thomas
Charles Street
Athens