A history of equality at Otterbein

Flashback: The university was founded in 1847 and named after Philip William Otterbein, a German American pastor who started a predecessor to the United Methodist Church.

• It was a coeducational campus from the beginning, with two women in the first graduating class.

The intrigue: Early university officials were involved in emancipation, per a school history, assisting people fleeing slavery along the Underground Railroad.

Fun fact: Famous alumni include Columbus native and MLB star Paul O'Neill and composer Benjamin Hanby ("Up On the House Top").

• The university received national attention for hosting a presidential debate in 2019.

4️⃣2️⃣ down, 86 to go.

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