"If this was the type of person who went to OWU, then this is where I want to be": Jason Malone '97

The story of how Jason Malone ’97 chose to attend Ohio Wesleyan captures the essence of what makes the university special. Jason shares, “The moment I applied to OWU I began to experience the personalized touch OWU took to education and community building. I had faculty and alumni reach out to talk with me. I was always receiving mail from OWU. It felt very welcoming.”

A chance encounter on a campus visit with his father reinforced his early impressions of Ohio Wesleyan. They hadn't made an appointment for a tour and the admissions office was closed for lunch. However, they wanted to take advantage of their time on campus so they stopped a student to ask where to eat and she walked them to the dining hall in the Hamilton-Williams Campus Center. The OWU student joined Jason and his father for lunch to share her experiences at OWU, as well as offer an impromptu tour of her dorm. During their time together, Jason learned that the friendly student was an international student from Africa. “I was so impressed that a student who was not part of any formal admissions program would take the time to help two strangers. I left our meeting feeling that, if this was the type of person who went to OWU, then this is where I want to be.”

Now in his 25th reunion year, Jason remains glad he chose to be a Bishop, because OWU affected him in positive ways. “Probably the most significant was helping me to be a leader, in my own goals and life but also teaching me how to lead and support others in theirs.” Jason’s leadership skills were honed through his time at the Chi Phi house and embracing all of the opportunities at OWU that came his way. He advises current students to explore their interests and to “say ‘yes’ to what comes along. “Don’t be afraid to try new things and meet new people.” Jason says.

Jason and his husband have thoughtfully included Ohio Wesleyan in their estate plans, to establish a scholarship for students who are LGBTQ+ and/or have financial need. “I remember after visiting campus how much I wanted to go to OWU but was worried I wouldn’t be able to afford it. It was only after receiving a scholarship that I could set aside the financial pressure I was feeling and pick the school I most wanted to go to—OWU! I want to be able to provide that same opportunity for someone else. I want them to have as rich and wonderful an experience as I did.”