Ohio Northern University T.J. Smull College of Engineering

Thank you Phil! 🧡🖤

Throughout a career spanning more than 50 years, U.S. Marine Corps veteran and engineer Phil Wagner, BSME ’69, always chose the road less traveled. By embracing career pivots and saying “yes” to complex projects no one else would tackle, he was able to live in different countries and lead an unconventional life.

“Three prongs: love, adventure, and achievement,” he says. “That’s how you should live your life.”

In retirement, the Ohio Northern University alumnus is finding joy and fulfillment from a fourth prong: giving back. Not surprisingly, he takes an unorthodox approach to philanthropic giving.

At ONU, he established the Wagner Scholarship Fund for Engineering, which not only awards the largest scholarship annually in the T.J. Smull College of Engineering, but is based on a progressive scale of achievement.

“It’s easy to give money,” he says, “but effectively and beneficially giving money is another trick.”

📲 Read more about Phil and the scholarships: https://bit.ly/4ecOPk2

On May 17, following commencement, the college held their annual Pledge of the Computing Professional ceremony. The Pledge of the Computing Professional is intended to promote and recognize the ethical and moral behavior of graduates of computing-related degree programs as they transition to careers of service to society.

The Pledge is modeled after the Order of the Engineer – a long-standing rite-of-passage for graduates from engineering programs (which also took place on May 17).

A group of our ONU engineering students are currently in Germany with their professor, Dr. Mikesell, for a three week study abroad experience with Education First (EF). The students are taking German language classes and enjoying Germany’s amazing culture including the delicious food and drinks. Known for its wide spectrum of tech and engineering organizations, Germany is an ever-evolving hub of innovation. Our group has so far explored an automotive factory and other industrial sites. They have gained insight into how these companies impact the entire country socially, economically, and environmentally. Their cultural and historic visits include the Berlin Wall, Brandenburg Gate, Dachau and Neuschwanstein Castle. They have also had free time to explore their own interests on the weekends. During this time many of them travelled to Switzerland. Other students went to Rome and explored the city of Munich.

The Germany study abroad group ate some traditional German fare tonight in a restaurant housed in a 13th century judicial building. If you want to follow all our adventures, co-leader Amy Mikesell is keeping a travel blog at https://onugermany2026.blogspot.com/2026/05/germany-we-are-here.html?m=1

Eleven students enjoyed an amazing tour of the Berlin Motorcycle Factory today as part of a 26-day semester abroad experience in Germany this summer.

Congratulations!

Congratulations to our two Clyde Lamb Award Winners, .bell3 and on getting this prestigious award for the OAC and Ohio Northern.

When the JLK atrium turns into a concert stage! On Friday, May 8 the college hosted the 5th annual End-of-Year Bash. This informal event featured a variety of musical performances by over 35 faculty and students - many from within the College of Engineering but also several from outside of our college. There was lots of food and a fun time was had by all!

Also, thank you to MC and organizer, Todd France, as well as the ONU Cultural and Special Events Committee for supporting the event and the ASCE chapter members for set-up, managing the food and clean up.