University of Rio Grande turning 148 years old
The University of Rio Grande is celebrating its 148th anniversary.
Rio’s history began with Nehemiah and Permelia Ridgeway Atwood, prominent entrepreneurs and wealthy residents, who used their resources to found Rio Grande College. After Nehemiah's passing in 1869, the task of fulfilling their vision was left to his wife, Permelia. In 1873, she created an endowment and donated 10 acres of land, leading to the college’s official opening on Sept. 13, 1876. This year will mark the 148th anniversary of the founding of Rio.
To celebrate Founders’ Day, Rio will hold a variety of events and fundraising initiatives.
The day will kick off with Coach David Smalley and the athletics department’s annual Rio Fun Meet, a Special-Olympics-style event for local special needs athletes. Campus tours will be held at 9 and 11 am, followed by a birthday celebration for Rio at the Alumni Memorial Bell Tower. The family day, sponsored by Ohio Valley Bank, will host food trucks, and men’s and women’s soccer games, with a duck drop happening at halftime of the men’s game. The day will be capped off by a Farm to Fork Dinner, aimed at raising funds for Rio students.
Founders’ Day of Giving
Securing the growth and sustainability of Rio is more crucial than ever. Support from the community will empower Rio to enhance facilities, foster cutting-edge research, and create opportunities for students to excel. Rio alumni are being challenged to give an amount representing their graduation year. For example, a 1987 graduate might give $19.87 or $198.70.
Donors are encouraged to give to whichever area they feel inspired to donate to. There have been several matching gifts already pledged.
• Mike & Vicky Denney and Denney Enterprises have pledged to match the first $100,000 donated to Rio’s football program. Mike and Vicky challenge the Rio Family to support our Red Storm student-athletes.
• A $75,000 donation has been pledged to the Rio Fund to encourage everyone in the Rio Family to purchase a Founders’ Day Duck to support student need.
• A $50,000 donation will be donated to assist in upgrading technology for our education department from a friend of Rio to encourage Faculty Emeriti and Education graduates to donate to help with a technology overhaul of new laptops, smart TVs, accessible modalities and VR goggles.
• 30 gifts to the Art Fund will unlock an additional $3,600 donation. Donors are encouraged to vote for their favorite mural at rio.edu/mural.
Non-perishable food items and hygiene items are being accepted at drop-off locations at Rio’s Jackson Center, Gallia County Chamber office and at the pantry inside of Rhodes Student Center. All items will benefit Rio students.
Duck Drop
As part of the Founders’ Day festivities, 1,000 rubber ducks will be dropped from a helicopter onto the Rio Rugby field to raise money for student scholarships. Ducks are $10 each and whoever’s duck lands closest to the trophy at midfield will win $250. Additionally, the first 100 people to find their ducks and turn them in will receive a “Rio Family” t-shirt, generously sponsored by Ohio Valley Bank, Robin Fowler State Farm, Archon Alumni Association and the Office of Institutional Advancement. You do not need to be present to win.
Farm to Fork Dinner
The night cap will feature a Farm to Fork Dinner, featuring cuisine from local Chef Austin Cole. A social hour, sponsored by R&C Packing will begin at 5:30 at the Lyne Center Hill, followed by the dinner at 7 p.m. The menu will consist of locally sourced food from 10 area farmers and makers, and funds raised will benefit the Changing Tomorrow’s Fund, which aims at making education affordable for local students. The event is sponsored by Hidden Valley Leasing and Letart Cooperation.
You can buy a duck, make a gift or buy tickets to the Farm to Fork dinner online at rio.edu/foundersday, in person at the Office of Institutional Advancement in Davis Center, or by mail at PO Box 500, Rio Grande 45674.
To learn more about Founders’ Day, register for campus tours or find out how you can help, visit www.rio.edu/foundersday.
About University of Rio Grande and Rio Grande Community College
Nestled in the rolling hills of southeastern Ohio, Rio stands as a beacon of accessible and affordable education. Our main campus is a haven for learning, innovation and technology, offering students the security and charm of a small-town environment. With more than 60 diverse programs to choose from, Rio empowers students to pursue associate, bachelor, and master degrees, along with certificate programs. Our commitment extends to four regional centers—Jackson, McArthur, Meigs and Pike—dedicated to enriching their communities by providing quality education and fostering a robust workforce. At the core of our institution are passionate faculty members who serve as both educators and mentors, devoted to the academic and personal growth of each student. Rio's academically challenging programs are complemented by a wealth of extracurricular opportunities, creating a holistic educational experience.
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