Young Alumni Spotlight:
Kevin Sasson BSC '97 

This article first appeared in Bobcat Idea

Why did you choose Ohio University?

Way back in 1993, I chose Ohio University for a few reasons:

1) Its strong communications program and lineage of well-know graduates in broadcast journalism.  I've always loved sports and I wanted to become a sportscaster.  Growing up in Cincinnati, Ohio, I enjoyed watching popular TV sports personalities such as Thom Brennaman and Ken Broo - both are OU alumni.  OU seemed like the perfect fit for my career interests.  During my first year at OU, I had the good fortune of interning for Mr. Broo.  Later, I had the privilege of graduating in the same class with broadcasting icon, Matt Lauer, who gave the best commencement address I've ever heard.

2) The Honors Tutorial College.  When evaluating my options, no other university offered the HTC's level of personal attention...which is nice, because I like attention.

3) The campus.  On my very first visit to campus, I remember thinking, "Where has this place been all my life?"  The aesthetic beauty of the Athens campus had to be one of the best kept secrets during my college search.  One other best kept secret was the scenic drive from Cincinnati to Athens on State Route 32.  Along the journey, you'll pass the Keim Family Market, home of some of the yummiest fruit pies this side of the Hocking River.  The peach pie is just chock-full of sweet goodness.

4) I thought I might see Gary Trent play basketball at my school for three more years.  OK, so he left early for the NBA, but during my first year, I had a court-side seat to see one of his most memorable monster dunks in front of a packed house at the Convo against a school from Oxford, OH.  It was awesome.  By the way, wasn't Chad Estis the most underrated player on that 1993 MAC Championship team?  I can't believe I still remember this stuff.

What made your experience here unique?

My friends.  I still keep in close contact with them.  My college experience wouldn't have been the same without them.  We bonded from our first days playing ultimate frisbee and volleyball next to Hoover House.  Our band of brothers (and sisters) joined forces to become the Bad News Bears, an intramural sports dynasty at OU.

I remember going to class during the day, playing intramurals at night, and cramming for tests in the early morning.  Sleep was optional.  Of all the sports trophies collecting dust in my storage unit, the one I'm most proud of is the framed piece of paper that says "Ohio University Intramural Sports Champion - Bad News Bears - Broomball."  Do they still play broomball at 2 a.m.?

One spring, I think I played and coached for five different intramural softball teams while writing my honors tutorial thesis.  (Wow...I think I just solved the mystery as to why I was late with the thesis.)

My time playing intramural sports wasn't wasted. I parlayed that experience into a brief semi-pro baseball career in Honduras.  Yes, that's right - Honduras. And it all started with my friends at OU.
 

What gave you the idea to start giving back?

 People like Karen and Jim Reynolds, who opened their house to me while I was late writing my honors tutorial thesis (and showed me) some of the finest hospitality ever.  Dr. Butch Hill, whose values and character I still try to emulate - he wrote a recommendation letter for my 1995 Student Trustee application that I remember to this day.  President Robert Glidden, who put his faith in me by nominating me for a life-changing job in London when I graduated.  Former HTC Dean Joseph Berman, who cared genuinely about my life and those of many other former students even after we left campus.  Dick Brown, who gave an untested OU grad like me a chance to succeed in his company overseas.  My parents, whose love and patience have no bounds.  The list goes on. 

My OU experience was filled with these kinds of people.  People who supported me even when there was no reason or payback.  Unfortunately, I've lost touch with many of them over the years. 

I'll always remember what Karen Reynolds said when I asked her how I could possibly re-pay her and her husband for their three months of fine hospitality: "Just make sure you return the favor to someone else when it's your turn to give." 

That's what inspired me to give back.
 

How do you stay connected with the University?

I stay connected in a few ways:

1) I keep in touch with my good friends from OU like a good alum should. We even return to visit the campus from time to time for purely academic reasons. 

2) I contribute to a scholarship fund each year that helps a deserving student from the HTC reduce or eliminate the expenses of studying overseas.  It's fun because I learn too - I learn about all the cool places and experiences these students encounter on their trips.  China, Egypt, Germany, England, Chile and Costa Rica are places where past scholarship winners have ventured.

3) Since I live in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, it's sometimes hard to get reliable mail service, so I make sure to read the stuff you guys send via e-mail.

4) From time to time, I'm able to see the Bobcats play football or basketball on TV.

5) I used to attend alumni events when I lived in San Francisco.  I didn't think I'd ever run into an OU alum in Honduras, but believe it or not, there are alumni down here. I ran into one who was proudly wearing his OU T-shirt at a restaurant outside of Siguatepeque, a town in central Honduras.  He's an OU grad from Honduras who studied in Athens several years ago.  I think we'll have to start our own alumni chapter.  You're all invited for cocktails, frijoles and tortillas at the next function.

How has OU impacted your life?

"That thou mayest grow in Knowledge, Wisdom and Love" - it's more than just a catchy phrase engraved on a big brick arch next to the College Green.  (Tangent: Has anyone thought of putting that phrase on a t-shirt?  It might just be the next great t-shirt idea.)

I think that phrase, although it might sound a bit cheesy, has relevance for people who have experienced an OU education.  Intellectual, social and spiritual - all these aspects of my life have been shaped by my OU experience. 

For me, it's the relationships from the OU experience that have had the most lasting impact.