Impact on both the university and area communities
Hannah Smith of Cincinnati has received the 2020 Catherine Freed Outstanding Senior Female Leadership and Service Award from Ohio Northern University. Smith, a graduate of McAuley High School, earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Ohio Northern this spring.
During her college career, Smith made an impact on both the university and area communities. She was involved with the ONU chapter of Habitat for Humanity, serving as fundraising officer and also participating in trips to North Carolina to build houses for those in need. Further, she was assistant coordinator of Ada Friends, a mentorship program that pairs ONU students with area children. Also, Smith was a Sunday school teacher for Ada First United Methodist Church, providing lessons and childcare for children ages 3 through 5 years old.
Additionally, Smith was a HealthWise yoga instructor. She also was a member of the residence life staff and the ONU Dicke College of Business Administration Dean’s Advisory Council.
Further, Smith gained professional experience through internships with the ONU Pettit College of Law in career and professional development as well as the Injured Federal Workers Law Group in Raleigh, N.C.
Smith will attend the ONU College of Law beginning this fall. Upon completing her juris doctoral degree, she plans to secure a position at an employee benefit law firm, serve as a guardian ad litem representing children in need and remain active in her community.
The award is named for the late Catherine Freed, the former first lady of ONU who led a life of service to others. The annual award recognizes a fourth- or fifth-year woman who has shown extraordinary leadership and service throughout her time at Ohio Northern. The first award was presented in 1998.
Stories Posted This Week
Wednesday, July 9, 2025
- Home cooling assistance program through Sept. 30
- Alfes named Women's Golf Coaches Association All-American Scholar for 2024-25
- Library staff will kiss a frog if patrons check out 1,000 books
- Red, White, Woof pup adoption party on July 12
- Expectations, communication feature in public meeting about N. Gilbert St. parking
- Ada Athletic Boosters prepare for 2025-2026 sports programs
- The Icon's menu mission
Tuesday, July 8, 2025
Monday, July 7, 2025
- Special Board of Education executive session, July 8
- Funeral arrangements for Vera Marie Sprague
- Hardin County specialty crop walk on July 9
- Private family services will be held for Mary Lou Reffitt
- Varsity Singers Community performance July 10
- Ada Board of Education approves waiver of school fees for 2025-2026
- July 12 Ice Cream Open House at Grace Gospel Church