They promised to be there for both the good and bad times as well as in sickness and health, and many Ohio University alumni have prospered.
But for some of the almost 25 couples who renewed their vows Saturday at Galbreath Chapel for the “OH, I dO” ceremony, these words proved to be even more powerful the second time around.
Graham Stewart, director of the Ohio University Alumni Association, said he gets a great feeling from leading couples of all ages in an oath to carry out their wedding vows.
“You can almost feel the love in the room, and even though I’m not truly an ordained minister, I loved helping these couples renew their vows,” Stewart said.
Valerie and Jeff Allen, who just celebrated their 22nd wedding anniversary last week, took part in the vow renewal ceremony.
“Our son is a freshman at OU, so I heard about the ceremony through a bulletin online, and my husband and I knew we wanted to be a part of it,” Valerie said. “The ceremony was a lot of fun."
Jeff said he enjoyed the ceremony as well.
“The ceremony brought our family together, and not only did it show our love for each other, it also showed our kids our true love for Ohio University,” he said.
When the Allens met back in 1974 in Athens, Valerie said, she never thought she and Jeff would get married.
“One night, Jeff walked me back home and kissed me in the rain," Valerie said. "He told me he’d see me at the altar. Back then, I didn’t think he would be the man I’d marry, but sure enough, here I am today renewing my vows at Ohio University."
Carol and Robert Rader also participated in the ceremony. The two of them met in 1947 on a double date — however, not with each other.
Their daughter, Lou Ann Glover, surprised the Raders by arranging their participation in the OH I dO ceremony.
“The ceremony brought not only us together, but our children and grandchildren as well,” Carol said.
The Raders have 5 children and 7 grandchildren. Their daughter, Glover, also found love at OU.
“My daughter met her husband, Bruce, on Parents Weekend during her freshman year of college, and they have been married for 36 years now,” Carol said.
The Glovers’ son, who attended the ceremony, is a current student and marks the family's third generation at OU.
bc822010@ohiou.edu
