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A Celebration of Golden Bear Spirit: 2026 Alumni & Community Open House Brings Generations Together and Honors Alumni and Educators
- Jul 7
- 4 min read
On July 2nd, Upper Arlington Education Foundation and Upper Arlington Alumni Association joined with the Upper Arlington School District to welcome alumni, families, students, and community members in Upper Arlington High School for the Alumni and Community Open House. It was a memorable day dedicated to celebrating the rich traditions, outstanding achievements, and enduring spirit of Upper Arlington Schools.
Student-led tours of Upper Arlington High School offered alumni and guests the chance to see how the school has evolved while hearing firsthand from today's students about their own day-to-day experiences. The Upper Arlington Marching Band added to the festive atmosphere especially as they played Dear Old Arlington, our alma mater. Visitors browsed the school store, Bear Essentials, and got a glimpse of the famous “Golden Bear.”
In the UA+Ed/UAAA office, guests flipped through decades of Norwester yearbooks, explored UA memorabilia, and connected with UA+Ed and UAAA Board Members and Staff, UA Board of Education members, and UA District Leaders. Continuous photo and video presentations showcased Upper Arlington Alumni Interviews as well as UA+Ed Grants in Action, highlighting the meaningful impact of the foundation.
In honor of the 4th of July weekend, the Upper Arlington Historical Society featured a special display commemorating the 100th Upper Arlington Fourth of July Parade.
Honoring Distinguished, Outstanding and Inspirational Alumni and Exceptional Educators
The day's signature event was the 2026 Alumni Awards and Educator Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, led by Superintendent, Bob Hunt and UA Alumni Association President, Mandy Warman Markoff ‘96. The ceremony recognized Outstanding, Distinguished, and Inspiring Young Alumni as well as Exceptional Educators.
Distinguished Alumni
Rose Gottemoeller ‘ 71 - Rose is an internationally recognized leader in diplomacy, arms control, and global security whose distinguished career includes serving as U.S. Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security, the first woman Deputy Secretary General of NATO, and now as a lecturer and research fellow at Stanford University. Rose will visit UA in September to speak at UAPL and UAHS.
Dr. Sharon Anderholm Weiner ‘66 - Sharon is a distinguished diplomat and public servant whose 30+-year career with the U.S. Department of State included serving as a Minister-Counselor, Consul General in Istanbul, and Acting Ambassador at Large for Global Women's Issues before continuing her lifelong commitment to education and community service in retirement.
Outstanding Alum
Susan Hays Robenalt ‘72 - Susan is a respected wealth advisor, community leader, and dedicated philanthropist whose lifelong commitment to service, advocacy, and alumni engagement has strengthened the UA community and helped create lasting educational opportunities for future generations of Golden Bears through UA+Ed.
Inspirational Young Alum
Elli Wachtman ‘16 - Elli is a widely recognized social entrepreneur and community leader whose work as co-founder of Sikhona Rescue Centre, combined with her leadership in global development and renewable energy, exemplifies a deep commitment to service, innovation, and creating lasting impact both locally and around the world.
2026 Educator Hall of Fame Inductees
Bruce Blackston - Bruce was a math teacher, basketball and golf coach, and Athletic Director whose 36-year career was marked by exceptional teaching, championship athletic leadership, and an unwavering commitment to helping generations of students learn, grow, and succeed.
Jim Blosser - In his 41 year career, Jim taught science at JMS, was a guidance counselor at UAHS and became the first dedicated college counselor where he transformed college and career readiness, opened doors for generations of students while leaving a lasting legacy of guidance, mentorship, and service to the Upper Arlington community.
Molly Miely - Molly’s 20 year career at both HMS and JMS as a 6th grade reading, language arts and advanced mathematics combined excellence in teaching with a passion for service learning, empowering countless students to lead with compassion, build meaningful community connections, and make a lasting difference in the lives of others.
Kelly Scott - Kelly dedicated more than 20 years as a social studies teacher at UAHS and Summer Academy Director where she inspired generations of students to think critically, gain confidence, and achieve success while shaping a lasting legacy of academic excellence and mentorship.
A Community Connected Through Education
As guests celebrated the past, embraced the present, and looked to the future, one thing was clear: pride in Upper Arlington Schools, its alumni, and its community keeps growing with each generation of Golden Bears. Through shared memories, inspiring stories, and continued investment in UA students, the event captured the enduring spirit that makes the Golden Bear community one of a kind.
The Upper Arlington Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides access to meaningful opportunities for students that are beyond the budget of the Upper Arlington School District. Established in 1985, UA+Ed is permanently structured to fund programs and projects today and for generations to come. The Upper Arlington Alumni Association is an important part of the foundation and keeps graduates connected, engaged, and motivated to pay it forward.
Contact: Upper Arlington Education Foundation and Alumni Association
Phone: 614-4875007 ext. 1120
Website: uaeducationfoundation.com
