ODU is Central Ohio's Catholic university where students connect their passion with a purpose. #iamODU ODU is Central Ohio's Catholic university. At ODU, students connect their passion with a purpose. As a Catholic liberal arts university in the Dominican tradition, Ohio Dominican University is guided in its educational mission by the Dominican motto: to contemplate truth and to share with others the fruits of this contemplation. Ohio Dominican educates individuals committed to intellectual, spiritual and professional growth, who develop into lifelong learners, serving others in a global society. They in turn become ethical and effective leaders grounded in the pursuit of truth, justice and peace.