Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) held a dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony for Dr. O’dell Owens Center for Learning, honoring the school’s namesake.
The September 12 event was at the school at Alms Place, in Walnut Hills, replacing the Lighthouse School.
The new learning center will serve students with disabilities, CPS said.
Owens was a pioneer in medicine. He established the University of Cincinnati’s in vitro fertilization program and achieved Cincinnati’s first successful conception and delivery, as well as the first pregnancy from a frozen embryo.
Dr. O’dell Owens Center for Learning in Walnut Hills. Photo provided 
CPS Interim Superintendent Shauna Murphy with Marchelle Owens. Photo provided 
CPS Interim Superintendent Shauna Murphy shares remarks. Photo provided 
CPS Board President Eve Bolton and Interim Superintendent Shauna Murphy participate in dedication. Photo provided 
John Chambers, CPS Interim Assistant Superintendent of Performance, Redesign Sustainability and Growth, Debra Klein, CPS Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Schools, and Andrea Tapp, CPS Senior Executive Secretary. Photo provided 
Marchelle Owens and Christopher Owens cut the ribbon on the Dr. O’dell Owens Center for Learning. Photo provided 
Attendees enjoy reception for Dr. O’dell Owens Center for Learning. Photo provided 
CPS Board President Eve Bolton, Christopher Owens, Marchelle Owens and CPS Board Member Dr. Kareem Moncree-Moffett. Photo provided 
Cincinnati Vice Mayor Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney. Photo provided 
Attendees tour Dr. O’dell Owens Center for Learning. Photo provided
Owens went on to serve as the Hamilton County coroner, president of Cincinnati State University and interim health commissioner.
Owens died in November of 2022 at the age of 74.