Oglethorpe University

Though their majors are different, four Oglethorpe students shared the same transformative experience participating in The King Center Scholars Program this past year. The eight-month program challenged and enlightened students, deepening their understanding of Dr. King's philosophy of nonviolence. Read about the partnership between OU and the King Center and how students are engaging with Dr. King's legacy: https://oglethor.pe/43FEp69

While journalism continues to evolve, student reporters' passion for newswriting and building connections remains strong. Guest writing for Oglethorpe news, Rachel Spooner '26, former editor of "The Stormy Petrel" student newspaper, shared how her professional experiences and the relationships she's made along the way have contributed to her meaningful journalism journey. Read more at the link in our bio.

After a busy and successful school year, Oglethorpe faculty and staff always look forward to the annual appreciation celebration. Last week, they gathered for the special luncheon to recognize OU employees for their commitment to the university and endless support for students. See the full list of faculty and staff awardees: https://oglethor.pe/4fztJ00

Breweries and biology! 🧑‍🔬 🧪 Before the semester ended, Dr. Megan Murphy's Microbiology class visited two Atlanta fermentation companies where they learned about the scientific processes that produce beer, kombucha, and many other alcoholic beverages. Through tours, meetings with experts, and hands-on examinations of "SCOBY" (slide 2), students deepened their understanding of the role microorganisms play in beverage production. Read more about their immersive science experience at the link in our bio. https://oglethor.pe/4wMaTcy

Oglethorpe faculty continue to contribute meaningfully to important public conversations and offer their expertise beyond the classroom. Dr. Joseph Knippenberg, Professor of Politics, and Stephen Craft, Dean of the Hammack School of Business, were recently featured in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, where they helped clarify the challenges surrounding tariff refunds. OU students experience this level of expertise every day through engaging discussions with peers and faculty, as well as individualized mentorship with professors who are shaping conversations in their fields.

How do Georgia businesses and consumers get tariff refunds? It’s complicated. The federal government launched a tariff refund portal this week. But how will it roll out?

Moments frozen in time, lifelong memories 📸🧑‍🎓

Iris French '26 immersed herself in the English and writing communities at Oglethorpe through her involvement with OU's literary magazine The Tower; being a member of the student book club, the Petrel Page Turners; and working as a Writing Center tutor. As a tutor, she learned to expand her community by interacting with new students. She presented her experiences from the center at the 2026 Liberal Arts and Sciences Symposium, which was one of the most impactful moments she's had at OU, as it boosted her confidence for her future career.

"I had only ever presented in a class setting, so presenting to people who had no idea what I was talking about, or only a baseline familiarity, was nerve-wracking," said the English major. "While it did bring anxiety, I learned how to maintain my own confidence through presenting, even when small mistakes were made."

Now that she has graduated, Iris plans to continue pursuing her passion for writing as she interns at the West Trade Review, a literary journal.

Creativity cap-tured at commencement 🎓

The light drizzle couldn't dampen the mood at Saturday's commencement! 💛

Friends, family and the Oglethorpe community celebrated the as they graduated from OU and officially became alumni. Congrats, Petrels! See more photos and read about the ceremony: https://oglethor.pe/42s4rcM

Once a Petrel, always a Petrel. 💛

Congratulations ! You did it!

The graduates today! Some important reminders:
Oglethorpe University's commencement ceremony will begin at 9:00 a.m. For viewers at home, please use the links below to join us virtually:
English subtitles: https://oglethor.pe/4tsaUzo
Para ver con subtítulos en español: https://oglethor.pe/3PbXGsf

If you're joining us in person, seats and parking fill up fast, so guests should arrive early and be seated on the academic quad by 8:45 a.m. Overflow parking is not available at Town Brookhaven. Non-customers who park there may be towed. All available parking options can be found here: https://oglethor.pe/4ewfQ2n

Follow on Instagram for live commencement updates.

, it's almost time! 🎓 Graduates and their families prepared for tomorrow's momentous day at the annual President's Reception. Together with the OU community, they celebrated their significant milestones and academic achievements. Everyone is counting down the hours until these graduates become Oglethorpe alumni. 💛

The Class of 2026 is comprised of passionate changemakers, including Maria Isabel Moraes Lanzelotti '26, who recently appeared on Closer Look with Rose Scott. She shared how she turned her academic interests in theatre and politics into her honors thesis, directorial debut, and an opportunity to be an agent of change. Listen to her conversation with Rose Scott here: https://oglethor.pe/48HpoE6

Today, the Oglethorpe University community remembers Ted Turner, a visionary leader, philanthropist, and Atlanta icon whose legacy shaped media, civic life, and global dialogue.

As the university prepares for Commencement this weekend, we pause to honor his life and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.

Turner was known not only for the scale of his achievements, but for his personal presence. At Oglethorpe University’s Commencement on May 12, 2012, he received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters. With storms moving in and a request to keep remarks brief, Turner obliged with just 15 words:

“This is the 46th one I’ve received, but this is the first time it’s rained.”

It was later called the shortest speech ever given, and it was a reflection of his humor, humility, and respect for the moment.

Turner visited Oglethorpe many times, inspired students, and was a longtime supporter through his foundation. The Oglethorpe community fondly remembers Mr. Turner’s impact and is privileged to be among the many communities shaped by his generosity, curiosity, and belief in bold ideas.

Charity Cloud '26 has made the most of her four years at Oglethorpe, playing in two different sports, being highly involved across campus, thriving in her academic and professional life, and building an impactful relationship with Assistant Professor of Business Management Dr. Leroy Carson. Cloud has worked closely with Dr. Carson on initiatives through Oglethorpe's Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center and has received his support for her endeavors, like when she won a business pitch competition for her idea to deliver fresh produce to people living in food deserts (slide 2).

"Dr. Carson has played a key role in helping me navigate complex situations and guiding me in making thoughtful decisions about my future. Through his mentorship, I’ve gained not only professional exposure but also a deeper awareness of the world around me."

In addition to pursuing her Master's in Business Administration in the fall, Charity's post-grad plans include joining Atlanta United FC as a Street Team Brand Ambassador and working with the Atlanta Dream as a Youth Development Clinic Coach.

As she wraps up her time at Oglethorpe, Charity reflects on a special entrepreneurship initiative in which she mentored local high school students. Learn more about it here: https://oglethor.pe/4dn2rIJ

Once a transfer student seeking personal growth, Adrian Levy is now a proud Petrel who has found a home at Oglethorpe and developed into a star student-athlete ready to cross the commencement stage. Levy found success with OU Men's Soccer, winning two SAA tournament titles and one conference regular-season title, earning First Team All-Conference honors twice, and being named both the Offensive Player of the Year and the conference tournament MVP in 2024. After graduation, he will take his talents to the Dominican Republic to play professional soccer. As he gets ready to graduate in 8 days, Levy believes transferring to Oglethorpe has been one of the most impactful decisions of his life.

"Beyond the awards and achievements, Oglethorpe gave me something even more valuable," said Levy. "Looking back, I never could have imagined how meaningful this journey would be. My advice to others: go where you are celebrated, because in the end, that’s what truly matters."