October 2023 Alumni eNewsletter
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October 10, 2023
FEATURED NEWS
Stormy Petrels soccer tailgate highlights
Former soccer team members and Petrel fans alike gathered for a memorable evening cheering on the men’s and women’s soccer teams and tailgating with fellow alumni.
Alumni volunteer as mentors
Last year, Oglethorpe University launched the Oglethorpe Alumni-Student Mentorship Program managed in partnership with Mentor Collective, an online platform to facilitate mentorship relationships. In the program’s first year, 43 Oglethorpe alumni mentored nearly 90 students, including many who are first-generation college students.
Accounting students network with alumni during annual mixer
The OU Accounting Club recently collaborated with the Office of Career Development to host its Fall 2023 Accounting Mixer, which gave current students a chance to network with various accounting firms’ representatives, including some of our very own alumni.
Reminder: Nominate outstanding alumni
The Alumni Association annually presents four Alumni Awards honoring the significant accomplishments and contributions of alumni to the university, community and professional fields. Applications are now open for these four awards. Read more about the award criteria, and nominate outstanding alumni by October 31!
Save the date: OU Giving Day is February 14
Our third annual OU Giving Day will take place this spring, in conjunction with Oglethorpe Day on February 14, 2024. Show your support by making a gift, encouraging others to participate, or helping to spread the word by sharing and amplifying our social media content. Save the date, and stay tuned for more ways to get involved!
ALUMNI IN THE NEWS
Dave Pass ’98: Spotlight on Tuscaloosa County movers and shapers
Michael Messonnier, Jr. ’01: Hunton Andrews Kurth promotes Michael Messonnier and Allison Tanton to counsel
Jessica Dean ’03: Welcome new faculty
Chris Summers ’03: Summers shares financial aid guidance in national U.S. News webinar
Hayden Willis ’04: Two new Board of Education members sworn in; one returning
OGLETHORPE UNIVERSITY NEWS
Oglethorpe’s “Supporting First-Generation Students” conference to feature author Rachel Gable
Oglethorpe’s Carson speaks at Congressional Black Caucus legislative conference in Washington, D.C.
Oglethorpe introduces new Certificate in Digital Media
Oglethorpe among Washington Monthly’s 2023 top liberal arts and best value colleges
Oglethorpe and Actor’s Express team up to produce West End hit “Everybody’s Talking About Jamie”
Want more University News? Read more online or subscribe to The Source.
Class Notes
News and updates submitted by your classmates.
Leonardo Lopez ’17 recently returned to OU to speak with students in the Paul Hackett Scholars class. He earned his MBA at Clayton State University in 2022, and is currently working at Goldman Sachs, managing merchant-facing operations within their platform solutions division.
Lane Sticher ’20 graduated from Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law in April, earning his Juris Doctor degree. He was recently selected to be the judicial law clerk for the Honorable Judge Erica Tisinger, in the Superior Court of the Coweta Judicial Circuit.
Lindsey Bolas ’21 earned her Master of Public Administration and Certificate of Nonprofit Leadership and Management at Georgia College & State University, while also serving as the graduate assistant for their women’s soccer team. She recently moved to El Paso, TX, where she is working with the City of El Paso’s Community and Human Services Department as a Grant Administrator for Neighborhood Development, handling Community Development Block Grant Funds to aid in home repairs and improvements for citizens who have a disability or are classified as low to moderate income individuals.
View more Class Notes online >
In Memory
Oglethorpe mourns the loss of members of our alumni family and former faculty. Those who have passed away are remembered here.
We want to hear from you! Tell us about a new job, promotion, award, wedding, birth or adoption, or other noteworthy milestone. We want to keep your classmates up to date on your latest news and celebrate your accomplishments!
Upcoming Alumni Events
October 15, Celebrate Atlanta Pride with OU
Alumni are invited to join current students, faculty and staff for the Atlanta Pride Parade on Sunday, October 15. This year, we’ll have a float! If you’re interested in walking with OU, email [email protected] for more information.
October 19, Fireside Chat with Interim President McClymond
“Fireside Chats” are intended to better inform alumni and enhance the alumni experience through idea sharing and casual conversation. Join us at the Turner Lynch Campus Center on Oct. 19 at 6 p.m. for the first chat of this series when we’ll focus on updates related to academic programs.
Learn more and register to attend>
December 1, Boar’s Head Evening of Holiday Enchantment
Save the date to join your fellow alumni at our annual Alumni Holiday Party, toast the season, and celebrate the Oglethorpe tradition of Boar’s Head.
Upcoming Campus and Community Events
October 14, Lecture and Reception: In conversation with Yehimi Cambrón
Join artist Yehimi Cambrón for an evening lecture and closing reception for her recent solo exhibition at the Oglethorpe University Museum of Art, “Yehimi Cambrón: Documenting the Undocumented in the South.” Admission is free. The lecture begins at 7 p.m. followed by a reception.
Learn more and register >
Opens October 20, “Fairycakes”
Oglethorpe University Theatre is kicking off the new season with “Fairycakes,” a whimsical comedy adventure. “Fairycakes” is on stage Oct. 20-21 and 26-29. Alumni receive free general admission through the Conant Performing Arts box office.
More details >
Opening November 1, OUMA Exhibition | Estampas de la Raza: Contemporary Prints from the Romo Collection
The featured prints were created from the mid 1980s to the mid 2000s and are inspired by ideals of the Chicano movement. Works in the exhibition focus on five themes: Identity; Struggle; Tradition, Culture, Memory; Icons; and Other Voices. An opening reception takes place November 1, 7-9 p.m. and is open to everyone, no RSVP required. The exhibit runs through January 31, 2024.
Learn more >
November 10, Supporting First Generation Students in Higher Education Conference
Oglethorpe’s 2023 Supporting First-Generation Students in Higher Education Conference will engage scholars, teaching and learning practitioners, and community partners in conversations focused on building and instituting best practices related to pedagogy, student development, and learning to increase first-generation students’ academic achievement.
Learn more >
November 12, Skylight Concert Series | Duo Catanza: Classical Guitars
Duo Catanza combines the guitar skills of Scott Plato and Matthias Young, performing music from the Renaissance to the Modern Period. The performance takes place in the Skylight Gallery, Oglethorpe Museum of Art. Admission is free for alumni.
Learn more >
Stormy Petrels fall sports are in full swing!
View their schedules >
See more events happening on the Oglethorpe campus >
Stay Connected
Networking on LinkedIn? Be sure to join the OU Alumni group and follow the Oglethorpe University LinkedIn page.