Alumni Volunteer at OU Scholarship Weekend
Dozens of Oglethorpe Alumni returned to campus this spring to assist the Office of Admission with the annual Scholarship Weekend event. Scholarship Weekend welcomed future Petrels of the Class of 2027 and their families to campus for a weekend of activities, including interviews for OU scholarships.
Alumni were invited to participate in the personal interview portion of the weekend, meeting one-on-one with prospective students. The personal interview allows each scholarship candidate a face-to-face meeting with an enthusiastic Oglethorpe alumni volunteer. During these interviews, alumni had the opportunity to share their own OU experiences and learn more about the talented students who may be joining the campus community in the fall.
The experience is rewarding for alumni, who can connect their own experience to that of future Petrels. It also provides a way to showcase that engagement with the university lasts long after attending Oglethorpe. The life-long Petrel experience is an important aspect for prospective students and families to see.
“I am delighted to give back,” says Leah Hughes ’88. “I had a JEO Scholarship, so it means a lot to me to see these potential students and tell them what a great decision they are about to make: the best of my life!”
Many alumni noted that speaking with prospective students is also personally rewarding. The opportunity to hear about students’ goals and aspirations, as well as understanding the diverse experiences of the students, was energizing and fulfilling.
The interview sessions were preceded by the Alumni Welcome Back Luncheon, during which alumni had an opportunity to reconnect with peers and meet fellow alumni volunteers.
“I enjoyed getting to know alumni who graduated before and after me, as well as hearing about their Oglethorpe experience,” said Brian Cornelius ’15. “I would encourage any alumnus who is considering volunteering to do it! It’s important that we pour back into the community and current/prospective students who are looking to make a home at Oglethorpe.”
To learn more about the ways you can get involved in future events like this one, let us know about your interest in volunteering.