Oglethorpe Honors an American Hero with a Day of Service

Instead of taking a holiday on MLK Day 2011, more than 75 Petrels devoted their Martin Luther King Day to their community.

Through Oglethorpe University’s Center for Civic Engagement, Oglethorpe students were able to lend a helping hand at three different Atlanta nonprofits—Open Hand, the Furniture Bank of Metro Atlanta, and St. Vincent de Paul Chamblee Thrift Store.

Students gathered for a brief program to honor Dr. King and discuss the relevance and importance of serving the community in his name.  They viewed an inspiring video produced by members of the Black Student Caucus, that featured OU students discussing what Dr. King’s work means to them.

“The MLK Day of Service is a powerful opportunity for students to connect with an important part of Atlanta’s history,” said Kimber Tate, Civic Engagement program coordinator.  “[It gives them the opportunity to] engage in the wider Atlanta community by serving a variety of area nonprofit organizations.”

Oglethorpe Makes History in December 1961:Rhode Island’s Charles Lee goes in for a lay-up in the state’s first integrated basketball game.

Did you know?  Oglethorpe hosted Georgia’s first integrated basketball game.  Legendary basketball coach Dr. Garland Pinholster coached the Stormy Petrels in the 64-47 win against the University of Rhode Island. Coach Pinholster was known around the country for his innovative basketball techniques and his stance for integrated sports.

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