Oglethorpe Day speaker Carrie Hessler-Radelet

Mark your calendars for this year’s Oglethorpe Day celebration on February 14!  Held annually, the Oglethorpe Day tradition honors our university’s namesake, James Edward Oglethorpe, and commemorates the anniversary of General Oglethorpe’s arrival in the “new world” in Savannah, Georgia.

Festivities begin with the breathtaking Petrels of Fire race. Modeled after the race in the movie Chariots of Fire, a select group of Oglethorpe students runners circle the quad in hopes of making a full lap before the carillon bells’ twelfth and final chime. This amazing feat has only been accomplished one time!

Then the crowd, traditionally led by a bagpiper, processes to the Conant Performing Arts Center to hear from a special guest speaker who reflects the ideals of our namesake. This year, we welcome Carrie Hessler-Radelet, President & CEO of Project Concern International, a global development organization working with families and communities to enhance health, end hunger and overcome hardship in 16 countries. Hessler-Radelet formerly served as the Director of the Peace Corps from 2012 to 2017.

Later, Hessler-Radelet will meet directly with Oglethorpe classes studying topics related to her mission, including public health, ecology, nonprofit management, politics, and civic engagement.

Oglethorpe Day schedule of events:

12:45 – Enjoy refreshments on the quad
1:00 – Petrels of Fire race (begins at 1:00 sharp!)
1:05 – Process to the Conant Performing Arts Center
1:15 – Hear from Oglethorpe Day guest speaker in Conant
2:15 – Coke floats on the Conant veranda
2:30 – Classes resume