By Caroline Chamberlain ’19 and Ferrin Tinter ’20

Porsche Cars North America headquarters set the stage for Oglethorpe’s recent President’s Dinner, an annual event designed to recognize the university’s Board of Trustees, donors and alumni for their support.

I enjoyed being able to network with alumni and others who love the university and who want to continue supporting the mission of Oglethorpe. To be able to attend the President’s Dinner as a student is such an honor, and these are the moments that I am going to remember when I look back at my time at Oglethorpe. – Caroline Chamberlain ’19

As members of Students Today, Alumni Tomorrow (STAT)—or the “Oglethorpe Pit Crew”—we had the chance to volunteer for the event, as well as join the other guests for dinner and a night of networking with business and community leaders.

STAT, founded by Alumni Relations in 2015, supports networking and cultivates students to stay connected to the university as they transition to alumni.

During the evening, guests explored Porsche’s museum filled with vintage cars (a great photo opp!) and had a prime view of the headquarter’s test track during dinner. Joe Lawrence, an Oglethorpe trustee and Porsche’s Executive Vice President and COO, welcomed the crowd. President Larry Schall spoke about the university’s growth over the past decade and recognized the number of Oglethorpe alumni who are employed by Porsche N.A.—more than any other university in the country.

“The President’s Dinner was such a blast!” said Fantasia Smith ’21. “Everyone I met had so many post-Oglethorpe experiences to share that OU helped set in motion. As a freshman, it was a confirmation that I chose the right place to pursue my undergraduate studies.”

STAT members Ashley Rowe, Fantasia Smith (PR Chair), Ferrin Tinter (Secretary); (back) Valencia Barnes, Jax Wright (President), and Caroline Chamberlain (Vice President). Students also pictured above with Oglethorpe President Larry Schall.