Philanthropy is an important part of Oglethorpe’s history and traditions. Each November, the university celebrates National Philanthropy Week with events and activities that promote a culture of gratitude and giving. The annual celebration honors the generosity of the OU community, raises awareness of the impact of giving and giving back, and aims to inspire everyone to “make a difference.”
This year, the feel-good week includes OU Giving Day, a 24-hour online fundraising event, on Thursday, Nov. 4. During this day-long drive, the entire Oglethorpe community is encouraged to donate in specific designated areas of giving:
- Petey’s Pantry
- Petey’s Mascot Makeover
- The Monte Hahn Memorial Scholarship
- The OU Entrepreneurship Scholarship
- A Petrel’s Makerspace
- Civic Leadership Program
- Petrel Parents Care Program
- OU Collaborative Research Fund
- An Oglethorpe Urban Garden
- Water for Petrels
- A fund designated for Oglethorpe’s greatest needs
National Philanthropy Week is also being celebrated in a number of other ways–some very visible across campus. Campus buildings are “tagged” with large banners describing the donors and their capital gifts that helped to construct the campus we know today.
The Oglethorpe community is invited to participate in the Oglethorpe Gratitude Garden by adding a short message of gratitude on a sign to add to the garden. Signs are being installed behind Turner Lynch Campus Center all week. (Stop by the Campus Store to fill one out!)
Members of STAT (Students Today, Alumni Tomorrow) are launching a ‘Petrel to Petrel’ letter writing campaign to reach out and connect with Golden Petrels–alumni who graduated 50 or more years ago–to share a first-hand glimpse into the college experience of today.
Helping Students Thrive, a faculty and staff giving campaign that concludes this week, focuses on making a difference for students and helping to advance the OU mission. Faculty and staff are encouraged to give in the areas for which they are most passionate–or simply Oglethorpe’s greatest needs.
Feeling inspired to make a difference at Oglethorpe? Visit the OU Giving Day site — and explore the many other ways to make a gift or volunteer and serve!
