Campus Life

Oglethorpe Day 2022 will celebrate history, community, school pride

Oglethorpe Day is just around the corner! On Wednesday, Feb. 9, the beloved OU celebration returns for a day of school spirit and camaraderie.

Oglethorpe Day is a yearly tradition honoring the lasting legacy of the university’s namesake, General James Edward Oglethorpe.  A philanthropist, military leader, and member of Parliament, Oglethorpe was regarded as one of Britain’s most active 18th century humanitarians. This day marks the anniversary of the arrival of Oglethorpe and the first colonists in Georgia in 1733. It is on Oglethorpe Day that we are reminded of the motto of the Georgia colony trustees: Non sibi sed aliis (Not for self, but for others).

Join us on the quad at 12:45 p.m. for snacks and refreshments as a few of our student athletes prepare to run the 32nd-annual Petrels of Fire race, which will begin at 1 p.m. sharp. This race against the clock challenges participants to complete a lap around the quad and reach the finish line before the bell tower chimes stop ringing — a feat only accomplished once in Oglethorpe history.

After the race, the celebration will move to the Conant Performing Arts Center veranda, where Oglethorpe President Nick Ladany and SGA President Justin Bennett ’22 will give remarks. A lunch reception on the veranda will close out the celebration.

Don’t forget to wear your school colors and show your Petrel Pride on social media using the hashtag #OglethorpeDay2022!

Classes will begin on Wednesday, Feb. 2. As students, faculty and staff settle into the new year, the Oglethorpe Day celebration will be an excellent way to get in the spirit for another semester!

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