Today, students, faculty and staff celebrated one of Oglethorpe’s beloved traditions — Oglethorpe Day. The sun shone brightly as the campus community gathered for the event for the first time since 2020.

This annual tradition celebrates the university’s namesake, James Edward Oglethorpe. 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).

This year’s 32nd annual Petrels of Fire race featured student runners Stephen Summerow ’22, Brett Amazon ’22, Chanson Buchanan ’23, Mariama Abdoul-Majeed ’23, Cate Rosenthal ’24, Sophia Cendoya ’24, Kylee Zimmer ’24, Kinsey Wilson ’24, Sam Courter ’25 and Zachary Coolidge ’25.

After the race, the Oglethorpe community was treated to an Oglethorpe University Singers performance of the Alma Mater and “The Stormy Petrel March” fight song, along with some motivational words from SGA President Justin Bennett ’22 and Oglethorpe President Dr. Nick Ladany.

Flip through some of the best photos from today’s celebration: