Each year, Oglethorpe’s graduating class launches a “Seniors for Students” fundraising campaign as a way to leave their legacy on campus.
This year’s senior gift campaign, led by Senior Class President Makayla Adams ’22, is raising funds for the Monte Hahn Memorial Scholarship.
This scholarship honors the memory of Monte Hahn, a member of the Class of 2022, who passed away in May 2021.
Monte Josiah Hahn (1999 – 2021)
Monte was a beloved member of OU and an amazingly creative student. He was a resident assistant and a proud member of the Stormy Petrels track and cross country team. In addition to his digital and film photography skills, he owned and designed his own fashion brand, Rockwell.
This scholarship will be awarded to students with a passion for art, photography, or fashion, and who emulate Monte’s creativity, dedication, and entrepreneurial spirit.
“Monte amazed me with his artistic skills,” said lifelong friend and OU roommate Stephen Summerow ’22. “I remember sitting in our room staring at him paint a pair of shoes and thinking, ‘Wow this guy is really talented!'”
“Monte often gave me the privilege of modeling his clothing brand, Rockwell. He could work magic with his camera, making even me look good!”
“Monte was the friend you’d want on your team if you were in a WWE wrestling match. If you tagged him in, he would always have your back when times were good or bad.”
“(He) will forever be known as the kind soul who walked around campus constantly putting a smile on everyone’s face, whether he knew you or not. I am ecstatic that the Monte Hahn Memorial Scholarship was created so that his legacy at Oglethorpe can be here forever.”
The Monte Hahn Memorial Scholarship will serve as the first-ever art scholarship offered to Oglethorpe students. This resource will give students more financial support as they pursue their creative projects — both personal and within their academic courses.
Oglethorpe currently offers a major and minor in studio art, with courses in drawing, painting, figure drawing, photography (darkroom and digital), printmaking, two-dimensional design, color theory, anatomy, and figure sculpture, ranging from introductory-level to advanced.
As a business major and studio art minor, Monte often spoke highly of his time in various art courses, his family has shared — specifically classes taught by Christina Price Washington, assistant professor of art.
“Monte came with a vision,” shared Washington. “And I am not sure whether I influenced him; however, being in a class impacted him, and in return, he affected the students around him. Never shy away from anything.”
Oglethorpe offers a large community of artistic students who have founded creative on-campus organizations, such as DYNA.STTY, Oglethorpe University Fashion Club, The Tower Literary Magazine, Oglethorpe University Art Club, and the Entrepreneurship Club.
With more than $22,000 already raised during the fall semester, the campaign is aiming to garner an additional $5,000 before the 2022 Commencement on May 21.
Those who are not members of the Class of ’22 are also able to make contributions, and Oglethorpe Seniors are asking each person to make a gift of $20.22 in honor of the graduating class year, but any amount is welcome.
With your gift, you’ll honor a beloved Petrel and help Oglethorpe support our students’ pursuit of free expression, creativity, and artistic achievement.
