The annual Liberal Arts and Sciences Symposium brings together the university community in a week-long celebration of exemplary analytic and creative work produced by Oglethorpe students during the academic year.
The week kicked off with a keynote address from Atlanta-based author Anjali Enjeti, who discussed how literature and storytelling captures the enduring trauma of Partition — the violent division of the Indian subcontinent into India and Pakistan after the departure of British imperialists. Last year marked the 75th anniversary of the historically significant era.
Several new events were added to the itinerary of the symposium, which has also in recent years expanded from just one day of programming to an entire week.
The second day featured student presentations on how they “make a difference,” through internships, organizations and community service. Student presenters included: Liliana Alvarado, Tyler Benson, Isabella Marie Nangano, Meri Flores, Kaniya Freeman, Jakeb Sanders, Sophie Benaroch, Jennifer Ramirez-Soto, Angie Zaraza, Addie Bragg, Ashlyn Martin, Kike Hernandez, Kailey Kelly, Morgan Quach, Izzy Forster and Sadie Blackwell.
Student organizations were also recognized for outstanding achievement:
Outstanding New Student Organization – Accounting Club
Civic Engagement Award – Muslim Students Association
The Petrel Pride Award – Oglethorpe 6th Man
The Activist Award – Disabled, Neurodivergent Students of Oglethorpe
The Innovation Award – Women in Science Empowerment (WISE)
Petrel Values Award – Student Conduct Committee
Academics in Action Award – Alpha Kappa Psi
The 2023 Liberal Arts and Sciences Symposium persuasive speech competition participants were Liliana Alvarado (winner), Lacey Frye, Zuri Johnson, Will Miller and J Patnett.
On day three, students from Dr. Rhana Gittens-Wheeler’s Persuasion and Social Movement class participated in “Driving Social Change: A Persuasive Speech Competition,” another new event. Competing for a cash prize, students delivered moving speeches addressing current social justice issues. Presenters included: Liliana Alvarado (winner), Lacey Frye, Zuri Johnson, Will Miller and J Patnett. Alvardo spoke about support and understanding for undocumented students at OU.
On Thursday, students from the Hammack School of Business reflected on their spring internships in presentations to faculty, staff and their peers. Later that evening, the annual Honors & Awards ceremony recognized academic excellence and leadership contributions throughout the academic year.
The final day was densely scheduled with presentations, discussions, exhibitions and performances representing a comprehensive view of academics at Oglethorpe. Student art was on view in the Turner Lynch Campus Center and a musical performance capped off the curriculum-encompassing day.
Take a look at some of the highlights of the 2023 Liberal Arts & Sciences Symposium:
Symposium Snapshots
Spotlight on Student Internships, Organizations and Campus Initiatives
Honors Presentations
