Oglethorpe University’s Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 20 honored more than 240 graduates and faculty and student award winners, and welcomed community and campus leaders to the stage.
The livestream recording of the ceremony may be viewed on Oglethorpe’s YouTube channel and additional photos and video from the ceremony and other commencement events are below.
Andrea Rivera, founder of H3 Media and chair of the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, was this year’s guest speaker and honorary degree recipient in recognition of her service and contributions as a community leader, entrepreneur and award-winning cross-cultural marketer.
Pictured: Oglethorpe President Nick Ladany, Student Body President Ashrakat Hassan ’23, Commencement Speaker Andrea Rivera, Senior Class President Marc Collins ’23, Board Chair Cameron Bready ’94
“Make service a part of your life because in giving, you receive more than what you give,” Rivera urged the graduates in her speech. “In service you will answer the lifelong question that looms in all human existence….you will find your purpose.”
The class also heard from Senior Class President Marc Collins ’23 and Student Body President Ashrakat Hassan ’23.
Collins brought his trademark enthusiasm, encouraging his fellow graduates to “keep taking risks” and to “always keep the desire to learn.” Hassan reminded her peers that “we are forces to be reckoned with. I want you to remember that you are a force in each space you enter. A powerful one.”
Several prestigious faculty and student awards were presented during the ceremony as well.
Associate Professor of Psychology Brooke Bays received the Lu Thomasson Garrett ’52 Award for Meritorious Teaching. This annual award honors faculty who represent outstanding pedagogical skills as recognized by both students and fellow faculty members.
Professor of Mathematics John Nardo received the Vulcan Materials Company Award for Teaching Excellence and Leadership, considered to be one of the highest honors for a faculty member. Established in 1992, this award comes with a cash prize from the Vulcan Materials Company through the Georgia Independent College Association and Oglethorpe University.
Pictured: Oglethorpe President Nick Ladany, Alex Blecker ’23, Andi Kezh ’23, Provost Kathryn McClymond
Graduate Alex Blecker ’23 was awarded the Sally Hull Weltner Award, which honors the student in the graduating class who has attained the highest grade-point average with the greatest number of hours in course work completed at the university.
The James Edward Oglethorpe Awards were presented to Andi Kezh ’23 and Alex Blecker ’23, in his second honor of the ceremony. These awards are presented annually to two individuals in the graduating class who, in the opinion of the faculty, have excelled in scholarship, leadership and character.
Congratulations, Class of 2023!
Note: Ginny Starling Photography captured individual photos of each graduate at the ceremony on stage with President Ladany and Board Chair Cameron Bready ’94, and immediately after exiting the stage. Students will receive a direct email within a week after the ceremony to access their individual photos.
Commencement Livestream
Commencement Recap
Commencement Photo Album
President’s Reception Photo Album
