ALUMNI NEWS
FALL 2017
OU ALUMNI INSPIRE
CARILLON A L U M N I N E W S
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BETH CONCEPCIÓN ’90 Back on campus connecting students and community
EDITOR: Mary Rinaldi Winn
FALL 2017
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OU ADULT DEGREE PROGRAM Featuring alumni who took this OU path to graduation
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CLASS NOTES News and notes from classmates
GIVING BACK BY GETTING INVOLVED GET TO KNOW YOUR NEW ALUMNI BOARD PRESIDENT
CONTRIBUTORS: Stacey Chavis ’07, Mark DeLong ’03, Skyler DuBose ’20, Barbara Bessmer Henry ’85, Deborah Love ’08, Kristen Obaranec, Carson Raymond, Chelcie Juliet Rowell ’09, John Winecker ’85, Mary Rinaldi Winn PHOTOGRAPHY: Mark Harston, Barbara Bessmer Henry ’85, Mary Rinaldi Winn, Henry Bradley PROJECT MANAGER: Kristen Obaranec DESIGN: Niki Walker Design PRINTING: Standard Press Carillon Alumni News is published twice a year for alumni of Oglethorpe University. Founded in 1835, Oglethorpe is a private liberal arts college.
Mark DeLong ’03 began his term as Alumni Board President in July 2017. He lives in Washington D.C. with his husband Gabriel and is director of admission marketing for George Washington University. Why is this leadership role important? Mark: I enjoyed my experience as a student and worked for the university after graduation, so I got to know a wide variety of students. Serving in this role is a good way to help alumni reconnect to the university. Alumni are terrific OU ambassadors and can help to increase OU’s national profile. What are your goals for the next two years as president? Mark: I want to increase alumni engagement and support the development and alumni relations office. I hope to see more alumni attending events, volunteering with students, and donating to the Annual Fund. The Alumni Board facilitates opportunities to empower OU students by working with career services, interviewing students during Scholarship Weekend, and more. What will success look like?
ON THE COVER: The Oglethorpe campus community gathered for the Fall Rikard Lecture featuring alumnus Q. William “Bill” Hammack, Jr. ’73. Visit oglethor.pe/HammackSchoolofBusiness to read more about Bill and his historic gift.
THIS PAGE: 2017-2018 Alumni Board Members convened for their first meeting and distributed O Books, which detail OU traditions, to incoming students.
Mark: Success is getting more alumni involved and highlighting our diversity. The summer trip to London was an enriching way for students, alumni, and faculty to connect. Alumni can connect across the country. I live in D.C. now, where there’s an active alumni group. We also have great alumni in New York, Chicago, on the West Coast, and in
The opportunities and experiences I had at OU motivate me. I want to help ensure they are available for the next generation. We can do our part so today’s students are prepared for whatever they pursue after graduation.”
London. We’ve had great Oglethorpe Day celebrations in all those cities. I hope to see many alumni celebrating OU Day in February and back on campus for Alumni Weekend, April 20 & 21, 2018! What memory defines OU for you? Mark: Although no one memory can fully define Oglethorpe, some of my most memorable moments were spent with the Stormy Petrel newspaper staff. I remember the first edition I worked on as a freshman, working all night on the 2000 election issue and scrapping our front page on 9/11/01.
Have a story idea? Want to write an article? We want to hear from you! Contact Mary Rinaldi Winn, mrinaldiwinn@oglethorpe.edu, 404-364-8412.
2017-18 Alumni Association Board of Directors Mr. Richard Bakare ’03 Mr. James Battle ’11 Ms. Stacey Chavis ’07 Ms. Charlotte Christian ’85 Mr. Tom Cioffi ’71 Mr. Mike Deckert ’99 Mr. Mark DeLong ’03 Mrs. Courtney Roberts DiSalvo ’06 Mr. Ron Fannon ’71 Mr. Brian Findley ’99 Mrs. Christina Vinluan Heda ’04 Mrs. Emily Treuman Heend ’07 Mrs. Kathleen McDermott Kraynick ’88 Mr. Christopher J. Lenz ’91 Ms. Deborah Love ’08 Ms. Jillian Martin ’05 Ms. Sarah M. Phaff ’10 Ms. Stephanie Powell ’96 Mr. Derek Rasmussen ’02 Mr. Thomas L. Reilly ’67 Ms. Chelcie Rowell ’09 Mr. Chris Rylands ’01 Mr. Harry Schroeder ’01 Mrs. Kirsten Hanzsek Schutt ’95 Mr. Scott Soloway ’87 Mr. Hoyt Wagner ’64 OGLETHORPE UNIVERSITY
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PETREL PROFILES
A NEW DIRECTOR LEADS THE A_LAB
OU Welcomes Back Dr. Beth Concepción ’90
O
glethorpe’s new Assistant Provost and Director of the Atlanta Laboratory for Learning (A_LAB) is not new to Oglethorpe. Dr. Beth Eckard Concepción is thrilled to return to the OU bubble, which attracted her in the first place. The Oglethorpe community is excited to welcome her home in a new role that will help to shape the student experience and have a positive effect on retention. Beth chose Oglethorpe for her undergraduate education because “I felt safe and supported in a close-knit environment while situated in a vibrant city,” she says. “I also wanted to be somewhere smaller where I could make a difference.” As a student, Beth was involved in student organizations, worked off-campus, interned at CNN, and was a floating temp for Turner. She came to these opportunities through her own initiative and is glad to see that what she liked about Oglethorpe as a student remains the same, except the services offered to enhance the student experience are greatly expanded. The Atlanta Laboratory for Learning bridges classroom theory and real-world experience through
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CARILLON Alumni News | Fall 2017
internships, career development, study abroad, civic engagement, and undergraduate research. Students will take what they learn in the classroom into Atlanta and beyond, and then bring those experiences back to the classroom, developing their abilities to synthesize, create and invent. Beth’s vision for the A_LAB is to provide a holistic approach to the student experience outside the classroom. “These services help connect students to the community and create more civic-minded individuals who will become citizens of the world,” Beth says.
PETREL PROFILES
ADULT DEGREE PROGRAM IS TAILORED FOR WORKING STUDENTS
ALUMNA DEBBIE AIKEN ’12 RECRUITS STUDENTS By Mary Rinaldi Winn
Beth’s vision for the A_LAB is to provide a holistic approach to the student experience outside the classroom.
D
ebbie Aiken and her husband lived in six states in 10 years while raising three children during his military service. Moving so often made it difficult for Debbie to earn her bachelor’s degree. She attended five institutions including community colleges, large online schools and technical colleges. Upon moving to Atlanta, she was determined to complete her degree and found exactly what she was looking for in Oglethorpe’s Adult Degree Program (ADP).
To draw students to the A_LAB, Beth plans to attend many studentoriented and faculty meetings to meet and develop personal relationships with students who will see her and her department as a valuable and approachable resource. The former Dean of the School of Liberal Arts at Savannah College of Art and Design, Beth is also Assistant Provost and a member of OU faculty, teaching Introduction to Newswriting.
A Communication and Rhetoric Studies major, Debbie joined Oglethorpe’s University Communications staff after graduating, where she focused on digital marketing and website management. She recently moved to the Office of Admission where she serves as Director of Extended Learning with a focus on adult student recruitment. Debbie says, “It’s very fulfilling to be able to help more students join the community that played such a big role in my life.”
Her return to campus brought back many fond memories of a wonderful, positive time in her life. Today, Beth is grateful to see Oglethorpe through a professional lens and know she can make a difference for students.
The Adult Degree Program is OU’s undergraduate degree that is flexible and accessible for busy, working adults. It is one of the oldest in the nation, originally broadcasting classes over the radio. Currently, about 120 adult students are enrolled. Debbie’s own experience helps her recruit and advise student and, as an alumna, she works closely with the Office of Alumni Relations to help re-connect alumni.
It’s very fulfilling to be able to help more students join the community that played such a big role in my life.” — Debbie Aiken
“We have a mix of traditional undergrad and adult students in evening classes, and most students enjoy the diversity in the classroom,” says Debbie. “Students bring their unique perspectives, allowing them to learn from each other and from their professors.” Adult students differ from traditional college-aged students in many ways. “They are highly motivated and take their education seriously,” according to Debbie. “They know what they want out of a college education, and they want to do well.” Debbie also provides opportunities for adult students to connect outside the
classroom with each other and with the resources available to all Oglethorpe students like academic support and career counseling. Alumni Relations is planning outreach targeted to adult degree program students, beginning with an invitation to participate in the Oglethorpe Traditions Guardian program, and events throughout their OU education such as the Sophomore and Junior Dinners and the Senior Carillon ceremony. The features that follow highlight the quality of students in the Adult Degree Program.
OGLETHORPE UNIVERSITY
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PETREL PROFILES
ADULT DEGREE PROGRAM WAS PERFECT FIT FOR JOE SUTTON ’09 By Stacey Chavis ’07
The moment Joe Sutton walked across the stage at commencement is his fondest memory of his time at Oglethorpe. After years of hard work to complete his degree, he realized that because of relationships with and the support of faculty as well as a personal relationship with the president of the university, his Oglethorpe experience had prepared him for a bright future. A communication major and political science minor, Joe was the youngest student admitted to the Adult Degree Program at that time. Just 16 years old, Joe had already entered the workforce and Oglethorpe gave him the flexibility to work full time and attend school full time. Joe explains, “My ADP
experience was the best of both worlds. I was working in and learning about the field of communication. My classroom work helped my professional work. ADP is a hidden Oglethorpe treasure, along with the diverse population of people.”
A BRIGHT FUTURE AHEAD FOR KATHY LE ’17
Since graduating, Joe returns to campus to speak to students about careers in communication and address prospective students on the benefits of an Oglethorpe degree. Joe says, “I have the opportunity to share my story with traditional and adult degree students. I have taken students on a behindthe-scenes CNN tour. By donating my time to Oglethorpe, I have seen the evolution of the University.”
Kathy Le graduated in May with a degree in Communication and Rhetoric Studies and was chosen to speak at the commencement ceremony on behalf of Oglethorpe’s nontraditional adult students. An article in the May 2017 Source details Kathy’s journey to and through Oglethorpe (oglethor.pe/KathyLe).
Joe Sutton ’09 is a CNN News Editor (CNN staff photo)
DEBORAH LOVE ’08: WRITER, ARTIST AND WORLD TRAVELER By Chelcie Juliet Rowell ’09 In 2005, Deborah Love was a technical writer for a life insurance company and knew if she were going to pursue a four-year degree, she should do it sooner rather than later. A friend who was a graduate recommended Oglethorpe’s Adult Degree Program. Along with the convenient location, her friend’s positive experience convinced her to enroll in January 2006. Already a working writer and practicing artist, Deborah majored in Communication & Rhetoric Studies and minored in Art. “It was a challenge! Most of my classes were 20 or fewer students, so it was a good opportunity to get to know my instructors, which I really didn’t expect going at night,” she recalls.
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CARILLON Alumni News | Fall 2017
Committing to a full course load essentially meant giving up weekends until graduation. “No matter where I went, I was writing a paper or studying for a test,” she says. “I’d go on vacation to a cabin in Alaska, and I’d be typing my papers.” The commitment paid off: Deborah completed the program in two years, graduating summa cum laude in 2008.
Deborah says. “My art is spontaneous. I don’t have to plan it out. It can just be what it wants to be.” Going to Oglethorpe gave Deborah an intellectual and artistic framework for her avocations of a writer and artist. As an alumna, she embodies Oglethorpe’s motto to make a life and make a living.
After earning her degree, Deborah remained at Columbian Financial Group but embraced new challenges. Today she is a training and content developer for employee online learning. A veteran of working and attending school at the same time, she’s responsible for facilitating the learning of working professionals. Deborah continues to practice her art. Whether working in clay or mixed media, building up surface layers that tell a story, she enjoys making aesthetically pleasing pieces with her hands. “Much of my work as a technical writer and content developer is very detail-oriented,”
PETREL PROFILES
By Deborah Love ’08
Kathy’s path to graduation included long challenging drives back and forth to the campus where she was enrolled in day and evening classes. She thrived amidst the diversity of adult and traditional college-aged students in her classes. In a ‘Narratives of the Self ’ course, learning was paramount and Kathy truly appreciated the meaningful, nonjudgmental classroom discussion where students felt comfortable disagreeing with one another or the professor as they explored subject matter. “The learning goes both ways,” she says. “You’re not just listening: you can give back what you’ve learned through your experiences.” Indeed, Kathy continues to thrive and to give back. Her degree focus was a great segue to her work as an intern at Porsche Cars North America located on the south side of Atlanta. At Porsche, Kathy uses her marketing skills, plans events and assists in developing the Porsche Sport Driving School, a new pilot program in California, and the Porsche Travel Club. She recently took on duties with Porsche Club of America which caters to 144,00+ members out of 240,000 worldwide.
Kathy Le on the road with Porsche
“My internship at Porsche is real world work, real life structure and a great experience,” Kathy says. She secured this internship on her own resourcefulness and merit and received resume fine-tuning advice from OU’s Career Development Department. Kathy also said the Alumni Career Panel campus discussions were helpful in providing an opportunity to speak with OU alumni who had similar career paths.
The learning goes both ways. You’re not just listening: you can give back what you’ve learned through your experiences.”
Kathy gives back to her community through a grassroots effort coordinated through her church. Although she has a busy travel schedule, she finds time to help struggling single parents, the elderly, and others who are marginalized. Kathy’s light shines bright with enthusiasm for life, determination and service to community.
Deborah Love on a recent trip to Italy OGLETHORPE UNIVERSITY
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ALUMNI LEAD THE WAY IN FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN TO BUILD I.W. “IKE” COUSINS CENTER FOR SCIENCE AND INNOVATION
O
glethorpe’s campus is a tremendous asset: a new academic center will balance its historic beauty and modern relevancy. Alumni are providing strong leadership to the the I.W. “Ike” Cousins Center for Science and Innovation fundraising campaign. Timothy “Tim” Tassopoulos ’81, OU Board of Trustees chair, and Cameron Bready ’94, Board of Trustees vice chair, are heading the campaign leadership committee. Honorary chairs and committee members represent the significant strength of alumni and volunteers from the 1960s to the 2000s. Meeting today’s educational needs Named for I.W. “Ike” Cousins ’27, the center will include a renovation and expansion of Goslin Hall. Cameron, a business major, never took a class in Goslin as a student. Yet the new center is important to him because it will draw the best and brightest students to Oglethorpe.
“This project will benefit all students, all faculty and all disciplines—the arts, sciences and business,” says Cameron. “I can’t think of anything else that we, as a university community, can do today, that would be more transformative. Together, we can leave a legacy for students that will ensure the Oglethorpe traditions, values, and ideals.” Honorary Chair Belle Turner Lynch ’61 (H) ’10 made a personal gift and is actively working on donor cultivation and solicitation. She knows the importance of connecting Oglethorpe to others in the community. “To my way of thinking, education is the biggest influence on an individual’s life,” Belle says, “and that’s why I’m involved.” Be part of a vital legacy J. Cleveland “Cleve” Hill ’01 was a first-generation college student. “It is incredibly exciting to see the growth of this campus, recall what it has done for me, and build the program and facility for future students. This project is about the growth and the strength of this institution,” he says.
Goslin Hall will be renovated and expanded to become the I.W. “Ike” Cousins Center for Science and Innovation
CLASS NOTES
Tim notes the importance of alumni being involved in the campaign. “We feel strongly that alumni should be part of this significant moment in OU’s future,” he says. “A gift to the campaign will help to preserve the campus we love and bring leading-edge learning to students.”
1960s
For campaign questions or information, please contact Robyn Furness-Fallin, vice president development and alumni relations, 404-364-8333, or rfurness-fallin@oglethorpe.edu.
Larry Hersch ’72 was named to the Florida Board of Bar Examiners by the Supreme Court of Florida September 5, 2017. His term began 11/1/17 and extends through 10/31/22. Kevin Fitzpatrick ’78
was appointed to the Brookhaven Charter Review Committee in June 2017.
CAMPAIGN LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE
Lila McGahee Adair ’67 retired from 50 years
of teaching May 3, 2017. She taught 35 years in public school, mainly as a high school physics teacher, and 15 years as an adjunct professor for Piedmont College at their Athens campus. Lila was the recipient of the 1999 Oglethorpe University School Bell Award and served as the 2008 national president of the American Association of Physics Teachers.
Co-Chairs Mr. Cameron M. Bready ’94 Mr. Timothy (Tim) P. Tassopoulos ’81 Honorary Chairs Mr. Norman (Norm) P. Findley Mr. Jack Guynn (H) ’05 Mr. Warren Y. Jobe (H) ’09 Mrs. Belle Turner Lynch ’61 (H) ’10 Members Mr. Ricardo C. Carvalho ’85 Mr. J. Cleveland (Cleve) Hill ’01 Mr. Joe Lawrence Mr. David (Dave) M. Leonard Ms. S. Tammy Pearson ’86 Mr. Christopher (Chris) J. Rylands ’01 Mrs. Dean Dubose Smith ’70
Mississippi Associated Press Broadcasters Hall of Fame in March 2017.
1980s
1970s
Mr. R. Thornwell Dunlap, III ’80 was recently
named Chairman of the South Carolina Bankers Association. He serves as and CEO of Countybank. CARILLON Alumni News | Fall 2017
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Cemal Özgörkey ’84
was recently tapped to be a member of the Order of Rio Branco by the Government of Brazil. The honor was given in recognition of meritorious service and civic virtues.
Melanie Christopher ’79 was inducted into the
Congratulations to Two Urban Licks (a Bob Amick ’72 restaurant) for being one of two Atlanta restaurants named Top 100 Hot Spot Restaurants in America in spring 2017.
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SouthCrest Bank recently appointed Jane Prescott ’82 as Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer.
Howard Barr ’83 is an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Maryland. He recently was named as Principal Counsel to the Maryland Department of Information and Technology.
Kevin Hall ’85 was honored last Spring with the Pulitzer Prize for Exploratory Writing for his work with the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists and their piece, the Panama Papers. C. Brooks Seay ’85 was appointed Interim President of Young Harris College in May 2017.
To submit news for future class notes via ePetrel please visit: alumni. oglethorpe.edu, call us at 404.364.8893 or write us at Office of Alumni Relations, Oglethorpe University, 4484 Peachtree Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30319 OGLETHORPE UNIVERSITY
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CLASS NOTES Tamisha Cox ’13 recently
received a Master in Social Work (MSW) with emphasis in assisting Hispanic Women and Children.
Megan Makuck ’14 joined
Bill Lee ’91 was named CEO of Medical City Children’s Hospital in Dallas, Texas, in April 2017.
Carletta Hurt ’98 was recently elected President of the D.C. group, Women in Film & Video. WIFV is dedicated to advancing the career development and achievement for professionals working in all areas of screen-based media and related disciplines.
Amy Simone ’99 was elected president of the Association of Physician Assistants in Cardiology (APAC), a professional organization for physician assistants who practice in cardiology, in May 2017.
2000s
Precision Global, a leading global manufacturer of aerosol valves, actuators and other dispensing solutions across a variety of end markets, appointed
James Taylor MBA ’01
U.S. Director of Sales during the spring of 2017.
USA’s Manager of PAC and Political Programs in August 2016. Previously, Marian was a Senior Analyst supporting T-Mobile’s Government Affairs team. T-Mobile honored Marian as Idealist of the Year at City Year’s Idealism in Action Gala in April 2016. Marian was nominated for her charitable work with the United States Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots program
2010s
DeShawn Jenkins ’91 was named Atlanta
Alliance Francaise Executive Director in May 2017.
Marian Elizabeth James ’09 was named T-Mobile
Jennifer Nanek ’98 was
awarded the Public Servant of the Year by the Lake Wales, Florida, Chamber of Commerce at the annual awards gala this past spring.
Laura Anderson ’01
Katie Coakley ’00
recently joined the Vail Symposium in Colorado as the new Public Relations and Marketing Manager.
and husband Mike Pefferly of Cobb County, welcomed their first child, Wyatt Pefferly, April 10, 2017.
In May 2017, Chloe Edwards-Stowe ’10 started
the Georgia State University Law School Investor Advocacy Clinic in August 2017.
John Burke ’11
released his new album, Superstratum, September 10, 2017.
Amanda Paetz Hiner ’91 was recently promoted
to Associate Professor of English at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, South Carolina.
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Karen Head ’98 recently
released a new book: “Disrupt This!”
CARILLON Alumni News | Fall 2017
Marguerite Anne Greer ’50 April 24, 2017 Ann Wenn Williams ’54 April 17, 2017 Eddie Starnes ’58 July 26, 2017
Dr. Robert Wynn ’61 March 28, 2017
Eleanor Anne Lipham ’62 July 7, 2017 Robert Mohan ’62 May 17, 2017 Hilda Morris ’62 August 21, 2017
William Cason ’66 March 15, 2017 Patrick Cansfield ’15 was promoted to
The Atlanta Jewish Times named Nathaniel Goldman ’11 a 40 under 40 recipient in July 2017. Goldman is a CPA at PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Tournament Coordinator for the American Junior Golf Association in January 2017.
Stanley McDonald ’70 March 2, 2017 Miner Paddock ’70 August 10, 2017 Max Grogan ’77 June 9, 2017
Mary Louise Primel ’84 July 27, 2017
as a senior analyst in records management with the New York State Unified Court System.
Sharon Fagin ’85 August 20, 2017
Donahue Scott Silvis ’86 April 12, 2017
Rev. Mandy Sloan McDow ’00 has been appointed to
serve as the Senior Minister at Los Angeles First United Methodist Church. This historic church, which was consecrated at the Eldorado Saloon in 1854, went on to help found the University of Southern California.
William R. Brown ’50 March 18, 2017
IN MEMORIAM
1990s
Micah Akin ’17 signed
a deal during the summer of 2017 with German fifth division club SSVg Velbert.
Steve Sorci ’08 was recently honored with the Resident of the Year Award at Northside Hospital in Tampa, Florida.
J.T Mahany ’12 was recently nominated for the Albertine Prize for French fiction in English translation for his work translating “Bardo or Not Bardo.”
Harald R. Hansen (H) ‘08 March 16, 2017
Submit your class note via ePetrel:
alumni.oglethorpe.edu OGLETHORPE UNIVERSITY
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PETREL PROFILES
2017 ALUMNI AWARDS Talmage Award – Karen Head ’98 Contributes time, talent or financial resources to one or more university programs and/or is distinguished in the business or professional world. School Bell Award (now Carillon Award) – Carletta Hurt ’98 Recognizes alumni or past or present faculty members who have made lasting contributions in education, civic engagement or innovation. Spirit of Oglethorpe Award – Shaniece Broadus Criss ’02 Lives by the Oglethorpe motto Make a life. Make a living. Make a difference. Demonstrates the attributes of a liberal arts education through creativity, purposefulness and a commitment to improving the quality of their community. O.K. Sheffield ’53 Young Alum of the Year Award – Matthew Claiborne ’11 Recognizes a graduate of the last 10 years who has shown leadership and inspired other young alumni through participation in career, public service, volunteer, or continuing education activities.
KAREN HEAD ’98 RECEIVES TALMAGE AWARD By Barbara Bessmer Henry ’85 Karen Head, winner of the 2017 Talmage Award, is Executive Director of the Communication Center as well as Associate Chair and an Associate Professor in the School of Literature, Media, and Communication at Georgia Tech. Her research focuses on higher education rhetoric; sustainable and innovative pedagogical spaces; development and administration of writing centers; and creative writing. Karen served on the Oglethorpe University Alumni Board and currently serves on the boards of the Oglethorpe University Museum of Art (OUMA), Georgia Tech Women’s Alumni Network, Atlanta INtown Newspaper, and Poetry Atlanta. As a member of the OUMA Advisory Board, Karen recently made a contribution which allowed the completion and launch of a new research center. The center gives greater accessibility and visibility for OUMA’s ever-growing permanent collection—and growing academic research opportunities for students. “As a commuter student, I spent many hours studying in the OU Museum, so the opportunity to support a museum study room was impossible to resist,” says Karen. Karen has published four books of poetry, co-edited a poetry anthology and exhibited several acclaimed digital poetry projects. Her newest book, Disrupt This!: MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) and the Promises of Technology was published in summer 2017.
A VIEW OF JAMES EDWARD OGLETHORPE’S ENGLAND By John Winecker ’85
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n July 2017, 14 travelers with Oglethorpe University connections journeyed to England to learn more about our namesake James Edward Oglethorpe. Oglethorpe’s life and times The trip included a visit to Oglethorpe’s boyhood home in Godalming. We were met by a local Friends of Oglethorpe group and enjoyed the Godalming Museum’s Oglethorpe exhibit and the Parish Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, where several Oglethorpe relatives are buried. A lovely lunch was served by local residents in Oglethorpe’s former ancestral home, Westbrook. After touring Oxford University and Corpus Christi College, the school attended by Oglethorpe, a reception was hosted by our Oxford colleagues. We learned more about OU’s study abroad program from President Larry Schall. Oxford professors spoke highly of the Oglethorpe students and how well Oglethorpe prepares them academically and for success in life.
NOMINATIONS FOR ALUMNI AWARDS
the church floor; their headstones are covered by red carpet that surrounds the altar. Inside the church are tributes to Oglethorpe. Two members of our group lit a candle and a laid a wreath to commemorate our visit and remember the life of James Edward Oglethorpe. In London, President Schall hosted a farewell party with local alumni. Guests included Oglethorpe faculty teaching in our new London study abroad program and alumni and friends of the university from six countries across Western Europe. Featuring the life of our namesake, the trip created a stronger bond with Oglethorpe University and was a memorable way to make new friends and renew old friendships.
Two members of our group lit a candle and a laid a wreath to commemorate our visit and remember the life of James Edward Oglethorpe.
A tribute to James Edward Oglethorpe
Award nominations are accepted year-round. Nominations are reviewed in December for the following year. Visit alumni.oglethorpe.edu and click on Awards.
We journeyed to All Saints Church in Cranham where the Oglethorpes were the last resident landowners and leaders of parish life. The current church was built in 1873 on the same site as the original church, built in 1254. James and Elizabeth Oglethorpe’s graves are located under
Inside the All Saints Church in Cranham where the Oglethorpes are buried
Karen Head receives her award from retired professor Dr. Barbara Clark
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CARILLON Alumni News | Fall 2017
OGLETHORPE UNIVERSITY
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MAKE A DIFFERENCE
PHILANTHROPY WEEK
Alumni can give back in many ways
Alumni Career Panel series: 30 alumni participated in our career panel series during Incoming Student Orientation this fall, speaking to students considering career paths in psychology, natural sciences, engineering, law, arts & humanities, and more. Career Takeout: An enthusiastic group of alumni met at the home of VP of Career Development, Christina Vinluan Heda ’04, for Career Takeout, an opportunity for students to chat with alumni about potential career opportunities during an off-campus dinner. Two to four Career Takeout events are offered per academic year. If you are interested in serving as a host, please contact us at alumni@oglethorpe.edu. Career and Internship Fair: We welcomed eight Alumni at their firm or organization’s tables at the fair in late September. This effort was coordinated by Director of Career Development Erin Sherrill and Stephanie Szalkowski ’89. Scholarship Weekend: To support OU Admissions, the Alumni Board Admissions Committee helped recruit
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CARILLON Alumni News | Fall 2017
OU celebrated its second annual Philanthropy Week November 3-10, 2017. Through different activities, the Office of Development and Alumni Relations built awareness and educated the campus community on the importance of giving and giving back. One of the goals is to promote a culture of gratitude among students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, and trustees as they make a difference.
more than 50 alumni interviewers for Scholarship Weekend and expect the same or more this year. Host Committees: Many events are hosted by alumni committees such as Evening of Holiday Enchantment, Eggs & OU, Alumni Athletic matches, and of course, Alumni Weekend! We also invite alumni to interact with current students as table hosts at events hosted by the Alumni Office in cooperation with the Alumni Board, such as the Sophomore Traditions Dinner, Junior Etiquette dinner and the Senior Carillon Ceremony.
Philanthropy Week events included: • President’s Advisory Council (PAC) Meeting • Planned Giving Council Luncheon • Senior Campaign kick-off event • Young Alumni Club Gives Back event • Students Today, Alumni Tomorrow (STAT) packed donation boxes for Operation Christmas Child • Alumni Volunteer Thank-You Luncheon
Young Alumni Club: This club’s vibrant steering committee plans happy hours and service events for classes up to 10 years out. Alumni Writers: Take a look at the articles in this magazine, written by alumni on the Communications Committee of the Alumni Board. Professional Resource list: We maintain a list of volunteers for requests like resume reviewers, mock interviewers, speakers, etc. As part of Philanthropy Week on campus, alumni volunteers were invited to attend an Alumni Thank You luncheon catered by Chick-fil-A on Nov. 10; and, they are recognized annually at the Alumni Awards and Hall of Fame Dinner and Ceremony during Alumni Weekend. Volunteer opportunities are listed on our alumni website at alumni.oglethorpe.edu/ helpOU, or please contact alumni@ oglethorpe.edu.
Top: Bruce Benton ’86 (left) and John Shelnutt ’84 (right) joined Dr. Mike Rulison, professor of physics, for Science on the Green organized by the OU Society of Physics Students (SPS) chapter. Bruce and John spoke with current dual-degree engineering and other science students about their experiences. Dr. Rulison says, “John and Bruce were in a few math and physics courses. I also knew them from working as statistician and shot clock operator for Jack Berkshire’s men’s basketball team.” Science on the Green will be a featured activity at Alumni Weekend, April 20-21, 2018. Bottom: Alumni and students engage at Career Day
REVOCABLE TRUSTS
A
lumni engagement with the university through volunteerism is on the rise! In partnership with campus departments such as Career Development and Admissions, and with the support of our Alumni Board committee vice presidents, there have never been so many opportunities to give back and positively impact current students.
Promoting a culture of gratitude for everyone on campus
While most people are familiar with wills, another powerful planning tool is the revocable or living trust. A revocable trust is one where assets may be placed and income generated is paid to grantor but provisions can be altered or cancelled during the life of the grantor. Assets are transferred to beneficiaries at the passing of the grantor. While no planning tool works for everyone, revocable trusts may be worth discussing with your financial planners. Pros – Revocable trusts may:
Cons – Revocable trusts may:
• Make management of assets easier
• Require a will
• Make transfer of assets quicker versus probate
• Cost more to draft than standard wills
•H elp to maintain privacy versus the public probate process
•H ave a longer period in which they can be contested
• Extend FDIC protections to beneficiaries
Revocable trusts do not protect assets from creditors or reduce estate tax liability. As always, Oglethorpe University encourages you to seek the advice of tax and financial professionals for your estate planning. Please feel free to contact our Director of Major and Planned Gifts John Carr at 404-364-8439 or jcarr1@oglethorpe.edu to discuss ways you may benefit Oglethorpe in your estate plan.
•H ave lower fees for trust administration than probate costs •H elp to avoid probate in multiple jurisdictions if property is owned in two or more states •H elp to avoid guardianship and conservatorship issues versus probate
OGLETHORPE UNIVERSITY
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4484 Peachtree Road, N.E. Atlanta, GA 30319 www.oglethorpe.edu
SAVE THE DATE! Alumni Weekend 2018 Come back to campus and join in these events: • • • • • • • •
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lumni Awards & Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner & Ceremony A Coffee with Dr. Schall Groundbreaking for Cousins Center for Science and Innovation STEM Reunion QuadFest Alumni Athletic Matches Faculty Reception & Celebration of Retiring Professors Petrel Pints & Vines Reception & Class Reunions for classes ending in 8s and 3s: 1973, 1978, 1983, 1988, 1993, 1998, 2003, 2008, 2013 Stomp the Lawn and Young Alumni Reunion for 2008 and 2013 and 2017 (First year out!)
Non-Profit Organization US. POSTAGE PAID Atlanta, GA 30319 PERMIT No. 523