LETTER FROM ALUMNI BOARD PRESIDENT
CAN YOU FEEL THE ENERGY? By Mark DeLong ’03 President, Oglethorpe University Alumni Board
The start of a new academic year brings new energy to a college campus. New students discovering their home-away-from-home, and returning students reuniting with friends. Oglethorpe had even more energy this year, welcoming almost 400 new students and the highest percentage of returning students this century. That energy was amplified as the latest round of college rankings were released. Oglethorpe is rising in national prominence in overall categories, as a best buy, and for its high graduation rate of Pell Grant recipients. A third bump came as Oglethorpe announced its “Flagship 50” program, matching in-state tuition and fees for top academic students from across the country. National media outlets helped spread that news far and wide. I haven’t even mentioned the energy around the I.W. “Ike” Cousins Center for Science and Innovation, which is transforming Goslin Hall. The
My advice to new college students is to take that chance and spend a semester abroad if at all possible.”
Cousins Center will be the new home of the Q. William Hammack, Jr. School of Business, which opens next fall. Its new Dean, Dennis Kelly, met with alumni in D.C. before starting on campus. He brings a wealth of experience and incredible connections to Oglethorpe. There’s renewed energy on global education, from international lessons taught in courses to exchange students joining our community to students taking a semester abroad. This Carillon issue features international stories of our students and alumni. As a student, I rejected the call to study abroad, even as friends took summers or semesters to study in other countries. I figured I would spend my years on campus, soaking up that energy and enjoying the campus environment. I’d travel the world after graduation. Fast-forward 15 years: I have traveled to different countries for wonderful
vacations. Those experiences—a few days here, a week there, the rare glorious two-week trek—cannot compare to spending a semester immersed in another culture, gaining new perspectives, exploring from a home base, challenging yourself. My advice to new college students, therefore, is to take that chance and spend a semester abroad. And share your stories with your fellow students and alumni who stayed in the Petrel’s nest. Alumni Weekend 2019 will give us a chance to hear some of those stories, with the weekend taking on a global theme. Save the date to join us back on campus April 12-13, 2019. Until then, stay stormy, my friends.
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. OGLETHORPE UNIVERSITY
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