Oglethorpe University
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Oglethorpe University is a private liberal arts college in Atlanta, Georgia. It was chartered in 1835 and named after James Oglethorpe, the state's founder.
| Motto: Nescit Cedere | |
| President | Lawrence Schall, J.D. Ed.D. |
| School type | Private |
| Religious affiliation | None |
| Founded | 1835 |
| Location | Atlanta, Georgia |
| Enrollment | 1,049 |
| Campus surroundings | Suburban |
| Campus size | 100 acres (400,000 m²) |
| Mascot | Stormy Petrel |
| Contents |
History
The original campus of Oglethorpe College was located at Midway, just south of the city of Milledgeville, then the state capital. The school was built and, at that time, governed by the Presbyterian Church. The American Civil War led to the school's closing from 1862 to 1866.
The college followed the relocation of the capital to Atlanta and, in 1870, began holding classes at the present site of Atlanta City Hall. Plagued by financial difficulties, however, the school closed its doors two years later.
Oglethorpe College became Oglethorpe University in 1965.
Points of interest
Oglethorpe University is home to the Crypt of Civilization, the first and most complete time capsule ever created. Scheduled to be opened in 8113, it is located in the basement of Phoebe Hearst Hall.
The Conant Performing Arts Center, completed in 1997, serves as the permanent home of Georgia Shakespeare.
In 1994, Lupton Hall, Phoebe Hearst Hall, Lowry Hall and Hermance Stadium were added to the National Register of Historic Places. In addition, the 90 acre campus was designated a National Historic District.
Events and traditions
Oglethorpe Day
- February 12. Campus events celebrate the anniversary of James Oglethorpe's founding of the colony of Georgia. The annual "Petrels of Fire" race, an homage to Trinity College's Great Court Run portrayed in the movie Chariots of Fire, features students attempting to run the 270 yard perimeter of the Academic Quad before the Lupton Hall belltower finishes its noon chimes.
Boar's Head
- First Friday of December. Modeled after the Boar's Head Gaudy of Queen's College, Oxford, Boar's Head is the traditional start to the Christmas season at Oglethorpe. Festivities include a concert featuring the University Singers, other student organizations and performers from the community, as well as the lighting of the University's Christmas tree. Newly initiated members of Omicron Delta Kappa receive recognition and, as a rite of initiation, kiss the ceremonial boar's head.
Athletics
The university's mascot is the Stormy Petrel, a seabird said to have been admired by James Oglethorpe for its hardiness and courage.
Publications
- The Stormy Petrel, student newspaper
- Yamacraw, yearbook. Its name comes from Yamacraw Bluff, the landing site of James Oglethorpe's 1733 colonial expedition.
- The Tower, literary magazine
Notable students and alumni
- Luke Appling, member of the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame; student from 1929-1930
- Sidney Lanier, poet; class of 1860
- Vanessa Sanchez, professional wrestler and valet; former WCW Nitro Girl
External links
- Oglethorpe University webpage (http://www.oglethorpe.edu)
- Crypt of Civilization (http://www.oglethorpe.edu/about_us/crypt_of_civilization)