Every year as part of commencement, three awards are presented to exceptional students in the graduating class. Congratulations to this year's honorees! Syeda Bano '20, a Politics and Sociology double major, and Erin Raquel Battaglia '20, a Psychology major, received the esteemed James Edward Oglethorpe Awards. This award is presented annually to two individuals in the graduating class who, in the opinion of the faculty, have excelled in scholarship, leadership, and character. Mathematics major Zoe Nelson '20 earned the 2020 Sally Hull Weltner Award for Scholarship, which recognizes 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. This award is given annually in loving memory of Sally Hull Weltner, wife of Dr. Philip Weltner, who was president of Oglethorpe University from 1944-1953.

Omicron Delta Kappa, the National Leadership Honor Society, welcomed 626 new initiates from 23 universities during December 2021. Students initiated into the Society must be sophomores, juniors, seniors, or graduate/professional students in the top 35% of their class, demonstrate leadership experience in at least one of the five pillars, and embrace the ODK ideals. Fewer than five percent of students on a campus are invited to join each year.

The College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) named Oglethorpe University graduating senior cross-country star Mateo Villa to their 2020 Academic All-District Men's Track and Field/Cross Country Team on Friday. It marked his first time receiving the honor, which goes to the student-athletes who show the best combination of academic and athletic performance in each district. Villa finished 31st at the NCAA Division III South/Southeast Regional meet in the fall, earning All-Region honors from the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) in the process. He also earned USTFCCCA All-Academic honors for the 2019 season, finishing in the top 25 percent of participants at the regional meet and earning a cumulative GPA of 3.88 at Oglethorpe while studying engineering. The Stormy Petrel runner was named to the SAA Fall Academic Honor Roll three times over the course of his career and earned spots on the SAA Winter/Spring Academic Honor Roll twice as a member of the track and field squad. Villa garnered five Dean's List honors during his time at Oglethorpe. The CoSIDA Academic All-District team for NCAA Division III District 5 was voted on by sports information directors at schools in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Villa joined a group of 11 cross country/track and field athletes from the district to earn a spot on the team, four of which hailed from SAA institutions. Student-athletes are nominated for Academic All-District consideration by the sports information directors at their respective schools and must accrue a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.3 while being either at least a sophomore or in their second year at their current institution. Nominees must also serve as major contributors to their respective teams on the field and have participated in at least half of their team's official competitions during the season. By earning a spot on the Academic All-District team, Villa automatically advanced to the CoSIDA Academic All-America ballot.

The end-of-semester finale of the Oglethorpe Idea Incubator program, sponsored by the Oglethorpe Entrepreneur Club and supported by the Hammack School of Business, featured student entrepreneurs pitching their business proposals, similar to TV's "Shark Tank". Congratulations to the five student teams who split $4,000 in grant money to fund their business ideas: $1,500 to Travaly (Yasmina Travaly): Apparel and accessories inspired by national flags $700 to Lokal Markt (Folabomi Oyewo): Unique, limited products sourced primarily from Asia and Africa to US customers $700 to A Night Out (Roi Levi, Danny Ocampo, David Povolotsky): An app to provide real-time updates on bars/restaurants where identified friends are currently congregating $600 to Encore (Drew Luzzatti, Will Ransom): A website to assist job seekers 50-65 in finding part-time, volunteer, or salaried positions $500 to Valdi (Funlola Oyewo): Handcrafted fragrances from natural sources in Asia and Africa Judges were Dr. David Nasser, Hammack School of Business professor; Hammack School of Business Dean Dennis Kelly; and Anita Patterson '97, an Oglethorpe trustee and alumna.

Sophomore Hayleigh Stonham '22 is among only 15 undergraduates selected for the Mellon Summer Academy, held annually at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta. This is the third consecutive year an Oglethorpe student has been selected. During the week-long immersive experience, the students will learn about curatorial practices from Atlanta-area curators, participate in team exhibition workshops, research and present on a favorite collection object, study art museum audiences, and visit local art museums, artists' studios, private collections, and galleries. Due to the pandemic, the program is postponed until next year. "I applied to the program to try to broaden my opportunities and experience the creative atmosphere that working with 14 other students from around the nation will allow," said Stonham, an Art History major. "The opportunity is one of a kind, and having the chance to network with curators and artists is crucial for advancing my career." Stonham currently interns at the Oglethorpe University Museum of Art (OUMA), where she helps to organize OUMA Nights, an evening program for students in the museum. Recently, she was awarded a scholarship from the Southeastern Pastel Society. Stonham is also active in the Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity and the Oglethorpe History Club. Students invited to the Mellon Summer Academy are eligible for consideration for the Mellon Undergraduate Curatorial Fellowship, a highly selective, intensive two-year paid program that offers hands-on experience, specialized training, and mentoring in the curatorial profession for students from communities that are historically underrepresented in the museum field. Stonham has now passed the first hurdle to qualify for the fellowship. Opportunities like the Mellon Academy and Fellowship are typically offered to graduate-level students, making the Mellon Foundation program a unique learning experience for freshman and sophomore undergrads in the growing field of museum studies. The rising junior credited her firsthand experience to her work with OUMA's Curator of Collections John Tilford and Museum Director Elizabeth Peterson for giving her the foundational knowledge needed to be a successful candidate for the program. Professor Dr. Jeffrey Collins offered Stonham valuable guidance and encouragement during her application process, as well. With her Oglethorpe degree, Stonham hopes to one day open a non-profit art gallery in Atlanta. "The idea was inspired by an amalgamation of Jean-Michel Basquiat knowledge and the struggling artists that practically line the streets at Little Five Points," she explained. "A non-profit art gallery in that area could give struggling artists an opportunity to work and display their artwork to possible buyers. Because how many possible Basquiats exist that haven't been given that one opportunity like he was given?"

Freshman Nya Davis '23 has been selected to serve on the College Democrats of Georgia (CDG) Executive Board leadership as Director of Membership. Davis is among three new executive board leaders chosen from a large, competitive applicant pool of college students from across Georgia. An organization of student activists, CDG advocates at all levels of government for policies that support students and young people. The group provides resources, training and advocacy opportunities, with an overall objective of ensuring that young people are involved in Democratic politics now in order to prepare the party's future leaders. "I knew I wanted to become more involved with politics and organizations that focus on government and law practices," said Davis. "College Democrats of Georgia had everything I was looking for!" Davis, a Politics major with a focus in Pre-law Studies, credits Professor of Politics Joe Knippenberg for introducing her to the opportunity. Prior to Oglethorpe, Davis was politically active and heavily involved at her high school in Memphis. Among her many previous endeavors, and with the help of LITE Memphis, she started the nonprofit Helping Uplift Girls (HUG), which focuses on empowering and encouraging young women. LITE Memphis equips African American and Latinx students with 21st-century skills to become entrepreneurs. During her first year on campus, Davis has been involved in Black Student Caucus. "I loved their mission to advocate for the minority community by taking minor and major steps to solve unjust issues," she said. After graduating from Oglethorpe, the rising sophomore plans to pursue a career as a corporate lawyer or criminal attorney.

Rising senior Fatima-Ezzahra Boumahdi '21 has been accepted into the highly competitive American Economic Association's Summer Scholars Program (AEASP), marking the third consecutive year that an Oglethorpe student has been selected. AEASP is an eight-week program hosted at Michigan State University. The fellowship provides summer development programs to women and minorities majoring in economics, with the goal of increasing participation of underrepresented groups in economics PhD programs. As many as 20% of the PhDs awarded to minorities in economics over the past 20 years are graduates of the program. The AEASP is an all-inclusive package covering tuition, fees, living expenses, transportation, books, and program excursion costs, and includes a stipend. "Fatima is a great choice for this program based on her strong academic background, her work ethic, and commitment to pursuing a PhD in Economics," said Dr. Cassandra Copeland, professor of economics. "She is a hardworking student and a leader in our Economics program. She has a desire to investigate issues in economics on a deeper level." An Economics major, Boumahdi was first introduced to the program by Dr. Copeland, and credits both her and economics professor Dr. Peter Kower for their guidance, preparation for life after graduation, and encouragement to pursue a PhD. "Oglethorpe and my classes have given me a fundamental understanding of economics as well as skills that have made me a better student and scholar," Boumahdi said. "Oglethorpe has also helped me develop my interpersonal skills through its active campus community." As the first junior among the Oglethorpe students selected for the program, Boumahdi will have the benefit of returning for her senior year with a greater depth of understanding of topics in the discipline, including a "more advanced look into mathematics behind economic theory." She also will be uniquely positioned to serve as an onsite resource for future program candidates at Oglethorpe. An Honors student who consistently earns Dean's List, Boumahdi is currently developing her Honors thesis on the representation of women and minorities in voter turnout. She also works as an economics tutor in Oglethorpe's A_LAB, has served as the President of the Oglethorpe University Economics Club for the past two years and Vice President of the Data Analytics Club, and was inducted into the Omicron Delta Kappa leadership honor society in 2019. In 2018, she interned at Ecolink, a metro Atlanta company. After her time at Oglethorpe, Boumahdi plans to pursue a PhD in Economics and enter a career in academia, where she wants to teach and conduct research. "I am beyond grateful for this opportunity and what it has in store for me!" Boumhadi said. "It will help prepare me for graduate school and will show me what to expect when it comes to coursework and research."

The results for the 2020-2021 Student Government Association and Programming Board election have been announced. Congratulations to the following student leaders, who will represent the student body during the next academic year! Student Body President: Taylor Roberts VP of the Senate: Makayla Adams Secretary: Jazmine Faircloth Parliamentarian: Bryce McNealey Treasurer: Justin Bennett VP of Programming Board: Michael Woods Senior Class President: Kiana Perkins Junior Class President: Brandon Jackson Sophomore Class President: Marc Collins Senior Class Senators: Michael Morgan, Vivan Manso, D'Zerrea Richarte, Lola Oyinloye Junior Class Senators: Courtney Davis, Coja Jones, Nnaemeka Nwosisi, Olivia El Ramlawy Sophomore Class Senators: Tyler Benson, Jen Ramirez Soto, Jakeb Sanders, Elva Diaz Posades Senior Class Programming Board: Tivionte Russell, Vivian Manso, D'Zerrea Richarte, Lauren Adams Junior Class Programming Board: Rebecca Castro, Beca Westin, Lola Oyewo, Jill Heatly Sophomore Class Programming Board: Karah Lindsey, Ashley Clark, Erica Gerez, Rachelle Chery

On February 22, Oglethorpe University students participated in a beautification project at Piedmont Park in Atlanta, as a part of Oglethorpe's civic engagement Service Saturday program. The program is designed to expose students to diverse communities around Atlanta and their service needs. When reflecting on the experience, student volunteer Justin Bennett said, "I was really happy when Erica [a horticulturalist who led the project] said that she really appreciated our work and that we were the best group she has had." The Service Saturday volunteers included the following Oglethorpe students: Victor Navarrete Skylar Buggs Andrea Carlos Natalia (Taly) Torrens-Soto Jazmyne Everett Justin Bennett Kaniya Bates Lillian Coleman

Sophomore Jalina Rodriguez of the Oglethorpe women's lacrosse team has been named the OU Female Athlete of the Week. Rodriguez led Oglethorpe to a 14-11 win over Truett McConnell University. The Stormy Petrel midfielder finished with five ground balls, six caused turnovers, and totaled two goals on four shots. She currently holds the early SAA lead in caused turnovers with those six, while also placing herself in the top three in ground balls. Rodriguez also earned Southern Athletic Association Women's Lacrosse Defensive Player of the Week honors for her performance.

Congratulations to the 428 students named to Oglethorpe University's Fall 2019 Dean's List, honoring those who achieved at least a 3.50 term grade-point average while earning 12 or more semester hours.

The election results for Oglethorpe University's student organization Students Today, Alumni Tomorrow (STAT) 2020 leadership have been announced. The following students will lead the student organization for the next year: President: Michael Woods Vice President: Elijah Istre Treasurer: Sharon Olubajo Secretary: Jakeb Sanders PR/Marketing: Imisha Sayani STAT strives to create connections between students and alumni, to provide networking opportunities for students, to work together to uphold cherished Oglethorpe traditions, and to benefit the entire Oglethorpe community in any way possible. The following students will join the Executive Officers in carrying out all that STAT does for the university and its alumni: Mikayla Carter Kelli Bryant Makayla Adams Sukrat aloboh-bakare Fantasia Smith BreAnna Malone Deanna Long Megan Heintz Melinda O'Connor Aaliya Adame Alyssa Givance Rachel Lester Kathryn Thompson Alivia Mattiace Lauren Adams Karah Lindsey Ally Benisek Emma Istre Kushboo Patel Jalia Killings Miguel Enea

Graduating senior Gillian Rabin was awarded the Sally Hull Weltner Award for Scholarship at the university's commencement ceremony on May 18, 2019. The award 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. This award is given annually in loving memory of Sally Hull Weltner, wife of Dr. Philip Weltner, president of Oglethorpe University from 1944-1953.

Oglethorpe University's Oyinlola (Lola) Oyinloye '21, a politics and economics major, was selected to receive a full scholarship to attend the recent 2019 Forbes Under 30 Scholar Summit held in Detroit, October 27-30, 2019. Oyinloye is a graduate of Sprayberry High School in Marietta, Ga. Touted as the "world's greatest event for entrepreneurs," the annual Summit welcomed 1000 diverse college students and future leaders, looking to grow their network and gain new life experiences in their fields. The immersive experience provides opportunities for learning and accelerated networking in the fields of technology, entertainment, finance, fashion, food, philanthropy and more. Scholars heard from special guests like Serena Williams, Kevin Durant, and Olivia Munn, participated in a service day, and enjoyed a music and food festival. Through the scholarship program, Forbes aims to ensure that a diverse set of high-achieving students from universities across the country are able to engage in the conference program. Scholars are evaluated and selected based on various criteria, including a written statement on how they embody the "Under 30" principles of leadership and innovation. While at Oglethorpe, Oyinloye has been proactive in pursuing experiential learning opportunities, including a recent summer internship on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. On campus, she has served on honor council and as a residence assistant, and is a member of Epsilon Iota Psi Sorority, International Justice Mission, Black Student Caucus, African Student Association, LEAD Campus Ministry, and Bethel Campus Fellowship. "The resources on campus, from the Career Development Center to the faculty, have been major contributors to my success," said Oyinloye. "It is very easy to find your niche and be a leader on campus because we have diverse clubs (and) organizations. Just the overall atmosphere of the community is inspiring, and it encourages me to do more. With every opportunity I am presented with, I aim to represent Oglethorpe University and its values well."

Oglethorpe University junior Claudine Niyonsenga has received the U.S. Department of State's Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship to study abroad during the 2019 spring semester. Niyonsenga, a Business Administration major, will attend the Council On International Educational Exchange (CIEE) Open Campus program, where she will earn credits in three cities and countries: Buenos Aires, Argentina; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; and Santiago, Chile. The Gilman Scholarship Program broadens the student population that studies and interns abroad by supporting undergraduates who might not otherwise participate due to financial constraints. The program encourages students to study and intern in a diverse array of countries and world regions, with an emphasis on foreign language study, especially critical need languages deemed important to national security. By supporting undergraduate students who have high financial need, the program has been successful in supporting students who have been historically underrepresented in education abroad

Oglethorpe University students Caroline Chamberlain '19 and Victoria Lindbergh '18 worked side-by-side as interns at Oglethorpe's Pegasus Creative student communications agency last semester. This fall, through her internship at Hive Talent Acquisition Firm, Chamberlain recruited Lindbergh, a recent grad, helping her to land a job at Atlanta design firm Yellow Bungalow. A senior Human Resource Management major, Chamberlain has interned with Hive since summer 2018. She is able to work both in the firm's shared office environment, as well as on her own schedule from Oglethorpe's campus. As part of her position, Chamberlain helps with creative HR solutions and staffing. "At my internship, I actually have a curriculum... I'm learning the business development side and the recruiting side," Chamberlain explains. "My favorite part is the real-world experience I'm getting and that I feel like an employee." While helping her peers land jobs, Chamberlain has also managed to do the same for herself. She has been offered a full-time position with the company after graduation. Watch a video about Chamberlain's internship experience.

Engineering major Mateo Villa '20 is the recipient of a McKee "Men of Action" Scholarship, a $2,500 award for his commitment to outstanding service to the community, presented annually by Delta Sigma Phi.

On July 20, Oglethorpe University welcomed incoming students to campus for MAP Day (Making a Petrel), an event for students who have committed to attend Oglethorpe starting in fall 2018. During MAP Days, first-year students meet with their advisors, enroll in fall semester classes, and receive their official Petrel Pass student IDs.

Oglethorpe University congratulates the nearly 200 graduates who received their degrees on May 12.

Oglethorpe University congratulates the 356 students named to the Spring 2018 Dean's List honoring those who achieved at least a 3.50 term grade-point average while earning 12 or more semester hours.

Incoming first year student Caleb Smith '22 can now add the title of "world champion" to his resume. Smith earned a spot in the 2018 Optimist International Oratorical World Championship in St. Louis, Mo. over June 28-29, and emerged the winner after two days of competition.