Oglethorpe University

Photo: Oglethorpe University. Retrieved from: www.oglethorpe.edu

Oglethorpe University, located right outside of Atlanta in Brookhaven, Georgia, on 100 acres of beautiful campus, is a unique type of college. This private co-educational university boasts around 1,000 students, professional faculty and small classes, ensuring that every student will get the education they deserve.

According to their website, “Marrying ideas and opportunity is the hallmark of an Oglethorpe education.” By being so close to Atlanta, Oglethorpe offers extensive internships, service learning projects and volunteer opportunities in and around the city. Wanting students to get the most out of their education, the school also boasts partnerships with some of the best colleges in the area, such as Emory and Georgia Tech.

History

Oglethorpe University’s history is one of perseverance, as the college had experienced many setbacks and hardships. Formally founded in 1835 and named after James Edward Oglethorpe, the founder of Georgia, the school was located in Milledgeville and was governed by the Presbyterian Church. It closed from 1862 to 1866 due to the Civil War. It reopened in Atlanta in 1870 but was again closed due to financial reasons. It was moved once more in 1913 to Brookhaven, Georgia, where it remains today. The campus is built in a Gothic revival architectural style and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

 Campus Life

With a small student body and 100-acres of land, Oglethorpe may seem small but there are numerous events and activities that students can participate in. Oglethorpe College sponsors such clubs and organizations ranging from fraternities, sororities, advocacy groups such as Amnesty International, and publication clubs such as the college newspaper, Stormy Petrel.

There are various college-sponsored events at Oglethorpe University. Many of them are traditions that honor the past founders and graduates of Oglethorpe. Students can take part in the Battle of Bloody Marsh, a tug-of-war game between students and faculty referring to the 1742 battle in which General Oglethorpe defeated Spanish troops. Or students can enjoy Eggs AM Breakfast on the “Tuesday Dead Day”. This is the dreaded day before finals begin. Students start their day by enjoying a free delicious breakfast of eggs, pancakes, bacon and hash browns prepared by the faculty. Here they fuel up before buckling down and studying for their exams.

Besides clubs and organizations, Oglethorpe University offers several Division III athletics. Students can participate in such sports as volleyball, basketball, and lacrosse. Their mascot is the Stormy Petrel, a type of bird that General Oglethorpe admired for its courage. ESPN’s David Lloyd named the Stormy Petrel as one of the most memorable mascots of all time in 2002. They were beat out only by the Banana Slugs of UC Santa Cruz. Most recently, the men’s golf team won the national NCAA title in 2009 and also in 2012.

Financial Aid

Oglethorpe University is committed to helping its students pay for college. An education at Oglethorpe can cost a student slightly over $30,000 a year to attend. Approximately 90% of students receive some kind of aid whether it be through grants, loans, or scholarships. Upon graduation, students can expect to be $25,000 in debt.