April 2025 Alumni eNewsletter
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April 8, 2025
FEATURED NEWS
A Spring Message from Dr. McClymond
President McClymond shares university updates and announcements as we head into a busy springtime.
Carol B. Tomé announced as the commencement speaker
The Oglethorpe University Class of 2025 will celebrate their commencement on May 3 with inspiring words by Carol B. Tomé, chief executive officer of United Parcel Service (UPS).
Kaiser Chair and CEO Greg Adams ’79 to deliver Rikard Lecture
Alumnus Greg Adams ’79 will continue the 34-year tradition of hosting the highest caliber speakers and business minds at Oglethorpe for this year’s Rikard Lecture.
Alumni Weekend was a hit!
On the weekend of March 28- 29, Oglethorpe opened its gates to over 500 alumni and friends for its annual Alumni Weekend. This beloved tradition gathered crowds from the field of athletics, sentimental reunion years, and the celebration of our treasured Golden Petrels.
Support the Dorough Field House Upgrades
With our conference expanding and competition intensifying, it’s time to take our facility to the next level. Join us in strengthening our program for the future—your support makes all the difference!
Upcoming Alumni Events
Presidential Tour Continues in DC
Thursday, April 10
The president will conclude her spring tour in Washington, D.C., on April 10. This is an opportunity to hear about the university’s future as well as a chance to reconnect with fellow alumni.
Register for Washington, D.C. >
Petrel Love Birds: An Oglethorpe alumni dating mixer
Thursday, May 15, 8-10 p.m.
If you are single and graduated between 2015-2025, join us for a happy hour in a private section at Dr. Scofflaw’s at the Works, with inspiring welcome remarks from engaged petrels Nadia Sambo ’23 and James Williams ’23. Your first drink is on us and light dessert bites will be provided.
Class Notes
News and updates submitted by your classmates.
Radford S. Bunker ’10 EDP has been nominated to serve as the Atlanta Bar Association’s representative on the Governing Board of the Office of the Inspector General for the City of Atlanta.
Jude Gelman ’11 recently celebrated his marriage on March 25, 2025, to Maya Banerjee.
Y. Malik Jalal ’16 had an exhibit opening on April 3, 2025 at the Gallery 400 Lecture Room in Chicago. Jalal’s sculptures expand dialogues on Black history, post-industrial production, and the interconnectivity highways and automobiles enable. Building upon the legacies of Black artisans working in Southern iron and steel industries, Jalal welds steel and bronze to re-frame US histories formed by morphing industries and inequalities.
Becki White ’18 competed at the 2025 USATF Masters Indoor Championships in February, placing in multiple events.
Deon Heavens ’19 will become the first physician in his family. He will serve as one of the latest Internal Medicine-Pediatrics physicians at Medical University of South Carolina.
Ansley Hames ’20 married Patrick O’Sullivan ’23 on March 29, 2025, in Apalachicola, Florida. Fellow Petrels were among the bridal party, including Lauren Bacque ’19, Amara Carrero ’22, and Tuli Mwarumba ’22. Friends Felipe Ferreira ’24, Sebastian Molina ’24, Spencer Hsu ’24, Carlos Cavallaro ’24, Stephen Summerow ’22, Jeff Poyo Martinez ’23, Faith Miller ’24, Kirsten Wrona ’25 and Stephen Bole ’25 were in attendance.
In Memory
Oglethorpe mourns the loss of members of our alumni family and former faculty. We’ve recently learned of the passing of these alumni:
Brian W. Weaver ’84, 3/7/2025
Jonathan Curry McLeod ’89, 3/3/2025
Philip “Cottie” Morse, III ’71, 3/20/2025
Patricia Harris Harrell ’78 (MA), 3/27/25
Mimi Elrod ’66, 3/25/25
John Douglas King ’56, 3/13/2025
A full list of those who have passed away are remembered here.
We want to hear from you! Tell us about a new job, promotion, award, wedding, birth or adoption, or other noteworthy milestone. We want to keep your classmates up to date on your latest news and celebrate your accomplishments!
OGLETHORPE UNIVERSITY NEWS
Ginger Fay named Vice President of Enrollment Management at Oglethorpe University
East-West Foundation honors Nishimura’s legacy with major gift
Oglethorpe singers share their talent on choir tour
Alumna Aline Mello ’12 inspires at second Oglethorpe Out Loud
New micro-courses provide opportunity to pursue special topics in online format
OU STEM students inspire young scientists in Atlanta Science Festival event
English major Jonah Costen contributes digital storytelling to Explore Brookhaven internship
Oglethorpe students invited to Yale African Innovation Symposium
Want more University News? Read more online or subscribe to The Source.
CAMPUS & COMMUNITY EVENTS
Fragile Genius: Catherine Wiley and Beauford Delaney
Now through May 4
This is OUMA’s new exhibit celebrating two contrasting American artists and the artistic brilliance that bonds them.
“Alumni Art Exhibition”
March 28 – June 29
Oglethorpe University Museum of Art in collaboration with the Office of Alumni Engagement will stage the Oglethorpe University Alumni Art Exhibition.
Sip, Brookhaven at Oglethorpe
Saturday, April 12, 3-6 p.m.
Join Explore Brookhaven on the Quad at Oglethorpe University for Sip Brookhaven at Oglethorpe, an all-inclusive tasting experience featuring craft beer, fine wine, expertly paired bites, and live music! Whether you’re a seasoned sipper or just looking for a great time, this event is the perfect way to indulge and unwind. Use code OUAlumni for 10% off your ticket purchase.
Spring sports teams are making news! Click the link below to view their full schedules.
Go Petrels!
Stay Connected
Networking on LinkedIn? Be sure to join the OU Alumni group and follow the Oglethorpe University LinkedIn page.
