Oglethorpe Day
A Cherished Tradition
Oglethorpe Day 2024 is Wednesday, February 12!
Oglethorpe Day honors our university’s namesake, James Edward Oglethorpe. Held in February, Oglethorpe Day commemorates the anniversary of General Oglethorpe’s arrival in the new world in Savannah, Ga.
Each year the festivities begin with the exciting Petrels of Fire race. Modeled after a race in the movie Chariots of Fire, a select group of Oglethorpe students runners circle the quad in hopes of making a full lap before the carillon bells’ twelfth and final chime. This amazing feat has only been accomplished one time!
Then the crowd, traditionally led by a bagpiper, processes to the Conant Performing Arts Center and the festivities close with a reception.
Oglethorpe Day schedule of events:
12:45 p.m. – Enjoy refreshments on the quad
1 p.m. – Petrels of Fire race (begins at 1 p.m. sharp!)
1:05 p.m. – Process to the Conant Performing Arts Center
1:15 p.m. – Special guest speaker
2:30 p.m. – Classes resume
