Congratulations, Class of 2019!

Renee Vary
May 23, 2019

Congratulations to the more than 240 graduates honored at Oglethorpe’s 2019 Commencement on May 18! Check out our live feed video and social media round-up from the festivities—you just might see yourself or your own posts included!

Donald Graham, former publisher of The Washington Post and chairman of the board for Graham Holdings Company, was the commencement speaker and honorary degree recipient. Graham co-founded TheDream.US, the largest national college scholarship fund for DREAMers. In 2019, Oglethorpe became the first Georgia college or university to partner with TheDream.US, and the first institution in a “locked out” state, where DREAMers cannot get in-state tuition or state financial aid.

Student Government President Bradley Firchow, Senior Class President Deon Heavens, and Adult Degree Program graduate Adrian Ranson also addressed the crowd.

Robert Dougherty-Bliss ’19 and Gillian Rabin ’19 were both presented with the Sally Hull Weltner Award for Scholarship, the only tie in recent memory. 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.

Robert Dougherty-Bliss ’19 and Bradley Firchow ’19 received the James Edward Oglethorpe Award, presented annually to two individuals in the graduating class who, in the opinion of the faculty, have excelled in scholarship, leadership and character.

Dr. Lisa J. Hayes, associate professor of psychology, was presented with The Lu Thomasson Garrett ’52 Award for Meritorious Teaching by the 2018 recipient, Dr. Justin Wise.

Jonathon R. Nooner, lecturer of theatre, was presented with the Vulcan Materials Company and Oglethorpe University Teaching Excellence Award by last year’s recipient, Prof. Matt Huff.

Graduates: Please check your OU email for your individual commencement photographs by TSS Photography.