Each year, Oglethorpe University delivers excellence in academics and student experiences, helping Petrels grow and learn. And, each year hundreds of donors help to fund the important initiatives that help to make this possible through their generosity and philanthropy.

“The nature of philanthropy is personal, and we want to ensure that our alumni and friends have ways to support the areas of campus that they are most passionate about,” said Sarah Emerson, vice president for advancement.

This year the Office of Advancement is introducing a wider range of directed giving opportunities that are impacted by annual philanthropy. Each of these initiatives is rooted in the university’s Strategic Plan and will support Oglethorpe’s continued growth and achievement.

“By offering these directed giving opportunities, Oglethorpe donors will be investing in the success of our students, faculty, and staff and strengthening our ability to move forward as a university and grow to become known as Atlanta’s premiere undergraduate learning experience,” said Emerson.

Gifts directed to these vital areas allow us to strengthen every aspect of the Oglethorpe experience year after year:

• The Oglethorpe Fund — Annual unrestricted gifts to The Oglethorpe Fund help to directly support the life-changing opportunities Oglethorpe offers to all.
• Housing Support Fund — Gifts to the Housing Support Fund work to ensure all OU students can become fully immersed in the Oglethorpe campus community by living on campus.
• Scholarship Support Fund — Donations to the Scholarship Support Fund ensure that Oglethorpe’s education remains accessible to all students, no matter their socio-economic background.
• Academic Support Fund — Gifts to the Academic Support Fund support the Core program, interdisciplinary studies, undergraduate research, and many other aspects that make an Oglethorpe education extraordinary.
• Stormy Petrels Booster Club — Donations to the Stormy Petrels Booster Club support over 300 student-athletes and ensure they have all they need on and off the field to succeed in academics, competition, and life.
• Campus Beautification Fund — Gifts to the Campus Beautification Fund provide needed resources to ensure that Oglethorpe’s historic campus remains stunning for future generations of Petrels.
• Student Emergency Assistance Fund — Donations to the Student Emergency Assistance Fund enhance student success and increase student retention by providing critical support to students facing unforeseen financial hardships.

As donors invest in these vital funds, the Office of Advancement will recognize their generosity through refreshed donor recognition societies. These recognition societies acknowledge Oglethorpe’s most loyal and generous donors. Members will receive unique benefits, such as invitations to exclusive donor events and donor-exclusive appreciation items.

The James Edward Oglethorpe Circle recognizes individuals who contribute $1,000 or more to the annual funds during the university’s fiscal year, while the Young James Edward Oglethorpe Circle acknowledges Oglethorpe alumni of the past decade who support the annual funds at specific amounts based on their graduation year.

Visit our website to learn more about the featured areas of support and Oglethorpe’s donor recognition societies, or contact the Office of Advancement with additional questions.