May 2025 Alumni eNewsletter
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May 13, 2025
Featured News
Alumni Board election
Congratulations to the 2025-26 Alumni Association board members! Elected during Alumni Weekend, they will serve starting on July 1.
Alumni Award nominations
The Alumni Association is seeking nominations for alumni who have distinguished themselves and Oglethorpe through their careers, personal and civic accomplishments, volunteer activities, and their loyalty to Oglethorpe. Know someone who has these qualities? Visit the award nomination form by September 19.
Graduate featured on WABE’s “Closer Look”
Ivy Nganga ’25 joined Rose Scott on “Closer Look” to share her reflections on the college experience, including academic milestones, personal growth, and meaningful involvement on campus. As she prepares for life after graduation, Ivy discusses how her time at Oglethorpe shaped her goals and prepared her to navigate the opportunities and challenges ahead
Commencement Celebrations
Oglethorpe proudly celebrated the achievements of the Class of 2025 at this year’s Commencement ceremony. The ceremony honored their hard work, resilience, and the lasting impact they’ve made on our campus community. Congratulations, Stormy Petrels — your next chapter begins now!
The latest issue of the Carillon has arrived
The newest edition of Carillon is officially in homes, bringing you the latest from Oglethorpe University. This issue celebrates the people and moments that make Oglethorpe truly special. Check your mailbox and read about the stories that keep our Petrel community connected!
Upcoming Alumni Events
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.
Virtual Book Club
Wednesday, May 21, 7 p.m. ET
The Oglethorpe Alumni Virtual Book Club, hosted by Richard Bakare ’03, will meet to discuss I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman.
Class Notes
News and updates submitted by your classmates.
Brian Sass ’84 and his wife Rana have had their nonprofit selected by @sixdegreesofkb, a nonprofit started by Kevin Bacon, who has chosen several nonprofits to partner with in the month of May for Mental Health Awareness Month. Follow and post to the #Igetit campaign, a campaign to show how one handles their own mental health crisis, what brings them calmness and gets them through tough times. Anyone interested can like or follow @jack_mha to learn more!
Cheryl Ritzel ’91 is now the the owner/editor of Mulberry Magazine, a free digital magazine that offers family-friendly content for the city and surrounding areas. The City of Mulberry is the newest city in the state of Georgia, located in Gwinnett County. She recently appeared on the Northeast Georgia Business RadioX podcast to talk about it. She also works as a book consultant and photography instructor with her own mentoring company.
Marge Ramos ’95 was recently appointed as a board member of RE:IMAGINE Atlanta, a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering pathways for marginalized youth to access paid opportunities within the film and creative media industry. They equip youth with essential training and resources, enabling them to thrive with paid apprenticeships and jobs. Marge is the Founder and Journey Strategist of Moxie Creative LLC, an advisory practice that helps creatives, athletes, ambitious individuals and organizations on how to pivot with purpose, unlock opportunities and map out their next moves.
Felix Mann ’11 is in his seventh year leading the Sewanee Tigers men’s tennis team, and recently won Sewanee’s 11th conference title. The coaching team, led by Mann, was voted the Southern Athletic Association (SAA) Coaching Staff of the Year for the second-straight season.
Toni Jennings Hodge ’16 and her husband have a new baby. Baby Jalen Hodge was born on March 21 and they are all excited about the addition to the family!
Jackson Owen ’22 will present his work at the 2025 Graduate Showcase at the Royal College of Art in London this June, exhibiting pieces created during his master of arts in painting program. While attending Oglethorpe as a student he pursued study abroad with the partner program in Oxford, and stayed for a master’s degree at Cambridge University.
Vanessa Rodriguez ’22 was married on Valentine’s Day to Adalberto Mendez and their story was featured in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution news.
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
Oglethorpe robotics course blends animal science and engineering
New designation spotlights Oglethorpe’s access, student success performance
LASS: A celebration of academic work and commitment to service
McClymond named to Leadership Atlanta Class of 2026, Atlanta Rotary Club
Oglethorpe students present research at the Southeastern Psychological Association conference
Want more University News? Read more online or subscribe to The Source.
Campus and Community Events
Alumni Art Exhibition
Now through June 29
Oglethorpe University Museum of Art in collaboration with the Office of Alumni Engagement will stage the Oglethorpe University Alumni Art Exhibition.
Most of our teams have wrapped up their seasons. Visit the website to read their season highlights.
Go Petrels!
Stay Connected
Networking on LinkedIn? Be sure to join the OU Alumni group and follow the Oglethorpe University LinkedIn page.
