The Oglethorpe University Alumni Board gathered on August 15 for its summer meeting, spending the day discussing university initiatives, alumni engagement opportunities and ways to further strengthen connections among Oglethorpe graduates. Guided by the Alumni Association’s mission to promote partnership between alumni and the university by advocating for increased alumni engagement and strengthening connections between alumni and within the alumni community, board members explored how alumni can continue to support students, fellow graduates and the institution’s future.
“One of the greatest strengths of Oglethorpe is the willingness of its alumni to stay connected and give back. The dedication, leadership and generosity demonstrated by our Alumni Board members reflect a deep commitment to the university and its future.”
The meeting opened with university updates, providing board members with an overview of developments across campus and key priorities for the year ahead. These conversations reinforced the important role alumni play in supporting Oglethorpe’s continued growth and success.
The Office of Alumni Engagement shared a year-in-review presentation highlighting the strength of alumni engagement throughout FY26. Alumni participation reached new heights with record attendance at signature events such as Evening of Enchantment and Alumni Weekend. Oglethorpe Giving Day also achieved impressive growth, generating more than $304,000 from 265 donors. The board celebrated the contributions of more than 140 alumni volunteers who supported university programs and partnered with departments across campus throughout the year.
Board members also heard from Liz Kazungu-Emerson, Oglethorpe’s Director of Career Development, who shared insights into evolving career trends and the university’s efforts to prepare students for professional success. Her presentation emphasized the continued value of a liberal arts education and highlighted the human skills that remain essential in an increasingly AI-driven workplace. Alumni engagement opportunities, including mentoring, networking and career exploration programs, were discussed as meaningful ways graduates can support current students.
Later in the day, Dr. Judith Levy introduced the university’s NetVUE grant project, Reframing the Institutional Saga: Retelling Our Shared History. The initiative will engage students, faculty, staff and alumni in documenting and sharing Oglethorpe’s story as the university approaches its bicentennial. Alumni will have opportunities to contribute memories, research, photographs and other materials that help tell the many stories that have shaped the institution.
The meeting concluded with committee reports and a discussion of priorities for the coming year. Board members reaffirmed their commitment to representing the interests of Oglethorpe alumni, fostering meaningful connections and encouraging alumni participation in the life of the university.
