{"id":77518,"date":"2024-02-14T22:52:49","date_gmt":"2024-02-14T22:52:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/oglethorpe.edu\/news\/oglethorpe-day-2024-celebrates-humanitarianism-and-civic-duty\/"},"modified":"2024-08-23T16:38:57","modified_gmt":"2024-08-23T16:38:57","slug":"oglethorpe-day-2024-celebrates-humanitarianism-and-civic-duty","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/oglethorpe.edu\/news\/oglethorpe-day-2024-celebrates-humanitarianism-and-civic-duty\/","title":{"rendered":"Oglethorpe Day 2024 celebrates humanitarianism and civic duty"},"content":{"rendered":"
\ufeff<\/span> This annual tradition celebrates the university\u2019s namesake,\u00a0James Edward Oglethorpe.\u00a0<\/strong>It is on Oglethorpe Day that we are reminded of the motto of the original trustees of Georgia: Non sibi sed aliis<\/em>\u00a0(Not for self, but for others).<\/p>\n The day began with the 34th-annual Petrels of Fire footrace, which challenges runners to complete one lap around the quad before the university\u2019s iconic carillon bells toll 12 times.<\/p>\n Running in this year’s race were Oglethorpe students Antonio Fuentes ’27<\/strong>, Javier Martinez ’24<\/strong>, Evan Thomas ’27<\/strong>, Rainey<\/strong> Morris ’26<\/strong> and AJ Bonds ’27. <\/strong>Additionally, this year’s runners were cheered on by former Oglethorpe track coach and Petrels of Fire race steward Bob Unger<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The race was followed by a lecture from DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond<\/strong>. An avid historian, Thurmond’s new book is out this week: “James Oglethorpe, Father of Georgia: A Founder\u2019s Journey from Slave Trader to Abolitionist,<\/a>\u201d an examination of the life and career of Georgia\u2019s founder, an outspoken — yet imperfect — humanitarian. Tracing the “revolutionary” history of Oglethorpe in his speech, Thurmond extolled the importance of the pursuit of the common good.<\/p>\n “We need Oglethorpe. We need 好色先生TV. We need 好色先生TV in Georgia — in the world,” said Thurmond. “I believe James Edward Oglethorpe and his original vision for Georgia will re-energize and restore a broader, more inclusive vision for our state.”<\/p>\n After, Thurmond provided signed advanced copies of his book for members of the Oglethorpe community, who chatted enthusiastically with the author.<\/p>\n Finally, the day closed out with Coke floats and other treats on the Conant Veranda, ending the festivities on a sweet note.<\/p>\n Flip through this year’s photos below, and watch Michael Thurmond’s lecture above.<\/p>\n
\nThe sun shone brightly on this year’s Oglethorpe Day celebration, a beloved university tradition that beams with school spirit. Dressed in layers of black and gold — and red, for Valentine’s Day — students, faculty, staff and alumni came together today to show their love for their university.<\/p>\n