Cartoon Network on Location at Oglethorpe…and Looking for Extras
By | August 31, 2010 · Comments
Did you know? The character Oglethorpe from Cartoon Network's Aqua Teen Hunger Force was named after Oglethorpe University. His fellow Plutonian, Emory, was named after our neighbor Atlanta university.
This Wednesday, September 1, the Cartoon Network will be on the Oglethorpe campus filming a music video intro for Tower Prep, a new live action show coming to the Cartoon Network in October.
A band will perform the show’s intro song on stage in the midst of small pyrotechnics and a crowd of “fans.” OU students, this could be you!
For this exciting shoot, extras are needed to make up the “crowd.” All are welcome, but you must be 18 or older. Guys need to wear khaki or grey cargo pants, if you have them, and girls should wear a school uniform-like pleated skirt, if possible. If not, wear jeans.
Set-up will begins in the late afternoon and cameras will roll from 9 p.m. until approximately 1 a.m. If you’re interested in being an extra in the video, gather on the lawn by Lupton Hall, in front of the keyhole turnaround at 8 p.m. The video shoot will take place in front of the Library on the Quad.
Quadfest Marks End of First Week of Classes
By | August 30, 2010 · Comments
It is nothing short of beautiful to see our campus so vibrant and alive again after the quieter summer, and the quaint academic quadrangle is an ideal setting for gatherings in the OU Community. On Friday afternoon, it was alive with Quadfest 2010, a fitting way to celebrate a successful first week of classes and a foreshadowing of a wonderful school year in the making.
Quadfest was put on by the Oglethorpe Student Association’s Programming Board, who knew exactly how to appeal to the student body, with multiple activities and free, catered food. In senior Campbell Walker’s words: “they had Moe’s Southwestern Grill—that’s huge!”
“I love any activity on the quad because it brings out all of the students and unifies everyone. I got to see a lot of people I hadn’t yet this semester,” praised sophomore Tyler Herndon.
A bungee trampoline dominated the quad and I watched the thrilled expressions on students’ faces as their bodies catapulted into the air. “It was magical. I felt like a real petrel flying in the air,” joked Sean Lovett. Another popular activity was riding the classic mechanical bull. Freshman Katie Cornelison laughed, “The bull was hilarious because the people who marched up to it with confidence were thrown off within seconds. It seems that those who really rocked it were surprisingly the shy people.” A few yards away, boys were competing against each other in a moonwalk race.
For the less rambunctious students, there was a craft tent where they could make Pop Art and airbrushed tee-shirts. Junior Kimberly Overmier said, “I liked that there was a creative activity because it was an accurate representation of the many artistic and crafty people that come to our liberal arts school,” as she proudly held up her colorful airbrushed tee with a pinwheel design.
Quadfest 2010 was yet another successful event rich with camaraderie and school spirit. I felt a surge of affection for my beloved Oglethorpe as I watched the freshmen mingle and build connections that they’ve yet to realize will last them a lifetime.
Photos by Armanda Colson ‘11 and
Chloey Mayo ‘10.
A Look Back at Orientation Week…
By | August 26, 2010 · Comments
As classes begin and the excitement of a new academic year sets in, we look back at the activities that welcomed the new faces of the Class of 2014, the largest class in almost 50 years. This year’s orientation week was like no other—in addition to a cookout, activities fair, and an on-campus “Screen on the Green” event, students ventured off campus to volunteer at Grant Park, visit Zoo Atlanta, and tour the Coca-Cola headquarters. If you missed any part of the fun, CHECK OUT PHOTOS HERE. Like what you see? More photos from Orientation Week are available for purchase, with downloads starting at only .50 per photo.
RAs beat the heat in Traer on move-in day.
Upperclassmen help freshmen get settled in Dempsey.
Orientation is a family affair.
President Schall pitches in at Grant Park Day of Service.
OU Day of Service at Grant Park
Enjoying the outdoors at Zoo Atlanta
Party!
Oglethorpe Alumni Board Offers Way to Stay Involved
By | August 26, 2010 · Comments
Austin Gillis '01
When I was asked to join the Oglethorpe Alumni Board, I really had no idea what to expect, but I was honored to be asked. I knew that if I could devote a little of my time to making Oglethorpe a better place, I was going to do it.
In August, I attended the Alumni Board retreat. The retreat has left me genuinely excited about the role I can play in Oglethorpe’s bright future. Needless to say, I was very impressed with the folks who are serving on the Alumni Board. I found that the board is comprised of intelligent, successful, and fun people who all exude excitement for Oglethorpe.
It was interesting to meet and speak with folks who attended Oglethorpe before I did and great to see so many people still dedicated to Oglethorpe after many years. It was also great to see some familiar faces from my time on campus, and reconnect old friends who are now serving on the board with me.
During the retreat, Peter Rooney, Oglethorpe’s Vice President for Development, spoke to us about current and future building initiatives on Oglethorpe’s campus, which sparked a very lively discussion. Oglethorpe has made remarkable strides with its finances at a time when many institutions are struggling. One stat in particular I found to be very impressive. This fall, the dorms on campus are so full that there are only five empty beds. Five! Of course, with the amazing dorms Oglethorpe has built since I graduated, I shouldn’t be surprised that so many students will be receiving their mail at 3000 Woodrow Way this year.
My favorite part of the Alumni Board retreat was the breakout sessions. In one particular session, we brainstormed about campus traditions that should be revived (and in some cases, started). That session got me thinking about events that I attended at Oglethorpe, from career-oriented seminars, to community service projects, to plain old parties. But this session was more than just a trip down memory lane. We were actually hatching ideas that could shape what Oglethorpe is to current and future students. It was humbling to think that work I was doing with the Alumni Board today could affect what Oglethorpe is tomorrow.
At one point in the retreat, our fearless leader, Alumni Board Chair Randy Roberson ’97, emphasized to us that these are, in fact, the “good old days” for our alma mater. After meeting the folks involved in the Alumni Board and hearing about the current state of Oglethorpe, I couldn’t agree more. I am very honored to be serving on the Alumni Board, and after the retreat, I cannot wait to get to work.
Kick Off a New Season with OU Theatre
By | August 23, 2010 · Comments
Oglethorpe’s Theatre Department is starting the year off right by welcoming new Theatre Director/Visiting Assistant Professor Matt Huff and by offering ways for both Theatre and non-theatre majors to get involved.
The 2010 Season kicks off this week with Georgia Shakespeare’s “Welcome Back” Mixer for OU Students on Wednesday, August 25 at 6 pm in the Conant Performing Arts Center. (Georgia Shakespeare is Oglethorpe’s professional theatre in residence.) Come schmooze and eat pizza with the GA Shakes staff, OU Theatre faculty and students and learn about the exciting theatrical opportunities available to you this year.
Immediately following the mixer, auditions for Stop Kiss by Diana Son and Women Beware Women by Thomas Middleton will be held from 7:30-10 pm in Rehearsal Room A (third floor of Conant). All actors are welcome! Auditions will consist of cold readings of scenes from the scripts that will be provided. Not familiar with the plays? Check out copies in the Theatre Office (2nd Floor, Conant)–but please return them quickly as there are only a few copies of each.
Callbacks for Stop Kiss will be held the following night, Thursday, August 26 from 6:30-9:30pm. Rehearsals will begin the weekend of August 28. Callbacks for Women Beware Women will be scheduled in a few weeks.
In Stop Kiss, hardened New Yorker Callie befriends an optimistic newcomer to the city, Sarah, and the two unexpectedly fall for each other. Their first kiss, however, is violently interrupted forcing both women on a journey to discover who they are and what they are willing to commit to. Stop Kiss will run September 23-25.
Women Beware Women, Thomas Middleton’s salacious examination of sex, power and politics, is as shockingly depraved today as it was in the 17th century. This rarely performed Jacobean thriller spins a tale of lust and betrayal so destructive, the play easily lives up to its title. Women Beware Women will run November 18-20.
Make plans to take part in these productions–either on stage or in the audience–and be reminded why Princeton Review ranked OU’s Theatre among the top twenty theatre programs in the country.
Orientation Day of Service Reflects the Oglethorpe Difference
By | August 19, 2010 · CommentsThe entire Oglethorpe campus is looking forward to welcoming the Class of 2014 tomorrow morning, when they move into their dorms and take the first steps of their college lives…beginning with orientation.
Ahh, college orientation…a time when new students prepare for the upcoming school year with a week-long crash course of the institution itself. Like most colleges, orientation week for OU freshmen includes attending panel discussions on academic and student life, welcome parties, and an activities fair with representatives from student organizations vying for their interest.
The Oglethorpe difference begins in the early morning of day three—our Orientation Day of Service. Unlike most freshmen across the country, OU freshmen will rise early Monday morning, meet for breakfast, and head out to Atlanta’s Historic Grant Park Conservancy to assist the the 127-year-old park in sprucing up and preparing for its annual Summer Shade Festival. There, rain or shine, 300 new Petrels will work alongside upperclassmen and other volunteers to get the city’s oldest park in festival shape .
Oglethorpe’s Day of Service, an annual event, serves not only as a way for new students to get acquainted with one another, but is a testimony to OU’s commitment to community service, something that has become signature to the Oglethorpe experience.
For a record number of freshmen and new students, that experience starts tomorrow - WELCOME!
OU Freshmen at a past Orientation Day of Service.
Josh Egnew ‘99: A Man of Many Canvases
By | August 18, 2010 · Comments
Photo by: Bryce Ward
Eleven years ago, as Josh Egnew finished up his Bachelor of Arts at Oglethorpe, the young painter probably never imagined that he would one day be considered one of New York’s renowned artists.
Today, having spent the last twenty years of his life painting, Egnew has gone international with his work—a career that has taken him from Stockholm to Luxembourg, Brussels and back, not only as a painter but also as a professional tattoo artist. In just the last five years, Egnew’s creations have blossomed from brush and easel to ink and needle, allowing him to defy the old adage of a ”starving artist” and create a legacy of his own.
This summer, the New York-based artist’s work is on display at an art exhibit titled, Metanoia, which showcases the “dark yet beautfiul” artwork of Egnew and several other popular New York tattoo artists. Metanoia–the Greek word for a change of will and the reforming of one’s mind–is currently on display at P.J.S. exhibitions in New York, NY and will run through August 29.
"Take the Night," one of the paintings on display by OU alum Josh Egnew. "I enjoy watercolors. I have a good time manipulating them. That said, I'll paint with anything."
"Metanoia is a collection of new works that deal in ethereal subject matter. They're visions of the night if you will. There are 5 of my pieces in the show all of which straddle the line of dark... yet beautiful. "
"Old Moon," by Josh Egnew. "I find inspiration everywhere. With my recent works, the main inspiration is the cosmos, nature and scandinavian metal music. "
On the Wierdest Tattoo a Client Has Ever Requested:
“Oh….I get that question a lot and it’s never easy. I feel like nearly everyday is something bizarre in some way. I work in hipster central so, it’s almost like a contest of people “out-doing” each other. I’ve tattooed robotic m&m’s, shrimp riding skateboards, etc. The list goes on but, honestly it’s all sort of a blur at this point. The things that stand out most are the larger pieces that I’ve been getting to do more of. I’ve been enjoying doing japanese inspired pieces lately. That’s a lot of fun.”
On Tattooing Becoming More Accepted Into the Mainstream:
“When the media embraces things it changes everything. Suddenly everybody’s hero’s/idols are tattooed.That spawns copycats or inspiration and society gets so used to seeing it that they just seem to accept it. Especially where I live. I think there may be more tattooed people than those without in my neighborhood. It’s time to move! haha. I do wish it had stayed a bit more “grimey” but, what are you going to do?”
Any Advice to Other Young Artists?
Oh man, I’m not one to give advice. It’s taken me long enough to find my way and there’s still a ways to go. Just work hard. There’s too much competition in life to just sit back and believe that you deserve something. You’ve got to earn it more now than ever.”
How Many Tattoos Do You Have?
“I couldn’t begin to count. I’m covered in them.”
Photos courtesy of joshegnew.com
U.S. News & World Report Features “Road Trip: Oglethorpe University”
By | August 17, 2010 · Comments
Released online today! Oglethorpe is spotlighted by U.S. News & World Report in “Road Trip: Oglethorpe University”, an article that profiles the University’s ”stories of community spirit.” OU also is featured in an accompanying online photo gallery.
The article will be carried nationwide in the magazine’s September issue and in the 2011 Best Colleges Guide, both out on newsstands later this month.
In more good news, U.S. News’ America’s Best Colleges also ranked Oglethorpe among the nation’s top 250 Best Liberal Arts Colleges (#166), as a college “Seeking Diversity” and among ”A-plus Schools for B Students.” View all rankings.
“To be named among the top liberal arts colleges in the country is a nod to the quality of our faculty and the education Oglethorpe provides,” said OU President Larry Schall. “The ‘Road Trip’ profile captures the spirit of Oglethorpe University—both our commitment to community service and the overall sense of community on our campus.”
Forbes Ranks Oglethorpe Among America’s Best Colleges
By | August 12, 2010 · Comments
Oglethorpe was recently ranked by Forbes as one of America’s Best Colleges 2010 (#353 of only 610 schools included.) Colleges’ rankings are based on ”quality of the education they provide, the experiences of the students and how much they achieve.” View more information about Oglethorpe’s ranking. View full article and all rankings.
This recognition comes on the heels of Princeton Review ranking Oglethorpe as a Best Southeastern College and on four national Top 20 lists.
Vampire Diaries on the Scene at Oglethorpe
By | August 11, 2010 · Comments
Set directors quiet the set--Hearst Hall--in preparation for rehearsal.
Oglethorpe’s Hearst Hall is all abuzz this evening with the increasingly familiar sounds of a film crew on campus.
The crew for the hit CW series Vampire Diaries is filming scenes at Oglethorpe this week. And, although it was a closed set, Oglethorpe Blog was still able to snap a few photos of the team setting up and rehearsing for the film.
Vampire Diaries is filming its second season, following last year’s stellar season debut, which attracted the largest audience of any series since the network began in 2006. The upcoming season, featuring the scenes shot at OU, will begin September 9.
