"Murder in Hearst": The New Petrel Page Turners Execs

In Oglethorpe’s Hearst Hall, the OU community gathered to help solve the "murder" of six of the Petrel Page Turners executive board members. On Nov. 21, guests arrived dressed to the nines and the room quickly filled with anticipation. In collaboration with The Tower, OU’s literary magazine, the murder mystery dinner offered a fun night of food, drinks, and a touch of deception. The event celebrated the Petrel Page Turners and The Tower coming together at the end of the Fall semester and announced the incoming Petrel Page Turners executive board. 

Top row: Londyn Marshall '26 , Ivy Nganga '26, Kaelyn McKinely '26, Mergenie Fleurimond '26, Kadence Hart '26, Meghan Shepherd '26. Bottom row: Shiva Mehal '29, Zuri Cheffon '29, Elizabeth Parker '27, Ka'Nya Greves '29, Jo Almond '28, Adir Ali Yerima '29 | Photo By Zuriel Pugh

Petrel Page Turners' president, Kaelyn McKinley, welcomed everyone and explained how the event would work. With the six executive board members wearing red sashes, and cards with clues as to what the murderers were wearing, the goal of the evening was to uncover who murdered each of them. Guests had until 9:00 p.m. to make their guesses on the murder suspects. 

During this time, guests were welcome to enjoy dinner catered by Olive Garden and themed desserts, all while watching a silent film. 

Hearst Hall | Photo by Ivy Nganga

The idea for the event came from the book club's desire to announce their new executive board members in a fun and engaging way. McKinley said, “We wanted them to feel special since we're so grateful and confident that the book club will thrive once we graduate.” By the end of the evening, the "murderers" were caught and revealed to the crowd as the new Petrel Page Turners executive board for 2026.

If guests were feeling inspired, The Tower organized a spooky writing competition where anyone could submit a short story or poem for a prize. The Tower's treasurer, Megan Shepherd said, “It was gratifying to see people participating in our spooky, scary writing competition and being proud of the work they created.” At the end of the event, five winners received awards ranging from journals to sets of pens and pencils. Kendall Canaday placed first for her flash fiction story titled “Erotomania.” 

Photo by Kaelyn McKinley

With any event, it takes a collaborative effort to make sure everything runs smoothly, and the Petrel Page Turners executive board worked together to ensure a killer evening. 

According to McKinley, “I think our teamwork and having double the exec made the event successful! As well as having done it last year, I think we were more prepared, and we replicated a lot of aspects.”’

To ensure people knew about the event and felt engaged to attend, the Petrel Page Turners focused on pushing much of their marketing through their social media platforms. PR and Media Chair Elizabeth Parker said, ”I got to really play with different color palettes and lean into the dark academia vibe that the event called for. Overall, I enjoyed seeing everyone’s reactions and the amount of engagement we got because of the posts and flyers, and that I was able to convey the whole mystery aspect of the event.” 

With around fifty guests in attendance, the event served as a great reminder of the vibrant campus community at Oglethorpe and the importance of organizations working together. Shepherd said, “I think that's the spirit of events on campus; trying new things, interacting with different people, and making memories.” The Petrel Page Turners are currently in the process of planning their Night of Enchantment event next semester.