Student organizations enrich Oglethorpe’s culture, identity, and inclusion
- Ronaldo Gaitán ‘26
- 43 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Student organizations at Oglethorpe University do far more than plan events—they serve as a driving force behind campus culture, shaping the way students experience belonging, identity, and community. By creating spaces for dialogue, representation, and celebration, student-led groups make inclusion a lived reality for their peers each day.
For many students, these organizations are where leadership begins. Serving as club presidents, event organizers, and peer mentors, students learn how to manage teams, coordinate cultural events, advocate for causes they care about, and engage with diverse perspectives. These experiences translate into real-world skills that prepare them for professional and civic life beyond Oglethorpe.
“Student organizations are the heartbeat of our campus,” said Eduardo Ramirez, OU Monarch president. “They bring people together, celebrate our differences, and help make Oglethorpe a place where everyone feels at home.”
Beyond leadership development, student groups provide vital spaces for identity and expression. They allow students from underrepresented backgrounds to feel seen, valued, and celebrated, while also inviting the broader campus community to learn and grow. Through cultural showcases, heritage celebrations, service projects, and awareness workshops, students use their voices to build bridges across backgrounds.
“Being part of my organization gave me the courage to embrace my heritage and share it with others,” said freshman Brigger M, ICC representative of the organization HOLA. “It made me realize that my story matters here—and that I can help others feel the same sense of belonging.”
Student involvement also has an impact beyond campus. Through volunteer initiatives, partnerships with Atlanta-area nonprofits, and advocacy campaigns, Oglethorpe students are extending the university’s mission of service and global citizenship into the wider community. These efforts reflect Oglethorpe’s commitment to preparing students not only for successful careers, but also for meaningful lives of leadership and purpose.
Faculty and staff recognize the unique role student organizations play in campus culture. “Our students are building an environment where inclusion is not just an idea, but an everyday practice,” said Dr. Melissa Green, Director of Student Engagement. “Their creativity, leadership, and passion enrich the entire Oglethorpe community.”
With dozens of organizations to choose from, Oglethorpe students can find groups that align with their identities, interests, and goals—from cultural and affinity-based clubs, to service organizations, academic societies, and creative performance groups. Each one contributes to the vibrancy of campus life and gives students the chance to leave their mark on the university.
Students, faculty, staff, and community members are encouraged to support and participate in upcoming cultural and awareness events hosted by Oglethorpe’s student organizations throughout the semester. These gatherings are not only celebrations of diversity, but also opportunities to strengthen the bonds of connection that define the Oglethorpe experience.
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