Oglethorpe University's annual Boar's Head Ceremony is inspired by the Coat of Arms of the family of James Edward Oglethorpe. Three profile views of the head of a ferocious beast are depicted, representing the strength, courage, and vigor of the Oglethorpe family. More broadly, the feast of the Boar's Head has been a traditional celebration at English colleges and marks the beginning of the holiday season.
This year's ceremony, held December 6, was derived from an awareness of English collegiate heritage and Oglethorpe University's continuing admiration for the qualities of leadership valor and vision exemplified by General Oglethorpe. The program included the Boar's Head Processional, introduction of new members of Omicron Delta kappa, a national leadership society, a Holiday Concert that included many selections composed during the lifetime of General Oglethorpe (1696-1785), the lighting of the university's Christmas tree, and a post-ceremony reception in the Weltner Library. Over 200 persons attended or participated in the 1996 ceremony, including eight members of the James Oglethorpe Tercentenary delegation that visited England in October.
