Oglethorpe University

1998 Commencement

 

Oglethorpe University 1998 commencement ceremonies were held May 9, 1998 on a beautiful Saturday day. As part of this year's ceremonies, two honorary doctorates were awarded. First, Franklin L. Burke (Class of 1966), retired chairman and chief executive officer of BankSouth, was bestowed with a Doctor of Commerce degree. Then, Georgia Governor Zell Miller was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree.
 
Gov. Miller, who gave this year's commencement address, has a relationship with Oglethorpe University dating back to 1983, when he led a group of Georgians -- including then-Oglethorpe University president Manning Pattillo -- to England to commemorate the 250th anniversasry of the founding of Georgia by James Oglethorpe. In 1996 Gov. Miller led another official delegation to England in recognition of the 300th anniversary of the the birth of James Oglethorpe. Accompanying Gov. Miller was a delegation from Oglethorpe University, including president Donald Stanton.
 
Recently, Gov. Miller funded an art-quality poster reproduction of the definitive oval Oglethorpe portrait at Oglethorpe University in order that Georgia schools could have a portrait of the state's founder. At the commencement ceremonies on May 9, Dr. Stanton presented Gov. Miller a framed copy of the poster.
 
 
Photo Review of Oglethorpe University 1998 Commencement
 
Procession of Oglethorpe University faculty (with former president Manning Pattillo in burgundy gown)
 
Procession of Oglethorpe University administrations (with president Donald Stanton and Gov. Zell Miller)
 
Pres. Stanton addresses the 1998 graduating class
 
Portion of audience in attendance
 
University Provost Nancy Kerr reads Gov. Zell Miller record of achievement and honor
 
President Stanton conferes the honorary degree of Doctor of Law on Gov. Miller
 
Gov. Miller's commencement address
 
Gov. Miller's commencement address
 
Wide-angle view of Gov. Miller addressing the 1998 graduating class
 
Scene of podium from the audience
 
Provost Kerr holds up the framed portrait print of James Oglethorpe being presented Gov. Miller
 
Another view of the same scene
 
Detail of portrait print of James Oglethorpe
 
Podium and guests as seen from back of audience
 
President Stanton confers degrees on graduating seniors
 
 
Photos by Ed Jackson