Members of The James Edward Oglethorpe Circle are among the most generous and loyal university benefactors. Supporting students and faculty, academics, performing arts and athletics, facilities and more, Circle members are a vital part of OU’s success and the foundation of the OUR TIME campaign. The James Edward Oglethorpe Circle recognizes alumni, families and friends who contribute $1,000 or more to the Annual Fund or specific budgeted programs during the university’s fiscal year. We are deeply grateful to all members for the vision and generosity.
The Carillon Club exists to allow Oglethorpe to distinguish and offer special acknowledgment to those individuals – alumni, parents and friends – who support the University through consecutive annual philanthropy. Ongoing philanthropy by consecutive donors strengthens the University’s ability to create and sustain academic programs, launch outreach initiatives that improve the community and provide educational opportunities for deserving students.
The Gray Stone Society, named for the signature granite in our historic campus buildings, recognizes those generous donors to Oglethorpe University whose total philanthropic commitments have reached historic levels. Oglethorpe University’s Board of Trustees, administration, faculty, staff, and students gratefully thank these donors, whose generosity has strengthened and sustained this institution – built on enduring granite and nourished by the Gray Stone members. 
Nescit Cedere, a Latin phrase pronounced “nes-keet keh-deh-reh,” was taken from the Oglethorpe family crest as the University’s motto. It translates as “He does not know how to give up” and perfectly captures the pride and tenacity of those who give loyally to Oglethorpe and sustain it through good times and bad.
“Neskeets,” as members are affectionately known, will not give up on Oglethorpe. They have remembered the University in their estate plans to ensure its success in the future. The phrase closes out the Alma Mater and is a suitable name for the society of those who have made bequests and other planned gifts to the University. Those highly personal and enduring gifts ensure the long term security of Oglethorpe.
Eligible gifts include:
- Bequests and other estate gifts
- IRA’s and other retirement plans
- Charitable Gift Annuities
- Charitable Remainder Trusts
- Gifts of Residence or Farm with Retained Life Estate
- Charitable Lead Trusts
- Life Insurance Policies
Our Alma Mater
Our dear Alma Mater, to you we sing our praise.
Your gray stone and mortar give strength
for the coming days.
Then like the Petrel, feet near the ocean,
We’ll rise thru wind and rain.
Yes, Oglethorpe, you’re here to remind us:
Nescit Cedere
Philanthropic support of all levels is important to help us satisfy our mission. By becoming a monthly donor, you are supporting The Core. OU Core Sustainers celebrates donors who give at regular intervals as a demonstration of their commitment to educational excellence. Oglethorpe is a non-profit institution and relies on donations from alumni, parents, friends, foundations, and corporations to ensure each student has the tools they need to excel.