Dean's Message
Dear Alumni and Friends of Oxford:
An essential part of the Oxford College identity is our role as custodians of the birthplace of Emory University. It is a privilege to be the caretakers of the university’s oldest buildings, which imbue the campus with a historical gravitas and seriousness of purpose. But it is also a challenge to balance the preservation of nineteenth-century structures while providing an optimum learning environment for twenty-first century students. Several years ago we laid out a program of renovation and construction to ensure that we can continue to serve our core mission of delivering a superior liberal arts education to our students. Several of those projects are coming to fruition this year. They will further enhance an already beautiful campus, deepen our sense of and appreciation for Oxford’s history, and provide the teaching and learning environments we need to provide the best possible education.
The support of our alumni has been crucial in moving these projects forward. The leadership of such alumni as Bob Chappell 56OX 58B 68MBA, Joe Edwards 54OX 56B 58MBA, Henry Mann 62OX 64C, and the Hughs Tarbutton (father 52OX 55B and son 84OX) not only tipped the balance on a specific project, but has also helped move Oxford into that group of colleges in which alumni provide critical support for capital projects.
Equally important is alumni support for scholarships. Our scholarship endowment has now reached a level of $15 million and provides approximately $900,000 to help students afford an Oxford education each year. Essentially all of this has been provided by Oxford’s loyal alumni.
Although these building improvements may last 100+ years and the scholarships will serve students in perpetuity, the development that will have served Oxford College and its students longest and with the greatest import is the substantially increased philanthropic role taken by Oxford’s alumni. With the continuing support of those who know and love Oxford College best, the college will continue to serve deserving students long into the future.
