Ouachita Stories

As we reflect on the last year, Ouachita has much to be thankful for. The campus welcomed thousands of friends and family home for Commencement and Homecoming, celebrated countless Tiger victories and championships, and saw our students grow intellectually and spiritually. 

Memories made in a community like Ouachita's endure for a lifetime. Even though we're in the middle of a school year, January 1 gives the opportunity to reflect on some of the incredible moments we experienced in 2024. We started by celebrating Bid Day with our nine social clubs, resuming basketball season and hitting the courts in intramurals …

… and followed with a packed February, filled with the Miss OBU pageant, Christian Focus Week and the start of baseball and softball seasons. The Ouachita Student Foundation also celebrated its 50^th anniversary, complete with a concert from the original members of Point of Grace.

March saw track & field season, the David Glaze Competition and the Carol Goodson Honors Program's annual Black and White reception, where they recognized their 60^th year …

… and as the warm weather of April came in, we began to enjoy being outside again. A total solar eclipse, Tiger Serve Day, outdoor Refuge services and the infamous Tiger Traks mud pit provided plenty of fun in the sun.

The school year ended in May as we celebrated students at the Academic Awards Banquet, finished up classes and said goodbye to the Class of 2024 at their Commencement …

… but campus stayed full of life as we welcomed our camp friends home for the summer.

In August, the newest group of Tigers for Life had their Purple & Gold party and were introduced to their new community at the Elrod Center's Spotlight on Arkadelphia. The whole campus celebrated the first day of classes with the classic picture in front of Cone-Bottoms, and Noonday services started back in full swing.

Ouachita turned 138 years old on September 6, and the football team began what would be another winning season. Students enjoyed a lake day with Rec Life before heading into our busiest season of the year …

…Tiger Tunes! We crowned our Homecoming Queen on Saturday morning and celebrated Eta Alpha Omega's victory at their annual Muggin' event, complete with plenty of root beer. Despite a packed beginning of October, there was still time for a concert from our talented Ouachita Singers choral group.

In November, we celebrated first generation college students and another Battle of the Ravine victory. Everyone from freshmen to seniors guarded the Tiger statue, and our international students led us in worship …

… and we closed out the year with plenty of festive celebrations. The caf's annual Christmas lunch, Christmas on Ouachita Street and Festival of Christmas sent everyone home ready to celebrate the holidays with their friends and family. 

Whether you spent all of these moments with us in 2024 or you watched from afar, we're thankful for the people who made this year so special. Happy New Year from Ouachita – we can't wait to spend 2025 with you!

Lead photo by Meghann Bledsoe

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