think I can make it home 50 miles or should I stop somewhere here around work and throw a quart in it before the commute?

dip stick.

Even better if you do so before driving at all. Wouldn't hurt to do a quick visual check for leaks either if the light just suddenly came on and the car has no known history of oil consumption.

in the past 4 years of ownership, usually around the time that an oil change is due. I was curious to know if it was like when the gas light comes on (you still have like 30miles til empty) or if it meant it was literally bone dry.

Running an engine with no oil = fail. That said, it does mean that you should add oil NOW. Running a car low on oil is NEVER a good idea.

It's possible that your car is just using a little oil, which is not necessarily a big deal - in fact, "using"/consuming a small bit of oil can be considered normal. How much oil does it use during your oil change interval, and how long is that interval? Also, check for leaks!

Finally, do you not check the oil in your car every once in a while?? Try to be more aware of it.

check your oil level from time to time - say, once a month or so? Relying on the "idiot light" is not good practice.

That said, anytime the light comes on, you have to add oil - the consequsnces of running low are too severe to justify not adding $3 worth of oil.