In anticipation of completing their undergraduate experience at Olivet Nazarene University, members of the Class of 2025 spent the last week of April completing their final papers, exams, projects and presentations before celebrating with senior week activities which included a Chicago baseball game, free movie tickets to a local theatre and coffees and ice cream treats in the nearby village of Manteno.
Throughout the week, many academic departments hosted award, pinning and commissioning ceremonies to honor the accomplishments of graduating seniors including the Department of Social Work, the Department of Education, the School of Nursing, the McGraw School of Business, the Department of Mathematics and the University Honors Program.
On Friday, May 2, the campus community gathered for the Baccalaureate service in Hawkins Centennial Chapel to worship together. Special music was provided by the wind ensemble, Orpheus Choir and the University Orchestra. Professor Dave Horton of the McGraw School of Business, and father of graduate Gideon Horton, gave the invocation.
Two outstanding graduate candidates, Savannah White and Anthony Mata-Bolandi, shared their testimonies of how their lives were impacted by an Olivet education. Savannah majored in pastoral ministry and Anthony double-majored in entrepreneurship and business administration.
“We should walk into this new chapter with the same kind of expectant anticipation that we walked into college with because we’re still choosing to hang on to the promises spoken over us,” Savannah said. “What could the Lord do with that? These past four years have felt like the best. But who knows, with all of the promises spoken over us, what if the next four are even better?”
“Wherever it leads you, let your life be marked by service,” Anthony encouraged. “Real service, the kind that changes lives, is rooted in love. To the Class of 2025, when you walk out of here tomorrow, don’t just carry your diploma, but carry your purpose. Let your life be marked not just by what you accomplished in your life but by who you lift, who you include, and who you love. Real love doesn’t discriminate, it doesn’t wait for comfort or convenience, it reaches across race, across borders, across religions. But most important it listens, it serves and it sacrifices… The world is in good hands because I see that love in each one of you tonight.”
Graduate candidate Spencer James, introduced University President Gregg A. Chenoweth ’90, Ph.D. who gave a baccalaureate sermon message to inspire the graduates to consider the calling God has placed on their lives.
At the end of the message, he had the faculty and members of the board of Trustees, who were strategically seated around the entire room, stand and make eye contact with one of the senior students in the room. Dr. Chenoweth led them in a commissioning statement.
“Graduates, we commission you personally. We love you. Be excellent with your credential and consequential in your calling. May the Lord bless you and keep you. May he make his face shine upon you. May he be gracious to you and give you peace.”
The 112th Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 3, marked the academic achievements of this class with the conferral of 566 bachelor’s degrees in Hawkins Centennial Chapel.
Following the processional of the faculty and the candidates, the National Anthem was sung by graduate Laynie Rienow.
Guest speakers included Esther (Thomas) Tueck ’97, mother of graduate Cole Tueck, who gave the invocation; Tiffany (Hardy) Greer ’97, Ph.D., mother of graduate Heidi Greer, who read the scripture, Matthew 6: 19-33; and Angel Colón ’90, head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Designer Brands, who gave the commencement address.
“There’s nothing wrong with success, but living a life of significance impacts people eternally,” Angel said. “Wherever life takes you, I hope you remember the blessings of your time here, the people who have made a difference in your life, the success you have achieved today and the lessons you have learned. … I challenge you to pursue your dreams, strive for success, but most importantly walk into a life of significance that will live beyond your years.”
Following the conferring of the undergraduate degrees, five graduates were commissioned by Lieutenant Colonel Alex Moen as second lieutenants in the United States Army. These included Ryne Begole, Cameron Benesh, Isaiah Farrar, Emma Katolick and Hannah Sowatzke.
Beth (Rice) Pennington, representative of the class of 1975, which spent the weekend celebrating 50 years since its own college graduation, charged the graduating class with encouragement and a blessing.
Vice President for Academic Affairs Stephen Lowe ’88, Ph.D. then presented Ryan Himes, Ph.D with the Richard M. Jones Faculty Award for Teaching Excellence, and Yvette Rose, D.N.P. with the Samuel L. Mayhugh Award for Scholarly Excellence.
Vice President for Student Development Jason Stephens, Ph.D., recognized Heidi Greer and Bryce Rodriguez as recipients of the Maggie Sloan Crawford and Robert Milner awards for outstanding female and male graduates. Heidi majored in social science education, and Bryce majored in criminal justice.
The ceremony concluded with the singing of the Alma Mater, led by Dr. Neal Woodruff ’91, and the benediction given by Greg Bruner ’88/’94 MBA, father of graduate Lily Bruner.
In a separate commencement ceremony on Saturday afternoon, 247 graduate and continuing studies degrees were conferred. LaMorris Crawford ’06/’12 M.O.L., founder of Covenant Culture Ministries, provided the commencement address.
During the ceremony, Suzanne Phipps, Ed.D., the director of the master of science in nursing education program for Olivet’s School of Nursing, presented Dr. Lynda (Bradford) Allen ’82/’88 MBA with the Willis E. Snowbarger Award for Teaching Excellence.
To watch recordings of the Baccalaureate service, or the undergraduate or graduate ceremonies, click here.
To learn more about Olivet’s undergraduate and graduate degree programs, contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@olivet.edu or 800-648-1463.
