Two weeks in to the start of the fall semester, Olivet Nazarene University is currently in its 118th academic year of providing an “Education With a Christian Purpose” to young adults who want enhance their collegiate pursuits with impactful purpose. Throughout its long history, the University has continued to offer accredited programs through primarily on-campus learning environments, and this year is no exception.
At the end of August, Olivet welcomed 2393 undergraduate students to campus. An additional 148 Early Scholars — high school students who are dually enrolled in Olivet courses — and 144 new graduate students also started classes on August 27.
Jump Start the Semester
The weekend before classes began, the annual JumpStart Conference for freshman and transfer students served as an orientation to life at Olivet for new students.
As students assimilated to living on campus during move-in weekend, all new students gathered over two days to hear keynote sessions from campus leadership, worship together through intentional services and enjoy social activities like the Party at Rec City.
Worship Together
On the first two days of classes, students, faculty, staff and administrators gathered in Centennial Chapel to worship together and hear inspiring messages from university leaders. The overarching theme for this semester is “Fight My Battle,” based on Ephesians 6:10-18.
Charles Perabeau ’94, Ph.D. dean of the School of Theology and Christian Ministry addressed the campus community on the first day of chapel, speaking about God’s intention to restore His people to His image.
“Consecrate yourselves for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you,” Dr. Perabeau encouraged. “I wonder: on this first day of classes, what if the God who goes before us wants to do amazing things among us here at Olivet, this semester. Not only to lead us to an incredible future and destination in the face of obstacles, but also to transform us into His likeness.”
The next day, University President Gregg Chenoweth ’90, Ph.D. spoke to the student body about the importance of leaning into the unique purpose that Christ has for each person. 
“Press on and take hold of that for which Christ took hold of you,” Dr. Chenoweth encouraged. “What He was saying was: press on. You need to sprint toward this. Take hold. You can actually catch it — it being your purpose in God.”
Watch Chapel Services Live & On-Demand
For everything there is a SEASON…
The theme for the annual Ollies Follies class competition this year was, “Seasons.” In the first weeks of school, students across campus gathered to enjoy friendly class competitions through the three-phase tradition.
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On the evening of the first day of classes, students donned their class colors to participate in the athletic games phase of Ollies Follies at the intramural fields at the Bell West campus. Then, on the first Friday evening of the semester, the study body again gathered at the field outside of the Warming House for Wacky Games. The following weekend, the competition concluded with the variety show — with seniors winning the variety show and juniors winning the overall competition.
Tiger Spirit at Home Openers
In addition to a strong academic start, many of the ONU Tiger athletic teams kicked off their fall seasons with high energy home openers.
On Saturday, September 7, the football team defeated Madonna University, 46-13, with a “white out” crowd under the lights at Ward Field. Fans enjoyed pre-game tailgating, a concert by the ONU Tigers Marching Band, free t-shirts and a celebratory firework show to conclude the evening.
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Also with a strong season start, the men’s soccer team are 2-1-1, winning or tying the first three home matches. Women’s soccer team are currently 1-0-1 from their two first games of the season, both of which were on the road. The men’s and women’s cross-country teams performed well at the Lewis Early Bird meet, taking third and second places, respectively.
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For more ONU Athletics schedules, news, rosters and game recaps, visit ONUTigers.com.
Student Involvement
With more than 90 clubs and organizations on campus, Olivet students have access to a wide range of activities to connect with their peers, faculty/staff and members of the community as they deepen their skills and interests in a particular field, industry or performance opportunity. During the second week of class, the Office of Student Development hosted an involvement fair in the Allen Plaza for students to gather information about the available opportunities. 
Additionally, Life at Olivet, the department that oversees engagement through student-focused social events and activities has planned for a fall full of campus-wide experiences, including an outdoor movie (How to Train Your Dragon, on Sept. 12) and the annual Rock N’ Glow silent disco (Sept. 19).
For more information about student events and activities, follow Life at Olivet on Instagram and make plans to tour campus by scheduling a visit at Olivet.edu/Visit.
