Olivet the Magazine; Believe - Summer 2021 by Olivet Nazarene University

SUMMER 2021

THE MAGAZINE

Believe.

Olivet Welcomes President Gregg Chenoweth The View From There

Summer Studies and Exploration

Higher Purpose

Eight Graduate Success Stories

CONNECTED COMMUNITY Life at Olivet Nazarene University includes access to all campus facilities and countless opportunities for social and spiritual growth. Whether it’s an impromptu cup of coffee with a professor or a weekly study session, every corner of the campus provides a comfortable home away from home. PHOTO BY JONES FOTO

SUMMER 2021 OLIVET THE MAGAZINE is published quarterly by the Office of Marketing and Engagement under the direction of the Vice President for Institutional Advancement. VOLUME 89 ISSUE 3 (USPS 407-880) (ISSN 2325-7334) Copyright ©2021 Olivet Nazarene University One University Avenue Bourbonnais, IL 60914-2345 800-648-1463 PRESIDENT Dr. Gregg Chenoweth ‘90/M.A., Ph.D. EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Dr. David J. Pickering ’89/’94 MBA, D.B.A. VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT DEVELOPMENT Dr. Walter “Woody” Webb ’86/’89 M.A.R./’08 D.Div. VICE PRESIDENT FOR INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT Dr. Brian Allen ’82/’05 Litt.D. VICE PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS Dr. Stephen Lowe ’88/M.A., Ph.D. VICE PRESIDENT FOR ONU GLOBAL Dr. Ryan Spittal ’99/’04 MBA, D.B.A. EDITORIAL BOARD Dr. Brian Allen ’82/’05 Litt.D. Dr. Brian W. Parker ’93/’11 Ed.D. for 989 Group George Wolff ’93 for 989 Group Lauren Beatty ’13 Erinn Proehl ’13/’19 MBA ART DIRECTION George Wolff ’93 for 989 Group DESIGN Matt Moore ’96 for 989 Group Donnie Johnson ADDITIONAL ILLUSTRATION AND PHOTO EDITING Thomas Dinkleman ’18 PHOTOGRAPHY Jones Foto, Image Group, Mark Ballogg, Joe Mantarian ’16, Austin Siscoe ’17, Natalie Cook ’22, Elizabeth Kijowski ’21, Additional photography submitted EDITORIAL SUPPORT AND DESIGN Adam Asher ’01/’07 M.O.L. for 989 Group, Alicia (Gallagher) Guertin ’14, Rebecca Huber, Andrew Perabeau ’20 , Austin Siscoe ’17, Heather (Kinzinger) Shaner ’98 STUDENT SUPPORT Justin Breuker ’21, Natalie Cook ’22, Hannah Iverson ’21, Jamie Kuiken ’21, Joe (Josiah) Mayo ’23, Kelli Neal ’22, Raegan Pedersen ’22, Madison Thompson ’23 Periodicals postage paid at the Bourbonnais, Illinois, Post Office and at additional mailing offices. Postmaster, send address changes to: Editor, Olivet The Magazine Olivet Nazarene University One University Avenue Bourbonnais, IL 60914-2345 Reproduction of material without written permission is prohibited. News, events and announcements are printed at the discretion of the editorial board. Opinions expressed in this magazine do not necessarily represent Olivet Nazarene University policy.

ONU, HERE WE COME! Students and parents attended informational onboarding sessions and enjoyed night games and campfire snacks at both new student Orientation sessions held earlier this summer. PHOTO BY JOE MANTARIAN

Dear Friends, We hope you are having a wonderful summer filled with warmth, laughter, relaxation and joy shared with family and friends. We begin this issue with a warm and enthusiastic welcome to Dr. Gregg Chenoweth and his wife, Tammy, as the 13th president of Olivet Nazarene University. Really, it is a “welcome home!” We are delighted that President Chenoweth will continue the tradition of writing the lead article for the magazine, and we are so pleased to reintroduce the Chenoweth family to the Olivet community in the pages that follow. We will also revisit one of Olivet’s first principles in a fresh, new way. The theme for this issue is “Believe.” Believe in the greatness and goodness of our God. Believe that He has a grand purpose and a plan for each of us. Believe that God can do an incredible work in and through us. Believe that God is using the people of Olivet as a significant force for good in the world. As Dennis F. Kinlaw wrote, “We expect that when we follow God, we are doomed to a life of significant smallness, but the truth is He is waiting to explode our smallness and put us in places of which we have only dreamed. ... Are you ready for an adventure?”

IN THIS ISSUE 4

FROM THE PRESIDENT The Power of Belief SPOTLIGHT ON ATHLETICS Recap of a Banner Year

30 BELIEVE

God Is Always Working

THE CLASSES News and Notes from the Olivet Community

As we set in motion yet another academic year, may we begin again with renewed hope and a new resolve to follow God wherever He might lead. Blessings to all of you! The Editorial Board

OLIVET.EDU

IMAGE GROUP

GREGG CHENOWETH ’90, Ph.D., is in his first year as president of Olivet Nazarene University. As an Olivet alumnus, former faculty member, dean, vice president for academic affairs and parent of an alumnus, Dr. Chenoweth implicitly understands the value of Christian higher

education. He has published works in more than 30 media outlets and recently released his first book, Everyday Discernment: The Art of Cultivating Spirit-Led Leadership, through The Foundry Press.

INSIGHT

FROM THE PRESIDENT The Power of Belief

Christian belief is not meant to be self-referential or hyperfocused on who is believing but about in Whom our belief rests. Hello, Reader! While this is my ninth year as a university president, it is my first here. Tammy and I are honored by your trust and believe in a technicolor future for Olivet. “Believe” is the theme for this magazine. There is a fair-weather type of belief in a team whose fans bolt for the car at the first drop of rain, yet another die-hard style which rides out a deluge until the last play is called. To put it another way, Nassim Taleb describes two forms of belief in his book, Skin in the Game, as merely decorative or deep-rooted enough to map action and inspire sacrifice. Students still believe in Olivet deeply because they keep showing up — by the thousands — every year, bearing significant commitments, whether a wide-eyed 18-year-old in Williams Hall or a wise-eyed 68-year-old studying online from St. Louis. That is not a decorative belief! Faculty and staff still believe enough in Olivet, too, giving their most fruitful years to our great cause. Some will be recognized this month for 40 years of service! That is not decorative either. Faithful donors keep believing in Olivet, too, sustaining students who need financial assistance and providing new programs or facilities from sacrificial gifts. Decorative belief would not inspire that. My own beliefs have been recently dissected. Truth is, it’s exhausting to be vetted for a presidency! They had me submit nine typed pages of answers for a psychological profile and another eight pages of essay responses to philosophical, theological and professional questions. Interviewing groups numbered from 6 to 60.

Once elected, it continued. Coworkers submitted a blizzard of questions during several small and large group sessions, probing my political engagements; leadership philosophy; my views on alcohol, LGBTQ, racial justice, tenure for faculty, vaccines and how the denomination and Olivet should vibe; my financial principles; and more. Shoutout to an anonymous author who texted in this little gem for an all-workforce meeting: “If you could speak to the entire world for one minute, what would you say?” Yep. Answered it. Had to. But I don’t begrudge them. Not a bit. Beliefs have consequences from this chair. Have you noticed our marketing slogan “We Believe. You Belong Here.”? It’s a double entendre: Our community is hospitable: Come one, come all. We don’t even require a profession of faith as a precondition for admission. However, notice the period separator. We believe stuff — substantive things. They’re not decorative. We’ll sacrifice for them. Strangely, Scripture hardly defines belief. I John 5:14–15 gets close: “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” But even that doesn’t sketch a full picture. I have a hunch why. Christian belief is not meant to be self-referential or hyperfocused on who is believing but about in Whom our belief rests. I see at least two ways belief at Olivet is not decorative but deep. First, endurance belief. We stand by colleagues and students during loss or disappointment. This is of particular relevance during these tribal, acrimonious and dizzying times in culture. Life can beat a person down; we need intercessors.

OLIVET.EDU

In his book A Glorious Dark, A.J. Swoboda describes “awkward Saturday.” There is ease in Good Friday belief, knowing our sins are atoned for. And there is joy in Easter Sunday, when Christ’s resurrection foreshadows our own soul’s renewal. But what about Saturday? If Christ had the power to rise from the dead, why did He lay there, dormant, an extra day? This metaphor explains our own long Saturdays of weary belief. It is what the ancient theologian Anselm called fides quaerens intellectum: faith seeking elusive understanding. In our best moments, Olivet is not a campus, per se, but a community, an online and on-ground ecosystem, a womb of nurture that births and protects faith during Saturday. Through the thick fog of doubt, we comfort others with the same comfort we received from God. But there is another type of belief at Olivet — for ourselves and our students: audacious belief. Theology doesn’t only bring internal order. It can incite a riot in your mind. One of my questioners asked what I hope for Olivet. Eavesdrop on my answer.

It’s time for: • a future Supreme Court Justice to be educated by Olivet • a scientist who cures cancer • a Fortune 500 CEO whose Christian ethics transform an entire industry • an artist whose unusual gift melts hearts for the Gospel • a global evangelist, in the order of Billy Graham, rising from our place I believe for these things because the slave Joseph eventually ruled Egypt, because persecutor Paul later converted masses, because, well, God has me — of no special worth — writing you right now as steward of one of the most valuable causes on planet Earth. But don’t be impressed with my belief for Olivet. Christian belief is not about the believer but the Believed. I wouldn’t pray this aspiration to a guru or moralizer or rehabilitator of bad people to good. I’d only do it in the name of Jesus Christ, Who raises dead things to life and redeems every story laid in His care. Still. We believe. Do you?

The Chenoweth Family (left to right): Andrew and Allison Elffers; Dr. Gregg ’90 and Tammy (Salyer) Chenoweth ’89; Abbie (Merritt) ’20 and Aaron Chenoweth ’20; and Abbey and Mitch Friesen, and their twin daughters Emerson and Audrey. IMAGE GROUP

6 OLIVET.EDU

ACADEMICS AND SCHOLARSHIP At Olivet, students benefit from a 15:1 studentto-faculty ratio, which allows for accessibility and mentored research opportunities. PHOTO BY JONES FOTO

S T AY S O C I A L Check out the latest from Instagram by following @olivetnazarene and @lifeatolivet

8 OLIVET.EDU

NEWS

ONU HEADLINES

IMAGE GROUP

YOUNG ALUMNI FIND EMPLOYMENT, SERVICE AND HIGHER EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES Career outcomes for Olivet Nazarene University’s class of 2020 — undergraduates receiving traditional undergraduate degrees — are again exceeding the national average of career outcomes reported by other universities and colleges. Based on information for 97% of Olivet graduates in the annual First Destination Survey, 94.4% of Olivet graduates were employed (full time or part time), serving in the military or missions, or in graduate school within six months of crossing the stage. Several of the University’s most popular majors, including mathematics, computer science, exercise and sports science, and music, reported 100% career outcomes rates. In spite of the challenging circumstances facing them, the class of 2021 has also demonstrated a strong start to their post-graduation plans. Dr. Ryan Himes, professor of biological sciences reported on behalf of the department that nine members of the class of 2021 were accepted to medical school. Dr. Nancy Bonilla ’96, chair of the Department of Modern Languages, announced that 100% of Spanish and Spanish education graduates passed the Oral Proficiency Interview, an external organization which validates an individual’s advanced proficiency in a foreign language. “These outcomes underscore the quality and determination of Olivet graduates as they begin the next chapter of their lives, especially considering these students entered the job market a couple of months into the pandemic in an unpredictable and unprecedented time,” said Poppy Miller ’09/’21 M.O.L., director of career services. “Olivet’s mission to prepare students for lives of service to God and to humanity continues to be carried out year after year as our graduates enter into a vast scope of work, education and service.”

OLIVET.EDU

NEWS

HEAR THE VOICE AND PRAYER — STUDENT PODCAST As part of a course covering the European Reformation this past spring, students produced a 10-episode podcast titled Hear the Voice and Prayer: Christianity and Belief in Early Modern Europe. Hosted by the professor of the course, Dr. Kyle Robinson, the podcast features students discussing their research about different aspects of Christian religious change between the lives of Martin Luther and John Wesley — engaging contemporary audiences in historical content. The episodes premiered throughout the spring semester and are available via Spotify, Apple Podcasts, other streaming services and hearthevoiceandprayer.com.

EARN A COLLEGE DEGREE — YOUR WAY Olivet Nazarene University’s School of Graduate and Continuing Studies recently launched the Your Way program, an innovative use of Salesforce technology that offers free, online general education courses to adult learners. In the first six months of its launch, Your Way fueled a 1,000% increase in new student enrollment from last year. This summer, Your Way was one of three programs nominated for the 2021 Salesforce Dave Perry Excellence in Innovation award alongside the University of Arizona and Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

ADOBE STOCK

“The long-term goal is to have students finish their degree at Olivet — to feel like Olivet is their alma mater with an affinity for and a connection with the University,” said Dr. Ryan Spittal ’99/’04 MBA, vice president for ONU Global. “But we’re ultimately in the learning business — not just the degree business — and we’re excited for lots of people to take advantage of the program — whether you’re on a journey to complete an abandoned bachelor’s degree or you’re an alumnus looking to freshen up on concepts and skills to enhance your résumé.”

HOEKSTRA TRANSPORTATION IS WITH THE BAND This spring, Hoekstra Transportation donated a new Peterbilt truck to Olivet Nazarene University for the ONU Tiger Marching Band to pull its 53-foot trailer to parades and events. Olivet first purchased a trailer in 2014 to accommodate the band’s storage needs, but the School of Music still needed a way to transport it to parade and exhibition performances. Steve Hoekstra, owner of Hoekstra Transportation, arranged to help the band get to the Herscher Labor Day parade in 2015, and a partnership was forged. Since then, Steve has been an avid supporter of the band, hauling the trailer to Washington, D.C., for the band’s performance in the 2016 Inauguration Day parade.

IMAGE GROUP

10 OLIVET.EDU

Dr. Matt Stratton, director of the marching band, explained the benefit of using the new trailer and truck. “We will be more efficient traveling, and the matching truck will only add to the significance of marketing impact for the Tiger Marching Band and Olivet,” he said.

MARK BALLOGG

HARNESSING THE POWER OF THE SUN This summer, Olivet Nazarene University began work on the installation of 3,100 solar panels on two campus buildings through a partnership with SunVest Solar. The Perry Student Life and Recreation Center and the Betty and Kenneth Hawkins Centennial Chapel were selected as ideal buildings for solar panel installation due to their large, flat and relatively new roofs. The installation process will take a few months to complete, and the University is hopeful to begin generating clean energy by the start of the school year. The SunVest partnership dictates that the company is responsible for the installation and continued maintenance of the panels and retains full ownership for the duration of the 25-year contract. Based on industry predictions, the University anticipates an average savings of about $45,000 per year by using energy generated from the panels. “This solar project has demonstrated great collaboration across campus,” said chief financial officer Dr. David Pickering. “The savings will continue to benefit the work of the University and allow an even greater investment in the work of the University.”

OLIVET.EDU

NEWS

PENCE-BOYCE SCHOLARSHIP SUPPORTS STUDENT RESEARCH Over a 10-week period this summer, five Olivet Nazarene University students and their faculty mentors pursued intensive research projects funded by grants from the University’s Pence-Boyce Research Committee and ONU Catalyst. Each year, the Pence-Boyce scholarship gives students the opportunity to engage in experiments and other hands-on research that supplements the lecturebased learning during the school year. The recipients for the 2021 Pence-Boyce research experience are Tyler Alt with Dr. Bruce Heyen; Jonathon Kane with Dr. Douglas Armstrong; Lauren Kee with Dr. Willa Harper and Dr. Heyen; Joshua Megchelsen with Dr. Dale Hathaway; and Rachel Meyer with Dr. José Manjarrés. “We continue to receive many high-quality proposals, and I am excited that we have several departments represented pursuing independent research,” said Dr. Heyen, chair of the Pence-Boyce Research Committee. “This program is an excellent teaching and learning opportunity for both students and faculty. In addition, we are thankful and blessed to have generous donors that underwrite the expenses for this program, and we are also grateful for support from the ONU Catalyst initiative.”

OLIVET ADVOCACY NETWORK: RECOMMENDING STUDENTS AND WINNING AWARDS The Olivet Advocacy Network recently received a Bronze Award in the Alumni Relations category of the 2021 Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) Excellence Awards. The goal of CASE, an international nonprofit organization dedicated to educational advancement, is “to champion education to transform lives and society.” The University of Miami and the University of Queensland were the other two winners out of the 20 submissions in the Alumni Relations category. Olivet’s Office of Alumni Relations launched the Olivet Advocacy Network initiative in July 2018 to engage the alumni community and gain recommendations for incoming students. The initial goal was to recruit 100 advocates who would recommend students, help recent graduates find jobs and be willing to “think and speak Olivet” wherever they went. By the second year, more than 200 advocates had joined. With the launch of the “Great People Know Great People” campaign, the purpose of the Olivet Advocacy Network changed from recruiting advocates to recruiting students. Prior to 2020, the Office of Alumni Relations received approximately 500 student recommendations each year. In just over six months following the start of the campaign, the office received more than 3,000 recommendations. The panel of CASE judges said of the initiative, "Olivet Advocacy illustrated its strong community and alumni support through the advocate network. It is clear this thoughtful planning and execution allowed for this program to thrive." To recommend a student, visit Olivet.edu/Advocate.

FIND NEWS, EVENTS AND MORE AT OLIVET.EDU 00 OLIVET.EDU 12

ATHLETICS

ONU ATHLETICS

ONU ATHLETICS EXPERIENCE BANNER YEAR Olivet athletic teams compete nationally through affiliation in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and through conference play in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC), Mid-States Football Association (MSFA) and Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC; for swimming only). The 2020-2021 season was a historic one for ONU Athletics! Under the leadership of first-year director of athletics Mike Conway ’83, the Tigers collected 10 CCAC Championship crowns; had 13 teams participate in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) postseason; garnered numerous CCAC All-Conference; Player of the Year and Coach of the Year honors; and saw 108 student athletes named to CCAC All-Academic teams. The University received the CCAC All-Sports Cup for the 12th consecutive year and each of the CCAC-affiliated sports claimed a spot in its respective postseason tournament. Collecting tournament titles were men’s and women’s indoor and outdoor track, women’s basketball, women’s volleyball, women’s golf, and baseball. Regular season titles were secured by men’s basketball, women’s volleyball, baseball, and softball. In addition to the teams earning conference accolades, women’s golf and men’s and women’s cross country each sent either their team or an individual to NAIA postseason competition. While not affiliated with the CCAC, the men’s and women’s swimming teams and the football team also shared success in their respective conferences. Women’s swimming won the KCAC title for the second straight season, while the men’s swimming team was the conference runner-up. The football team posted the best record in school history with an 8-0 mark in the regular season. The Tigers also won the MSFA Midwest League and earned a berth to the NAIA National Championship Series for the first time in over 20 years.

OLIVET.EDU

ATHLETICS

VOLLEYBALL: CCAC CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS

WOMEN’S TRACK AND FIELD: CCAC CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS

MEN’S SOCCER: CCAC CONFERENCE QUARTERFINALS

WOMEN’S AND MEN’S TENNIS: CCAC CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT INVITES

FOOTBALL: MSFA LEAGUE TITLE

14 OLIVET.EDU

SOFTBALL: NAIA WORLD SERIES APPEARANCE

MEN’S TRACK AND FIELD: CCAC CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS

WOMEN’S AND MEN’S SWIMMING: KCAC CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS AND KCAC CONFERENCE RUNNER-UP

BASEBALL: CCAC CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS

WOMEN’S GOLF: CCAC CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS

WOMEN’S AND MEN’S CROSS COUNTRY: CCAC CONFERENCE RUNNERS-UP

FOR MORE ATHLETICS NEWS AND RECRUITMENT INFORMATION, VISIT ONUTIGERS.COM

HONORS

S C H O L A R LY P U R S U I T S Elizabeth Kijowski ’21 Not everyone starts college knowing exactly what they want to study when they first enroll as a new student. However, Elizabeth Kijowski ’21 was confident in her interests in music, art and psychology before she signed up for her freshman year classes. Choosing to attend Olivet was a natural choice for Elizabeth, given the wide variety of academic study offered and her goals of having a robust, multidisciplinary academic adventure. An added bonus was the opportunity to participate in the University Honors Program. After taking four core classes as a cohort during their freshman and sophomore years, Honors Program students formulate a topic proposal for a capstone research project. Students then spend their junior and senior years diving into the topic under the mentored guidance of a faculty member in their field of study. During her freshman year, Elizabeth immersed herself in the fall semester honors course Exploring Humanities and Faith, anticipating that the class and Honors Program experience would broaden her worldview and challenge how she understood her personal faith. The discussion-based course allowed her to explore meaning and purpose in how humans interact in a modern society.

Outside the classroom, Elizabeth left no stone unturned in pursuing her interests and seeking creative collaboration. She played the flute in the ONU Tiger Marching Band, the University Orchestra, flute choir and jazz combo; handled media for the marching band; took photos for the Office of Marketing; worked as a ceramic technician in the Department of Art and Digital Media; and participated in MuKappa, a club for students from international missionary or military homes, forging deep friendships and gaining valuable exposure to various art media. During the sophomore Honors Program weekend trip to Chicago, Elizabeth’s cohort saw the musical Hamilton. The experience was pivotal in her artistic journey. “Throughout the years at Olivet, I have been inspired to create more art because I have had more opportunities to take in and appreciate more art,” she reflects. “I was so inspired to see a piece of art that has made a big impact on today’s culture by retelling a historical story using dance, music and dialogue.”

with the project to tell the Biblical story of Ruth through an immersive art exhibit. During her junior year, Elizabeth traveled to Rome with the Tiger Marching Band to perform in the New Year’s Day parade and take in cultural sites. Wandering through the Sistine Chapel to glimpse Michelangelo’s majestic painting of Biblical characters and narratives helped Elizabeth flesh out her capstone idea of interpreting old literature in a contemporary setting. “I knew I wanted to illustrate the redemption that happens in the story, but my biggest hurdle was deciding what medium to use,” she explains. “I tried watercolor, pastel and chalk pastel, but started experimenting with clay and charcoal a bit more and found the archaic earthen materials fitting for telling such a story.” As a general music and general art double major with a minor in psychology, Elizabeth also wanted to incorporate an original piece of music to illustrate the story in a different dimension.

That same year, Elizabeth began work on the annotated bibliography required for Honors Program students who want to complete the capstone project. She was approved to combine her senior art show

The culmination of students’ Honors Program research is published in ELAIA: The Honors Journal of Olivet Nazarene University, featuring the work of the previous year’s graduating class. The 2021 ELAIA will be

published in early September. For more details about the Honors Program and application information, visit www.Olivet.edu/Honors.

16 OLIVET.EDU

She had taken musical composition lessons as an underclassman, but she quickly discovered that writing a theme for different characters was a whole new challenge. So, she enrolled in more composition classes to gain knowledge and experience. Working with professor Zach Kohlmeier ’13, Elizabeth learned to examine classical music selections to analyze the storytelling within, and Dr. Neal Woodruff ’91 suggested listening to Jewish prayer songs to develop thematic melodies. After working on the project for more than a year, Elizabeth presented her capstone research in February. Due to restrictions

on public gatherings, she had to give her artist statement via video conference but was able to install her show in the Sims Center. A recording of her composition, which was performed by Elizabeth and three classmates and produced by another classmate, played throughout the gallery space, and small groups of people could walk through the exhibit to view her illustrations and sculptures. Reflecting on her time at Olivet, Elizabeth is proud of her academic journey and sees distinct value in the ways the educational landscape allowed her to explore relevant and engaging content across multiple academic disciplines. Her undergraduate

experiences provided intellectual depth that inspired a desire to continue learning and growing in her craft. “I want to keep creating art and music to combine my appreciation of what has existed in the humanities with a contemporary relevance,” she says. This coming fall, Elizabeth will begin a two-year Master of Music program in flute performance at Roosevelt University in Chicago.

ELIZABETH KIJOWSKI

OLIVET.EDU

IMPACT

RAVING FANS Ann(Johnson) ’95 and Eric Johnson ’94 Olivet The Magazine (OTM): How did you first hear about Olivet? Eric: ONU was always my first choice for college, having grown up in the Galesburg First Church of the Nazarene and attending many regional youth events. Our church and district had a strong heritage of students attending ONU, and they mentored and guided me on my journey. Ann: When I was a sophomore in high school, my family started attending a Nazarene church. My pastor and his wife, Dennis W. Foor ’65 and Carol (Moore) Foor Watson ’66, encouraged me to go to ONU. I also attended church camp on the Northeast Indiana district and, while there, I felt God tug at my heart to attend Olivet. OTM: Did any faculty or staff members significantly influence your life or career path? Eric: The chemistry faculty were some of the most compassionate and Christlike individuals in my time at Olivet. Drs. Doug Armstrong, John Hanson ’57 and Larry Ferren showed me how to excel in the profession of science but also be humble and Christlike. Leaving ONU for graduate school, the faculty gave me great advice: ‘Your success in graduate school is not dependent on your prior schooling but on how hard you work.’ I left ONU with a solid foundation to engage in graduate school and practice my faith in the corporate world. After graduation, I obtained my Ph.D. in organic chemistry at Purdue University [and] joined the research and development team at Procter & Gamble in Cincinnati, Ohio, and have been there for more than 23 years now. Ann: My nursing professors, Dr. Paul Dillinger ’71, professor Susan (Odell) Draine ’76 and professor Charlotte (Shugart) Keck ’68, were amazing in teaching the discipline of nursing but also applying Jesus

to our daily lives. I also appreciated Dr. Woody Webb ’86/’89 M.A and the time I spent recruiting with him for ONU my sophomore year. Kimberly (Watson) Campbell ’91 was an amazing example for Jesus as my resident director in Williams Hall when I was a resident assistant. My interpersonal skills grew through my campus jobs, which also helped prepare me for my future in nursing and working with people. After graduation, I worked as a registered nurse for three years on a medical-surgical unit and 23 years between labor and delivery and postpartum. OTM: How have you stayed connected to Olivet over the years? Eric: We have returned for many of our class reunions and have brought our kids, which is how they fell in love with the University. Nathan is a senior majoring in mechanical engineering and Sarah is a freshman studying business and minoring in ministry. Three years ago, I helped start Catalyst ONU, the alumni connections group for the sciences. This has provided new connections for science alumni and propelled student research projects. We are so impressed by how ONU remains relevant to the students year after year. The campus is constantly upgraded to make it look beautiful but also pushed to be on the cutting edge with technology and curriculum. We are proud of the education that we received in the ’90s and even more proud of the education that our children are receiving today. Ann: I love attending Homecoming and any chance to connect with friends from our Olivet years. They are truly friends for life even though we are scattered across the country and world. Also, I love staying connected to ONU through live streams such as chapel, revivals and music events. OTM: What is unique about the Olivet experience? Would you recommend the University to families in their college search?

Eric and Ann Johnson live in Ohio. They are the proud parents of senior Nathan and freshman Sarah.

18 OLIVET.EDU

Eric: Yes, without a doubt! Olivet provides a place where academic excellence is expected and pushed for but never at the expense of putting Christ first. Ann: I am constantly recruiting for Olivet in our Cincinnati community. Our Springdale Nazarene Church has had many ONU graduates. A Christian education is so beneficial as our children take their first steps away from home and begin to gain independence away from parents. ONU is a place where their foundation is built so that, after four years, students are ready to be LIGHT to others in this world using the skills and talents God has uniquely gifted them in their career path.

“We are so impressed by how ONU remains relevant to the students year after year. The campus is constantly upgraded to make it look beautiful but also pushed to be on the cutting edge with technology and curriculum. We are proud of the education that we received in the ’90s and even more proud of the education that our children are receiving today.”

SUBMITTED

OLIVET.EDU

WORSHIP ON CAMPUS Chapel gatherings add significant meaning to campus life. Student musicians lead a focused time of worship, and prominent Christian speakers, including artists, authors, NFL players, pastors and community leaders, present challenging and inspiring messages. In this setting, many have accepted Christ and committed to serving Him. PHOTO BY JOE MANTARIAN

eight graduates Earning a bachelor’s degree at Olivet Nazarene University can be the first step into a life filled with promise and success. Many students take the next step of earning a master’s or doctorate degree from Olivet’s School of Graduate and Continuing Studies or from other universities worldwide. Olivet The Magazine recently spoke with eight outstanding young alumni who are continuing to pursue a higher purpose in higher education.

22 OLIVET.EDU

Master of Biblical Studies, Moody Theological Seminary

When JP Bopp walked across the Olivet graduation stage, he had no intention of doing homework ever again. Not too long into serving as the director of student ministries at Woodside Bible Church in Chesterfield, Michigan, JP was prompted to reconsider graduate school — a call he never planned on answering. However, that call began to ring louder as God led him into a deeper season of equipping for a next step that was to come. Following a season of self-described “Jonahlike behavior,” JP enrolled in the Master of Biblical Studies program at Moody Theological Seminary.

JP BOPP

’18, ONU Major: Christian Education

“It has been a rollercoaster of emotions and long nights, but the things I have experienced the most are the captivating feelings of awe and zeal,” he says. “The Word of God has

come alive in a new way — not for the sake of further solidifying a systematic theology but to be called deeper into the presence of a God Who longs for relationship with His people.” JP implicitly understands that the goal of higher education is not to have another frame to decorate a wall but to stimulate a purposeful call to action. “A title does not qualify someone to be a herald of God’s Word; a life of submission to Christ does,” he explains. “With that in mind, I have learned that knowledge apart from a lived-out calling is worthless. My time at Moody has taught me that a strong foundation is to be used for the faith-filled Commission — as well as to show me how much I don’t know.”

“A title does not qualify someone to be a herald of God’s Word; a life of submission to Christ does.”

Ph.D. Candidate, Vanderbilt University Dept. of Cell and Developmental Biology

Under the mentorship of Dr. Greg Long ’84, Andrea Wojciechowski discovered a love for lab work while completing her capstone research project for the University Honors Program.

The intricacies of life are extraordinarily complex, and every time I discover something new, I feel like I learn a little more about our amazing God.”

“I loved the idea that what was discovered in the laboratory could have a direct impact on the way we develop therapies and treatments for a wide variety of diseases,” she says.

Studying at Vanderbilt has given Andrea flexibility and freedom to explore a variety of Industry career avenues, including teaching and mentoring opportunities. She has gained experience engaging sixth graders in handson experiments and walking alongside undergraduate students as they consider their future careers.

Andrea is now more than halfway through a Ph.D. program at Vanderbilt University and has spent the last three years as a researcher in Tansey Laboratory. The team she works with explores the molecular aspects of cancer, and Vanderbilt’s proximity to a nationally ranked research medical center allows for interaction with doctors and patients. “It is incredibly rewarding and encouraging to see my science in practice, especially when the days are long and lab experiments aren’t always producing useful results,” she says. “One of my favorite things about studying the sciences is that I get to explore the miracles of God’s creation every day.

“The Ph.D. program is not only equipping me with the scientific knowledge and experience I need to be a successful scientist,” she explains, “but has also provided me with the opportunity to teach and mentor students as they explore and discover their own scientific interests.” She continued, “I love being able to share my passion for science with my students and show them that their contributions, no matter how small, can have a huge impact on the people around them.”

ANDREA WOJCIECHOWSKI ’17, ONU Majors: Biology and Chemistry

OLIVET.EDU

eight graduates Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering, University of Kansas

Jake Burns’ interest in graduate school was sparked when Olivet alumnus (and now ONU faculty member) Camilo Giraldo ’14 visited the Department of Engineering to talk about his experience as a graduate student at the University of Kansas (KU). “Although I felt underqualified due to my lack of familiarity with graduate school and research, the best thing I had learned throughout my time at Olivet was the importance of worth ethic and character, and the engineering program provided me with an understanding of how technical skills can be used to solve practical problems,” he says. “I decided to apply to all my dream research schools and just give it a shot.”

JAKE BURNS

Now finishing his second year of the aerospace engineering program at KU, Jake focuses his research on developing aircraft

’20, ONU Major: EngineeringMechanical Concentration

that can take measurements to predict climate change. He helped develop an antenna for an unmanned aircraft system that will fly in polar regions to measure the melting rate of glaciers. The measurements help research teams predict how fast sea levels will rise and determine where flooding may occur. “My experience in the graduate program has allowed me to learn more than I could have imagined, and I will likely continue on to a Ph.D. program,” he says. “One of the best things about the program at KU is the opportunity to have direct hands-on experience building aircraft or working on systems that will help change the way the aerospace industry operates.”

“I decided to apply to all my dream research schools and just give it a shot.”

International Master of Public Health, University of Haifa (Israel)

Kate Reed grew up in Kenya as the daughter of Nazarene missionaries. She followed her older sister to Olivet, excited to learn in a new environment. “I knew how incredibly fortunate I was to have the opportunity to receive an Olivet education — something my friends would only dream of,” she says. “God quickly told me that my education was not for me but to help elevate and expand educational opportunities for others. That foundation gave me confidence that if we are sourced by Christ, living missionally and pursuing excellence, transformation can truly impact our communities. I want to steward my education and life experiences to elevate disproportionately impacted populations to cultivate communities where the vulnerable can flourish.”

The international program at the University of Haifa in Israel concentrates on health systems administration and global health leadership, preparing students to provide equitable health care for trauma-informed communities. The diversity represented within the program as well as in the city has provided inspiration for Kate to learn how to advocate for populations that are under-resourced. “I love that the voices I am learning from are all different accents,” Kate says. “My professors, classmates and guest speakers continually share about what they have found works and doesn’t work in their cultures and countries. My program has opened doors for me to learn from not only the highest-up leaders with the World Health Organization and the CDC but also people on the frontlines of fieldwork of communities facing so much adversity.”

“I love that the voices I am learning from are all different accents.”

24 OLIVET.EDU

KATE REED

’16, ONU Major: Social Work

Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS), Syracuse University

At Olivet, Raegan Zelaya changed her major and minors multiple times, eventually graduating with plans to serve as a resident director, work part time at the local library and contemplate a career within the psychology field — all choices that she now sees added value and purpose to her journey. “Each time felt purposeful, like a step closer to where I felt like the Lord was leading me but never quite there,” she says. “Once I started working in the library, I felt all the pieces fall into place and knew I was home. It was then that I decided to pursue a graduate degree.”

RAEGAN ZELAYA

’18, ONU Major: Psychology

The program through Syracuse University’s iSchool has enhanced her practical experience of working in a local library by equipping and empowering her to better serve the community, promote information

literacy and pursue equitable access to information. Full-time librarian roles are coveted and competitive, and Raegan is hopeful that a master’s degree from one of the top MLIS programs in the country will set her apart from other applicants. “School has never been my greatest strength, but finding my purpose in the library has made me appreciate any chance to grow as a professional not just for my own growth but for the benefit of the community that I serve,” she says. “People often associate libraries with books, which isn’t wrong, but they are so much more than that. Ultimately, they provide space to foster a love of service and learning — two things I’m very passionate about!”

“Once I started working in the library, I felt all the pieces fall into place and knew I was home.”

Master of Science, Biological Sciences, Southeastern Louisiana University

Soren Johnson met with Dr. Leo Finkenbinder on his first visit to Olivet, and their conversation regarding careers in research struck a chord. When he started his freshman year, Soren anticipated that graduate school would be a likely next step. His zoology classes with Dr. Derek Rosenberger, study of advanced genetics with Dr. Dwight “Chip” Ginn and biology courses with Dr. Randal Johnson continued to stimulate Soren’s interest in research opportunities, and he applied for master’s programs before graduating from Olivet. “During my time at Olivet, many of my professors in the biology department helped to show me that Christianity and science are not contradictory,” he says. “Their example of Christians in the field of science is something I also want to emulate in my career.”

The biological sciences program has exposed Soren to a wider variety of scientific study than he was previously familiar with, prompting him to consider a career in the management of natural resources or work for a state or federal agency in resource conservation. The program is unique, in that it gives students a foundation for Ph.D. programs while providing networking and career preparation for students who are only interested in a master’s degree. Choosing to take the thesis route for the program has given Soren experience working on a long-term independent research project. “My interest in learning more about God’s creation and helping take care of it has increased,” he says. “I know that I want to incorporate these two things in my career path. New advances in genetics have the ability to help provide new and unique solutions for conservation, and I’m excited to be a part of that process.”

SOREN JOHNSON ’19, ONU Major: Zoology

“My interest in learning more about God’s creation and helping take care of it has increased, and I’m excited to be a part of that process.”

OLIVET.EDU

eight graduates Master of Architecture, University of Illinois School of Architecture

Before he even started his freshman year, Brock Milliman knew that graduate school was on his horizon, but taking courses in the interior design program helped clarify his career goals. “I have known since I was a child that I wanted to become an architect, but it was not until taking my nonresidential design course that I began to explore commercial design,” he says.

BROCK MILLIMAN

’21, ONU Major: Interior Design

Throughout the class, taught by department chair Dr. Anne Figus, students had to find a commercial space with design issues and work with the client to generate solutions. Brock chose to conceptually renovate his home church’s outdated stage. Upon submission, his project consisted of 51 single-sided pages of research, data, proposed solutions and a 3D-colored rendering of the proposed remodeled space. It was a portfolio piece that he used in his application to the University of Illinois School of Architecture.

By enrolling in the program, Brock hopes to refine his design skills and gain professional direction in the field of architecture. “In essence, architecture creates shelter, which is a basic human need,” he says. “But architecture does not stop there; it is the art that is created in addition to catering a basic need that reflects the creativity of our Creator. God created us to be creators.” The University of Illinois School of Architecture is a distinguished school with ties to global architecture firms. Brock is excited to connect with other aspiring architects from around the world to develop a professional character that supports his faithdriven career interests. “There is a purpose for where you are and what you are doing because God is preparing you for where you will be and what you will be doing,” he explains. “God’s got this. Trust and obey.”

Accelerated Bachelor of Nursing, Olivet Nazarene University

Kristin (Beatty) Clendening began at Olivet as a nursing major, but despite doing well in the classes, she second-guessed her abilities throughout her sophomore year and decided to switch majors. She never lost her passion for the field of nursing, and her first job out of college was working for Olivet’s Accelerated Bachelor of Nursing program. “The field of nursing has always interested me because of how it equips people with the ability to help in a time of need,” she says. “I love learning about how intricate the human body is — which magnifies my wonder of God’s creation. After 2 ½ years and a lot of nudging from God, I finally listened and decided to make the leap of faith to pursue a career in nursing.” Throughout the pandemic, students in Olivet’s program participated in clinical rotations in hospitals and nursing homes — a valuable

practicum that wasn’t available at every university. As a result of these hands-on learning experiences, Kristin discovered a particular love for obstetric nursing. “I recently helped deliver a baby and found it amazing that I was a part of this newborn’s first few seconds of life,” she says. “The passion I have found in following my dream of becoming a nurse is surreal. Even in the hardest days, I still say there is nothing I would rather be doing.” Another unique feature of the program is access to the Virtual Learning Center, where nursing students practice skills and simulations to better enhance their thought processes and minimize mistakes on the job. “My key takeaway is that it is never too late to follow your dreams,” she says. “God always has a plan. If He wants you somewhere, He will keep opening the right doors at the right time.”

KRISTIN CLENDENING

’17, ONU Major: Business Administration

“The passion I have found in following my dream of becoming a nurse is surreal.”

26 OLIVET.EDU

SATURDAY SUCCESS Tiger Football claimed the Mid-States Football Association Midwest League title and maintained an undefeated record until the NAIA postseason tournament. PHOTO BY IMAGE GROUP

PURPOSEFUL EDUCATION Since 1907, Olivet has provided excellent academic instruction for the purpose of personal development and career preparedness in a vibrant on-campus environment. Faculty and students continually receive recognition for outstanding academic achievement through contributions to research, scholarly presentations at professional conferences and masterful performances in national competitions. PHOTO BY JONES FOTO

Olivet Nazarene University has been recognized as a College of Distinction. Just like last year. And the year before. And the year before that. And the year before that.

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which

Bel

He has called you, the riches of his

glorious inheritance in His holy people, and His incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength He exerted when He raised Christ from the dead… 30 OLIVET.EDU

We are believing God for great things in this new academic year — believing God for

ieve.

breakthrough and miracle moments for every student, every faculty and staff member, every parent, every alumnus and every friend of the University.

We believe! But what do we believe? And in whom do we believe? Our hope is to explore some of the central tenets of the Olivet experience in the pages that follow and in the next four issues of Olivet The Magazine. Therefore, we begin again with our belief in God through Jesus Christ as we borrow from what C.S. Lewis wrote in Mere Christianity: “I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.”

OLIVET.EDU

The United States Paralympic Trials. 32 OLIVET.EDU

In June, senior Trevor Tucci (pictured above with Kelly Essler, ONU swim coach), who is majoring in business administration, competed in the 100 backstroke, 50 freestyle and 400 freestyle at the 2021 Paralympic trials at Jean K. Freeman Aquatic Center on the campus of the University of Minnesota. He previously competed in the 2016 Paralympic trials in Charlotte, North Carolina, and in 2019 and 2021, Tucci was also a Para Swimming World Series qualifier. “Trevor never stops working and never lets anything discourage him,” says coach Essler. “I don’t want athletes like him to retire after college; their work ethic and drive is such an encouragement to me.” We are superfans already, Trevor. OLIVET.EDU

Students enrolled in the field course Geology & Geography of North American Regions traveled to the American West this summer to study the Rocky Mountains and the Colorado Plateau by exploring the national parks of the region.

Led by Dr. Charles Carrigan ’96, the group hiked through the valleys of Rocky Mountain National Park that were carved by glaciers in the ice age; viewed the massive cliffs of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park; visited the sandstone arches of Arches National Park; hiked the canyon trails at Bryce Canyon National Park; visited the lava tube caves at El Malpais National Monument; and observed the meltwater from the Sangre de Christo mountains shaping the sand at Great Sand Dunes National Park.

34 OLIVET.EDU

The View From There. TRIP PHOTOGRAPHY BY DR. CHARLES CARRIGAN

OLIVET.EDU

“Looking up at the 400 foot-tall Great Sand Dunes with a mountain background was breathtaking. I was able to take what I have learned in the classroom and apply it to the world.” - Joey Verbeeren

The goal was to learn to identify rock types and

of the National Park Service. Students on this

structural features; identify numerous landscape

summer’s trip included Jacob Baker, Sara Bell,

types; describe the geologic history; articulate

Sarah Christy, Ethan Dandurand, Breanna

ways that humans interact with the region with

Gifford, Mitchell Goodknecht, Rachel Harmet,

an emphasis on natural resources, hazards and

Matthew Ingison, Faith Quigley, Geneva Stuart,

the preservation and conservation of resources;

Joey Verbeeren and Michael Yerge.

and describe the history, purpose and operations OLIVET.EDU

The Road Back to Olivet.

Story by Lauren Beatty

PHOTOGRAPHY BY IMAGE GROUP

at the conclusion of the 2020-

term strategic plans, resulting in

is pleased to welcome back

2021 academic year. After a

substantial improvement of the

Gregg Chenoweth, Ph.D., to the

16-month national search and the

university’s financial landscape

University — this time as the

nominations of more than 100

by increasing net assets by 30%

University’s 13th president.

candidates, the Board of Trustees

and reducing long-term debt

elected Dr. Chenoweth as the

by 40%. He also dramatically

13th president on Jan. 14, 2021.

improved institutional culture and

Olivet Nazarene University

“I could not be more pleased that Dr. Chenoweth was elected President of Olivet Nazarene

Born to Olivet alumni

implemented successful debt-free

University,” said Dr. Ron Blake,

Arlene (Milner) ’62 and Robert

chair of the ONU Board of

Chenoweth, a business owner

Trustees. “Dr. Chenoweth is

and philanthropist to Olivet, Dr.

president, Dr. Chenoweth held

eminently qualified to lead the

Chenoweth grew up in Michigan

the position of vice president for

University. Perhaps one thing

with strong connections to Olivet.

academic affairs at Olivet. During

that has stood out to me is the

In 1990, he graduated from

his time at his alma mater, he

spiritual depth and passion that

Olivet with a bachelor’s degree in

founded the University Honors

both he and Tammy possess. They

communication.

Program.

are people of faith, prayer and a

He eventually earned a Ph.D.

programs for students. Prior to serving as Bethel’s

“I am very excited that Dr.

deep commitment to God. Olivet

in organizational communication,

Chenoweth is returning to

has a wonderful and rich history,

particularly focusing on managing

Olivet,” said Dr. David Pickering,

and I believe God has once again

organizational change.

executive vice president and

provided the right leader at the

Since 2013, Dr. Chenoweth

chief financial officer. “He not

served as the president of Bethel

only understands and values the

In August 2019, former

University in Mishawaka, Ind.

mission of ONU; he also has had

president Dr. John C. Bowling

During his tenure at Bethel, he

some great experiences at a variety

announced his plans to retire

successfully executed two long-

of places that will help as he gives

right time.”

OLIVET.EDU

leadership to all of us. He has a

to Nepal, Australia and Kenya

appointment and welcome him

passion for Christ, for His people

and a multigenerational trip to

and Tammy back to Olivet at this

and for education. Gregg and

Israel, and he was invited to give

historic, pivotal period in the

Tammy love people and that will

a lecture at Oxford University

life of the University,” said Dr.

be evident in their work among

(United Kingdom). He was also

Stephen Lowe, vice president for

us. As we look to the future of

invited to speak in Istanbul by

academic affairs.

Christian higher education, they

the Oxford Centre for Religion

are exactly what we need.”

and Public Life.

Dr. Chenoweth has published

He is married to Tammy

He continued, “We pray that God will grant them peace and wisdom in these days of

works in nearly 30 media outlets,

(Salyer) Chenoweth, an

transition, and we are expectantly

including The Chicago Tribune,

elementary education major and

anticipating their leadership,

Christianity Today and Inside

enthusiastic 1989 graduate

hopeful about the good work that

Higher Ed; organized and edited

of Olivet.

we will do together in the years

a book for a dozen Nazarene

The Chenoweths have three

ahead.”

institutions, Telos: The Destination

adult children: Abbey (married to

for Nazarene Higher Education; and

Mitch Friesen), Allison (married

of Dr. Chenoweth is planned for

released his first book, Everyday

to Andrew Elffers), and Olivet

Friday, Oct. 22, 2021, in the Betty

Discernment, this summer through

alumni Aaron ’20 and Abigail

and Kenneth Hawkins Centennial

The Foundry Press.

(Merritt) Chenoweth ’20. Allison

Chapel on the campus of Olivet

is due to deliver a son this fall, who

Nazarene University, during

Chenoweth has visited 20

will join identical twin cousins,

Homecoming and Family

countries and lived in Korea

Audrey and Emmy Friesen.

Weekend.

An avid traveler, Dr.

for a year to serve as a faculty

“On behalf of the faculty,

member at Korea Nazarene

I would like to congratulate

University. He led student teams

Dr. Gregg Chenoweth on his

40 OLIVET.EDU

The presidential inauguration

“He has a passion for Christ, for His people and for education.”

Q&A with Dr. Gregg Chenoweth Olivet The Magazine (OTM): How does serving as a leader deepen your personal relationship with God? Dr. Gregg Chenoweth (GC): The longer I live, the clearer I am that God is sovereign in ways that only hindsight can show. I’m on assignment from Him, and I want to number my days right. Miracles are happening somewhere today. I want to hijack my own sense of the mundane and participate in His remarkable things happening every day. OTM: Is there one word you want associated with your leadership? GC: Hope. Hope is a gift you can give other people or borrow as needed. A centering verse for me is Romans 15:13; “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” You overflow by the power of the Spirit — it’s supernatural. I want to be life-giving to others, not toxic.

42 OLIVET.EDU

OTM: You are a seasoned international traveler. How has traveling influenced your life? GC: Travel has been the most unexpected joy of my life. As a teenager, I never dreamed of the places I’ve been able to go. Once you stand on the other side of the planet, you’ll never be the same. I have a distinct memory of preaching in a small dwelling off the beaten path in Kenya. This area had no running water, no electricity, no currency. The people would trade pigs and vegetables as currency. That I would stand there, sharing the hope of the Gospel, created in me such a sense of gratitude. I thought, ‘God, what have you done in my life to get me here?’ OTM: Olivet is an extension of the Church of the Nazarene. How do you hope to continue creating an environment that welcomes students of all faith backgrounds? GC: Denominations are not fractures in the Kingdom of God but emphasis groups. Our emphasis is the optimism of the Gospel, that

by the power of God our nature can be changed so we are never again slaves to sin, then participating with God to break forth His Kingdom here. I want students from all backgrounds to hear our emphasis, get into the Scripture and, Lord willing, I want their encounters with God to change their nature. But I also benefit from the liturgy among Catholics and intensity of Charismatics as examples. OTM: What are a few memorable moments from your time as a student? GC: There are many sacred spaces. On the fourth floor of Burke in the fall of 1986, Dr. David Kale told me that, academically, I could perform better than what I was doing. His comment stung at first, but it unlocked a desire to get serious about my studies that lasted through a Ph.D. In Chapman Hall, I met friends with whom I’m still close. I was also asked to lead a Bible study with my friends. That birthed in me a leadership identity I hadn’t yet explored. OTM: Is there someone associated with Olivet that you particularly admired or learned from?

GC: I talk a lot about four voices that constantly shape my decisions. The voice of the pastor from my grandpas, the voice of the teacher from my mom, the voice of “papa” because I want to be a good ancestor, and the voice of the entrepreneur from my dad. For example, my dad was very philanthropic, but he was actually kicked out of Olivet for stealing from the bookstore to give things to my mom. I try to mimic his entrepreneurial spirit but not his naughtiness! But his voice helps me be patient with rascals. OTM: Legacy is obviously important to you. Tell us about your kids. GC: We say an inheritance goes in your hand, but much better is a legacy put in your heart. My adult kids and their spouses are awesome! It’s an embarrassment of riches. They’re all ambitious, learned, wise and committed to their faith. I’m so blessed to be their dad. My family is probably the most important thing I’ll ever do. In them is my most lasting legacy.

Getting to Know President Gregg Chenoweth

Q&A with Dr. Gregg Chenoweth OTM: What do you do to relax? GC: One thing that is a laughable surprise to Tammy and me is that we ride motorcycles. We will sit at a stoplight and just laugh at each other — like ‘How did we get here?!’ It seems like the trite middle-age crisis move, but my motorcycle was actually a parting gift from the board at Bethel. These town bikes are fairly small, stripped back and only seat one person. There was no way I was going to go off for hours by myself, so we got Tammy one too. Tammy and I are also big readers,

and I’m the designated dog walker. Every day, Maple June and I take walks around the neighborhood. OTM: We believe our president’s home has its first pet! Introduce us all to Maple June. GC: She is the sweetest little white Maltipoo. We think we’ll probably march around campus a lot. It’s surprising how disarming a pup is! Students might like that. OTM: What does Olivet’s motto “Education With a Christian Purpose” mean to you?

(continued)

GC: My shorthand of our mission is to ‘Populate the professions with faithintegrated people.’ So, I frequently ask; ‘How do we influence the world?’ I can’t do it personally, but we can through our alumni who are scattered throughout the world. If the Spirit of God is in them, that means that every community they are in is being positively influenced.

GC: I want all Olivet students, current students and those to come to encounter an institution that has a very high fidelity to its mission, is authentic in faith and, of course, offers stellar academic strength that will equip them and set them up for stunning careers.

OTM: You are hoping to build on the success of the past but build toward the future. What are your hopes and dreams for ONU students?

Everyday Discernment The Art of Cultivating Spirit-Led Leadership In Everyday Discernment (The Foundry Publishing), Dr. Chenoweth uses Scripture, a variety of resources and a wealth of professional experience to demonstrate the key ways that Christian leaders can access the Holy Spirit in their leadership. The book provides practical guidance on how to discern God’s truth in the mysteries of everyday experience. “Learning tips, studying wisdom literature, figuring out what to do or what not to do — this all misses the point. You must move beyond intellectual analysis and actually engage with the Spirit. … God’s primary project is to make us holy, not healthy; wise, not wealthy; and sanctified, not generically successful.”

44 OLIVET.EDU

Health Matters Olivet’s School of Nursing provides students with practical clinical experiences from a faculty of nursing professionals. This spring, Olivet announced a 94% first-time pass rate for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Associate Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs. Passing the NCLEX ensures that new nursing professionals are properly equipped to safely practice in the workplace. PHOTO BY IMAGE GROUP

LEGACY

FIRST PERSON Dr. Jay Martinson ’86

“You can’t go home again.” At least that’s the expression made famous by the novel with the same title written by Thomas Wolfe and published posthumously in 1940. The expression makes sense. Returning to a place from our past may be disappointing. It won’t be the same as we remember. It has changed. Times have changed. We have changed. Our nostalgia for home can overshadow reality. Home is the set of feelings, memories and associations which triggers joy, comfort and happiness. It is a place and context we experienced with all five senses and, as such, remember vividly. It is also the impressionistic canvas of faces we have loved and of those who have loved us. For me, feelings of home are evoked by the smell of fresh-cut hay, the sight of rolling Wisconsin farmland, the taste of tomatoes just off the vine and the scrunch of gravel under my running shoes at dawn. Floating in my pool, I still see the image of my mother doing double duty in her lawn chair, breaking beans and serving as my lifeguard at the edge of the old farm pond. Building a bookcase, I hear my dad’s voice reminding me to draw it first and then measure twice before cutting. While I’ll always feel anchored by these early images of home, my understanding and sense of home have expanded. I now also identify home as moments laughing around a dinner table with my children, hugging my grandchildren, and playing cards and drinking coffee with my wife of 35 years. Jeanette and I also experience home with Mike and Janet Taylor, our best friends from our campus days at Olivet. Although we’ve never lived in the same town since graduation, we’ve remained best friends. Our frequent calls and visits are marked with life updates, animated storytelling, laughter, exchanged prayers and sometimes tears. While different in many ways, we feel at home together united through our transformative experiences as Olivet students in the mid-1980s. The best of what we learned there has bonded us: our love for the Lord, following His call in our vocations and service, and the cultivation of authentic and healthy relationships with others.

46 OLIVET.EDU

I could visit my childhood farm, but there’s another family living there. With zero connection with them, I would merely be a curious trespasser. I can relive it only with triggered memories and nostalgic conversations with my mother and sister. But with Olivet, it’s different. Olivet remains home for all Olivetians. It evokes feelings of home through every call, visit or social media interaction with fellow Olivetians. And every time we worship in our local church. And through the positions of service and ministry we accept. And through the Christian worldview that shapes our day-today prioritizing and decision-making — about everything. And we CAN come back to Olivet. We don’t return as “curious trespassers” but, rather, as Olivetians! We quickly observe that, yes, our Olivet home has changed. There are new buildings, new programs, new people, new technologies and new opportunities. And then we discover that Olivet has — over the last century — not changed at all. It has the same mission, same focus on education with a genuine Christian purpose, and the same transformative experiences of living and learning in community with others. It is still home. For incoming freshmen and transfer students at Olivet, home will be fostered through late-night faith conversations in dorm rooms with lifelong friends they shall soon meet. For the graduating senior, home represents that first job, new church, first house and possibly children or furry babies. For them, home is claiming the Lord’s promise for their hope and future. It might be true that we can’t go home again if we’re just trespassing on an experience that no longer exists. The good news is that your Olivet home is alive and thriving. Welcome home!

SUBMITTED

Dr. Jay Martinson is the dean of online learning and the founder of Olivet’s fully online Veritas program. Dr. Martinson and his wife, Jeanette (Westenberger) ’87/’99 M.A., a professor in the Department of Behavioral Sciences, have two sons, two daughters, four grandsons and one granddaughter. His hobbies include spending time with his family, photography and running.

OLIVET.EDU

ADVANCED DEGREES With more than 30 programs in business, nursing, education and Christian ministry, the School of Graduate and Continuing Studies at Olivet Nazarene University offers 100% online graduate, undergraduate and professional development programs to meet the challenges of today’s workplace. Whether you are looking to advance your education or finish what you started, these highly respected programs are designed to help you compete in the job market. For more information go to Online.Olivet.edu

II can’t afford Olivet. can’t afford Olivet. I’m at Olivet I’m at Olivet this semester this semester thanks to thanks to scholarships. scholarships. Rewrite their Story Rewrite their Story The Olivet Fund will allocate 100% ofgiving dollarsprogram, raised through Olivet Nazarene University’s annual The Olivet Fund, directly The Olivet Fund will allocate 100% of dollars raised through October 31, 2020, toward increasing student scholarships. supports the University’s mission of an “Education With a Christian Purpose.” October 31, 2020,difficulties toward increasing student scholarships. With the financial andOlivet, their families are students with daily, No matter where you choosestudents to support you provide With the financial difficulties students and their families are facing as atransformational result of the COVID-19 pandemic, tangible, experiences. Every scholarship year, thousands of donors make facing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, scholarship support is more critical than ever. Every dollar counts. gifts with real-time impact for student scholarships, resources for faculty, support is more critical than ever. Every dollar counts. athletic programs and campus maintenance or improvements.

Make a gift today at Olivet.edu/give Make a gift today at Olivet.edu/give

The Olivet Fund, formerly Friends of Olivet, is the University’s annual giving program that directly supports the University’s mission of an “Education With a Christian Purpose.” Annual giftsFund, to Theformerly Olivet Fund provide support onUniversity’s behalf of the University initiatives as supports increasedthe scholarship opportunities, enhanced academic resources and The Olivet Friends of Olivet, is the annual giving for program thatsuch directly University’s mission of an “Education With a Christian Purpose.” improved athletic programs. Annual gifts to The Olivet Fund provide support on behalf of the University for initiatives such as increased scholarship opportunities, enhanced academic resources and improved athletic programs.

ALUMNI

FROM THE ARCHIVES Warm-Weather Memories of Field Day and Friendly Competitions

AURORA 1956

Share your memories and help us identify these faces! Email us at Archives@Olivet.edu or join the conversation on Facebook. @OlivetArchives

50 OLIVET.EDU

ALUMNI

THE CLASSES

Professional Accomplishments, Weddings, Births & Adoptions

1975  JAMES (JIM) KIPER ’75 was recently awarded the Benjamin Harrison Medallion Award at Miami University. He has been on the faculty at Miami for 35 years. He graduated from Olivet, where he double-majored in math and psychology and was president of the senior class. He earned a Ph.D. in computer science from The Ohio State University in 1985.

1981

KIPER

LANE

1979  After 22 years serving at Fort Wilderness Ministries in McNaughton, Wisconsin, MICHAEL LANE ’79 has launched a brand-new apologetic ministry called Evidence 4 Faith (E4F), which features Michael leading podcasts and services as a traveling speaker/teacher specializing in science and the Bible, archaeology and Bible lessons. He leads trips to Israel and has authored two books showing evidence that the Bible is true through archaeology. The E4F ministry is based in Rhinelander, Wisconsin.

RHODES

 DONNA (CONNELLY) RHODES ’81 recently released her first book, Creating Futures: The Life of Richard Aguilera Ruiz. It is the true story of how one man effectively dealt with the issues of racism, discrimination and poverty in his community. The book was published by Artesian Word Publishing and is available on Amazon. BRENDA (GREENLEE) ZUZOLO ’81 accepted the quality assurance lead position with Vargo in Dublin, Ohio. She retired from The Boeing Company after a 22-year career in operations, analysis and engineering following six years as an active-duty U.S. Air Force weather officer. Brenda and her family are happily relocated from Virginia to Ohio, where they are active in their local parish.

2000

VA N K L E Y

Two former Olivet Nazarene University standouts were named to the 18-member Silver Anniversary Team by the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame on Dec. 2, 2020, based on their accomplishments as high school

Su b m i t a C l a s s No t e

To OlivetEditors@Olivet.edu or online at Olivet.edu/class-notes OLIVET.EDU

players. BRIAN MCCAULEY ’01 and LEE COOMLER ’00, who helped lead ONU to the NAIA Final Four in 2000, were teammates at Kokomo High School, graduating in 1996. McCauley and Coomler and their teammates from the 1999–2000 Olivet team were inducted into the ONU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2016.

2005

FLECK

This past spring, MONTAGUE WILLIAMS ’05 received full rank and tenure from Point Loma Nazarene University, and his Ph.D. dissertation (at Boston University) was awarded the 2020 Outstanding Dissertation Award from the Wesleyan Theological Society. Additionally, his first scholarly book, based on the dissertation research, was published in September 2020 by Baylor University Press. It is entitled Church in Color: Youth Ministry, Race, and the Theology of Martin Luther King Jr.

 JESSICA FLECK ’06 has accepted a position at Crown College as professor of youth and family studies. She is looking forward to beginning her new role this summer.

2007

2006  On Dec. 21, 2020, Sheriff Reynolds of the Porter Fire Department took great pleasure in presenting LT. KEVIN VAN KLEY ’06 with the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions while assisting the department with an active blaze on Sept. 10, 2020, in which a family was trapped inside a home. Upon arriving at the scene, Lt. Van Kley jumped into the remnants of the building that had collapsed and

52 OLIVET.EDU

was able to remove debris and pull a child from the wreckage. He then responded to a different area of the home and could be heard shouting, “All hands on deck!” as members from the fire and police departments began lifting the roof of the home that was then at ground level. A woman was pulled from underneath the roof to safety. This is only the third time in department history that the Medal of Honor has been awarded to an officer.

SHIRNINA

 AMANDA (BOSWORTH) SHIRNINA ’07 graduated from Cornell University in May 2020 with a Ph.D. in history. Her dissertation explores 19th‑century Russian-American maritime relations in the North Pacific region. Later in the year, on Nov. 30, 2020, Amanda married Igor Shirnin in St. Petersburg, Russia. They reside in St. Petersburg.

2010

S H O RT

 CASSANDRA (SHATTUCK) ’12 and JARED SHORT ’10, welcomed their daughter, Rosemarie Layne, on March 1, 2021, at Sparrow Hospital in Mason, Michigan. The family resides in Mason.

 Haley and MATT BULLER ’10 welcomed their son, Cooper William, on April 20, 2020. Matt is a financial advisor with Benjamin F. Edwards & Co., and Haley is an occupational therapist with Carle Foundation Hospital. The Bullers reside in Champaign, Illinois.

2013

BULLER

 On Sept. 5, 2020, ALLEN POSEY ’10 was ordained as an elder in the Church of the Nazarene in the West Texas District. SARAH STAPLETON ’10 has recently been promoted to marketing director at Shanghai ChemPartner. She manages the international marketing operations for the biopharmaceutical research company. She currently resides in Overland, Kansas.

2014 POSEY

2012  ALLISON (REED) ’12 and JAKE GREGORY ’13/’16 MA.PMIN welcomed their third child, Hallie Raelynn, on Aug. 15, 2020. She joins brothers Carter, 5, and Darren, 3. The Gregorys reside in St. Louis, Michigan. Jake is co‑lead pastor of Restoration 58:12 Church of the Nazarene and co-executive director of Gratiot County Hope House. Allison works at T.A. Cutler Memorial Library in St. Louis.

 The Illinois Association of School Nurses (IASN) hosted its 63rd Annual Conference, “The Year of the Nurse: Celebrating Health, Healing & Leadership,” on Oct. 2–3, 2020, and inaugurated GLORIA E. BARRERA ’13 M.S.N., RN, PEL-CSN as president. Barrera is a proud Olivet alumna. “School nurses were at the frontlines before stay-at-home orders went into effect,” Gloria said. “And we are demonstrating how essential the role of a school nurse is to the health, safety and well‑being of students, staff and the communities across the state of Illinois.”

G R E G O RY

B A R R E RA

 ALICIA (GALLAGHER) ’14 and RYAN GUERTIN ’15 welcomed their son, Carson Thomas, on Oct. 8, 2020. Carson joins his two older sisters, Jayden, 10, and Avery, 2. Ryan is a financial advisor with Peoples Investments, and Alicia is the marketing office manager at Olivet. The Guertins reside in Bradley, Illinois.

G U E RT I N

OLIVET.EDU

2016

2017

 AARON LARSON ’16/’19 MBA married Anna Murdock on April 24, 2020, in Franklin, Indiana. The two had an intimate wedding ceremony and then celebrated with family and friends on July 24, 2020. Aaron is currently coaching at Taylor University. Antonio Marshall ’13/’17 M.CRMIN/’20 M.Div. officiated the wedding and O’Malley (King) Marshall ’12 photographed the wedding (O’Malley King Photography).

 ASHLEY (NOGODA) ’17 and COLE DOOLITTLE ’19 were married on July 4, 2020. Their wedding party was full of Olivet alumni: Jacki (Brown) Tamez ’19, Kaley (Davis) Skinner ’19, Mackenzie Doolittle, Morgan Doolittle ’21, Jackie DesLauries ’17, Daneli (Rabanlez-Hernandez) Hentschel ’17/MBA ’19, Sarah (Moon) Toepper ’20, Bailey (Heemstra) Bogaard ’17, Zach DeVos, Zach Tamez ’19, Joshua Skinner ’19, Matthew Neal ’19, Caleb Murray and Grant Murray. Ashley teaches fifth grade in Waukesha, Wisconsin, and Cole is earning a Ph.D. in ecology at Marquette University. They live in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

LARSON

PETERSON

 BETHANY (MUNROE) ’16 and CHRISTOPHER PETERSON ’16 welcomed a son, Wesley Philip, on Sept. 3, 2020.  ELIZABETH (CHAMBERS) PRILLER ’16, RN, B.S.N., is a certified health coach, registered yoga teacher, and corporate wellness consultant who specializes in sustainable stress management and has developed a revolutionary approach to ending suffering and living a migraine-free life. Her highly anticipated book, The Migraine Method, is one of the first of its kind: a marriage of evidence‑based Western science and Eastern mind-body practices addressing migraines.

PRILLER

DOOLITTLE

LO G A N

54 OLIVET.EDU

 DREW LOGAN ’17 recently graduated from U.S. Navy boot camp as a submarine electronics technician. Drew and HAYLEY (RONCI) ’17 and their two daughters will be stationed in Groton, Connecticut, while he finishes his schooling.

 HAYLEY (UHLMAN) ’17 and MATTHEW REED ’17 welcomed their daughter, Juniper Dawn, on Sept. 21, 2020.

with a master’s degree in clinical dietetics and will soon be a registered dietitian.

2019

 REBECCA (NEVILLE) ’20 and LEVI BALDRIDGE ’18 were married on July 5, 2020, in Eaton, Indiana. The bridal party included five Olivetians — both current students and alumni. Rebecca is a registered nurse and was working in Winchester, Indiana. Levi is currently on active duty in the U.S. Army and was residing at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. The couple moved to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, in February.

 COURTNEY (VANDE VORDE) ’19 and CALEB COE ’19 were married Aug. 15, 2020, in Holland, Michigan. At Olivet, Caleb studied exercise science and was an NAIA All‑American linebacker and captain on the football team. He now attends the University of Dayton, where he is pursuing a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, and is the head strength and conditioning coach at Gladiator Training Center in Xenia, Ohio. Courtney majored in dietetics and was a captain and NAIA-Daktronics Scholar-Athlete on the cross country and track teams. She recently graduated from Grand Valley State University

2020

REED

CO E

ABBY (CURULEWSKI) ’20 and NIC REED ’20 were married on Aug. 21, 2020. The newlyweds are living in southern Indiana. Nic is pursuing his financial planning career, and Abby is a registered nurse.

BALDRIDGE

OLIVET.EDU

ALUMNI

IN MEMORIAM We Remember

1953  ROBERT “BOB” D. REICH ’53, 90, of Bourbonnais, passed away Dec. 13, 2020. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary (Harrold) Reich ’56. Bob was born Sept. 28, 1930, in Decatur, Illinois, the son of Carl and Edna. While growing up, he enjoyed playing sports, hopping the railcars to get to the other side of town, and a deep love of his grandparents with whom he was particularly close. In 1949, Bob arrived in the Kankakee area to attend Olivet Nazarene College. While at Olivet, Bob shared his beautiful tenor voice as a member of Orpheus Choir and traveled in a men’s quartet, ministering to Nazarene churches around the Midwest. It was at Olivet he met the love of his life, Mary, and upon seeing her for the very first time, told one of his friends, “That’s the girl I’m going to marry.” They were married Aug. 15, 1953. Bob went to work at Sears, Roebuck and Co. and retired as home fashion department manager with a tenure of 38 years. He was a member of College Church of the Nazarene in Bourbonnais for many years and enjoyed participating in the Chancel Choir each Sunday. His love of music and singing sustained him until the end. For 25 years, Bob served on the Bourbonnais Elementary School District 53 Board of Education —

REICH

SY K E S

many of those years as board president. His service to Illinois school stakeholders increased as he participated in Three Rivers region leadership. He served as president of the Illinois School Board Association from 1992 to 1994 and traveled extensively to ensure a quality education for each child in the state of Illinois. Bob is survived by Mary; children Pam ’80 (Ted Wozniak ’80), Rob ’83 (Caroline ’82) and Beth ’88 (Andrea); and grandchildren Drew (Cristina), Briana (Samuel), Peyton, Bennett and Emerson.

1959 JEWEL (MONROE) MCKAY ’59 died Dec. 7, 2020, in Chelsea, Alabama. She was 82. She was born July 23, 1938, in Holland, Michigan. After earning her nursing and teaching licenses, Jewel taught nursing at Michigan State University. She then traveled to South Africa, where she taught nursing for three years. After returning to the United States, Jewel was instrumental in starting the nursing program at Olivet. Once the program gained traction, she moved to

Birmingham and taught geriatric nursing at the University of Alabama-Birmingham for several years. Jewel married Bob McKay in 1982 and acquired a daughter. She then became the director of discharge planning at Montclair Baptist Medical Center. She became a very active member of the Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama association. Jewel joined her husband in renovating homes with an emphasis on aging in place. She won many awards through the years, including Remodeler of the Year for the Greater Birmingham Association of Homebuilders in 2013. Jewel is survived by her husband of 38 years, Bob; a daughter, Shannon Fye (Brian); granddaughters Kaana and Stormi Fye; a sister, Judy Neeter (Ron); a brotherin-law, Bill McKay (Justine); sisters-in-law Barbara Sullivan (Rich) and Sherry Gray (Jim); and many nieces and nephews.  JOHN O. SYKES ’59 passed away peacefully on Aug. 19, 2020, in Huntington Beach, California. Born on Dec. 7, 1939, he grew up in St. Louis. John had a rich heritage of Biblical teaching from Lafayette Park Church of the Nazarene. At age 10, he gave his heart to Jesus. He enrolled at Olivet Nazarene College, where he met his wife, Geraldine (Foster) ’59, as they were both in the cast of a drama. He was a leader in his class, serving as president of the Sociology Club continued, next page

Su b m i t a n Ob i t u a r y

To OlivetEditors@Olivet.edu or online at Olivet.edu/class-notes 56 OLIVET.EDU

and the Science Club. He was active in the music department, sang tenor in choir and graduated from Olivet with a double major of chemistry and zoology. John and Geraldine were married on June 22, 1963. He took the state pharmacy boards soon after the honeymoon after graduating with honors from Saint Louis College of Pharmacy. He had a great love of classical music and church hymns and served as a longtime member of church choirs. John is survived by his wife, Geraldine; daughters Julie ’91 (Chris) Hogan and Jennifer (Thomas) Covington; three grandchildren, Foster and Rachel Covington, and Zachary Hogan; and a brother, Royce Sykes.  RONALD ROYCE STEVENS ’59, age 85, left the bonds of Earth on Feb. 4, 2021, to spend eternity with his Lord and Savior. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jeanene (Morris) Stevens ’70; brother, Roger; and parents, Emerson and Beathea Stevens. Ron is survived by two sisters, Gladys Fletcher and Janet (Charles ’18 M.C.M.) Boerema; niece, Cheryl (Greg) Greening; four nephews, Mark (Mary) Fletcher, Douglas (Shelley) Fletcher, Wayne (Heather) Boerema and David (Londa) Boerema; and several great-nieces and nephews. He graduated from Lowell High School in 1953 and attended Olivet and Arizona State University. He enjoyed many years teaching in the Grand Rapids area and in Illinois, where he taught and was superintendent of a school district. Ron had a passion for Civil War-era history and the history of his hometown. He enjoyed listening to classical and religious music; painting; railroads; and trains. His love of travel took him to Europe and Central America for pleasure as well as for Work & Witness programs through his church.

ST E V E N S

S LOA N

His brother Robert (Bob) Sloan ’68 was by his side when he passed. Also by his side was younger brother Tony; life partner, Cara Roy; son, Christopher (Rachel) Sloan; grandchildren Logan, Ryan and Tara Sloan; and daughter, Amy (Brad) Thomas. He is survived by his loving mother, Wanda Lee Sloan; brother Gary (Christie) Sloan; and numerous nieces and nephews.

1970

BARR

CO L E M A N

1965 KEITH BURBA ’65 passed away peacefully at home with his family beside him on Oct. 16, 2020, after a 5 1/2-year battle with kidney cancer. He joined his son, Jeffrey, in heaven. He is survived by his wife, Linda ’66, and sons Mark ’97 and Matthew ’97.

1966  LT. COL. JOHN B. SLOAN ’66 died unexpectedly in Panama City, Florida, on April 5, 2021. Sloan was a decorated veteran of the Vietnam War, receiving the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal and other decorations. He retired from the U.S. Air Force in 1988 and enjoyed a second successful career as a development officer for Indiana University, Purdue University and Kiwanis International Foundation. He was a 33rd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, a Knights Templar and an around-the-world traveler. Lt. Col. Sloan was a member of Apostles By-The-Sea Anglican Church in Rosemary Beach, Florida. He was much loved and respected by all who knew him.

 REV. RONALD R. BARR ’70 of Farmer City, Illinois, died at his home on Jan. 22, 2021, due to a battle with cancer. He was blessed to be surrounded by loved ones to the end. Ron is survived by his wife, Becky (Riley) Barr ’72; son Jonathan (Laura) Barr; daughter Amy ’96 (Mike) Engelman ’93; son Christopher (Shelby) Barr; two grandchildren; and siblings Donna Spracklen, Nancy (Fred ’68) Carter, and Ken and Kirk Barr.

1978  PAUL COLEMAN III ’78, 63, of Flint, Michigan, went to his new home in heaven on July 11, 2020. He was the son of Ruth and Paul Coleman Jr. ’54 of Flint, Michigan. Paul was a member of Orpheus Choir and made many lifelong friends during his years at Olivet. He spent the majority of his career as an international flight attendant and eventually retired from Delta Air Lines. Paul was preceded in death by his parents; several uncles and aunts, including Marty (Coleman) Gale ’51; and cousins Carol Keener and Susan Gale, both of whom attended Olivet. He is survived by his partner and best friend, Timothy Jones; his uncle, Floyd Gale ’49; and several cousins, including Paula Gale and David Gale ’82.

OLIVET.EDU

OLIVET NAZARENE UNIVERSITY

2021

You are invited to

the most anticipated

Homecoming &

Family Weekend in Olivet history. OCTOBER 21–24

Presidential Inauguration Friday, 10 a.m. Centennial Chapel Register and purchase tickets at Olivet.edu/HC #ONUHomecoming

58 OLIVET.EDU

Come home to Olivet for an exciting time of celebration, reunion and entertainment during Homecoming & Family Weekend 2021!

THE MAIN EVENTS PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATION Friday, 10 a.m., Centennial Chapel

The presidential inauguration of Dr. Gregg Chenoweth is planned for Friday morning in the Betty and Kenneth Hawkins Centennial Chapel on the campus of Olivet.

TIGER ATHLETIC COMPETITIONS

Friday, 5:15 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., McHie Arena Saturday, 12 p.m., Ward Field

Enjoy both the women’s and men’s basketball games Friday night and the Homecoming football game at midday Saturday.

TASTE OF OLIVET

Friday, 9:30 p.m., Chalfant Hall

Enjoy this modern take on an old classic! This is the perfect time to gather with friends for food and desserts after the basketball games or fall play.

UNDERGRADUATE CLASS REUNIONS

Saturday, 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m., Various locations

We hope you make the trip back home to Olivet for your class reunion. Enjoy food and fellowship with classmates of days gone by.

HOMECOMING CONCERT

Saturday, 7 p.m., Centennial Chapel

Join the full Olivet community for an unforgettable Homecoming Concert in Centennial Chapel.

PRESIDENT’S PRAYER BREAKFAST Sunday, 8 a.m., Chalfant Hall

Year after year this is an unforgettable event! Join University President Dr. Gregg Chenoweth, for a delightful morning of inspiration and exceptional music by Orpheus Choir.

RESERVE YOUR TICKETS TODAY!

OLIVET.EDU

for Parents PARENT & FAMILY NETWORK

31-DAY PRAYER GUIDE

Discover ways to keep up with your Olivet student and encourage them throughout their academic, social and spiritual journey at Olivet. To receive quarterly communication (important dates, upcoming events and resources for parents) during the school year, sign up at Olivet.edu/Parents.

We have created a 31-Day Prayer Guide for parents of university students and those preparing for college. To receive your free copy for parents and families, visit Olivet.edu/Parents.

PERCENT OF STUDENTS RECEIVE FINANCIAL AID

112

THE NUMBERS

Intercollegiate athletic teams compete in NAIA and NCCAA

LOCAL MINISTRY AND GLOBAL MISSION TRIP OPPORTUNITIES

MILLION DOLLARS in financial aid awarded last year to ONU students

Advanced degrees offered through the School of Graduate and Continuing Studies

PERCENT CAREER OUTCOMES RATE

STUDY-ABROAD AND MISSION O PPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE

15:1

STUDENT-TO-FACULTY RATIO, WITH A TOTAL ENROLLMENT OF MORE THAN 3,700

Statistics compiled from 2018, 2019 and/or 2020.

Intramural sports and tournaments with more than 1,540 participants each school year

AT A G LA N C E STUDENTS More than 3,700 — 2,500 undergraduates — from nearly every U.S. state, 21 countries and more than 40 religious denominations. ALUMNI Olivet Nazarene University has graduated many notable alumni who have given back to the University, the Olivet region, the Church and the world in so many ways. There are more than 40,000 living alumni making a worldwide impact. ACADEMICS More than 140 areas of study offered through the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Professional Studies, School of Theology and Christian Ministry and the School of Graduate and Continuing Studies. Study-abroad opportunities have included Australia, China, Costa Rica, Ecuador, England, Egypt, Romania, Japan, Uganda, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles. ACCREDITATION Includes the Higher Learning Commission, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, the Council on Social Work Education, the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training, the National Association of Schools of Music and the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. In addition, the Teacher Education Program is a recognized education preparation provider by the Illinois State Board of Education. ATHLETICS At Olivet, student-athletes compete on 22 intercollegiate teams. Olivet provides competitive athletic awards and scholarships for qualifying candidates. Varsity teams for men include basketball, baseball, cheerleading, cross country, football, golf, soccer, swimming and diving, tennis, track and field, and volleyball. Varsity teams for women include basketball, cheerleading, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, tennis, track and field, and volleyball. In addition to varsity sports, more than half the student body participate in Olivet’s thriving intramural and club sports programs. CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS More than 90 clubs and organizations representing diverse interests, including a campus newspaper, yearbook and literary magazine; Enactus; Student Philanthropy Council; ROTC; radio broadcasting (Shine.FM); numerous choral and instrumental ensembles (including University Marching Band and the University Orchestra); drama and musical theatre performances; intramural athletics; and community volunteer and spiritual life organizations.

00 OLIVET.EDU

CAMPUS Beautiful, park-like campus features 35 major buildings on 275 acres. Located in the Village of Bourbonnais, Illinois, just 45 miles south of Chicago’s Loop, with additional School of Graduate and Continuing Studies locations in Illinois. SPIRITUAL LIFE Christian community committed to making worship of God the central focus of our lives. Our faith in Jesus Christ cannot be separated from the educational experience, and we seek to honor God in all we learn, say and do. Through chapel services, each segment of the University community has the opportunity to join with others in worship and receive instruction in the Word and encouragement to serve. Notable and world-renowned speakers regularly address the Olivet community during chapel. GRADUATE STUDIES AND PROGRAMS Business: Bachelor of Applied Science in Business, Bachelor of Applied Science in Leadership, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Bachelor of Science in Leadership, Master of Organizational Leadership, Master of Business Administration Education: Master of Arts in Education: Curriculum and Instruction, Master of Arts in Education: English Language Learners, Bilingual Endorsement, Safety and Driver’s Education Endorsement, English as a Second Language Endorsement, Learning Behavior Specialist Endorsement, Reading Endorsement, Teacher Leader Endorsement Multidisciplinary Studies: Bachelor of Applied Science in Multidisciplinary Studies and Bachelor of Science in Multidisciplinary Studies Nursing: Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-B.S.N.), Master of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing (RN-M.S.N.), Master of Science in Nursing: Education, Master of Science in Nursing: Leadership/Management, Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner Certification, Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics Ministry: Master of Arts: Christian Ministry, Master of Arts: Family Ministry, Master of Arts: Ministerial Studies, Master of Arts: Missional Multiplication, Master of Arts: Pastoral Ministry, Master of Arts in Religion, Master of Arts in Pastoral Leadership, Master of Arts: Urban Ministry, Master of Ministry, Master of Ministry in Spanish, Master of Divinity Doctor of Education: Ethical Leadership

AREAS OF STUDY Accounting Actuarial Science Art Art - Graphic Design Art - Drawing/Painting Art - Media Arts Art - Photography Art Education Biblical Languages Biblical Studies Biology Business Administration Business - Entrepreneurship Business - Healthcare Management Business - Human Resource Management Business - Management Business - Philanthropy/ Not-for-Profit Business - Operations Management Business - Public Administration Chemistry Chemistry - Biochemistry Chemistry - Forensics Child Development Children’s Ministry Christian Education Christian Studies Communication Studies Computer Science – Networking & Data Communications

Computer Science Software Development Computer Science Software Entrepreneurship Corporate Communication Criminal Justice Criminal Justice Law Enforcement Cybersecurity Data Science Dietetics Early Childhood Education Earth & Space Science Economics Economics & Finance Applied Economics Economics & Finance Certified Financial Planning Economics & Finance Corporate Finance Elementary Education Engineering - Architectural Engineering - Chemical Engineering - Civil Engineering - Computer Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Mechanical English English as a Second Language English as a Second Language Education English Education Environmental Science

Family & Consumer Sciences Family & Consumer Sciences Hospitality Finance French Geography Geological Science Greek Health Education Hebrew History Intercultural Studies Interior Design International Business Kinesiology Leadership Studies Legal Studies Literature Management Management Information Systems Marketing Marketing - Commercial Graphics Marketing - Corporate Relations Marketing - International Marketing - Management Mathematics Mathematics Education Military Affairs Military Science Ministerial Missions

Multimedia Communication Multimedia Communication Film Studies Multimedia Communication Journalism Multimedia Communication Live Event Media Mgmt. Multimedia Communication Ministry Media Multimedia Communication Radio/Record Industry Multimedia Communication TV/Video Production Music Music – Composition Music – Performance Music – Jazz Studies Music – Recording Arts Music Education Music Ministry Musical Theatre Nursing Pastoral Ministry Philosophy Philosophy & Religion Photography Physical Education Physical Sciences Political Science Pre-Art Therapy Pre-Athletic Training Pre-Dental Pre-Law

Pre-Medicine Pre-Optometry Pre-Pharmacy Pre-Physical Therapy Pre-Physician’s Assistant Pre-Seminary Pre-Veterinary Psychology Public Policy - Domestic Public Policy - Foreign Public Relations & Strategic Communication Recreation, Sports & Fitness Religious Studies Science Education - Biology Science Education - Chemistry Science Education Earth/Space Science Social Science Social Science Education Social Work Sociology Spanish Spanish Education Special Education Sport Management Theatre Theology Writing Youth Ministry Zoology

OLIVET.EDU

AMEN

BENEDICTION A prayer for parents from Tammy Chenoweth New Student Orientation, Centennial Chapel June 18, 2021

Lord, would You help each parent allow You to give them peace in their heart, wisdom in their mind, and thankfulness in their spirit as they release their child into this wonderful phase of life?

You are amazing, majestic, the creator of the earth, and yet so personal with each one.

Help these parents to trust Your goodness and love You have for their kids.

We love You and praise You, asking in the name of Jesus.

Amen

MARK BALLOGG

OLIVET NAZARENE UNIVERSITY ONE UNIVERSITY AVENUE BOURBONNAIS, IL 60914-2345

Schedule a campus visit at Olivet.edu/Visit today!

We Believe. You Belong Here.

PURPLE & GOLD DAYS: SEPTEMBER 17 | OCTOBER 1 & 15 | NOVEMBER 5, 12 & 19 | DECEMBER 3 Join other high school and transfer students and their families for this exciting campus visit experience.