When I look across our campus today, I’m struck by something extraordinary happening — something that transcends the typical university experience. At Olivet, we’re not just building an institution; we’re cultivating a community that reflects the very heart of our Christian calling.
A Shared Identity
Our campus represents a beautiful tapestry of humanity. Students arrive from 28 countries, representing varied backgrounds, economic circumstances and life experiences.
Some students arrive from families of considerable means, while others come from households where every dollar is carefully counted and college tuition looms like a constant cloud of concern. Some carry the weight of financial stress, while others navigate the complexities of being the first in their family to attend college. We have students of every ethnicity, political affiliation and denominational background, each carrying their own story.
On the surface, these differences might seem like an obstacle to unity. But I’ve witnessed something remarkable: When we ground our community in Christ, these differences become strengths rather than divisions. As Jesus prayed in John 17:21, we find our hope in the prayer that “all” of us “may be one.” This isn’t uniformity; it’s unity rooted in our shared identity as beloved children of God.
Who We Are
Our identity as “Olivet Nazarene” carries profound significance that shapes our community. Mount Olivet — the Mount of Olives — represents one of Christianity’s most sacred spaces. It’s a place of triumphal arrival, where Jesus entered Jerusalem amid celebration. You, too, arrived here with hope and dreams for your future.
Mount Olivet is also a place of support during hardship. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus experienced profound grief, yet He wasn’t alone: His friends surrounded Him in prayer. Similarly, our Olivet community stands ready to support you through financial stress, social and familial challenges, or academic pressure. You don’t have to navigate your “Garden of Gethsemane” alone.
Finally, Mount Olivet represents anticipated victory. The Bible tells us Christ will return through this same path, reminding us that our present struggles aren’t the end of the story. At our Olivet, we operate with this same hopeful victory, trusting in God’s sovereignty over every concern.
A Vision Made Visible
Recently, four life-sized sculptures were installed in our Quad — figures walking from Benner Library to Centennial Chapel, representing the journey from knowledge to worship. These sculptures depict Jesus talking with students while a professor guides them, all wearing graduation robes. This image captures our aspiration: diploma and discipleship, credential and calling, walking together.
This is what makes Olivet more than a university. We’re a community rising with Christ and with each other. We’re not just attending college; we’re participating in a community that transforms lives, shapes character and sends graduates into the world as agents of hope and healing. This is the Olivet way: better than a university — a true community of faith.
Sincerely,
Gregg Chenoweth, Ph.D.
University President
Read the entire “Doing Something Good Together” issue here.
