Olivet’s mission and degree programs are vital for today’s world and for Kankakee County.
Since 1939, Kankakee County and Olivet Nazarene University have been doing something good together. The University and the people of Kankakee County are intertwined in all areas of economic, cultural, personal and professional growth. In this connection, both are experiencing exponential benefits while sharing resources and support.
Together Across the Decades
Kankakee County grew from a settlement in the Kankakee River Valley in the 1820s to a thriving community just 50 miles south of metro Chicago. Olivet began in 1907 with the mission of “Education With a Christian Purpose” and continues today as a premier institution of Christian higher education. The University is consistently recognized as a College of Distinction and a Best Christian Workplace and is regularly ranked in the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges annual report.
From 1940 to 2023, Kankakee County experienced a 74% increase in population. Today, the county is home to more than 105,000 residents in more than 17 communities. During that same time period, Olivet grew to today’s enrollment of more than 3,500 students from more than 40 states and 20 countries.
On the 275-acre campus in Bourbonnais, Olivet now includes 25 major buildings. Bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees are offered. There are more than 140 areas of study and more than 90 clubs and organizations. The Tiger athletic program includes 23 intercollegiate teams for men and women. The Roaring Tiger Battalion is one of the top ROTC programs in the nation.
Many athletic, cultural and Christian events at Olivet are open to the public, and Kankakee County residents participate often and enthusiastically. During the days of the Chicago Bears training camp at Olivet (2001−2019), local businesses were staunch supporters of the event. Fans from area communities joined in the excitement.
Shine.FM — one of the top Christian music networks in the country — is a ministry of Olivet, broadcasting 24/7 on air and online. The network also includes Brilla.FM, Spark HD and Shine Worship. Kankakee County residents were the first beyond the Olivet community to receive and enjoy Shine.FM’s programming via radio broadcasts.
Working Together for the Greater Good
Olivet students come to Kankakee County from around the world. Many graduates put down deep roots and touch multiple facets of community life: education, entrepreneurship, health care, spiritual formation and much more.
As the many connections between Olivet and Kankakee County businesses and residents continue to develop, the Christian service connections are growing, too. Olivet students, faculty and staff — and often their family members — have provided and will continue to provide countless hours of volunteer service in local communities. Projects include community music performances, assistance with tax return preparation, cleanup of parks and recreational areas, mentoring local youth, providing marketing assistance to local small businesses, English/Spanish interpretation services and so much more.
In addition, Olivet students are enjoying the benefits of dynamic internship and shadowing opportunities with local businesses. Students work alongside professionals in the police department, schools, health care agencies, athletics and many other places.
And what about economic impact? Internships, scholarships, employment, business start-up opportunities and an active chamber of commerce are some of the many benefits available to Olivet students and graduates in Kankakee County. Local business leaders continue to benefit from the wealth of education and business services available to them through the University, including advanced degree programs.
Olivet students and graduates are working alongside Kankakee County professionals in almost every area of business and service, including nursing and health care, social work, education and ministry. They are starting local businesses and bolstering nonprofits, buying houses and shopping retail, dining out and ordering in, and attracting attention to the economic opportunities in Kankakee County.
Moving Forward Together
With the goal of building new connections while continuing and strengthening connections already built, Olivet is partnering with local businesses and residents in creating leaders for the future.
Specifically, the focus of this initiative is on funding three areas of Olivet’s educational mission:
- Establishing more scholarships to encourage students to “Start Local, Finish Local” for completing their degree programs at Olivet, including transfer students from Kankakee Community College — Total Goal: $500,000.
- Improving and updating Chalfant Hall on Olivet’s campus in Bourbonnais — Total Goal: $250,000.
- Continuing to enrich community life, fuel creativity and expression, and lift the human spirit through Olivet’s fine arts program — Total Goal: $250,000.
Olivet is extending an invitation to alumni, family and friends to partner with the University in creating a “redeeming abundance” for a new generation of transformational leaders. Learn more about Olivet’s Strength and Hope Campaign and find opportunities to give at olivet.edu/giving
Read the entire “Doing Something Good Together” issue here.
