Olivet Nazarene University broke ground this spring for a significant campus improvement update — a redevelopment of the Decker Quadrangle, known to the campus community as “The Quad.” This project, which was fully underwritten by an unsolicited gift from an Olivet alumni couple, will renovate and expand the iconic outdoor plaza which connects inner-campus buildings.
This central area on campus — directly surrounded by Benner Library, Ludwig Center, Nesbitt Hall, Williams Hall and Hills Hall — has long been enjoyed as a meeting point for students, faculty and staff to connect as they benefit from beautiful outdoor scenery. In 1983, the quad was named in honor of the Dr. Gerald Decker, a long-standing University Trustee and Chairman of the Building Committee who oversaw the construction of 11 campus buildings during his tenure.
Plans for the renovation include new brick pavers; community fire pits; a hammock park; increased tables, chairs and benches for casual hangouts; a redesigned area optimized for hosting food trucks and pop-up vendors; and enhancements to the landscaping. While the majority of the updates will take place in the quad itself, some of the renovations extend to surrounding walkways.
The expanded area has been named the Brian and Lynda Allen Plaza. The Allens have faithfully spent the majority of their careers serving the University. Dr. Brian Allen ’82 is the Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Dr. Lynda Allen ’82/’88 MBA is a faculty member in the McGraw School of Business.
Construction on the plaza is currently underway, with an expected completion by the start of the 2025-2026 academic year.
For more information about Olivet Nazarene University, visit Olivet.edu/About.
