Each year, students who receive Foundation scholarships at Olivet Nazarene University are invited to reflect on how they’ve grown since arriving on campus. What they share is both powerful and beautifully consistent: Olivet is a place where transformation takes root. Spiritually. Academically. Personally. Relationally. In every corner of campus life, students are being shaped in ways that matter.
With 893 individual student responses, one theme rises above all the rest. Nearly 90% of students say their spiritual life has grown in meaningful ways. They talk about drawing closer to God, discovering a personal faith and being encouraged to live out Christian values in their daily lives. Chapel services, Bible studies and faith-infused classes often become turning points. For many, Olivet becomes more than a university; it becomes the place where their faith comes alive.
Now in her senior year, Aleithia Keltner confirms she has experienced that impact during her time at Olivet.
“I can look back confidently and say that I am more dependent on God, more aware of His work in my life and assured that He has a plan for my future, no matter where He takes me,” she says.
Right behind spiritual growth is a deep sense of community and belonging, mentioned by about 80% of students. They describe Olivet as a second home — a place where they feel welcomed, supported and genuinely known.
“My coaches always check up on me to make sure I’m doing well, and the students do too,” says Makoa Kupahu, a senior and member of Olivet’s football team. “The people around me constantly push me to be the best version of myself.”
The friendships students form and the relationships they build with professors, coaches and staff become anchors in their journey — particularly when hardships arise.
College students encounter a range of experiences while living on campus, from difficult coursework to navigating roommate relationships to receiving hard news from home. Senior Levi Counterman dealt with unspeakable loss as a student but was bolstered by the community of support that he felt at Olivet.
“When I lost my father, I experienced firsthand the caring community of Olivet in the form of teachers, friends, students and faculty who all reached out to me with love and a willingness to help me in any way they could,” he says.
In story after story, students say the same thing: The people are what make Olivet special.
Growth in independence and maturity also stands out, with a significant number of students sharing how they’ve learned to manage responsibilities, make decisions and navigate life with greater confidence. For many, this is their first time living away from home, and they credit Olivet with helping them grow in ways that feel both challenging and encouraging.
Academically, many students say they’ve been stretched and supported in ways that prepare them for their future careers. They speak highly of professors who not only teach with excellence but mentor with heart, combining faith and learning and inspiring students to pursue their calling with purpose.
Social growth is another key component of the student experience. They talk about becoming more outgoing, overcoming shyness and learning how to build meaningful, lasting relationships. Whether through small groups, ministry teams, athletics or late-night conversations in the residence halls, campus life offers countless moments to connect, grow and belong.
Others reflect on the resilience and confidence they’ve gained through challenges. They describe facing academic pressures, personal struggles and spiritual questions and finding strength through the support of the Olivet community. They consistently point to the people around them as the ones who helped them persevere and trust God more deeply.
“The decision to attend Olivet has proven to be one of the best choices I’ve ever made for my personal growth,” senior Avery Chandler says.
Finally, a significant number share that they’ve discovered their calling and stepped into leadership and service. Through student organizations, ministry opportunities and hands-on experiences, they learn to lead with compassion in meaningful ways. The education they receive at Olivet, supported financially by sources like the Foundation scholarships, sets students up for big dreams and bright careers.
Nicholas Stratton is excited to pay things forward with a clear vision for his postgraduate plans.
“Ultimately, I want to graduate from law school and begin my career helping others, ensuring the equality and fairness of the law with a Christian emphasis,” the senior says.
For many students, the decrease of their college financial burden through the gift of scholarships simply brings a sense of peace to their future.
“Borrowing less helps reduce the amount of debt I will owe later and will make it easier to start my post-college life,” senior Rachel Wooten says.
Taken together, these reflections and the statistics behind them paint a clear and hopeful picture. Foundation scholarships do far more than fund education. They spark growth that genuinely matters.
From Olivet The Magazine, Abundant Life – Spring 2026. Read the full issue here.
