Homecoming & Family Weekend 2023 Booklet

Thursday–Sunday, October 19–22

WEEKEND SCHEDULE THURSDAY 7 P.M.

Women’s Volleyball Game

3–4 P.M.

History and Political Science Department Mixer

McHie Arena

Burke Administration Bldg., Room 307

9:30–11 P.M.

3–5 P.M.

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE GATE

Throwback Thursday Student Pancake Feed

RSVP REQUIRED

School of Nursing Homecoming Tea

Ludwig Center

Wisner Hall for Nursing, Rms. 159 & 160

FRIDAY

4–5:30 P.M.

Campus Tours

RSVP REQUIRED

RSVP REQUIRED

Phi Delta Lambda Open House

9 A.M.–3 P.M.

Warming House

(except during Chapel) Bowling Admissions Center (Tours start at the top of every hour)

4–5 P.M.

10 A.M.

Homecoming Chapel Centennial Chapel

11:15 A.M.

Sculpture Installation Ceremony Decker Quadrangle

1–3 P.M.

Archives Open House Benner Library, First Floor

1–4 P.M.

Shine.FM Open House Shine.FM, Foyer

3–3:45 P.M.

Planetarium Show Strickler Planetarium TICKET REQUIRED

3–3:50 P.M.

Organ Recital

TICKET REQUIRED

7:30 P.M.

Men’s Basketball Game McHie Arena

TICKET REQUIRED – INCL. WOMEN’S BASKETBALL GAME ADMISSION

9:30–11 P.M.

Wisner Hall for Nursing, Auditorium $4 PER PERSON AT THE DOOR

9:30–11 P.M.

Centennial Chapel, Lobby

Chalfant Hall

Class of 1968 Reunion RSVP REQUIRED

5–5:30 P.M.

Johnson Gallery and Research Awards

Reed Hall of Science, Atrium

5–5:45 P.M.

Planetarium Show Strickler Planetarium TICKET REQUIRED

McHie Arena

2–4 P.M.

The Theatre at Sims Education Center

4 P.M.

2–4 P.M.

Benner Library, First Floor

“Alice in Wonderland”

Reed Hall of Science, Atrium

5:15 P.M.

Benner Library Student Employee Reunion

Fall Play

Spoons 4 Forks Comedy Improv

Research Poster Session

Guest Artist Exhibition Victorian House Gallery

7–9 P.M.

Taste of Olivet TICKET REQUIRED

SATURDAY 9 A.M.

Alumni Golf Outing

Kankakee Elks Country Club, Kankakee REGISTER AT OLIVET.EDU/ALUMNIGOLF

9–11 A.M.

Campus Tours

Women’s Basketball Game

Admissions Center (Tours start at the top of every hour)

TICKET REQUIRED – INCLUDES MEN’S BASKETBALL GAME ADMISSION

9:30 A.M.–NOON

Immediately following game

Women’s Basketball Reception Birchard Gymnasium

5:30–7 P.M.

ONU Catalyst Banquet

Reed Hall of Science, Room 330 REGISTRATION REQUIRED

7 P.M.

Club Hockey Game

Ice Valley Centre Ice Arena, Kankakee

Centennial Chapel

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Future Tiger Training Ages 0–8th Grade College Church

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

9:30 A.M.–NOON

Undergraduate Class Reunions

Classes of 2018, 2013, 2008, 2003, 1998, 1993, 1988, 1983, 1978 and 1973 Chalfant Hall TICKET REQUIRED

9:30 A.M.–NOON

3:30–4:30 P.M.

For anyone before 1973 College Church, Christian Life Center

Reed Hall of Science, Atrium

STEM Reception

Purple & Gold Reunion TICKET REQUIRED

4:45 P.M.

Club Hockey Game

Ice Valley Centre Ice Arena, Kankakee

10 A.M.–NOON

5–5:45 P.M.

Shine.FM Open House Shine.FM, Foyer

Planetarium Show

11 A.M.

TICKET REQUIRED

Strickler Planetarium

Women’s Alumni Basketball Game

5–7 P.M.

Missionary Reunion Reception

McHie Arena

Ludwig Center, Conference Rooms B & C TICKET REQUIRED

12–1:30 P.M.

Social Work Alumni Gathering Weber Center, Foyer

7:30–9:30 P.M.

Songs from the Stage and Screen: School of Music Concert

1 P.M.

Football Game Ward Field

Featuring School of Music Choirs, Orchestra and Alumni Soloists Centennial Chapel

TICKET REQUIRED

1–4 P.M.

TICKET REQUIRED

Guest Artist Exhibition Victorian House Gallery

SUNDAY

2–4 P.M.

Fall Play

“Alice in Wonderland”

8–9:30 A.M.

TICKET REQUIRED

Chalfant Hall

The Theatre at Sims Education Center

3–3:45 P.M.

Planetarium Show Strickler Planetarium TICKET REQUIRED

TICKETS & INFORMATION

OLIVET.EDU/HC

President’s Prayer Breakfast TICKET REQUIRED

10:30 A.M.

Homecoming Church Service College Church University Avenue

Table of Contents WELCOME FROM DR. CHENOWETH

4–5

“O” AWARDS

6–8

YOUNG ALUMNI AWARDS

9–10

SCHOOL OF MUSIC CONCERT PROGRAM

17

PRESIDENT’S PRAYER BREAKFAST PROGRAM

19

ALUMNI STAFF AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS

21

CAMPUS MAP

22–23

If you need assistance, visit the Homecoming Hospitality Center in the lobby of the Perry Center or call 815-939-5258.

Tickets will be emailed to you. You may receive help printing them off at the Homecoming Hospitality Center.

Families are welcome to enjoy the field house and lower level of the Perry Center as an indoor place to have fun.

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O LIVET. EDU/ HC #ONUHomecoming

From the President

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DEAR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS, I am delighted to have you back to Olivet Nazarene University.

I hope you feel at home again during your time here for Homecoming and Family Weekend. These are exciting days at the University and I trust you will sense the Holy Spirit at work while you are here.

Perhaps you never miss Homecoming, or maybe this is your first time back on campus in 50 years. Either way, you will see renovations on campus, new faculty members and new students — but I know you will recognize the tried and true Olivet. Our aim is to provide a high quality education that develops students personally, professionally and spiritually through an “Education With a Christian Purpose.”

It is a privilege to serve as President and I take seriously the responsibility to make Olivet the best it can be. I want Olivet to thrive, not just for you and me, but for the next generation of Olivetians. We have an important part to play in the world and there is a great need for Olivet people in every industry.

Thank you for making a difference in the world around you.

Welcome home!

Sincerely, Gregg Chenoweth, Ph.D.

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8 a.m. | Sunday, October 22 | Chalfant Hall

“O” AWARDS

Since 1957, Olivet Nazarene University’s Alumni Association has honored outstanding alumni through the presentation of the “O” Awards at the annual fall Homecoming celebration.

2023 Ministerial “O” Award

RAECHEL (PENNINGTON) MYERS ’05 A reluctant writer but lover of story, Raechel Myers loves God’s Word. She delights in the evidence of God’s beauty, goodness, and truth in everyday life. She is the founder and COO of She Reads Truth, a worldwide community of women who are committed to reading the Bible together every day.

She Reads Truth began in 2012 out of Raechel’s simple desire for her life and habits to reflect what she believed to be true about Scripture. Over the past eleven years, God has blessed and used that simple passion to invite millions of women to His Word, as well as men and children.

Raechel is a general editor of the She Reads Truth Bible and He Reads Truth Bible, as well as the co-author of She Reads Truth: Holding Tight to Permanent in a World That’s Passing Away and Open Your Bible: God’s Word

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is For You and For Now, a LifeWay Bible study. She also hosts the “She Reads Truth” podcast which serves as a “Bible book club” for the community and has been ranked among the top 50 Christian podcasts for the past two years.

The Reads Truth family of brands has published more than 250 curated Bible study books, legacy books, and children’s books and resources in pursuit of “biblical literacy between Sundays.” The most recent release is for Advent 2023: He Alone is Worthy, a Bible reading plan that uses Scripture to explore the various capacities in which Jesus’s incarnation fulfills our needs, and promises complete restoration and fullness in His future return.

Raechel graduated from ONU in 2005 with a degree in housing and environmental design. She and her husband, Ryan ’05, live in Nashville, Tennessee, with their two children, Oli and Hazel. Ryan serves as the CEO of She Reads Truth. Together, they love to travel, garden, eat delicious food, and meander through art galleries. ■

A lay recipient and a ministerial recipient are chosen from nominations submitted to the Alumni Board. Qualified individuals represent the ideals of the University and have distinguished themselves in their professional fields.

2023 Lay “O” Award

ANGEL COLÓN When Angel Colón arrived at Olivet Nazarene University in 1986, he spoke limited English and didn’t know Jesus Christ as his Savior.

When he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1990, he spoke English fluently and was living as a follower of Jesus.

Angel lived out one of his childhood dreams when he came to ONU from Puerto Rico on a baseball scholarship.

He was far from his family and carried an English-Spanish dictionary with him nearly everywhere he went. Many people he met weren’t sure how to relate to a person from another culture, another religion, or another country.

“One of my New Testament professors spent two and a half hours with me one day, teaching me the differences

between being a Roman Catholic and being a Christian,” he says. “Students, teammates and ONU leaders loved and cared for me as I learned to adjust to a new culture. Being a student at ONU radically transformed my life. ONU gave me the foundation and tools I needed to succeed personally and professionally.”

One of Angel’s favorite ONU memories happened one night when he and his friends were enjoying a snowstorm in The Quad. “It was snowing hard,” he says. “About 50 people began having a snowball fight. When a pizza delivery guy walked across on his way to a dorm, we all began throwing snowballs at him. He dropped the pizzas and fled!

We got free pizza that night!”

While at ONU, Angel met Naomi (Ritchie) ’88/’18 MSN, a nursing major from Kentucky. She has been his wife for 34 years, and they are the parents of three adult children.

“While we were students, Naomi invited me to attend a campus revival with

continued, next page

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“O” AWARDS 2023 Lay “O” Award, continued her,” he recalls. “I accepted Christ that night. That decision transformed my life from being all about me to being all about serving others. Naomi discipled and mentored me, and she still does today.”

Roberto Clemente, a Puerto Rican who had a stellar Major League Baseball career in the U.S., is one of Angel’s heroes. Clemente’s life was cut short at age 38 when he died in a plane crash. He was known for his many acts of service to those less fortunate than him. Angel recalls this wisdom that Clemente often shared: Anytime you have an opportunity to make a difference in this world and you don’t, you are wasting your time on earth. Inspired by him, in 2019 Angel established a ONU baseball scholarship for Puerto Rican students.

Angel’s career path has taken him from ONU to jobs with Goya Foods in Chicago; The Kellogg Company, in Michigan; The Kroger Company in Cincinnati; and now to his position as head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion with Designer Brands in Columbus, Ohio. His Christian faith and education continue to influence how he carries himself at work, interacts with others and lives his life. “To succeed in the business world, you have to have a great balance of integrity, resilience and education,” Angel says. “ONU made a huge difference in my life in all these areas.”

Psalm 37:23 continues to guide and inspire Angel as he answers God’s calls to serve: “The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.” God has surprised Angel in every area of his life with extraordinary friendships, an exciting career and the gift of evangelism. He has witnessed God’s turning everything around in order to build His Kingdom.

Continuing his commitment to serve others, Angel currently helps teach English as a Second Language classes to immigrants in Cincinnati.

He also finds opportunities to share with them about who Jesus is. In 2019, the State of Ohio presented its Distinguished Hispanic Ohioan Award to Angel in recognition of the ways he helps Hispanics in his community.

Angel accepted Christ on October 15, 1987. He will accept ONU’s “O” Award on October 19, 2023.

As he looks back over his life, he can summarize his story in two words: “Only God. Solo Dios, in Spanish.” ■

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10 a.m. | Friday, October 20 | Chalfant Hall

YOUNG ALUMNI AWARDS

Since 2011, Olivet Nazarene University’s Alumni Association has proudly presented two Young Alumni Awards during Homecoming to alumni who have demonstrated exemplary leadership in their career within 10 years of graduating from the University.

Anna (Grieder) Victorson ’14

Rev. Calum Samuelson ’13/’15 M.A.

“I didn’t plan to work in anything that resembled vocational ministry,” says Anna Victorson. “My degree is in marketing, and I always saw myself joining corporate America and building my career there. God had other plans for me. Because of my time at ONU, I was open to where God was leading me.”

Since graduating from ONU in 2013 with bachelor’s degrees in intercultural studies and Biblical literature, Rev. Calum Samuelson has worked as an adjunct professor, researcher, pastor, and chaplain. All of those roles continue to shape what he is doing now as a university lecturer, an ordained minister in the Free Methodist Church, and a scholar of Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity. He has lived in seven countries and traveled extensively in more than 65 countries for ministry, business and leisure.

Today, Anna is described as a “Director, Cheerleader, Detail-Oriented Doer, General Bringer of Sunshine and Joy” in her full-time work with Go and Tell Gals. She has helped grow this business from the beginning and enjoys the opportunities she has to coach women in their callings from God. “I have a front-row seat to see women step into what God has for them,” she says. “I am passionate about helping women find

For the past two years, Calum and his wife, Andrea (Richardson) ’14, and their son, Clive, have lived in Kenya. “Living and working in Africa is one of God’s biggest surprises in my life!” he says.

continued, next page

continued, next page 9

YOUNG ALUMNI AWARDS Anna Victorson, continued

Rev. Calum Samuelson, continued

the call God has placed on their lives and take steps forward to develop their gifts.”

“In Kenya, I have taught theology at Africa Nazarene University and worked closely with numerous local churches, pastors, and organizations.” This assignment from God also connected Calum with another ONU alumnus, Dr. Rod Reed, who is a professor and deputy vice chancellor of academic affairs at ANU.

Growing up on a farm outside of Normal, Illinois, Anna couldn’t have imagined herself living outside of Illinois. After graduating from ONU, she was an account manager with the American Red Cross in Bourbonnais. In 2016, she became a visual merchandiser and later an apparel department manager with Anthropologie® in Fort Worth, Texas.

She joined Jess Connolly at Go and Tell Gals in 2018.

“ONU helped expose me to thousands of different Christians in America, Africa and throughout history,” Calum says. “I began learning how to cherish the ways that God is at work in diverse Christian traditions.

Ways beyond my own comprehension.

At ONU, I was encouraged to develop curiosity, humility and holiness.” One of his favorite ONU memories is the time he spent traveling and ministering with Before Tomorrow and The Narrow worship teams.

Anna values her ONU education in every area of her life. “ONU prepared me for a life of ministering to others,” she says. “I’m still close with many people from my ONU days. Learning the higher purpose of life and education set the foundation for my life, wherever I go and whatever I’m doing. Even in corporate settings, I am a light for Christ and care for people along the way.”

Calum also holds an MA from ONU’s highly specialized Christian Thought program, an MPhil from the University of Cambridge, and is currently a PhD candidate at the Institute for Orthodox Christian Studies in Cambridge, England.

An influencer on public policy in several countries, he helped secure rights for gig workers in the UK during his time as a researcher for the Jubilee Centre think tank.

One of Anna’s favorite ONU memories is the costumes and fun she and her friends created for Candy Costume Fest. “We planned matching costumes and had a lot of fun doing it,” she says. “One year, my roommate and I dressed as Bacon and Eggs!”

He has published and presented his work in more than a dozen countries. His area of expertise is Ethiopian monasticism, which enables him to be involved in several international projects that aim to preserve, catalogue, transcribe and translate Medieval Ethiopic manuscripts, including The Ethiopic Manuscript Imaging Project and the Beta Maṣāḥәft.

A leader in the Lausanne-Orthodox Initiative, he will soon continue his work in Ethiopia as a post‑doctoral fellow with the Oxford Centre for Mission Studies. ■

Anna met her husband, Jake ’14/ ’16 MBA, in finance class during her sophomore year at ONU. They are the parents of Hampton, who was born in May 2023, and enjoy their dog, Hank, a Havanese. Their family lives in Charleston, South Carolina, where they are actively involved at Bright City Church. ■

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We are asking you to recommend high school students in your circle of influence to attend Olivet Nazarene University. You will be moving forward the mission of Olivet — Education With a Christian Purpose. Advocates who recommend students receive great Olivet swag!

TO RECOMMEND A STUDENT, VISIT

olivet.edu/advocate 11

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HOW TO PARTICI

Do you remember your daily routine at Olivet? Whether it was five years ago or fifty, your Olivet experience probably looked a lot like it does for many of today’s students.

Locate the “Make your Mark” sign at location #1.

Scan the QR code and watch the video for a clue to the hidden landmark sticker.

We hope this activity reminds you of what life was like as an Olivet student and encourages you to once again Make Your Mark on the place we can always call home: Olivet.

Follow the clues until you find all the location stickers and a special gift at the end!

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OlivetConnect.com

An online platform to make helpful connections, give back, and expand your network. As an Olivet Connect member, you will have full access to the following:  Alumni Directory Network & Connect  Business Marketplace Get discounts to use at alumni-owned businesses  Affinity Groups Connect with alumni in your area, or with similar interests  Mentor a Student or

Recent Graduate

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NEW FOR 2023

AN OLIVET COLLECTIBLE FOURTH IN THE SERIES

___ PURCHASE YOUR

Olivet Christmas Ornament WITH A $50 DONATION TO THE OLIVET FUND TO SUPPORT STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS.

Olivet.edu/Ornament SCAN HERE > 15

S AV E THE D AT E S

Olivet Nazarene University School of Music presents two holiday traditions

&

Sounds of the Season

Messiah

+

TUESDAY DEC 12 7 PM

FRIDAY DEC 8 7 PM

SATURDAY DEC 9 2 PM

CENTENNIAL CHAPEL FOR TICKETS, VISIT OLIVET.EDU/EVENTS 16

7:30–9:30 p.m. | Saturday, October 21 | Centennial Chapel

SCHOOL OF MUSIC HOMECOMING CONCERT

“Songs from the Stage and Screen” Featuring School of Music Choirs, Orchestra and Alumni Soloists

Program W E LC O M E

—— SCHOOL OF MUSIC

—— F E AT U R E D GUESTS

—— C LO S I N G REMARKS

The Olivet Nazarene University School of Music offers limitless opportunities for students to hone their musical craft.

DR. WOODRUFF

From worship services to the concert hall, you will find music in every corner of the campus. From the University’s earliest days, music has been a significant part of the academic, social and spiritual offerings. Olivet school of music graduates have worked at Disney, Drury Lane Theatre, The Metropolitan Opera, Paramount, San Fransisco Opera, Ravinia, Gaither Music Group and more.

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Dr. Neal Woodruff is the Dean of the School of Music. Dr. Woodruff joined the ONU faculty in 2000. He is the conductor of the University Orchestra and Concert Singers. His teaching responsibilities include applied voice/pedagogy (both classical and contemporary), opera/music theatre, applied conducting, and church music.

Often, the parents of our students say, “I wish I could enroll again!”

Captivated by the complete Olivet experience, many adults choose to continue their education at Olivet Nazarene University.

Olivet offers unique graduate and continuing studies degrees, certificates and programs. Many of the courses are offered online, providing a smooth transition for working adults to jump back into their own educational pursuits.

Learn more at Olivet.edu

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8 a.m. | Sunday, October 22 | Chalfant Hall

PRESIDENT’S PRAYER BREAKFAST

Program F E AT U R E D M U S I C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Orpheus Choir Dr. Jeff Bell ’81 Director W E LC O M E A N D P R AY E R . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lisa Garvin ’90 President of the Olivet Alumni Association C O N G R E G AT I O N A L S I N G I N G P R AY E R . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Gregg ’90 and Tammy Chenoweth ’89 University President and First Lady SPECIAL MUSIC T E S T I M O N I E S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Raechel Myers ’05 2023 “O” Award Recipient Angel ColÓn ’90 2023 “O” Award Recipient C LO S I N G W O R D A N D P R AY E R . . . . . Dr. Gregg and Tammy Chenoweth

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2023–2024

UPCOMING OLIVET EVENTS Tickets on sale now — Olivet.edu/Tickets

NOVEMBER 16–18

FEBRUARY 29–MARCH 2

MARCH 21–23

APRIL 4–6

FEBRUARY 22–24, 2024

MAY 11, 2024

Golf registration now open

Baccalaureate Service

We’re heading back to Phoenix, Arizona! Play up to 90 holes as part of the Watson Memorial Golf Series to raise scholarship funds for Olivet students.

Special music and testimonies from two Class of 2024 undergraduate degree candidates.

OLIVET THE 21ST A NNUA L

INVITATIONAL SPECIAL GUEST

2016 World Series MVP

BEN ZOBRIST

Olivet.edu/OlivetInvitational

Olivet.edu/Events 20

The Office of Alumni Relations and Olivet’s Alumni Board welcome you to Homecoming 2023 OFFICE OF ALUMNI RELATIONS 815-939-5258

•

Alumni@Olivet.edu

Erinn Proehl ’13 Executive Director of Alumni, Church and Constituent Relations

•

Olivet.edu/Alumni-Friends

Hannah (Iverson) Priest ’21 Associate Director of Alumni Relations

Carla (Reno) Schimmelpfennig ’89 Office Manager for Alumni Relations

Kathryn West ’23 Graduate Assistant for Alumni Relations

ALUMNI BOARD OF DIRECTORS, 2023–2024 Dr. Gregg Chenoweth ’90 University President Dr. Brian D. Allen ’82 Vice President for Institutional Advancement

Karen (Abbott) Bontrager ’86 On Region

Matthew Lyle ’09 Off Region

Matthew Buller ’10 Educational Region

Dr. Cassie (Martin) Mecklenburg ’03 Educational Region

LaMorris Crawford ’06 Off Region

Dr. Chris Peal ’86 Educational Region

Ryan Walker ’06 Alumni Association Vice President

Lisa (Stiles) Evans ’90 Off Region

Bill Religo ’67 Off Region

Tim Alderson ’75 Secretary

Jordan Gallup ’06 Off Region

Ben Smidt ’07 Lay Trustee Representative

Melissa Guerdan ’97 Off Region

Rev. Phil Kizzee ’83 Elder Trustee Representative

Katie (Kalemkarian) Jimenez ’06 Off Region

Lisa (Schnicker) Garvin ’90 Alumni Association President

Eric Johnson ’94 Off Region Scott Lingle ’90 Educational Region

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Jordan (Bredholt) Schriver ’15 Off Region Jessica (Allison) Swanson ’06 Off Region Gordon Tommy ’97 Off Region Dr. Amy (Butler) Williams ’90 Off Region

Located in the lobby of the Perry Center

HOSPITALITY CENTER If you need assistance during Homecoming:

• VISIT the Homecoming Hospitality Center in the lobby of the Perry Student Life and Recreation Center, or • CALL 815-939-5258.

HOSPITALITY CENTER in Lobby of PERRY CENTER

OLIVET.EDU

Follow us for news updates, photos, video content and more!

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Facebook.com/OlivetNazareneUniversity

STAY CONNECTED!

Are you staying connected to Olivet’s latest news and updates?

Our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages offer daily information and ways to stay in touch.

Our online platform OlivetConnect.com will help you network and connect wth fellow alumni.

Instagram.com/OlivetNazarene and Instagram.com/LifeAtOlivet 23

Twitter.com/OlivetNazarene

Save the date!

HOMECOMING: OCTOBER 25–27, 2024 Come Home to Olivet in 2024

Celebrating the Classes of 2019, 2014, 2009, 2004, 1999, 1994, 1989, 1984, 1979, 1974, and Purple & Gold Grads before 1974 Olivet.edu/HC 24