2025
YOUR WEEKEND SCHEDULE
THURSDAY
9:30–11
3–5 P.M.
FRIDAY
Wisner
3:30–4:15 P.M.
REQUIRED
4–5:30 P.M.
SATURDAY
12–1:30
4–5 P.M.
Research Poster Session Reed Hall of Science, Atrium
5–5:30 P.M.
Johnson Gallery and Research Awards Reed Hall of
5:15
DEAR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS,
Tammy and I are delighted to have you back to Olivet Nazarene University.
We hope that 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 we know that 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.
HOMECOMING CHAPEL
Order of Service
PRELUDE ................................................. Josh Ring ’13 Affiliate Professor of Music
CALL TO WORSHIP .......................... Proclamation Gospel Choir Director, Marvin Jones
WELCOME .............................................. Brian Allen ’81 Vice President for Institutional Advancement
PRAYER .................................................... Ryan Green University Chaplain
CONGREGATIONAL WORSHIP
YOUNG ALUMNI AWARDS AND .................... Erika Moeschke ’12 SCHOLARSHIP PRESENTATIONS Senior Director of Alumni Relations and University Advancement
YOUNG ALUMNI AWARD RECIPIENT ............... Alyssa Franklin ’19
YOUNG ALUMNI AWARD RECIPIENT ............... Kolton Williford ’15
CLOSING COMMENTS ........................ Susan (Hendley) Wolff ’94
Associate Vice President for Institutional Advancement
ALMA MATER ........................................ Neal Woodruff ’91
Associate Dean, School of Music
POSTLUDE .................................................. Josh Ring
After Homecoming Chapel, there is more to see and do including open houses, theatre performances, athletic competitions and the 5th Quarter Fair.
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 careers within 10 years of graduating from the University.
ALYSSA KOLTON
FRANKLIN ’19 WILLIFORD ’15
From her first visit to the Olivet Nazarene University campus to her current career as an Emmy-nominated producer for WGN-TV’s lifestyle show Daytime Chicago, Alyssa Franklin follows God’s leading in His plan for her life. In the process, she is seeing her dreams come true.
Growing up with three siblings in a Godly household, Alyssa learned to put God first in everything. She and her family continue to put Jesus at the forefront of everything they say and do.
At Olivet, Alyssa began blending her passion for media with her deep love for ministry. Her bachelor’s degree is in
continued, next page
“Olivet provided a sanctuary for me and gave me a platform to grow deeper in my faith,” says Kolton Williford. “At Olivet, I built relationships — rooted in the love of the Lord — that will last a lifetime.” From his vantage point today as a development officer, husband, father and follower of Christ, Kolton thanks God for everything he learned at Olivet Nazarene University.
Kolton came to Olivet from Urbana, Illinois, on a football scholarship. “I had accepted Christ when I was 16, and, although the Christian faith wasn’t new to me, I had a lot of learning and maturing to do,” he says. “Drew Benson was my resident advisor in Chapman.
continued, next page
Alyssa Franklin, continued Kolton Williford, continued
Multimedia Communication with a concentration in Broadcast Journalism.
“My Olivet professors — especially Professor Mark Bishop, Dr. Beth Patrick-Trippel and Dr. Heather McLaughlin — helped me develop my strengths and get hands-on, real-world experience,” she says. “They taught me the necessary skills for success and showed me what was possible for my career.”
Alyssa was one of those Olivet students who seems to be everywhere on campus at the same time! She served on a Music Ambassador team; sang in chapel and with the Proclamation Gospel Choir; was elected to the Homecoming Court; and gave tours as a Student Ambassador in the Admissions Center. In her dorm, she started and led a women’s Bible study, The Passover. She also traveled on mission trips to the Englewood neighborhood in Chicago and internationally to Uganda. During her senior year, she completed a dream internship at a TV station in downtown Chicago.
Today, Alyssa continues to blend media and ministry in her life. She and her sisters lead worship and record music as A4L Music. She started and leads Chicago Girls Love Jesus, a ministry to bring women together in community.
“Whether I’m in the newsroom at WGN‑TV or leading worship at my parents’ church, I want people to see Jesus in me and encounter His love,” Alyssa says. “I want to do more than excellent work in my life. I want to be salt and light in a dark world.” ■
He challenged me to go deeper in my walk with the Lord and really mature in my faith. And he not only said it, he modeled it.”
During his freshman year, Kolton met Sarah Walsh ’15 while he was using the printer at Benner Library. After Christmas break, they began dating. They got married in 2017 and are the parents of two daughters.
At Olivet, Kolton was surprised by the professors’ intentionality in building relationships with students. Professor Tim Mercer and his wife, Mary, invited him to join a group of students who met at their home for dinner and conversation. He also went on a mission trip to Thailand with the Mercers.
One of Kolton’s favorite Olivet memories is the mission trip to an inner city Chicago neighborhood, led by JP Troglio, another of Kolton’s mentors on campus. “We were less than an hour from Olivet,” he recalls. “Serving the youth in that neighborhood opened my eyes to the fact that people in our country are living in poverty.”
That realization plus a visit by Jay Height, executive director of Shepherd Community Center in Indianapolis, to the Olivet campus during Kolton’s senior year set the trajectory for his career. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Intercultural Studies and joined the team at Shepherd in 2015. Currently, he serves as the Chief Development Officer, overseeing marketing, communications, development and donor events. ■
UNDERGRADUATE CLASS REUNIONS
Breakfast for the Classes of 1975–2020 begins at 9:30 a.m. in Chalfant Hall. Following breakfast, each reunion class will go to their breakout location.
Go directly to the College Church CLC for breakfast and programming beginning at 9:30 a.m.
Breakout
Locations
Class of 1975 Weber Leadership Center
Class of 1980 McHie Arena, Room 100
Class of 1985 Weber Leadership Center, Room 301
Class of 1990 President’s Dining Room, Ludwig Center
Class of 1995 Weber Leadership Center, Room 306
Class of 2000 Weber Leadership Center, Room 207
Class of 2005 Tiger Den
Class of 2010 McHie Arena, Room 104
Class of 2015 Perry Student Life and Recreation Center, Room 222
Class of 2020 Hawkins Centennial Chapel, Lobby
Order of Service
WELCOME AND PRAYER ................. Lisa (Schnicker) Garvin ’90 President of the Olivet Alumni Association
ALMA MATER
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS ................. Dr. Gregg Chenoweth ’90 University President
CLOSING REMARKS ............................. Erika Moeschke ’12 Senior Director of Alumni Relations and University Advancement
After your reunion, enjoy a full day of Homecoming festivities. See pages 2 and 3 for the complete list.
OCTOBER 18, 2025
A Night to Honor the Generosity of Leadership Society, Heritage Society and Founders Society Members
WELCOME & PRAYER
Dr. Brian Allen
DINNER
STUDENT TESTIMONY
Your Piece of My Story: Receiving Hope
DONOR TESTIMONY
A Picture of Legacy: Inspired Generosity
A MESSAGE OF GRATITUDE
Dr. Gregg Chenoweth
An Evening of Worship with Meredith Andrews, featuring Olivet’s School of Music, begins at 7 p.m. in Centennial Chapel. W E L C O M E TO
CELEBRATING OF THE PUZZLE
FOR OUR DONORS
We appreciate your support of Olivet Nazarene University and its students — today and into the future.
Celebrating a Strong Tradition
Last year, nearly 6,000 purple and gold flags blanketed the Hawkins Centennial Chapel lawn. They represent alumni and friends who have supported Olivet’s Strength & Hope Campaign — and students who benefit from their generosity.
You ensure excellence for today’s Olivet, and build a legacy of excellence for generations to come.
Scan the code below to read the full story.
LEADERSHIP SOCIETY members make annual gifts of $1,000 and greater to Olivet Nazarene University. Partnership in this way creates increased mission momentum and strengthens the Olivet experience for all students.
HERITAGE SOCIETY members include dedicated trustees, alumni, faculty, staff and other special friends who demonstrate their commitment by investing now for long-term impact. We commend them for their vision and generosity. The invested financial support of Heritage Society members secures the future so the Olivet experience can continue to shape lives.
FOUNDERS SOCIETY recognizes alumni and friends for the cumulative impact of lifetime giving — including current, deferred, and planned gifts from your estate. You achieve Founders Society membership through your giving at the following levels, joining the legacy of those whose namesake buildings on campus stand as a lasting tribute to vision and faithfulness:
Olivet’s School of Music proudly presents two holiday traditions SAVE THE DATES
MANUFACTURED BY THE CREATORS OF THE OFFICIAL WHITE HOUSE CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT, THIS YEAR’S KEEPSAKE FEATURES OLIVET’S BENNER LIBRARY.
You can fuel creativity and foster excellence by sponsoring the Fine Arts at Olivet so that the education and programming continues to benefit our graduates and our communities.
Olivet invites alumni and friends to stop by Benner Library during Homecoming as we celebrate the 50-year anniversary of its construction in 1975.
“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.
2025 Ministerial “O” Award
MARK HOLCOMB ’81/’18 D.Div.
Freshman move-in day at Olivet Nazarene University is still an unforgettable day for Mark Holcomb, but not for the usual reasons. As he was moving into Chapman Hall, he saw a student driving a Public Safety golf cart down the sidewalk. The Public Safety officer was chasing him on foot and not even close to catching him. That was Mark’s first indication that Olivet was definitely the school for him!
While he was a student at Olivet, more unforgettable experiences set the tone for the rest of Mark’s life and ministry. God confirmed his call to ministry at a Fall Revival service during his sophomore year. Also that year, he met a freshman girl named Terry Hodge, a baton twirler. “Our first date was for Homecoming that year,” Mark recalls. “We got married after we graduated, and we’ve shared 44 years of ministry and family together.”
Sports broadcasting also became part of Mark’s life while he was an Olivet student. He met Gary Griffin ’81, and they did play by play radio broadcasts together for Olivet Tiger football and basketball for two years.
“Students are shaped by faculty members who are engaged with the
students,” Mark says. “Professor Jim Boardman and Professor Ray Moore were two of those professors for me. They counseled, mentored and taught me. As a resident assistant in Chapman for two years, I strived to do the same for the students on my floor.”
Mark graduated from Olivet with a bachelor’s degree in Christian Education and a minor in Radio Broadcasting. He also holds a master’s degree in Religious Education from Nazarene Theological Seminary. In 1990, he was ordained as an elder in the Church of the Nazarene.
For 22 years, Mark served as a youth pastor in Kansas, Michigan, Ohio and Indiana. In 2000, he was elected to the Global Nazarene Youth International (NYI) Council and served on the USA Canada NYI council from 2000 to 2009. He was elected NYI Global Vice Chair in 2005, USA Canada NYI Council Chair in 2005, and NYI Global Chair in 2009.
In fall 2004, Mark joined the Olivet faculty and taught in the School of Theology and Christian Ministry for 15 years. He developed a Master of Ministry in Youth Ministry degree program, and he helped shape the current Master of Ministry in Family Ministry degree program.
“The greatest honor of my ministry life came in the spring of 2010 when I was named chaplain at Olivet,” Mark says. “I served my alma mater in this role
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.
until 2022. What a blessing to give back to the place that had shaped me.” In 2018, Olivet recognized his service for the Lord with a Doctor of Divinity degree.
“People fall in love with the community aspect of Olivet,” Mark says. “They want to invest in it and be a part of it. Graduates want their kids to experience the Olivet way of education, ministry and life.”
Mark’s Olivet connections now extend to the family he and Terry have built together. They have two daughters, Kristin ’06, who is married to Luke Sanders ’06; and Kelli ’08, who is married to Christopher Bowman ’08. They are also grandparents to seven grandkids: Brayden, Bradley, Bella and Boone Sanders; and Jackson, Oliver and Vivian Bowman.
Mark and Terry currently live in Reed City, Michigan, where he serves on the church
2025 Lay “O” Award
board at Reed City Church of the Nazarene. He now does sports broadcasts for his local high school and also coaches the varsity girls basketball team. As the Director of Spiritual Life at Eagle Village, a primary care facility for at risk youth, he continues his commitment to having great conversations about faith with people who are struggling.
“The definition of Christian has changed in some places in our culture, but it hasn’t changed at Olivet,” Mark says. “Our society and culture need places like Olivet, where people can disagree and still be kind and gracious to one another. When you’re kind and gracious, God works in the disagreements and brings us together. Together, we are modeling what Christian truly means, and we don’t have to change what we believe to do that.” ■
MEL SAYES ’73
When he was five years old, Mel Sayes arrived on the campus of Olivet Nazarene College with his parents, Dr. J. Ottis Sayes and Delia (Melton) Sayes, and his sister, Deena ’75. Dr. Sayes later became chair of Olivet’s Religion and Philosophy division. Mrs. Sayes taught at Bourbonnais Elementary School.
Mel’s childhood was filled with Olivet connections. “We lived in a two‑story white house on Main Street in Bourbonnais, at the entrance to Olivet,” he recalls. “Our family lived on the first floor, and Dr. Harlow and Mrs. Harriet Hopkins lived on the second floor. The president, Dr. Reed, and his wife lived across the street from us.”
Mel was a student at Robert Frost Grade School, which is now the home of Olivet’s Department of Art and Digital continued, next page
Mel Sayes, continued
Media. The population of Bourbonnais was about 10,000 at that time. He recalls the configuration of Olivet’s campus, too.
The street going into campus made an O, went in front of Chapman and Burke, and went around the tennis courts located in the middle of the O.
“College Church was in the same location,” Mel says, “but the building was only the sanctuary with the meeting rooms on the lower floor. And there was no air conditioning. Dr. Nash was the pastor.”
Mel vividly remembers when he was a sophomore at Olivet and a ministry team from Asbury University came to campus. On a Wednesday night at College Church, the team gave their testimonies. “Chapel the next day was very different,” he says. “Students came forward to pray together. Chapel lasted all day long. We experienced a spontaneous revival.”
While he was a student at Olivet, Mel met Judi Tucker ’73, and they married after graduation. They are now the parents of two sons: Jay ’06, who is married to Cyndi (Rucker) ’08; and Josh, who graduated from Southern Nazarene University in 2008. They are the grandparents of two granddaughters. Their family attends Brockington Road Church of the Nazarene in Little Rock together. Mel serves as a Sunday School teacher and a church board member.
Mel treasures the advice of Professor Harvey Humble, one of his favorite Olivet professors, when he was uncertain about what to do after graduating from Olivet. During one of
their conversations, Professor Humble encouraged him to go to law school and pursue a career as a lawyer. After he graduated from Olivet, Mel enrolled at the University of Arkansas School of Law in Little Rock. He worked during the day and took classes at night.
After receiving his Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree, Mel went into practice with another attorney and then later joined his current firm. Today, his son, Jay, is also a member of that firm — Matthews Sanders & Sayes in Little Rock.
“Olivet gave me a good education and equipped me well for law school,” Mel says. “I am a trial lawyer, and I’ve practiced law for 48 years, trying 25 or 30 cases a year. Through Professor Humble, God guided me to a successful career. God has faithfully taught me and led me and provided for me in everything I have done.”
Mel serves as chair of The Olivet Foundation, helping to make sure the mission of Olivet continues into the future. He is also an ex officio member of Olivet’s Board of Trustees. In 2011, he and Judi established Olivet’s Young Alumni Award to honor two alumni — one male and one female — and to be presented annually at Homecoming. Recipients are chosen by vote of the Alumni Board and must have graduated from Olivet within the last 10 years.
“During my days in Bourbonnais, I always had solid Christian people who cared about me,” Mel says. “The people in our Olivet community helped my parents raise me. Olivet helped me channel my competitiveness into a successful life of service.” ■
8 a.m. | Sunday, October 19 | Chalfant Hall
PRESIDENT’S PRAYER BREAKFAST
Order of Service
ORPHEUS CHOIR .................................... Dr. Jeff Bell ’81 Director
WELCOME AND PRAYER Lisa (Schnicker) Garvin ’90 President of the Olivet Alumni Association
CONGREGATIONAL SINGING
PRAYER TIME ......... Dr. Gregg ’90 and Tammy (Salyer) Chenoweth ’89 University President and First Lady
TESTIMONIES ....................................... Mel Sayes ’73 2025 Lay “O” Award Recipient
Dr. Mark Holcomb ’81 2025 Ministerial “O” Award Recipient
CLOSING .............................. Gregg and Tammy Chenoweth
Homecoming Church Service begins at 10:30 a.m. at College Church University Avenue
Planning a Legacy of Hope
Estate planning empowers you to protect what matters most — your future, that of your loved ones, and the causes close to your heart.
Olivet Nazarene University’s team has the legacy giving expertise to help you discover tax-smart strategies to support Olivet while maximizing personal benefits. We’re here to ensure your estate plan reflects your values and protects what matters most.
Let’s have a conversation!
Contact Walter “Woody” Webb, Director of Planned and Estate Giving: 815-939-5171 or development@olivet.edu.
Olivet partners with PhilanthroCorp, a trusted organization that offers free, personalized estate planning guidance. Their team will walk you through your options and help you take the next step with confidence. Contact PhilanthroCorp directly and confidentially at 800-876-7958 — and be sure to mention Olivet.
There are over 600 students involved in intercollegiate athletics at ONU. Tiger Champions Club provides a unique opportunity for alumni, parents, and friends to partner with our sports teams and advance their tradition of excellence. Join the club at: olivet.edu/tigerchampions
OLIVET.EDU LEAD on PURPOSE
OLIVET IN THE FAMILY
Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, extended family member, sibling or guardian, we’re here for you.
Discover ways to keep up with your student and encourage them throughout their academic, social and spiritual opportunities. For regular news and event information, along with receiving the bi-monthly newsletter delivered directly to your email, register for the Parent and Family Network.
Olivet Nazarene University graduate degrees and certificates offer more than advancement; they offer real career development. Areas of study include business, education, nursing, ministry and ethical leadership — all of which keep Olivet students centered on purpose.
We offer more than 20 convenient and affordable programs and degree opportunities. Studentscan choose from the online M.O.L., M.S.N., RN-B.S.N., RN-M.S.N., Ed.D., M.A.E., FNP, M.Div. or the M.A. — and some can be completed in as little as one year.
UPCOMING OLIVET EVENTS
7
Directed
OFFICE OF ALUMNI & UNIVERSITY RELATIONS ALUMNI BOARD OF DIRECTORS, 2025–2026
815-939-5258 • Alumni@Olivet.edu Olivet.edu/Alumni-Friends
Susan (Hendley) Wolff ’94
Associate Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Erika Moeschke ’12
Senior Director of Alumni Relations & University Advancement
Alyssa Phelps ’21
Associate Director of University Relations & Engagement
Hannah (Iverson) Priest ’21
Associate Director of Alumni & University Relations
Dr. Gregg Chenoweth ’90 University President
Dr. Brian D. Allen ’82 Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Susan (Hendley) Wolff ’94
Associate Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Erika Moeschke ’12
Senior Director of Alumni Relations & University Advancement
Lisa (Schnicker) Garvin ’90 Alumni Association President
Ryan Walker ’06 Alumni Association Vice President
Tim Alderson ’75 Secretary and Historian
Rev. Joel Heald ’08 Ministerial Trustee
Representative
LaMorris Crawford ’06 Off Region
Jordan Gallup ’06 Off Region
Eric Johnson ’94 Off Region
Alison (Krock) Kelley ’01
Educational Region
Beth (Johnson) Long ’06
Educational Region
Matthew Lyle ’09 Off Region
Dr. Cassie (Martin) Mecklenburg ’03
Educational Region
Addison Newell ’15
Educational Region
Dr. Chris Peal ’86 Educational Region
Michael Reddy, Jr. ’90 Educational Region
Carla (Reno) Schimmelpfennig ’89 Office Manager for Alumni & University Relations
Morgan (Connor) Manahan ’24
Graduate Assistant for Alumni & University Relations
Dr. Jim Forshee ’79 Lay Trustee
Representative
Curtis Besco ’95 Off Region
Karen (Abbott) Bontrager ’86
Educational Region
Spencer Cook ’10 Off Region
Bill Religo ’67 Off Region
Jordan (Bredholt) Schriver ’15 Off Region
Missy (Luginbill) Veeck ’95 Off Region
Dr. Amy (Butler) Williams ’90 Off Region
HOSPITALITY CENTER STAY CONNECTED!
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.
Are you staying connected to Olivet’s latest news and updates?
Our Facebook, Instagram and X pages offer daily information and ways to stay in touch.
Our online platform OlivetConnect. com will help you network and connect wth fellow alumni.
ALLENPLAZA
IT’S ABOUT TO GET PERSONAL
“We Believe. You Belong Here.” That’s not just a catchy saying; we truly want to help you succeed. At Olivet Nazarene University, integrating into community life starts with a personalized visit that can include any number of curated events. Once you enroll, you’ll select your unique academic path from more than 140 areas of study. When you graduate, you’ll be prepared to follow your dreams.
when we celebrate the Classes of 2021, 2016, 2011, 2006, 2001, 1996, 1991, 1986, 1981, 1976, and Purple & Gold Grads before 1976