Homecoming & Family Weekend Booklet - 2025

2025 OLIVET.EDU/HC

Thursday–Sunday, October 16–19

YOUR WEEKEND SCHEDULE THURSDAY 9:30–11 P.M.

Throwback Thursday Student Pancake Feed Ludwig Center

2:30–3:15 P.M.

8:45–10:30 P.M.

Planetarium Show

5th Quarter Fair

TICKET REQUIRED

TICKET REQUIRED

Strickler Planetarium

3–5 P.M.

Perry Center, Field House

9:30

School of Nursing Homecoming Tea

Spoons 4 Forks

FRIDAY

RSVP REQUIRED

TICKET PURCHASED AT THE DOOR

Campus Tours

Strickler Planetarium

Wisner Hall for Nursing, Room 159

9 A.M.–3 P.M. except during Chapel

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

8:30 or 9:30 A.M.–3:30 P.M.

Experience Homecoming Bowling Admissions Center

RSVP REQUIRED — OLIVET.EDU/VISIT

10 A.M.

Homecoming Chapel Centennial Chapel

11–11:30 A.M.

Allen Plaza Dedication The expanded Decker Quad

11:30 A.M.–12:30 P.M.

Benner Library 50th Anniversary Kick Off at Noon Benner Library, First Floor

11:30 A.M.–2:30 P.M.

Archives Open House Benner Library, First Floor

1–2 P.M.

Organ Recital Centennial Chapel

1:30–2:30 P.M.

School of Theology & Christian Ministry Alumni Gathering Burke Admin. Bldg., Third Floor Cafe RSVP REQUIRED

2–3 P.M.

History and Political Science Department Mixer Burke Admin. Bldg., Room 307

Wisner Hall for Nursing, Auditorium

TICKET REQUIRED

4–5:30 P.M.

STEM Alumni Gathering Reed Hall of Science, Atrium RSVP REQUIRED

Research Poster Session Reed Hall of Science, Atrium

5–5:30 P.M.

Johnson Gallery and Research Awards

Reed Hall of Science, Atrium

5:15 P.M.

Women’s Basketball Game McHie Arena

TICKET REQUIRED

Immediately following game

Women’s Soccer Alumni Gathering

SATURDAY 9 A.M.–NOON

Future Tiger Training

Ages 0–8th Grade College Church University Avenue

9:30 A.M.–NOON

Undergraduate Class Reunions Chalfant Hall

TICKET REQUIRED

ONU Catalyst Banquet

Reed Hall of Science, Room 330 RSVP REQUIRED

Women’s Basketball Reception Birchard Gymnasium

7 P.M.

ONU Hockey Game

Ice Valley Centre Ice Arena, Kankakee $5 PER PERSON AT THE DOOR

7:30 P.M.

Men’s Basketball Game McHie Arena

TICKET REQUIRED

RSVP REQUIRED

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3–3:45 P.M.

Planetarium Show 5 P.M.

12–2 P.M.

The Earth & Space Science Reams Celebration Reed Hall of Science, Room 330

Women’s Soccer Game Snowbarger Athletic Park

5–5:45 P.M.

Planetarium Show

TICKET REQUIRED

Strickler Planetarium

12–1:30 P.M.

TICKET REQUIRED

Social Work Alumni Gathering

7 P.M.

An Evening of Worship with Meredith Andrews

Weber Center, Foyer TICKET REQUIRED

Centennial Chapel

12 P.M.

TICKET REQUIRED

Bill Bahr Soccer Facility Ribbon Cutting Bahr Soccer Facility

9:30 A.M.–NOON

Purple & Gold Reunion

For anyone before 1974 College Church, Christian Life Center

10 A.M.

Swim and Dive Meet Perry Center, Pool

Immediately following game

McHie Arena

TICKET REQUIRED

1 P.M.

SUNDAY

Football Game Ward Field

TICKET REQUIRED

8–9:30 A.M.

TICKET REQUIRED

5:30–7 P.M.

3 P.M.

Women’s Volleyball Game

Strickler Planetarium

RSVP REQUIRED

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

4–5 P.M.

Snowbarger Athletic Park

Warming House

3:30–4:15 P.M.

Planetarium Show

11 A.M.–NOON

Women’s Soccer Alumni Game

10 A.M.–4 P.M.

Shine.FM Open House Shine.FM, Foyer

1–4 P.M.

President’s Prayer Breakfast

Guest Artist Exhibition

Chalfant Hall

TICKET REQUIRED

Victorian House Gallery

2 P.M.

10:30 A.M.

ONU Hockey Game

Ice Valley Centre Ice Arena, Kankakee $5 TICKET PURCHASED AT THE DOOR

Homecoming Church Service College Church University Avenue

11 A.M.–2 P.M.

Family Fun Zone

Warming House, Lawn

11 A.M.

Women’s Alumni Basketball Game McHie Arena

TICKETS & INFORMATION

OLIVET.EDU/HC

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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Table of Contents WELCOME FROM DR. CHENOWETH

4–5

HOMECOMING CHAPEL, YOUNG ALUMNI AWARDS

6–8

CLASS REUNIONS

12

“O” AWARDS

20–22

PRESIDENT’S PRAYER BREAKFAST

23

ALUMNI RELATIONS STAFF AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS

29

CAMPUS MAP

30–31

From the University President

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.

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10 a.m. | Friday, October 17 | Centennial Chapel

HOMECOMING CHAPEL

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.

Order of Service P R E LU D E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Josh Ring ’13 Affiliate Professor of Music C A L L TO W O R S H I P . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Proclamation Gospel Choir Director, Marvin Jones W E LC O M E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brian Allen ’81 Vice President for Institutional Advancement P R AY E R . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ryan Green University Chaplain C O N G R E G AT I O N A L W O R S H I P YO U N G A LU M N I AWA R D S A N D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Erika Moeschke ’12 S C H O L A R S H I P P R E S E N TAT I O N S Senior Director of Alumni Relations and University Advancement YO U N G A LU M N I AWA R D R E C I P I E N T . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alyssa Franklin ’19 YO U N G A LU M N I AWA R D R E C I P I E N T . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kolton Williford ’15 C LO S I N G C O M M E N T S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Susan (Hendley) Wolff ’94 Associate Vice President for Institutional Advancement A L M A M AT E R . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Neal Woodruff ’91 Associate Dean, School of Music P O S T LU D E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Josh Ring After Homecoming Chapel, there is more to see and do including open houses, theatre performances, athletic competitions and the 5th Quarter Fair.

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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.

“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.

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.

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.

At Olivet, Alyssa began blending her passion for media with her deep love for ministry. Her bachelor’s degree is in continued, next page

continued, next page

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YOUNG ALUMNI AWARDS 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.”

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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. ■

“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.” ■

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Visit Olivet.edu/ Advocacy 9

Introducing The Vault — a curated collection of elevated college apparel and merch including knitwear, hoodies, jewelry and accessories celebrating your Olivet legacy.

DE S IG NE D BY O LIVE T ALUMNA, R AQUEL GONZALEZ ’24

PERRY CENTER LOBBY

OCTOBER 17–19

@OLIVETALUMNI

ONE DAY. ONE MISSION. ONE MILLION. SAVE THE DATE 4.15.26

9:30 a.m. | Saturday, October 18 | Chalfant Hall

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.

Breakout

Locations

Go directly to the College Church CLC for breakfast and programming beginning at 9:30 a.m.

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 W E LC O M E A N D P R AY E R . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lisa (Schnicker) Garvin ’90 President of the Olivet Alumni Association A L M A M AT E R P R E S I D E N T I A L R E M A R K S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Gregg Chenoweth ’90 University President C LO S I N G R E M A R K S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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.

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5 p.m. | Chalfant Hall | RSVP Required

WE

LCOME TO

OCTOBER 18, 2025 A Night to Honor the Generosity of Leadership Society, Heritage Society and Founders Society Members W ELCOME & PR AY ER Dr. Brian Allen DINNER STUDENT TESTIMONY Your Piece of My Story: Receiving Hope DONOR TESTIMONY A Picture of Legacy: Inspired Generosity A M E S S A G E O F G R AT I T U D E Dr. Gregg Chenoweth An Evening of Worship with Meredith Andrews, featuring Olivet’s School of Music, begins at 7 p.m. in Centennial Chapel.

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C E L E B R AT I N G

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

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.

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.

Platinum Level Gold Level Silver Level Bronze Level

$25,000+ $10,000+ $5,000+ $1,000+

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.

You ensure excellence for today’s Olivet, and build a legacy of excellence for generations to come.

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:

Scan the code below to read the full story.

Burke Level Chalfant Level Birchard Level McClain Level Nesbitt Level Chapman Level Williams Level 16

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$10,000,000+ $5,000,000 - $9,999,999 $1,000,000 - $4,999,999 $500,000 - $999,999 $250,000 - $499,999 $100,000 - $249,999 $50,000 - $99,999

S AV E THE D AT E S

Olivet’s School of Music proudly presents two holiday traditions

AN OLIVET COLLECTIBLE

NEW FOR 2025

SIXTH IN THE SERIES

S O UN D S

H A N D EL’S

OF THE

ME S S I A H

SE A S O N

Adore

SAT., NOV. 22, AT 7 PM

FRI., DEC. 5, AT 7 PM SAT., DEC. 6, AT 2 PM

MANUFACTURED BY THE CREATORS OF THE OFFICIAL WHITE HOUSE CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT, THIS YEAR’S KEEPSAKE FEATURES OLIVET’S BENNER LIBRARY.

___

PURCHASE YOUR

Olivet Christmas Ornament WITH A NEW $50 DONATION TO THE OLIVET FUND WHICH SUPPORTS STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS.

IN HAWKINS CENTENNIAL CHAPEL

FOR TICKETS, VISIT OLIVET.EDU/EVENTS

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.

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Visit Olivet.edu/Ornament or scan the code.

Olivet invites alumni and friends to stop by Benner Library during Homecoming as we celebrate the 50-year anniversary of its construction in 1975.

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8 a.m. | Sunday, October 19 | 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.

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 20

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

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.” ■

2025 Lay “O” Award

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

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8 a.m. | Sunday, October 19 | Chalfant Hall

“O” AWARDS 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

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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.” ■

PRESIDENT’S PRAYER BREAKFAST

Order of Service O R P H E U S C H O I R . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Jeff Bell ’81 Director W E LC O M E A N D P R AY E R . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lisa (Schnicker) 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 T I M E . . . . . . . . . Dr. Gregg ’90 and Tammy (Salyer) Chenoweth ’89 University President and First Lady T E S T I M O N I E S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mel Sayes ’73 2025 Lay “O” Award Recipient Dr. Mark Holcomb ’81 2025 Ministerial “O” Award Recipient C LO S I N G . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gregg and Tammy Chenoweth Homecoming Church Service begins at 10:30 a.m. at College Church University Avenue

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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.

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 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.

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OLIVET IN THE FAMILY Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, extended family member, sibling or guardian, we’re here for you.

LEAD on PURPOSE

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.

Welcome to the Olivet community!

JOIN US ON ONE OF OUR NEXT ADVENTURES IN 2026!

We care for every detail, so you don’t have to.

Tour with Alumni & Friends of Olivet to one of these unforgettable destinations.

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.

APPLY TODAY!

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APRIL 20–25

Taste of Tennessee – Nashville & Pigeon Forge

MAY 14–25

Romans & The Renaissance – Italy

MAY 31– JUNE 12

Footsteps of Paul Tour – Greece

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Check out all of our trips at Olivet.edu/ TravelWithOlivet

2025–2026

UPCOMING OLIVET EVENTS

The Office of Alumni Relations and Olivet’s Alumni Board welcome you to Homecoming 2025 OFFICE OF ALUMNI & UNIVERSITY RELATIONS

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3 NOV

CHAMBER & CONCERT SINGERS RECITAL

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presented by SHINE.FM and SPARKHD

MATTHEW WEST IN CONCERT DON’T STOP PRAYING TOUR

12 NOV

JAZZ BAND & COMBOS RECITAL

7 PM​​• KRESGE AUDITORIUM

14 NOV

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11 NOV

7 PM • KRESGE AUDITORIUM

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JACKLIN PERCUSSION STUDIO RECITAL Directed by Dr. Matt Jacklin 7 PM • KRESGE AUDITORIUM

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20 NOV

24 NOV

7 PM • KRESGE AUDITORIUM

7 PM • KRESGE AUDITORIUM

7 PM​​• CENTENNIAL CHAPEL

WORLD PERCUSSION & STEEL DRUMS RECITAL

SOUND OF PRAISE WORSHIP NIGHT

FEBRUARY 19–21, 2026

MAY 8–9, 2026

Golf registration now open

Commencement Weekend

Play up to 90 holes as part of the Watson Memorial Golf Series to raise scholarship funds.

OLIVET OLIVET II NN VV II TAT T A T II OO NN AA LL T TH HE E 22 32 N R DD AANNNNU UA LA L

Celebrating our graduates with diplomas, awards, pinnings, inductions and commissionings during this annual two-day event on Friday and Saturday

SPECIAL GUEST

2016 World Series MVP

BEN ZOBRIST

Whirlwind / Talking Stick / Kierland

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 Carla (Reno) Schimmelpfennig ’89 Office Manager for Alumni & University Relations Morgan (Connor) Manahan ’24 Graduate Assistant for Alumni & University Relations

ALUMNI BOARD OF DIRECTORS, 2025–2026 Dr. Gregg Chenoweth ’90 University President

LaMorris Crawford ’06 Off Region

Dr. Brian D. Allen ’82 Vice President for Institutional Advancement

Jordan Gallup ’06 Off Region

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

Alison (Krock) Kelley ’01 Educational Region Beth (Johnson) Long ’06 Educational Region Matthew Lyle ’09 Off Region Dr. Cassie (Martin) Mecklenburg ’03 Educational Region

Ryan Walker ’06 Alumni Association Vice President

Addison Newell ’15 Educational Region

Tim Alderson ’75 Secretary and Historian

Dr. Chris Peal ’86 Educational Region

Rev. Joel Heald ’08 Ministerial Trustee Representative

Michael Reddy, Jr. ’90 Educational Region

Dr. Jim Forshee ’79 Lay Trustee Representative Curtis Besco ’95 Off Region Karen (Abbott) Bontrager ’86 Educational Region Spencer Cook ’10 Off Region

Olivet.edu/Events 28

Eric Johnson ’94 Off Region

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Bill Religo ’67 Off Region Jordan (Bredholt) Schriver ’15 Off Region Missy (Luginbill) Veeck ’95 Off Region Dr. Amy (Butler) Williams ’90 Off Region

Located in the lobby of the Perry Center

HOSPITALITY CENTER

STAY CONNECTED!

If you need assistance during Homecoming:

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

• VISIT the Homecoming Hospitality Center in the lobby of the Perry Student Life and Recreation Center, or

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

• CALL 815-939-5258.

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

HOSPITALITY CENTER in Lobby of PERRY CENTER

ALLEN

PLAZA

OLIVET.EDU

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

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Facebook.com/OlivetNazareneUniversity

Instagram.com/OlivetNazarene and Instagram.com/LifeAtOlivet 31

X.com/OlivetNazarene

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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.

IT’S ABOUT TO GET PERSONAL

Welcome to the Olivet community!

“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.

OLIVET.EDU

JOIN US AGAIN

IN 2026

when we celebrate the Classes of 2021, 2016, 2011, 2006, 2001, 1996, 1991, 1986, 1981, 1976, and Purple & Gold Grads before 1976

HOMECOMING & FAMILY WEEKEND

October 23–25 • Olivet.edu/HC

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