Olivet the Magazine - Autumn 2019

AUTUMN 2019

THE MAGAZINE

A DEEP WELL Creating a Solid Center THE CLASS OF 2023 Eight Students Poised To Make Their Mark

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AUTUMN 2019 OLIVET THE MAGAZINE is published quarterly by the Office of Marketing and Engagement under the direction of the Vice President for Institutional Advancement.

VOLUME 87 ISSUE 3 (USPS 407-880) (ISSN 2325-7334) Copyright © 2019 Olivet Nazarene University One University Avenue Bourbonnais, IL 60914-2345 800-648-1463 PRESIDENT Dr. John C. Bowling ’71/’72 M.A./’06 D.Div., Ed.D., D.Min. EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT FOR ADMINISTRATION AND HUMAN RESOURCES AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Dr. David J. Pickering ’89/’94 MBA, D.B.A. VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT DEVELOPMENT Dr. Walter “Woody” Webb ’86/’89 M.A.R./’08 D.Div. VICE PRESIDENT FOR INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT Dr. Brian Allen ’82/’05 Litt.D. VICE PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS Dr. Carol Summers ’88/’90 M.A.E., Ed.D. VICE PRESIDENT FOR ONU GLOBAL Dr. Ryan Spittal ’99/’04 MBA, D.B.A. EDITORIAL BOARD Dr. Brian Allen ’82/’05 Litt.D. Dr. Brian W. Parker ’93/’11 Ed.D. for 989 Group George Wolff ’93 for 989 Group Lauren Beatty ’13 Erinn Proehl ’13 ART DIRECTION George Wolff ’93 for 989 Group DESIGN Matt Moore ’96 for 989 Group Donnie Johnson ILLUSTRATION Thomas Dinkleman ’18 PHOTOGRAPHY (AS CREDITED) Jones Foto Image Group Mark Ballogg Joe Mantarian ’16 Austin Siscoe ’17 EDITORIAL SUPPORT AND DESIGN Adam Asher ’01/’07 M.O.L. for 989 Group Alicia Guertin ’14 Rebecca Huber Austin Siscoe ’17 Heather (Kinzinger) Shaner ’98 STUDENT SUPPORT Westin Edwards ’20 Elizabeth Kijowski ’21 Andrew Perabeau ’20 Rachel Sedgwick ’20 Jackson Thornhill ’20 Periodicals postage paid at the Bourbonnais, Illinois, Post Office and at additional mailing offices. Postmaster, send address changes to: Editor, Olivet The Magazine Olivet Nazarene University One University Avenue Bourbonnais, IL 60914-2345 Reproduction of material without written permission is prohibited. News, events and announcements are printed at the discretion of the editorial board. Opinions expressed in this magazine do not necessarily represent Olivet Nazarene University policy.

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IN THIS ISSUE 4

FROM THE PRESIDENT Let's Dig a Deep Well

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OLIVET NEWS Headlines From Campus and the World

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TIGER ATHLETICS — THE 2019 SEASON

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HOMECOMING PREVIEW

OLIVET THE MAGAZINE Dear Friends, In her 1978 inaugural address as the president of the University of Chicago, Hanna Gray remarked, “The greatest danger, large because also least tangible and most wasting, would be to engage in an apparently principled descent to decent mediocrity.”

In much the same way, at the annual President’s Dinner for faculty and staff of Olivet Nazarene University, Dr. Bowling once again called on the people of Olivet to resist the routine of simply stacking year upon academic year and to imagine a deeper work, embrace a miraculous future and mobilize around a larger calling to build deep wells of significance for generations to come.

While building deep wells is weighty, often tricky and even dangerous work at times, it is absolutely essential for sustaining and expanding life. As we drill into the depths of the earth, we encounter clean water, the life-giving force of the physical world. As we drill into the depths of ourselves, we encounter the Holy Spirit of God, the eternal life-giving force of the spiritual world.

In this issue, we have asked Dr. Bowling to share his renewed vision with the entire Olivet community.

As we explore this departure from sameness and expand on this Spirit-filled path to a preferred future, our hope is that all of us will dream, think, pray and read our way through these pages. There is nothing mediocre about the God that we serve and nothing trivial about our mission. Building these wells deserves our best efforts!

May God be close to you in the days and weeks to come.

The Editorial Board

WH AT DO YO U T H I N K ?

OlivetEditors@Olivet.edu

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INSIGHT

FROM THE PRESIDENT Let Us Dig a Deep Well

I titled a recent report to the Olivet Board of Trustees “On the Brink of Everything.” The idea was taken from a book by Parker Palmer.1 Palmer is a renowned educator, writer and thinker. In the book, he looks back across the landscape of his life and career. Although he is reflecting on the past, his focus is forward. It is as if gravity is pulling him into the future rather than holding him back. He has a sense that he is living “on the brink of everything.”

I said to the Board in my report: “Given the pace of change, the acceleration of learning and the expanding opportunities that seem to present themselves daily, I too, feel the pull of the future.”

This “forward focus” is where we find ourselves as a university today.

We have a storied and rich history. We embrace our valued traditions and honor those with long tenures of service — yet, our gaze is fixed on the horizon: on what can be, rather than what was.

We stand on tiptoes and press our faces to the glass in wonder: “What now? What next? What if ? Why not?” During the next few months, we will be formulating a “renewed” vision for the University.

• A vision that continues and builds upon the values, commitments and accomplishments of the past.

• A vision that continues our present plan, Vision 2022, and yet refreshes and extends that Vision in light of new opportunities.

Vision 2022 was established in late 2013 as a 10-year plan, culminating in 2022; but, rather than letting that plan simply run its course, perhaps now is the time to begin to renew and extend our vision.

• A renewed vison sharpens our attention on the near future as a way to help ensure the vibrancy and mission focus of Olivet for decades to come.

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FROM THE PRESIDENT As we plan, it is vitally important that the core identity of Olivet — our values, mission, traditions and ethos — be preserved and passed on to the next generation. The challenge is to change without changing. Therefore, the question before us is this: How can we ensure that the mission, values and ethos of Olivet are preserved and passed on to coming generations, while, at the same time, we prepare for the challenges of the future?

In the Australian outback, cattle or sheep are kept on a ranch or a particular pasture by either building a fence or digging a well. The first option operates by compulsion — so to speak. The livestock are forced to remain within certain boundaries. They are fenced in.

The second option rests not on compulsion but on attraction: the animals naturally stay close to the well. The first option is bounded; the second is centered. I like the idea of being centered.

I understand the need for fences. We have policies, procedures and regulations at Olivet. That is simply part of institutional life.

However, in addition to those, we should focus primarily on creating a solid center. One way to do that is to dig a deep well. For Olivet, that would be . . .

• A well of learning . . . which not only helps students while they are here but also provides a reservoir of learning from which they may draw as they enter graduate school, start their profession or adjust to a new vocation at mid-career. This would also be . . .

• A well of character development: The Olivet experience should foster the development of Christian character. That is, we seek to impart wisdom as well as knowledge. This deep well should be . . .

• A well of leadership and service: This takes many forms within the academic program, student development activities, intercollegiate athletics, mission trips and service projects.

We learn to lead by leading and we learn to serve by serving.

• A well of deep relationships: Friendships are formed on campus that will last a lifetime. Thus, we continue to foster community life. And finally, ours is to be . . .

• A spiritual well as well.

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A deep well helps center and define us. A well also becomes a gathering place and a landmark which can sustain a group for generations. Think of Jacob’s well from the Old Testament. The well was dug on land that the patriarch Jacob acquired near the ancient city of Shechem, the ruins of which are located just outside the West Bank town of Nablus.

That well is still there today. Jacob’s well is 135 feet deep, which is the equivalent of an inverted 10- or 12-story building. It was dug by hand, much of it through solid rock with no blasting caps, no power tools, no hydraulic lifts. It was a major undertaking. Yet, once completed, Jacob’s well provided water — life-giving water for centuries . . . for millennia.

Long after Jacob and his generation were gone, Jesus stopped at that well, and it was there that he met a Samaritan woman, known to us as “the woman at the well.” He spoke to her of living water.

My point is that a deep well affects the future, perhaps even more than the present, for it strengthens the mission and overarching purposes of the University.

Shortly after graduation two years ago, Jill and I made a quick trip out of town; when we returned home a few days later, we found a note taped to our garage door. It was from one of our graduates, who — with her car loaded, her memory bank filled and her heart overflowing — came by our house to say a final farewell before leaving campus.

I assume she rang the doorbell and then knocked. She probably peeked in the window before walking around to the garage. She wanted to see us. She had something to say, but we were not home.

Thankfully, rather than heading on her way, she sat for a few moments and penned a note, which she then taped to the garage door so that it would be the first thing we saw when we returned.

After reading the note, we moved it from the garage door to the refrigerator door, where we could see it on a daily basis.

Her words remind me of what is at stake at Olivet Nazarene University. This is what she wrote:

Dear Dr. and Mrs. Bowling, Wow. You told me these four years would go by swiftly, but I never truly understood how quickly they would really go. Where do I begin? These past four years have been something very special to me. As I get older, I have begun to realize that life unfolds in phases — each phase serving a different but important purpose.

My last four years — the college phase of my life — have shaped me, challenged me and taught me valuable lessons that I will carry on to my next phase at law school and beyond. I am so incredibly grateful to have been at this place called Olivet at this time in my life. My relationship with Christ has become the center of my life (it was not before). I am now on the doorstep of a future I had not thought possible a few short years ago.

This place is special and will always be in my heart. Wherever I go, Olivet will go with me.

Two lines from her note continue to leap from the page for me: First, when she says, “Olivet shaped me, challenged me and taught me valuable lessons that I will carry on to my next phase and beyond,” and then her closing thought, “Wherever I go, Olivet will go with me.”

Those final words remind us of the lasting imprint and impact of Olivet: “Wherever I go, Olivet will go with me.”

The University exists to provide our students with more than a degree. That is important, and we do that very well; but our goal is wisdom not just knowledge. It is transformation as well as education.

With this in mind, let us dig a deep well . . . that will nourish and refresh generations to come 1Palmer, Parker J., On the Brink of Everything: Grace, Gravity & Getting Old (Oakland, California: Berrett-Koehler Publishers, Inc., 2018), p. 10.

DR. JOHN C. BOWLING is in his 28th year as president of Olivet Nazarene University. An Olivet alumnus and Harvard University Fellow with two master’s degrees and two earned doctorates, Dr. Bowling is a best-selling author and a prominent national speaker. He is internationally recognized as an outstanding leader in higher education and the Church. His most recent book is ReVision: 13 Strategies To Renew Your Work, Your Organization, and Your Life.

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SUBMITTED BY SAM SMIDT

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I M PACT

FIRST PERSON Dr. Sam Smidt, University of Florida

“There are no contradictions between science and God; there are only contradictions between our understanding of God and our understanding of science.”

At Olivet, Dr. Sam Smidt ’12 majored in geological sciences and environmental science. In his student worker position as a teacher’s assistant, Sam spent three years monitoring labs for Dr. Max Reams, Dr. Kevin Brewer and Dr. Charles Carrigan ’96. He loved the opportunity to combine his passion for learning about science with his passion for teaching and inspiring others to care for creation.

Sam’s interest in science began when he was just 12 years old.

During a trip to the Amazon rainforest, he observed the ironies of a water shortage in a tropical biome, and he realized the impact that the provision of clean water could have on building the Kingdom.

Years later, during long football practices in the heat of the summer at Olivet, Sam reflected on the unquenchable thirst that comes from dehydration, and his career ambitions came into focus. Memories from his experiences in South America reminded Sam that much of the rest of the world still lived without clean water for drinking, cooking, washing and agriculture, and he felt compelled to study and work toward finding solutions for this global issue.

“I knew there were millions of people in the world who are desperate for clean water in their daily lives,” Sam says. “I sensed an overwhelming, nonnegotiable urgency to contribute to making a change on their behalf.”

His master’s-level investigations of stream restoration and nutrient transport at the University of Iowa helped to improve water quality in the environment and laid the groundwork for his pursuit of a Ph.D. in environmental geoscience from Michigan State University.

Now, in addition to teaching as an assistant professor at the University of Florida, Sam oversees the Land and Water Research Lab for undergraduate, master’s and doctoral students to use as they pursue solutions to earth’s natural resource challenges.

“There’s a major need for water resources management in environmental systems,” he says. “My lab tries to promote how socially relevant this topic is for the global population by developing a holistic approach to the world’s problems.”

Sam hopes to inspire students to shift out of a disposable mindset and into one of environmental stewardship. His concern for future generations is how to cultivate the disparity between rising SUBMITTED populations and the limited capacity for new resources.

Just as his university professors made a positive impact on his life, Sam knows that his role in higher education is a powerful one.

“My goal is to equip students with tools to benefit society. Science is all about solving problems,” he says. “… Once you’re onto something that feels like it has value and merit, get it done and get it to people. There’s no time to waste when it comes to changing lives.”

DR. SAM SMIDT ’12 lives in Gainesville, Florida, with his wife, Sarah (Toporek) ’14, and their son, Charlie.

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NEWS

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DR. BOWLING ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT During his formal address to Olivet’s faculty and staff at the annual President’s Dinner on Aug. 22, 2019, Dr. John C. Bowling announced his plans to retire from his role as president after an 18-month transition period. He will conclude his 30-year tenure in May 2021.

Dr. Bowling, the institution’s longest-serving president, was installed in 1991. Under his leadership, the University has flourished and emerged as one of the largest Christian universities in the United States. This extraordinary progress is evidenced by continued record enrollments; stunning campus improvements; expanded undergraduate and graduate degree programs — including the addition of a doctoral degree; increased academic standards; successful athletic programs; and multiple education sites across three states, along with a strong online presence, known as “ONU Global.”

In his closing remarks at the dinner, Dr. Bowling encouraged faculty and staff, saying, “The future is you. This University will be what we make it. That is a huge responsibility but also a marvelous opportunity.”

He concluded, “It has been a rich privilege to serve with you in this very important work. Looking ahead, I want you to know that I do not intend to coast or drift my way to retirement. My goal is to hit the finish line at full speed. The University cannot afford to wait or mark time as the clock runs down. This work is too important.”

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ACCESSIBLE AND AFFORDABLE TEXTBOOK PROGRAM LAUNCHES

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Olivet implemented the Textbook Affordability Program for the fall 2019 semester.

The program provides traditional undergraduate students with accessible and affordable textbooks and course materials. Olivet instituted the program to ensure that everyone has the required course texts at the start of each semester. Books are available through the Hammes Bookstore on Olivet’s campus. Every student is automatically enrolled in the program each semester during the preregistration process. The cost of the program is $25 per credit hour for courses that require textbooks or other course materials. This fee includes the rental of a physical book as well as workbooks, e-books or access codes where applicable. As opposed to the traditional retail model, the Textbook Affordability Program allows students to conveniently get their books from the school without up-front payment.

OLIVET SWIMMER NAMED TO 2019 PARAPAN AMERICAN GAMES Sophomore Caleb Cripe was selected in July to represent Team USA at the 2019 Parapan American Games, slated for Aug. 31–Sept. 1 in Lima, Peru. While competing for the Tigers this past season, Caleb added to his Paralympic career. During a dual meet against Western Illinois University in February, he broke a 20-year-old Paralympic record in the 100 individual medley, completing it in 1:17.27. In addition to setting this record as a Tiger, Caleb also holds four additional records in the 50 backstroke, 100 backstroke, 200 backstroke and 400 individual medley.

WALKER SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING HOSTS 2019 STEM CAMP

WESTIN EDWARDS

During Olivet’s 2019 STEM Camp in June, 17 high school and college transfer students got a head start on an engineering degree. Professors from the Martin D. Walker School of Engineering guided participants through engineering coursework as they explored STEM career possibilities in science, technology, engineering and math fields. During the one-week session, students worked on engineering projects, including building an LED cube programmed to blink its lights in a designated order; designing and printing a key tag with a 3-D printer; and programming a robot with specially designed wheels able to complete a rocky terrain course. Professors Joe Schroeder and Joe Makarewicz ’07 led the camp this year. Eight of the participants are attending Olivet this fall as freshmen. Each student who completed the camp and three weeks of follow-up additional assignments earned three credit hours for Olivet’s introductory engineering course.

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TIGER ATHLETES COMPETE AT TOYOTA CHAMPIONSHIPS Seniors Jalon Simpson and Bricyn Healey competed in the Toyota USA Track and Field Outdoor Championships held July 25–28 in Des Moines, Iowa. Simpson placed 14th in the javelin throw and Healey finished ninth in the 10K racewalk. “This was the most motivating experience I’ve ever had,” Jalon said. “Being surrounded by so many worldclass athletes and Olympians felt pretty unreal and was a great learning experience. I was able to receive really great advice from some of the other top-tier throwers and I am excited to go back to work in preparation for the Olympic Trials next year.”

Bricyn said, “The experience was great. It felt crazy to compete on the same track as former and future Olympians. I learned that if you put your body to the test and trust the training, you can do more than you think you can.”

BRICYN HEALY

Competing in the Toyota Championships was the capstone event for both individuals on a successful 2018–2019 season. At the 2019 NAIA Outdoor National Championship, Jalon won the javelin throw contest and Bricyn finished seventh in the 10K racewalk.

ALUMNI GATHERINGS In addition to coordinating more than 40 unique events for Olivet’s annual Homecoming & Family Weekend, scheduling engaging programming for Prime Time and Grandparents Day, and planning an annual bus trip for senior adults, Erinn Proehl ’13/’19 MBA, director of alumni relations, stays busy throughout the year organizing alumni gatherings across the country.

ERINN PROEHL

Over the past year, several hundred alumni and friends have gathered around the country to fellowship together and receive an update from the University. Locations included Chicago, Illinois; Grand Rapids, Michigan; Surprise, Arizona; Bourbonnais, Illinois; St. Louis, Missouri; Nashville, Tennessee; Indianapolis, Indiana; and Washington, D.C.

PENCE-BOYCE RESEARCH RESULTS Dr. Derek Rosenberger, Department of Biological Sciences professor, and senior zoology major Barbara Krupa completed research of an endangered species during the summer. With grants from Olivet’s Pence-Boyce Committee, they studied the stability and distribution of a newly discovered endangered bumble bee population in northeastern Illinois. Based on their monitoring of the rusty patched bumble bee in the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, they observed rising population levels of the endangered species, indicating that preservation efforts have been successful. Their project has been featured prominently by regional news outlets.

DEREK ROSENBERGER

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NEWS

OLIVET RECEIVES SIX RANKINGS IN U.S. NEWS 2020 BEST COLLEGES REPORT Olivet Nazarene University received distinguished endorsements from U.S. News & World Report in the “2020 Best Colleges Report.� This year, the University secured rankings in six unique categories.

Olivet is recognized as a Best Regional University in the Midwest and a Best Value School for regional universities in the Midwest.

Olivet also received rankings for Undergrad Teaching Degrees for regional universities in the Midwest and for Undergrad Engineering Programs for national non-doctoral engineering programs. Additionally, the University received rankings as an A+ School for B Students and as a Top Performer on Social Mobility.

For 30 years, U.S. News & World Report's rankings and advice have served as a valuable consumer reference. U.S. News Best Colleges annual report provides nearly 50 different types of numerical rankings and lists to help students narrow their college search.

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NEWS

CAMPUS UNDERGOES UPDATES FOR FALL 2019 Buildings on Olivet’s campus underwent significant updates over the summer. Thanks to a generous gift from Sodexo, the second phase of renovations in Ludwig Center included a refresh to the Hammes Bookstore and, on the lower level, a new dining option and an upgraded Red Room seating area.

NATALIE COOK

Construction also began on a recording studio for the School of Music, expanding academic opportunities for students to study music production. In addition, classroom space was added across from McHie Arena, and labs for exercise physiology and the newly created varsity esports program were added in Parrott Convocation Center.

Additionally, Shine.FM studios, Strickler Planetarium and Reed Hall of Science labs received technology upgrades that will provide students with more opportunities for practical, hands-on learning.

RECORD NUMBERS ATTEND CHICAGO BEARS TRAINING CAMP More than 59,900 fans attended Chicago Bears Training Camp practices at Olivet this summer, including a single-day record 9,100 on the final day, Aug. 10. The team held 10 practices open to the public over the course of two weeks. It was Olivet’s 19th consecutive year of hosting the NFL team’s summer training camp. Features of the 2019 training camp included special activities during Opening Weekend, Military Appreciation Day, First Responders Day and Blue and Orange Day.

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HARLOW HOPKINS, ‘ONE OF GOD’S SWEET SONGS’ In spring 2019, Olivet and the Bradley-Bourbonnais Rotary Club jointly honored Dr. Harlow Hopkins ’53 with the installation of a sculpture of a clarinet in Larsen Fine Arts Center. Dr. Hopkins began playing the clarinet at age 11 and continued for 69 years. Feeling called to share his passion for music, he served as a member of the Olivet faculty for 41 years, including 29 years as chair of the Department of Music. With a strong desire to continuously learn and grow, Dr. Hopkins joined the Bradley-Bourbonnais Rotary Club in 1981, hoping to meet community members outside his normal circle of influence. “Over the decades, Harlow and Harriet have quietly impacted the community and so many different lives,” said fellow Rotarian and project coordinator Steve Hill.

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The sculpture, “The Music Maker,” was created by local artist Andrew Palmer.

Reflecting on the work and Dr. Hopkins’ musical legacy, Andrew said, “The colors are beautiful individually, but with the right conductor, in the right light, they can harmoniously blend together.” The sculpture is on permanent display in Larsen Fine Arts Center.

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WELCOME WEEKS 2019 Welcoming students — especially the Class of 2023 — to Olivet means a campus buzzing with activity. JumpStart (freshmen) and FreshStart (transfers) conferences kick off during move-in weekend and provide opportunities for new students to connect and transition into college life. The Block Party, held in the Perry Student Life and Recreation Center, is an-all school event with entertainment and carnival food.

The first weekend of school hosts the first round of Ollies Follies competition. Athletic games give students the opportunity to wear class colors and enjoy a night of competition and cheering for their class. Wacky games feature relay game competitions between the classes. The Variety Show is the grand finale, with classes competing for points by performing on stage in Centennial Chapel.

These events and others — including an outdoor prerelease movie, Broadway Revue and revival services — exist to engage the student body during the first weeks of the fall semester.

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NEWS

ALUMNI IN CAREERS WITHIN MONTHS FOLLOWING GRADUATION Once again, career outcomes for Olivet’s Class of 2018 have exceeded Olivet expectations as well as outcomes reported by other universities and colleges. Based on information for 98% of Olivet graduates in the annual First Destination Survey, 95% were employed (full time or part time), serving in the military or missions, or in graduate school within six months of crossing the stage. Following a recent trend, Olivet’s rate rose again, and the 2018 results surpass the career outcomes rate for Olivet’s Class of 2017.

ADOBE STOCK

Several of the University’s most popular majors — biology, communication and education — reported 100% career outcomes rates. Also reporting high outcomes were the Department of Nursing with a 98.4% career outcomes rate; Walker School of Engineering with 95.5%; McGraw School of Business with 95.4%; Department of Exercise and Sports Science with 94.3%; Department of Behavioral Sciences with 93.8 %; and Department of Art and Digital Media with 93.3%.

“These outcomes underscore the quality and determination of Olivet graduates as they begin the next chapter of their lives,” said Poppy Miller ’09, director of career services. “Olivet’s mission to prepare students for lives of service to God and humanity is carried out year after year as our graduates enter into a vast scope of work, education and service.”

FACULTY AND STAFF HONORED Gary Newsome ’74 and Rob Lalumendre ’12/’14 MBA were honored as the 2019 Faculty Member of the Year and 2019 Staff Member of the Year, respectively, at the annual President’s Dinner for Faculty and Staff on Aug. 22 in Chalfant Hall.

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Following eight seasons as head football coach, Gary became director of athletics in 2008. During his tenure, he has overseen the development of thousands of athletes, and Olivet’s athletic program has expanded to include women’s golf; women’s and men’s swimming; women’s and men’s junior varsity (JV) soccer; JV volleyball; and JV football. For 10 consecutive years, Olivet has been recognized as the top program in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference. “My job at Olivet has been wonderful because of the amazing people I get to work with every day,” said Gary. “I strongly believe in the importance of servant leadership, and it is incredible to see that modeled at Olivet in our entire coaching staff.”

During his career at Olivet, Rob Lalumendre managed daily operations during the construction of the Perry Student Life and Recreation Center; helped launch a green initiative in building services to standardize procedures and reduce chemical usage; and secured a grant from Keep America Beautiful to increase recycling capacity on campus.

In his current role as director of physical plant, Rob said, “I feel that it’s my responsibility to find the most efficient and effective ways to creatively problem-solve. Every person who steps on campus is a customer, and I’m always looking for ways to make the biggest positive impact for them.”

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PREVIEW

T I G E R AT H L E T I C S PROVEN SUCCESS

LOOKING AHEAD: FALL 2019 ATHLETICS

At the end of the 2018­–19 season, 10 Olivet athletic teams were conference champions, 13 teams competed nationally, 35 athletes received NAIA AllAmerican distinctions and 82 athletes were recognized as NAIA ScholarAthletes. Olivet finished 14th in standings for the NAIA Learfield IMG Directors’ Cup, awarded annually to the nation’s best overall college athletics program. Olivet also ended last year as the highest-ranking university in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC), receiving the CCAC Commissioner’s Cup for the 10th consecutive year.

Men’s and Women’s Cross Country: Mike McDowell , Head Coach; Ashley Thomas, Assistant Coach Men’s Golf: Mike Lucas, Head Coach Women’s Golf: Bill Johnson, Head Coach Football: Eric Hehman, Head Coach; Greg Youngblood, Defensive Coordinator; Granville LeCroix, Offensive Coordinator; Andy Peterson, Defensive Backs Coach/Strength and Conditioning Coordinator; Calvin Renfroe, Quarterbacks Coach/Recruiting Coordinator; Ryan Smith, Defensive Line Coach/Quality Control; Graduate Assistants: Charles DeLoach, Justin Carter and Tony Carroscia Men’s Soccer: Kenny Huber, Head Coach; Brandon Eylander, Assistant Coach; Kris Kirchoff, Assistant Coach; Chris Taborn, Assistant Coach; Phil Haung, Assistant Coach Women’s Soccer: Bill Bahr, Head Coach; Austin Miller, Assistant Coach; Graduate Assistants: Sarah Lentini and Alyssa Joseph Men’s and Women’s Tennis: Chris Tudor, Head Coach; Graduate Assistant: Tyler Cannon Volleyball: Cynthia Anderson, Interim Head Coach; Graduate Assistant: Gabby Hilliard

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DOWNLOAD

Tres was born in Decatur, Illinois, the son of Ralph C. II and Lorene (Scammahorn) Hodge. He married Janice Barr ’75 on May 31, 1975, in Mt. Zion, Illinois. Tres spent most of his career at Olivet as head men’s basketball coach and professor. Over 39 basketball seasons, he led 18 Tiger teams to national tournament appearances and witnessed the team’s 1,000th win in program history. He was on the To769 watch games andontournaments, sidelines for of those wins and the court for 86 more as a player. He is survived by his wife; three children, Scott ’03 (Erin) Hodge, Kurt ’06 (Jenni ’07) Hodge and Kellie ’09 (Darin) Lawton; catch up-to-the-minute news stories and stats, seven grandchildren, Paxton, Crosby, Kensington, Hank, Hudson, Graham and Everleigh; his mother, and preview events.

Lorrene Hodge-Warning; twoupcoming sisters, Janice (Shawn) Hosty and Julie Adams; and two brothers, Jon ’84 (Kristie ’91) Hodge and Jeff ’90 (Tanett ’93) Hodge.

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I M PACT

RAVING FANS Gary Newsome, Director of Athletics

Following nine seasons as head football coach at Olivet, Gary Newsome ’74 became director of athletics in 2008. During his tenure, Olivet’s athletic program has expanded to include women’s golf; women’s and men’s swimming; women’s and men’s junior varsity (JV) soccer; JV volleyball; and JV football. For 10 consecutive years, Olivet has been recognized as the top program in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference. Gary and his wife, Vicki ’74, are the parents of Jillian ’00 (Shannon ’02/’11 M.A.E.) Swilley, Christian (Danielle) Newsome and Marie Newsome ’04/’07 M.A.E., and they are the proud grandparents of Christian, Kasey, Isaiah, Micah, Leah and Kwesi. The following is a conversation with Gary:

Olivet The Magazine (OTM): While the Olivet community has known and loved you as a football coach and athletic director for two decades, you were first a student. How did you end up at Olivet?

I was already enrolled at Miami University in Ohio when my high school basketball coach, an ONU grad, told me we were taking a road trip to a small school in Illinois. I watched a baseball game, met coaches Starcher, Watson and Ward, and I was immediately sold on the program. My overnight stay with athlete David Wilson — observing his nightly routine of prayer and devotions before bed — really sold me. I knew then that Olivet was the place for my college career.

OTM: Were there any coaches or faculty or staff members who greatly impacted your Olivet experience?

My freshman and sophomore years, Bob Starcher was my baseball coach. He was a great coach who loved the Lord and who wore his faith on his sleeve. Coach Starcher was a powerful influence on my baseball career and, ultimately, on my walk with Christ. Larry Watson also had a profound influence on my Olivet experience.

OTM: You, like many others, have an “Olivet family” in terms of multiple generations of alumni. Why do you think Olivet continues to be an attractive university for students to choose?

The Christian lifestyle and the great faith that people experience at Olivet cannot be ignored. It’s not just what you do; it’s who you are and who you become. When you live that in front of your children and they live it in front of their children, the road to Olivet is pretty clear.

My time as director of athletics would not have been possible without the support and love from my wife, Vicki. She has supported me and traveled with our football team to away games and was a mother to many of those young men. She still travels with me to away games and is a loyal supporter of all our teams at ONU. I’ve been blessed.

OTM: As director of athletics, how have you uniquely contributed to an enduring legacy of Christian athletes?

I believe when you model Christian behavior and walk the talk, people recognize that and want to mimic your example. I know that’s what I thought of my coaches while here. I wanted what Watson and Starcher had. Throughout my time at Olivet, I have been able to invest in the lives of thousands of students by cheering them on during their athletic contests and doing my best to encourage a culture of athletic excellence without cutting corners on integrity and character.

My job at Olivet has been wonderful because of the amazing people I get to work with every day. I strongly believe in the importance of servant leadership, and it is incredible to see that modeled at Olivet throughout the entire coaching staff.

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LIFE AT OLIVET From the all-campus Ollies Follies each fall to the Winter Games and daily activities, Olivet students are never bored. Our climbing wall, pool, athletic facilities and workout areas, and campus dining are populated nearly every hour of the day.

PHOTO BY JONES FOTO

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G LO B A L

WORLD VIEW Every summer, Olivet students, faculty and staff have opportunities to travel around the world through more than 20 academic and volunteer programs. Exploring new cultures, tasting new foods and connecting with new people bring enrichment to travelers’ lives as the experiences expand and enhance their perspectives of the Kingdom.

Abrial Harkins and Ike Acha Ecuador Photos submitted by Abrial Harkins

From standing in the middle of the world to swinging over the side of a cliff in the middle of the jungle and from eating lemon ants (which were delicious) to shooting a dart from a wooden blow gun, summer 2019 was full of adventures for seniors Abrial Harkins and Ike Acha.

As part of the Nazarene International Language Institute (NILI) summer study-abroad program, they spent eight weeks in Quito, Ecuador, and the surrounding communities. They devoted mornings to Spanish classes and afternoons to serving the local church through a partnership with Nazarene Theological Seminary.

Abrial says the most beautiful part of the trip was allowing the Lord to show what it means to love His people.

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“Each day, I was surrounded by a vibrant culture and beautiful people — people made in His image. Whether I was walking the streets of my home community in Carcelen, the countryside of Riobamba or the jungle of Shell, I was able to engage with and be in community in meaningful ways.”

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Abrial Harkins and Ike Acha

JONES FOTO

Andrew Perabeau

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Dr. Paul Koch Europe, Middle East, Asia Photos submitted by Dr. Paul Koch

Dr. Paul Koch

For the past 17 years, Olivet’s Dr. Paul Koch has taught courses in comparative economic systems and international trade and finance through a partnership with Messiah College’s International Business Institute (IBI). Fifty-six Olivet students have taken advantage of the IBI experience. For 10 weeks every summer, students travel abroad and take four upper-division business courses while exploring countries in Europe, the Middle East and Asia. This year's group arrived in Germany on the first day of the elections for the European Parliament, providing them with front-row seats to the debate over the future of the European Union and its member countries.

“Study-abroad programs are not only a tremendous asset in helping students to learn about the world,” he says, “but also in helping to expand their vision with respect to how their interests and talents might be employed in service to the Kingdom and for the benefit of others.”

Andrew Perabeau England

Photos submitted by Andrew Perabeau

Over his four weeks at the University of Oxford, senior Andrew Perabeau earned six elective credits along with 35 students from other Christian colleges through Olivet’s partnership with the BestSemester program. Wanting to step out of his comfort zone, he took courses in creative writing as well as science and faith. As part of his studies, he used the extensive Bodleian Library, one of the oldest libraries in Europe. Taking full advantage of his time abroad, Andrew also attended an Anglican church for the duration of his stay in Oxford; played a game of cricket with locals; and extended his trip to explore in Brussels and Bruges, Belgium, as well as Dunkerque and Paris, France. While the unique experience did stretch him academically, Andrew says the greater impact was “ … getting to experience life and Christianity in completely new contexts.”

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Amy Smith and ONU Women’s Soccer Costa Rica Photos submitted by Amy Smith

Traveling to Costa Rica this summer with the Olivet women’s soccer team was an eye-opening experience for sophomore biology major Amy Smith. The team was busy during the 12-day missions trip, sharing the gospel at five Nazarene churches around San Jose and playing soccer against local teams. The students also explored their surroundings. They saw volcanoes, an animal sanctuary, coffee plantations and a waterfall under which two teammates were baptized. A typical day included a service project or a visit to a school in the morning; a soccer game in the evening; and a debrief session with worship and a devotional to conclude each night.

“As a team, we got to experience a new culture together,” Amy says. “Going on this trip definitely built unity in our team that I’m confident we will carry over into our season.”

Dakotah Henn and Dr. Derek Rosenberger Costa Rica, Alaska, Ecuador Photos submitted by Dakotah Henn

Summer 2019 was extraordinary for junior zoology major Dakotah Henn. On three separate excursions, he traveled to Costa Rica, Alaska and Ecuador. In the montane cloud forests of Costa Rica, he performed field research on a nearthreatened frog species and assisted Dr. Derek Rosenberger with research on the montane bark beetle. Through Olivet’s Arctic Field Studies course in Alaska, Dakotah learned about the arctic and tundra ecosystems. During his trip to Ecuador with the National Eagle Scout Association, he conducted research at the Tiputini Biodiversity Station. One of the thrilling experiences in South America was floating in the Amazon with piranha, giant catfish, caiman and giant anacondas swimming beneath his feet.

Each unique experience inspired Dakotah to continue pursuing a career in herpetological research and education.

“I enjoy learning as much as I can about the most misunderstood creatures on earth,” he says. “I feel compelled to share my experiences in these fragile ecosystems with others to engage and inspire people to save and preserve these natural resources for generations to come.”

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Dakotah Henn

From L to R: Julie Schindler, Briana Hallowell, Karis Catrinta, Abbey Cash, Jessica Schmidt, Amy Smith, Laura Harrigan, Sarah Buda

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Ben Fields, Lucas Finley, Ryan Frank, Breanna Gifford, Matthew Ingison, Tess Kopp, Colin Nelson, Kelly Sylvester and Dr. Charles Carrigan 12 National Parks of the American West Photos submitted by Charles Carrigan

After a 10-year hiatus, Dr. Charles Carrigan ’96 and Olivet’s Department of Chemistry and Geosciences reinstated a summer study trip aimed at giving students opportunities to explore some of the natural wonders of the American West. While hiking through 12 national parks, the eight students on the trip enjoyed landscapes featuring volcanoes, meteorite impacts, glaciers, sand dunes, canyons, fossils and river systems. They also panned for gold and toured the Red Rocks amphitheater. Alumni who work in geological fields, Steve Smith ’81, Dr. Leslie Mikesell ’91, Stephen Barrick ’00 and Wayne Patterson ’00, also joined the trip to add their expertise.

“I felt God and experienced a visual representation of His love for us with every hand-sculpted view and painted scene that we came across.

The intentionally crafted landscape really revealed to me the majestic nature of God and drew me into Him.” - Ryan Frank

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a deep well We asked five trusted friends from across the Olivet community to expand on this idea of digging “deep wells” for generations to come. As we take a deeper look at scholarship, faith, friendship, character, leadership and service in the context of university life, we begin with a centering thought from American writer and theologian Frederick Buechner.

“Listen to your life. See it for the fathomless mystery that it is. In the boredom and pain of it, no less than in the excitement and gladness: touch, taste, smell your way to the holy and hidden heart of it, because in the last analysis all moments are key moments, and life itself is grace.”

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LIFE AND LEARNING David Van Heemst

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Cailey Myers ’18 just posted a picture on Instagram declaring that she loves her job. Who wouldn’t? She’s working as a staff assistant to U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson in the U.S. House of Representatives. She’s living the dream!

a deep well

Imagine you’re 18 and you’re just beginning college. How can you use your time at Olivet so that, four years from now, you can post on Instagram that you love your job?

You can take advantage of the opportunities Olivet offers to drink deeply from the wells of learning. Olivet’s purpose might be stated this way: character development for global transformation. You can grow as a person so that you can change your part of the world.

World Transformation: You’re not going to transform the world, but God already is. His kingdom is already here, but it’s not yet complete.

You get to do something epic: You get to be a small part of God’s right-making work in the world.

Character Development: Imagine yourself, only better, four years from now. You have a clearer sense of your calling. You possess a deeper sense of your gifts and your talents. The people who know you best say that you’re in touch with who you are. You’re vulnerable with those you’ve begun to trust. You pretend less as you become more real.

Transformation seems so abstract in 2019. Our politics are stuck: left versus right and red versus blue. Multiple voices decry this as an era of hyper-partisanship. How can you seek transformation in the current political divide?

To get there, you took advantage of multiple opportunities to grow at ONU. You completed the Clifton StrengthsFinder assessment in Freshman Connections. You wrote papers about your calling. You were transparent with a small group of friends. You reflected deeply on a senior year internship, research paper or project. At graduation, you can confidently say you know who you are because you know Whose you are.

You can say you know who you are because you were intentional about growing spiritually at Olivet. You know that the Holy Spirit was central to your growth. You read God’s Word, went to church and attended chapel. You took all of that seriously as you engaged with God. You met God and He met you — right in the middle of the hard, honest questions you were asking. As one ONU student told me, “At Olivet, I learned that God loves me, and I met people who loved me.”

Part of what separates Olivet is that your growth doesn’t end with you; it begins with you. We believe that each of us has been blessed so that we can bless others. That blessing looks like global transformation.

One way is by transcending the current cacophony and choosing to focus our attention elsewhere. At Olivet, you’ll be challenged to ask deeper questions, like “What is a just society?” and “How might I contribute to it?”

You’ll be challenged to live with those questions. You’ll ask people who have been wrestling with those questions for years about their insights. You’ll read books and peer-reviewed journal articles about those questions. Perhaps you’ll even learn to love the questions themselves.

You’ll wrestle with those big ideas helped by Christian thinkers.

You’ll read books about theology, faith and science, and Christians in your field of study. You’ll read books like Gary Haugen’s Good News About Injustice and Timothy Keller’s Generous Justice. The goal of all that grappling and all that reading is to prepare you for action.

And then you’ll act. At graduation, you’ll be ready to walk through the doors that God opens for you. You’ll be bigger, deeper and even more whole than when you came. You’ll be ready to begin fulfilling God’s call on your life.

It’s no surprise that Cailey loves her job. Working for Congress on Capitol Hill connects with who she is as a person. The policies she contributes just might make the world a better place. Cailey took advantage of Olivet’s deep learning focus: character development for global transformation. Will you?

DR. DAVID VAN HEEMST, ’96 M.P.C./’98 M.A. joined Olivet’s faculty in 1993 as the first political scientist hired in the history of Olivet. ‟DVH,” as he is known on campus, sponsors multiple student clubs and is the author of five books. In 2013, he received the Samuel L. Mayhugh Award for Scholarly Excellence. He and his wife, April (Cordes) ’94, are the parents of twins Maggie and Ellie, who are Olivet freshmen, and triplets Annika, Elizabeth and Jessica.

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DEVELOPING CHARACTER Sherry Sherwood

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a deep well

“In order to have God’s character, we need God’s presence in our lives. Character requires presence, and presence produces character.”

I have learned over the years that life is full of changes, and each change has a purpose. God uses each new situation to draw us closer to Him and to form us into the person He is creating us to be. I see this transformation in my own life and in the lives of my three Olivet students.

We stop living for our own purposes and start pursuing His heart.

As we spend time in God’s presence, our renewed purpose begins to work itself out into our conduct as God actively reproduces His character in us. Our connection with the old way of life dims and we take on a new way of life.

At Libby’s graduation last spring, we were able to clearly see all that God had done in her life during her four years at Olivet Nazarene University: She was no longer the 17-year-old we moved into Williams Hall. Our daughter, Madeira, is half way through her college experience and she is quickly becoming the leader we always knew she would be.

So, in August, when we prayed for Brooke outside the freshman dorm, we gave God permission to do something amazing with the next four years of her life.

Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from Him ... let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God — truly righteous and holy.

Ephesians 4:21-24 (NLT)

You see, we know that our daughters get so much more than an education during their time at Olivet; we have seen each of them strengthen their relationship with God and, as a result, they’ve grown in their character. The University provides more than a beautiful campus where students can learn. From the classroom to the chapel, Olivet is committed to creating an environment in which God’s presence is welcomed every day. A culture of prayer is intentionally created and young people experience God in new ways as they are challenged with a broad wealth of knowledge and a deep well of opportunity for character development.

Spending time at this well changes all of us. As we grow in our knowledge of Christ, we become more and more like Him. As we are filled with His Spirit, God reproduces His character in us.

In order to have God’s character, we need God’s presence in our lives.

Character requires presence, and presence produces character. Olivet is a place where the minds of students are opened to all they are learning in the classroom and their hearts are exposed to all they are experiencing in God’s presence. The result of this time in their lives is character transformation, as they grow in every way to be more and more like Christ.

Just as God’s presence produces character, our character requires His presence. That is why we must continue to dig a deep well for students to experience God firsthand during their time on campus. We must commit to creating space for young people to consume His presence so that He can create strong character in them, guiding them and using their gifts for His purposes.

I praise God for the change that took place in my life during my time at Olivet and I thank Him for the transformation I am seeing in the lives of my daughters. His Spirit is doing a work in all of our hearts as He continues to renew and transform us for the sake of His larger plan.

SHERRY SHERWOOD ’91 is the CEO of Living Alternatives Pregnancy Resource Center. She and her husband, Dr. Scott Sherwood ’92, are the proud parents of Elizabeth “Libby” Sherwood ’19, junior Madeira Sherwood and freshman Brooke Sherwood. They live in Pekin, Illinois.

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Rusty Funk

LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE I grew up in Arizona with big dreams of making it to the NBA. Knowing my … well … let’s just call them “athletic limitations,” one day my dad said, “Rusty, if you want to be good at basketball, you’re going to have to make sacrifices.

Are you willing to do the things no one else wants to do?”

I took my dad’s advice and started learning how to do the dirty work of setting picks, chasing loose balls and all the other hidden and unseen things the team needed — you know, the role-player duties.

During my years at Olivet, however, I came face-toface with a personal hypocrisy that I still battle today.

While I was willing to do the dirty work for basketball, all the other priorities in life were about the opposite: Everything else was about protecting my comfort zone and expanding my privilege.

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Thankfully, at Olivet, God put some great people in my life who helped expand my perspective. Looking at the world through a new lens, I realized that the question my dad asked me long ago for basketball was not meant just for basketball; it also pointed me toward a life of humbly trying to walk with and like Jesus. Are you willing to do the things that no one else wants to do?

After graduation, I got a job at an amazing homeless shelter in Chicago. In the midst of serving that year, a friend, Michael Chitwood ’97, asked, “Will you run the Chicago marathon to bring clean water to kids in Africa?” I looked him in the eyes and simply said, “Running is dumb.” I’m not joking! I really don’t remember actually saying “yes,” but I did. On Oct. 11, 2008, I crossed the finish line of my first marathon and my life was changed forever.

a deep well

“...she decided to dedicate her life to bringing clean water to her village and to stop the cycle of poverty.”

I’ve been lucky to meet some incredibly inspiring people on my journey. One of them is my friend Jane Kipsang.

Early in my career at World Vision, I traveled with a team to Kenya to visit a recently completed water project.

When we got to the project, Jane, a community leader, stood before us and powerfully told the story of how, 30 years prior — two days after giving birth to her firstborn child — she strapped her newborn son to her chest, threw a jerrican on her back and walked 4 miles one direction to collect dirty water. She had made this journey for water every day of her life, but this time was different.

This time, she had her newborn baby with her. On her 4-mile journey back, with her newborn strapped to her chest and a 40-pound jerrican on her back, Jane found her life’s calling. On behalf of the mothers in her community, those that came before her and those that would come after her, she decided to dedicate her life to bringing clean water to her village and to stopping the cycle of poverty.

Over the next three decades, Jane never gave up.

She did everything she could, weathered the ups and downs of fundraising and worked with local officials. In 2014, with just a little financial help from World Vision,

Jane’s mission was accomplished. Her community now has clean water, and mothers and children no longer have to risk their lives every day.

Jane’s story was so inspiring that, when I got home, I started the Jane Kipsang Leadership Award. This award has now been given out to thousands of volunteers around the country, thanking them for their service and honoring the story of Jane, who, because of the love of God, was willing to do what nobody else wanted to do for the most vulnerable people in her community.

Now, I’m not saying that everyone needs to run a marathon for Team World Vision or become a missionary or pastor. But I am saying that if you keep your head up, you’ll see endless opportunities in your daily life to serve and lead on behalf of others. When you do, just say “yes.” Decide to say “yes” to the question that Jesus daily whispers to each and every one of us: “Are you willing to do the things for Me and My people that no one else wants to do?” Say “yes” and watch what God does!

RUSTY FUNK ’07 is the national director for Team World Vision, the fundraising arm of World Vision. He has run more than 40 marathons to raise money for clean water. He was the 2015 recipient of Olivet’s Young Alumni Award for distinguished service and achievement. He and his wife, Annalisa Munoz-Funk ’08, live in Chicago.

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Mark Quanstrom

A VIBRANT FAITH John Wesley, the 18th-century Anglican clergyman and founder of Methodism, was asked by a woman how she might come to know God. His answer was very interesting. He wrote at the beginning of the letter what we might expect a pastor to write:

To Miss L, 1. You want to know God, in order to enjoy God in time and in eternity.

2. All that you want to know of God is contained in one book, the Bible.

3. Might it not be well then to spend at least two hours every day, in reading and meditating upon the Bible.

Well, that would certainly have been a lot of Bible reading, but Wesley did not stop there. He recommended that, in order to know God, she probably ought to spend at least six hours a day studying many other things: 6. The first thing you should understand is a little of is Grammar.

7. Next, it would be worth your while to acquire a little knowledge in Arithmetic.

8. You might proceed to Geography.

9. Logic naturally follows; and I really think it is worth all the rest put together.

12. With any or all of the foregoing studies, you may intermix that of History.

14. Whitby’s “Compendium of Philosophy” will introduce you to that science.

15. For poetry, you may read (among other things) Spenser’s “Faerie Queene,” select parts of Shakespeare, and Milton’s “Paradise Lost.”

He ended the letter by saying that this course of study would take from three to five years of her time, but she must remember that the point of all of it was to know “the only true God, and Jesus Christ, Whom God has sent.”

So, John Wesley, one of the most influential Christians of the 18th century, recommended that in order to know God, one should not only know the Bible but also know grammar, math, geography, logic, history, philosophy and poetry, including Shakespeare and Milton!

Thus, Olivet.

On the wall in Burke Administration Building is this passage from the 1915 University Catalog: “We seek the strongest scholarship and the deepest piety, knowing that they are thoroughly compatible. …”

From our earliest days, Olivet Nazarene University has maintained that our devotion to God is to be expressed in study and that nothing is incompatible with devotion to God and academic scholarship.

When Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment was, He immediately replied, as stated in Mark 12:30, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” Evidently, we are to love the Lord our God with all our mind as well as with all our heart, soul and strength.

Study is a form of worship.

We agree with John Wesley. We believe that students who come to Olivet — regardless of their majors — can come to know “the only true God, and Jesus Christ, Whom God has sent,” and they can come to know God not only through their Bible and theology classes but also through the classes they take for their majors.

This is our mission: to have students come to know the only true God and Jesus Christ, Whom God has sent, by providing an academic institution that understands the point of all study is to come to know God.

REV. MARK R. QUANSTROM ’77, PH.D., is the dean of Olivet’s School of Theology and Christian Ministry and the senior pastor of College Church of the Nazarene, University Avenue. He teaches Wesleyan-Holiness theology and pastoral care and counseling at Olivet, and he is the author of two books and numerous articles. In 2012, Dr. Quanstrom received Olivet’s Ministerial “O” Award. He and his wife, Debi (Lucas) ’78, are the parents of Lukas ’04 [Rachel (Studebaker) ’05] Quanstrom; Ryan ’07 [Emily (Benson) ’07] Quanstrom; and Daniel ’09 [Kayla] Quanstrom. They are the grandparents of Gabriel, Reuben, Julian, Milo and Eloise.

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LASTING LEGACY With accredited programs, award-winning academics and a faculty touting degrees from a wide spectrum of world-class educational institutions, Olivet has committed to integrating faith and learning since 1907.

PHOTO BY MARK BALLOGG

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Les Parrott Leonard Bernstein, the famous orchestra conductor, was once asked, “What is the most difficult instrument to play?” He responded with quick wit: “Second fiddle. I can get plenty of first violinists, but to find one who plays second violin with as much enthusiasm — now, that’s a problem.”

The Apostle Paul understood the same challenge when he wrote his letter to the Romans: “Love from the center of who you are ... Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle” (Romans 12:9–10, The Message).

If you want deep and abiding relationships, you’ll find they begin in the center of your being where God’s Spirit is felt most profoundly. That’s where you’ll find the strength to set your own self-interests aside (if only for a brief moment) to put someone else’s needs ahead of your own.

The key? Empathy.

And the most practical way I’ve discovered for getting better at empathy came from an encounter I had years ago with the famous psychiatrist and bestselling author of The Road Less Traveled, Scott Peck. I spent three days with him and a small band of people to explore the struggle we humans have with our egos. And from our time together, I’ll never forget his simple strategy. After various exercises and interactions within our group of a dozen or so people, Dr. Peck said, “I want to show you what enables us to see beyond our self-interest and really empathize.” He called it “emptiness.”

He was talking about the capacity we have to empty ourselves of our need for other people to do what we want. Let’s face it: We’re often obsessed with

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demanding that life go the way we want it to go. We can spend weeks, sometimes years, in a perpetual stew because something did not go as we wished or because someone messed us up. But when we empty ourselves of this compulsive need to have our own way — when we lose our life, as Jesus put it — something almost mystical takes place deep within our soul: We find our life.

When we hold our desires loosely, a massive burden is released and a new happiness is found. It’s what philosopher and Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius was getting at when he said, “To live happily is an inward power of the soul.” When we surrender our selfishness, we’re no longer limited to defining our happiness by merely getting what we want.

Emptying ourselves of the burden to always get our way frees our soul for empathy.

OK, so, I can almost hear you asking, “Does this mean that to be emptied of self-serving ways, we have to give up our own needs, rights and goals?”

It’s an important question and I want to be clear: The love that comes from being emptied of selfseeking is not about self-denial. I’ve seen many well-intentioned people set out to “love” others by denying their own needs, as if performing a sacrifice was the goal.

It’s not. As the greatest of love poems makes clear, we can give our body to be burned and still not be loving (1 Corinthians 13:3).

I’ll say it straight: If you want deep and abiding love in your relationships, you’ll need to master “second fiddle” — with a friend, your spouse, your child, a coworker or even a total stranger. You’ll need to go deep. And with the help of the Holy Spirit, you’ll tap into the deepest well of love there is: God’s love.

And that’s when you begin to love like Jesus.

NEW AFRICA

Above and Beyond Ourselves

DR. LES PARROTT ’84 is a psychologist and No. 1 New York Times bestselling author of numerous books, including Love Like That: 5 Relationship Secrets from Jesus.

Visit LoveLikeThatBook.com for more information. He and his wife, Dr. Leslie Parrott ’84, live in Seattle with their sons John Parrott, a junior at Olivet, and Jackson Parrott.

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TOUR THE HOLY LAND WITH OLIVET NAZARENE UNIVERSITY FEBRUARY 3-11, 2020

walk where

JESUS walked

Only 23 seats remaining!

Register Today!

Register at olivet.edu/holyland or by calling 815-939-5255

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the new class eight students from the onu class of 2023 Leaving home for college is an exciting adventure, particularly when that move crosses state lines — or maybe an ocean. Many have traveled great distances to make Olivet their new, temporary home, while some have simply moved down the street.

Photography by Andrew Perabeau

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BROCK KANT

Hometown: Soldotna, Alaska Major: Accounting Piece of home: “I have an Alaska state flag in my dorm room.”

“My sister, Callie, graduated from Olivet and my brother, Drew, currently attends. I’m looking forward to getting involved in intramural sports and attending basketball games at Olivet.”

MADDISON REDDY

Hometown: Bourbonnais, Illinois Major: History education Piece of home: “I brought a piece of home by hanging pictures of my family around my dorm.”

“My parents met at Olivet, so I have grown up hearing lots of great stories. I decided to go on an official visit, and I instantly loved the campus atmosphere. Even though I grew up very familiar with the University, I knew that Olivet was where God was calling me.

Everyone says you meet lifelong friends in college, and I hope to experience that myself. I'm also looking forward to not only growing academically but spiritually as well, and Olivet creates an environment where you can do both simultaneously!”

ETHAN MILLS

Hometown: Inez, Kentucky Majors: Education and youth ministry Piece of home: “One of the best parts about living in Inez, Kentucky, is that it has such a friendly community. It seems like everywhere I go I am always greeted with a ‘Hello!

How are you?’ and a warm smile. I hope I bring that sense of community to Olivet.”

“I am attending Olivet because I truly believe it’s the right place for me.

When debating on a college, Olivet was near the bottom of my list.

I prayed about it and asked God to show me a sign as to where I should go to continue my educational and spiritual growth. Thirty minutes later. I got my acceptance letter from Olivet and I firmly believe that it was the work of God that the acceptance letter arrived when it did.

I am most excited about residential life on campus. I really enjoy being around a bunch of people who are my age and can’t wait to live on campus during my time at Olivet. I also think that events like Ollies Follies sound amazing.”

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ANTONIA OBERG

Hometown: Arnold, Nebraska Major: Art education Piece of home: “Being away from home is really hard and I really wanted to hide my cat in my suitcase. Since that probably wasn’t the greatest idea, I’ll just have to settle for having lots of photos and wearing Nebraska gear every Huskers football game. Go! Big! Red!”

“My mother is a Nazarene pastor and I have grown up attending youth events on the MidAmerica District for most of my life. When it came time to pick a college, I soon realized the major that I wanted to pursue was not offered at the university on my region. I found that Olivet offered art education and knew several people who had attended Olivet and had nothing but good things to say about Olivet. Coming from a super small school — graduating class of 14 — I’m super excited to meet other kids who have the same interests as me, both as art students and as Christians.”

SAVANNAH NEISCH

Hometown: Forest, Virginia Major: English with a minor in French Piece of home: “I have a small little picture book and a basket of cards and notes that people have given me throughout my life that I’m bringing with me to Olivet.”

“I heard about Olivet when I attended NYC in 2015. I love my Nazarene church and I decided that I wanted to go to a Nazarene college. I searched which Nazarene colleges offer French and I chose Olivet. I’m excited about my language classes at Olivet and playing on the tennis team. I’m ready to see what being in college and away from home feels like.”

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KATHRYN ELISABETH WEST

Hometown: Cape May, New Jersey Major: Business administration-philanthropy and not-for-profit Piece of home: “A very special lady at my church made a quilt with pictures of my family and the ocean in Cape May for me to bring to school. My mom also bought us coordinating necklaces: Hers is the state of Illinois, and mine is the state of New Jersey.”

“I have a heart for missions and speaking to raise awareness of human trafficking. I’m looking forward to taking advantage of opportunities to make connections and friendships that will help lead me in the direction God desires for my life.”

HARRISON JAKE SPENCER

Hometown: Prairie Village, Kansas Majors: Criminal justice – law enforcement Piece of home: “I brought a Kansas City Chiefs jersey, my drumsticks to play jazz, a bottle of BBQ sauce and my roommate, Ben Brown, who is also from Kansas City.”

“I am the sixth of seven children and my oldest brother, Blake, was the first to graduate from Olivet. My sister-in-law, Kate, and my sister, Holly both graduated from Olivet and my brother Hogan is currently a junior. So, it was hard to ignore that there was something special about Olivet. I’m looking forward to getting involved with intramural sports and carrying on the Spencer legacy at Olivet.”

KINYA MARANGU

Hometown: Nairobi, Kenya Majors: Music composition and computer science – cybersecurity defense Piece of home: “I brought a few Kenyan blankets called shukas that I can spread out on the grass to study outside or bundle up with when it gets cold.”

“When I visited Olivet, I really enjoyed the Christian focus of the school as well as the rigors of a liberal arts university. I am looking forward to learning more about my majors and deepening my faith and trust in God so that I can do all things according to His will for my life and for His glory.”

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FACULTY/MENTORS Everywhere on campus, you will find faculty members engaging with students — answering questions, discussing current issues, guiding and directing careers. Olivet’s pracademics work, teach and publish in their fields of expertise, and students benefit from their wealth of knowledge and real-world experience.

PHOTO BY JONES FOTO

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THIS IS MY STORY To learn more about the Doctor of Education

in Ethical Leadership program The Olivet story began in 1907 to provide students withdegree a great education built on Christian values. Olivet Online allows you to live your story, your visit graduate.olivet.edu way with programs in business, education and nursing, harnessing power and convenience of online or call the 1-877-9OLIVET learning without sacrificing the human element. We believe education helps with more than just a career. It makes you a better person and allows you to make a greater contribution to your family and community. It makes you, a better you. Join our 40,000 alumni and take your life from where you are to where you will be.

To hear the stories of people just like you, visit online.olivet.edu

FROM WHERE YOU ARE

TO WHERE YOU WILL

Proud Partner of the Chicago Bears

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BE

COME HOME TO OLIVET for an exciting time of celebration,

reunion and entertainment during Homecoming & Family Weekend 2019!

DON’T MISS: Tiger Basketball Friday, 5:15 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., McHie Arena

School of Music Concert Saturday, 7 p.m., Chalfant Hall

Enjoy both the women’s and men’s basketball games Friday night of Homecoming.

This is a great evening to catch up with classmates from the past and cheer on our favorite Tiger teams.

Enjoy delicious desserts and a wonderful night of music with classical crossover singing group Veritas along with Olivet’s University Chorus and full Orchestra.

Taste of Olivet

Shine.FM Presents: John Crist Comedy

Friday, 9:30 p.m., Chalfant Hall

Saturday, 8 p.m., Centennial Chapel

Enjoy this modern take on an old classic! This is the perfect time to gather with friends for food and desserts after the basketball games or fall play.

Undergraduate Class Reunions Saturday, 9:30 a.m., Various locations

We hope you make the trip back home to Olivet for your class reunion. Enjoy a full breakfast and warm fellowship with classmates of days gone by.

Join comedian John Crist for this year’s Shine.FM Homecoming Show. You won’t want to miss this night of comedy and laughter.

President’s Prayer Breakfast Sunday, 8 a.m., Chalfant Hall

Year after year, this is an unforgettable event!

Join University President Dr. John C. Bowling for a delightful morning of inspiration and exceptional music by Orpheus Choir.

Register and purchase tickets at Olivet.edu/HC

RESERVE YOUR TICKETS TODAY! #ONUHomecoming

OLIVET.EDU

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OLIVET NAZARENE UNIVERSITY

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

School of Music Concert FEATURING Veritas ALONG WITH OLIVET’S UNIVERSITY CHORUS AND FULL ORCHESTRA

Saturday, October 26, 7 p.m.

Chalfant Hall Enjoy delicious desserts and a wonderful night of music!

Register and purchase tickets at Olivet.edu/HC

RESERVE YOUR TICKETS TODAY! #ONUHomecoming

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ACADEMICS

WITH HONORS

AUSTIN SISCOE

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Although senior Erin Olson grew up not far from Olivet, it wasn't until her voice teacher, Dr. Neal Woodruff ’91, encouraged her to go on a campus visit that she truly considered applying. Coming from a small, public high school, the larger campus with a Christian environment was very appealing. That initial visit changed everything.

During her visit, Erin met Dr. Mike Pyle, chair of the Department of Biological Sciences. In high school, her exposure to the sciences was fairly limited. At Olivet, she was blown away by the opportunities to explore each concentration. And her strong academic performance in high school made her a great candidate for the University’s Honors Program.

“I was immediately interested in the capstone research project,” she reflects.

“I thought it would give me great opportunities to go deeper into one area of study. Bonus: It would look great on a résumé.”

When choosing a topic for the capstone research project at the end of her sophomore year, Erin considered personal experiences of dealing with food allergies and intestinal health. The subject was interesting to Erin not only on a personal level, but also because it is at the forefront of modern medical research.

When it was time to match up with a faculty mentor, Dr. Steve Case ’05, associate Honors Program director, suggested that Erin connect with Dr. Daniel Sharda. Though Erin had taken Dr. Sharda’s biology course, she was unaware of his extensive knowledge of biological research.

“It’s been an amazing fit,” she says. “Dr. Sharda has excellent insight and has been so patient in teaching me research methodology. I have felt so empowered throughout the entire experience.”

Erin has narrowed her research to focus on tight junction proteins. Located between intestinal cells, these proteins help regulate what stays in the intestinal tract and what passes on to the bloodstream.

With funding from the Pence-Boyce Scholarship, the Hippenhammer Faculty Grant and the Honors Program, Erin and Dr. Sharda spent summer 2019 conducting tests and recording observations about how cells reacted to various treatments.

To further support her interest in the medical field, Erin spent two years working as a medical scribe at one of the local hospitals, tutoring for biochemistry and working as a teacher’s assistant at Olivet for microbiology labs.

In spring 2020, Erin will present the results of her research during Olivet’s annual Scholar Week. Through her work and research experiences, Erin has learned the value of clear communication.

“You have to be able to sort through data and tell a story,” she says. “If you’re unable to understand, synthesize, convey and apply the data, you lose the power of your research.”

The entire process has been enlightening for her.

“By starting the project development process freshman year, the Honors Program fosters and facilitates a higher level of scholarship and project complexity than is generally achievable in a single-semester research setting,” she says.

While a university honors program is no anomaly, Olivet’s program is unique.

“The resources and the framework that we provide from start to finish to support our students toward the completion of their thesis; the level that we work to cultivate community within and between the cohorts; and the qualities of excellence, vision, perseverance, leadership and confidence that we encourage our students to embody set this program apart from others,” Dr. Sharda says.

He continues, “Students who love having autonomy in their work, love learning and who have achieved high in high school academics benefit from the Honors Program. I don’t think any student who has completed the program regrets it.”

Erin agrees. “My capstone research has not only strengthened my laboratory, communication and critical thinking skills but has also unlocked a newfound passion for research,” she says. “I’m incredibly thankful for this enriching opportunity.”

“The research process has deepened my understanding of biology and the history of science. It’s been incredibly humbling to realize how much information exists,” Erin reflects. “I’m continually amazed at how many meticulously planned hours and days go into a single data point of discovery.”

The culmination of Honors Program students’ research is published in ELAIA: The Olivet Nazarene University Honors Journal, which is released each fall and features the work of the previous year’s graduating class. For more details about the Honors Program and application information, visit www.Olivet.edu/Honors.

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Olivet Nazarene University School of Music presents

Messiah GEORGE FRIDERIC HANDEL

Saturday, November 23, 7 p.m.

Betty and Kenneth Hawkins

Centennial Chapel

Sounds of the Season

Friday, December 6, 7 p.m.

Saturday, December 7, 2 p.m.

Tickets and more at Olivet.edu/Events

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ALUMNI

FROM THE ARCHIVES

1957 Homecoming Queen | Marilyn (Keeler) Bowers ’58

1958 Homecoming Queen | Joy Mangum ’59

1969 Homecoming Queen | Jane Burbrink ’70

The crown. The walk. The queen and her court.

Homecoming coronation is an Olivet tradition dating back to the early 1950s.

What do you remember? Share your memories on Facebook. @OlivetArchives

We va l u e yo u r m e m o ra b i l i a , t o o !

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To donate to University Archives, or if you have any questions about Archives, contact Archives@Olivet.edu or 815-939-5148.

OLIVET.EDU

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ALUMNI

THE CLASSES

Professional Accomplishments, Weddings, Births & Adoptions ED ’69 AND LYNDA (CERRATO) ’80 KRESTEL have continued to serve as Work and Witness coordinators for the Southern Native American District for more than a decade.

1969  DR. STEVEN ’69 AND CAROLYN (JAYNES) ’69 KAISER celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on May 31, 2019.

Steven, a research chemist and product development analyst, and Carolyn, an English teacher then homemaker, lived in Charleston, West Virginia, for 25 years and now live in Louisville, Kentucky.

After graduation, Steven pursued a full graduate assistantship at the University of Michigan, then a postdoctorate at MIT. He had a successful career as an inorganic research chemist and group leader with multiple patents to his name. He also served on the alumni board at Olivet and was the Lay “O” Award recipient in 2001. The Kaisers have three adult children and six granddaughters. Alumni pictured are Darren ’02/’03 and Bonnie Anne Kaiser ’03 and Jeff ’95 and Alison (Kaiser) ’98 Haynes.

KAISER

KELLEY

LIVENGOOD

1980 RANDY TUMBLIN ’80 was inducted into the Indiana Football Hall of Fame in a ceremony on May 5, 2019.

In 1974 at Portage High School, Randy earned all-conference wide receiver, all-area (region) defensive back and honorable mention all-state honors, and he was selected to play in the North/South All-Star football game. As co-captain, he helped lead his team to a 9-1 season and a trip to the state playoffs.

At Olivet, he was captain of the football, basketball and track teams, and he also played one year of baseball. As a result, he was inducted into the ONU Hall of Fame in 1995. He lives in Bourbonnais, Illinois, with his wife, Carroll (Kledzik) ’81.

They have two grown children, Hannah and Jonathan.

Su b m i t a c l a s s n o t e

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Submit news and upload photos to OlivetEditors@Olivet.edu, or submit online at Olivet.edu/alumni-friends.

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1997 JASON ’97 AND KAREN (MOONEY) ’97 COURTNEY, along with their three daughters, Ella, Ava and Nora, have worked as missionaries in Honduras for the last six years after serving as Work and Witness coordinators at Asia Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary for four years.

he accepted a position as microbiology supervisor at St. Joseph Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri.

2008

REMOLE

2001  SEAN AND ALISON (KROCK) ’01 KELLEY welcomed a son, Finnegan Sean, on June 23, 2018. He joins his two sisters, Ruby and Pearl. Sean is a finance manager, and Alison works part time at Deloitte.

The family is active with Bible Study Fellowship and resides in Naperville, Illinois.

2009

C LAS S O F 2008

2003  TIMOTHY ’03 AND ANDREEA LIVENGOOD welcomed a boy, Samuel Paul, on Nov. 26, 2018.

He joins two sisters, Sophia, 6, and Abigail, 4. Timothy is an emergency physician, and Andreea is a family physician.

They live and work in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

H O E KST RA

 CRAIG AND STACEY (MILLER) ’09 HOEKSTRA celebrated the birth of their third child, James Alan, on Feb. 1, 2019.

RANDALL ’09 AND SARA KNOWLES were married on March 23, 2019, in Cashion, Oklahoma. Randall is a business development manager with CEC Corporation, and Sara is a recreational therapist at Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation Hospital. The couple resides in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

2012  JAMES ’12 AND AMANDA (MAZZARO) ’12 SMIT welcomed twin boys, August James Smit and Parker James Smit, on Dec. 10, 2018.

2006  MICHAEL ’06 AND GABBY REMOLE welcomed twin boys Jonah Michael and Levi Isaac, on Feb. 28, 2019.

 This spring, college roommates reconnected at Wrigley Field: Scott Liscomb ’08, Brandon Jamerson ’08, Benji Francis ’09, Kevin McClymonds ’08 and Jon Brown ’08.

SMIT

GEOFFREY SENSEL ’06 graduated in May 2018 with a master’s degree in management and a 4.0 GPA from MidAmerica Nazarene University. After graduation, B LO C K

2014  KEEGAN ’15 AND OLIVIA (DONER) ’14 BLOCK were married on Oct. 13, 2018, in St. Charles, Illinois. Keegan is a hedge fund accountant at Northern Trust, and Olivia is a financial analyst at Ernst & Young. They reside in Wheaton, Illinois. continued on next page OLIVET.EDU

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THE CLASSES CONTINUED

2016

GEORGE BRASSEA III ’14/’15 MBA was elected alderman of the 5th Ward in Chicago Heights, Illinois, on April 2, 2019.

 1ST LT. RYAN HUTTON ’16 AND 1ST LT. LINDSEY HOBBS were married on Sept. 2, 2018, in Virginia. They are both currently on active duty in the U.S. Army.

2015 PETER A. SCHIEL IV ’19 AND SHELBI (HARRIS) ’15/’16 SCHIEL were married on May 18, 2019, at Journey Church in Kankakee, Illinois.

Peter is an electrical engineer in Manteno, Illinois. Shelbi is a full-time nanny for former Olivet students in Bourbonnais, Illinois, as well as the nursery and children’s ministry coordinator at Journey Church. The couple resides in Kankakee.

2019

H U T TO N

BROWN

 AUSTIN ’19 AND MACKENZIE (MEHAFFEY) ’19 BROWN were married on July 6, 2019, in Fountain City, Indiana. The bridal party included 10 Olivetians — both current students and alumni. The Browns now live in Bourbonnais, Illinois where Austin works for the ONU Office of Alumni Relations and Mackenzie works for the ONU Office of Admissions. They attend College Church of the Nazarene University Avenue.

2017 | TYLER AND BAILEY (HEEMSTRA) ’17 BOGAARD (pictured above) were married in May 2018.

Olivet alumni in their wedding party included Ashley Nogoda ’17, Megan (Hendrickson) Arnold ’17, Brandon Maatman ’17, Becca Lemke ’17 and Andy Aardema ’18.

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ALUMNI

IN MEMORIAM We Remember

1944  Former president of Olivet Nazarene University, REV. DR. A. LESLIE PARROTT ’44, and his wife, LORA LEE (MONTGOMERY) ’59, were inurned at the Garden and Columbarium behind Kelley Prayer Chapel on Olivet’s campus on Sunday, Aug. 25, 2019. By making arrangements for a niche in the columbarium, the Parrotts joined other members of the Olivet community in choosing to rest at a place they dearly loved.

PA R R OT T

1950

1945  REV. C. KENNETH SPARKS ’45, 97, of Anderson, Indiana, passed away May 16, 2019, at Primrose Memory Care. He was born on Jan. 19, 1922, in Martha, Kentucky. Ken graduated from Olivet Nazarene College with a bachelor’s degree and from Nazarene Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity degree.

Of all the titles and degrees he earned, “pastor” was his favorite. He was ordained as a minister in 1948, serving in full-time ministry at churches in Illinois, Texas, Michigan and Indiana. His last calling was as the staff and congregational care minister at First Church of the

Sparks, Peter Sparks and Aaron Pyle; four great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles F. and Virgie T. Sparks; wife, Ruth Sparks ’45/’49; sons, Dennis Sparks and Stephen Sparks; and siblings, Russell Sparks, Bert Sparks, Tressie Bailey, William Sparks, Lowell Sparks ’51 and Maxine Bilby.

S PA R KS

LEY

Nazarene from 1989–2008.

He served on all the churches’ advisory boards and was a member of the Olivet Nazarene University Board of Trustees for 18 years. Ken is survived by his daughter, Rebecca (Mark) Gillengerten; grandchildren, Nicholas Sparks, Victoria (Sparks) Totsch ’15, Charles

 MARTELLE YVONNE (MORGAN) ’50 LEY went to be with the Lord on May 7, 2019, in Grove City, Ohio, after a brief illness. She elected to donate her body to The Ohio State University for medical research. She was born in May 1928 in Hagerstown, Indiana, to Julius Herbert and Pansy (Snyder) ’22 Morgan. Martelle accepted Christ as her Savior at age 5 and loved and served Him for 85 years. She applied her Olivet training to teaching English, Spanish and spelling to junior high and high school students in Illinois and Indiana in the 1950s and 1960s. In the mid-1970s, she began her own business as a professional seamstress in the Indianapolis area. She also worked

continued on next page

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IN MEMORIAM CONTINUED

at several women’s clothing boutiques. After relocating in 2004 to suburban Philadelphia to live with her daughter, Martelle continued making house calls to pick up and deliver garments for alteration until 2010. She played the organ and/or sang in the choir at several churches throughout the years, most recently at Fairview Village Church in Eagleville, Pennsylvania. Martelle eventually became a full-time resident at a care facility. There, she exercised her creativity to design and sew nearly 600 tote bags as a welcoming gift for fellow residents and rehab patients to use with their walkers and wheelchairs — first at Wayne Center in Wayne, Pennsylvania (2012–2016), and then at Meadow Grove Transitional Care in Grove City (2016–2019). She also made minor clothing alterations for residents and staff. In addition, she ministered to the spiritual needs of people around her through daily prayer for them and, shortly before her passing, by helping one resident receive assurance of her salvation in Christ. Martelle is survived by her ex-husband, retired Indianapolis dentist Dr. Earl R. Ley ’51 of Grove City; their daughter, Cynthia Ley, of Columbus, Ohio; and several nieces and nephews.

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BRENNEMAN

CO U V I L LO N

1953  PAUL K. BRENNEMAN ’53 passed away on June 8, 2019.

Paul was born in Iowa City — the seventh of nine children — to Christian and Ida Brenneman.

He was married to the love of his life, Carol, on May 25, 1951. Paul was preceded in death by four sisters and three brothers as well as his daughter Karen. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Carol; three children, Diane (Dale) Hardy, Brian (Vicki) Brenneman and Don (Angie) Brenneman; and by his brother Don Brenneman.

He is also survived by a posse of grandkids, step-grandkids, great-grandchildren and other numerous friends and family.

Paul attended and graduated from Olivet Nazarene College, earning a bachelor’s degree in business. He spent a career in

financial management, mostly with RJR Foods and Del Monte Foods. His career took him and his family from Illinois to New York to Iowa, back to New York, to North Carolina and to California.

He retired in North Carolina in 1987. Paul lived a life of service, and his passion was teaching and serving in a local church wherever he lived. He and Carol taught children’s Sunday school for more than 40 years and impacted lives across the country. He will always be remembered for his love of God, his unshakable faith and his love of people.

1957  NELLA D. WHITTAKERPOLSTON-COUVILLON ’57, age 83, of Lecanto, Florida, passed away at Bayfront Health Seven Rivers Hospital in Crystal River, Florida, on March 26, 2019. Nella was born in Monterey, Tennessee, on Oct. 2, 1935, to the late Modesta and Dorothy (Henry) Whittaker.

She made Dunnellon, Florida, her home in 1993 after relocating from Chicago. She attended Olivet Nazarene College, where she met William “Bud” Polston ’57.

Both were active in the Nazarene church and attended worship services at Hernando Church of the Nazarene. After Bud passed away, she later married Paul Couvillon. Nella loved being a homemaker and raising her family.

In her spare time, she enjoyed crocheting, knitting, reading and

gardening. She especially loved growing flowers. Those left to mourn Nella’s passing include her sons, Jeff Polston and his fiancée, Mary, and Brian Polston ’98 and his wife, Pamela (Myers) ’96; daughter, Sandra Hamrick and her husband, Don; brother, Billy Whittaker and his wife, Vida; sisters, Brenda Heck and her husband, Patrick, and Dianna Smith ’67 and her husband, Ronnie; a sister-in-law, Betty Polston; nine grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. Nella was preceded in death by her husband, William “Bud” Polston, and later her husband of 10 years, Paul Couvillon; a son, Mark William Polston; and a sister, Jean Cash.

1973  THE REV. JAMES (JAY) CLINTON BAYNUM JR. passed in peace on April 15, 2019, at the age of 88 in Apopka, Florida. He was born April 18, 1930, in Charleston, West Virginia. At the age of 18, he moved to Owosso, Michigan, where he attended Owosso College. He worked his way through college at a local shoe store and he became involved in local athletics, playing baseball and basketball. While there, he met Bonnie Symmons, whom he married in July 1950. Their daughter, Janice Rae, was born in June 1951. Upon graduation, Jay attended Nazarene Theological Seminary, where he obtained a Master of Divinity degree. He pastored several churches over a 30-year career, including Traverse City, Michigan; Chicago Heights, Illinois; Seattle and Aurora,

B AY N U M

’06 (Jordan ’06); five greatgrandchildren, Tatum and Asher Van Slyke and Kadence, Charlotte and Hazel Gallup; seven nieces; and two nephews.

1977

AG B U YA

Washington; Olivet Nazarene University’s College Church; and Lakewood Nazarene Church in Colorado. Jay also worked as a commercial contractor, specializing in gym floors and tennis courts. He retired in 1992 to move to Apopka. In 1993, he married Julie Irons. In Florida, Jay ran the family-owned mobile home park from 1992–2006. He was president of the Errol Estate Property Owners Association from 1995–2004, a member of Errol Estates Country Club and one-year president of the Men’s Golfing Association. He golfed four days a week, and he ran a Monday morning golfing group for several years. Jay was preceded in death by his parents, James Clinton Baynum Sr. and Bessie Vermillion Baynum; an infant son; and wife, Bonnie Baynum. He is survived by his wife, Julie Baynum; his brother, Ralph Baynum (Dee); daughter, Janice (Baynum) Gifford ’73 (Harv); two granddaughters, Janae (Chris) Van Slyke and Jacqueline (Gifford) Gallup

 DR. ANGELITO O. AGBUYA ’77/’78 went to be with the Lord on Sept. 4, 2018, at the age of 67. He graduated from Olivet Nazarene College in 1978 and returned to his hometown in Angeles City, Philippines. Over his career, he was a pastor of the largest Nazarene church in the Philippines for 52 years; founded and was president of Nazarene Academy, the first Nazarene K–12 school in the Philippines; served as president of Philippine Nazarene College, formerly known as Luzon Nazarene Bible College, from 2005–2008; was district superintendent of the Metropolitan Luzon District from 1997–2014; was a professor at the Asia Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary extension program (was a member of the founding faculty); and served as a member of the International Board of Educators. He is survived by his wife, Rose; four children, Ammie Rose (Agbuya) Gates ’97, Lemuel Agbuya, Faith Joy Moral and Jeriel Agbuya; and five grandchildren. He was a father, a grandfather, a professor, and a mentor and friend to so many in the Philippines as well as in the United States. He dedicated his life to preaching the gospel until his last breath and will be missed.

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IN MEMORIAM CONTINUED

2017

finished pilot training with the U.S. Air Force. Mark’s Air Force career took Marjorie; daughter, Hillary; and son, Gregory, to many destinations in Europe and the United States, eventually settling in Albuquerque. Marjorie’s favorite assignments were Bitburg Air Base in Germany and Langley Air Force Base in Virginia. Marjorie, Mark and the kids learned to snow ski in Austria, and ski vacations were the family norm for many years.

Marjorie was an over-the-top extrovert and never met a stranger.

Without trying, she was often the center of attention, thanks to her engaging personality. Marjorie worked part time as a bank teller and full time as a mom and wife.

MARGARET (MARJORIE) ANNE SMITH, age 68, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 15, 2019, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Marjorie was born on July 11, 1950, in Bellshill, Scotland, to James and Agnes Henderson. She lived an idyllic childhood in a love-filled family.

After finishing school, Marjorie worked for the Royal Bank of Scotland in Glasgow and London.

Marjorie met her future husband, Major General Mark Smith ’17, in Glasgow on a group date even though she had vowed to never date an American. Marjorie and Mark married in Scotland 15 months later, after Mark

She was active in the Air Force base chapel programs at various assignments and then at Heights First Church of the Nazarene in Albuquerque. Marjorie was also a member of the Civil Air Patrol for several years. Marjorie is survived by her mother, Agnes Henderson (age 101); brother, James (Alice) Henderson; husband, Mark; daughter, Hillary Wenrich; son, Gregory (Jacqueline) Smith; granddaughters, Hazel Wenrich and Anna Wenrich; and a multitude of friends.

S ubm it a c l a s s n o t e o r o b i t u a r y n o t i c e .

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Submit news and upload photos to OlivetEditors@Olivet.edu, or submit online at Olivet.edu/alumni-friends.

O THE

GARDEN AND

at

COLUMBARIUM KELLEY PRAYER CHAPEL

On May 10, 2019, members of Olivet’s extended community gathered for a ceremony to dedicate the Garden and Columbarium, located on the east side of Kelley Prayer Chapel on the main campus.

The columbarium is offered to alumni, faculty, staff and friends of the University as a meaningful site to be inurned. It provides a permanent, secure and peaceful resting place for inurned ashes. Each of the wall’s 312 niches accommodates the ashes of one or two people, and each niche is sealed and enclosed with a marble plate memorializing the deceased.

FOR MORE INFORMATION on the columbarium and the purchase of available niches, contact Jordan Fish at 815-928-5598.

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This moment powered by

SCHOLARSHIPS//ACADEMICS//ATHLETICS Olivet Nazarene University’s annual giving program, The Olivet Fund, directly supports the University’s mission of an “Education With a Christian Purpose.” Annual gifts help fulfill the vision of making an exceptional educational experience accessible to every student.

VISIT OLIVET.EDU/GIVEFALL

OLIVET.EDU

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OLIVET

AT A G LA N C E STUDENTS More than 4,600 — 2,800 of them undergraduates — from nearly every U.S. state, 21 countries and more than 40 religious denominations.

ADMISSION Based on ACT score and high school records (college transcripts for transfer students). For incoming freshmen, the average ACT score is 23.

ALUMNI Olivet Nazarene University has graduated many notable alumni who have given back to the University, the Olivet region, the Church and the world in so many ways. There are more than 40,000 living alumni making a worldwide impact.

ACADEMICS More than 140 areas of study offered through the School of Business, School of Engineering and Technology, School of Life and Health Sciences, School of Education, School of Music, School of Theology and Christian Ministry, College of Arts and Sciences and School of Graduate and Continuing Studies. Study-abroad opportunities have included Australia, China, Costa Rica, Ecuador, England, Egypt, Romania, Japan, Uganda, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles.

ACCREDITATION Includes the Higher Learning Commission, the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, the Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics, the Council on Social Work Education, the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, the National Association of Schools of Music and the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. ATHLETICS At Olivet, student-athletes compete on 21 intercollegiate teams. Olivet provides competitive athletic awards and scholarships for qualifying candidates. Varsity teams for men include basketball, baseball, cheerleading, cross country, football, golf, soccer, swimming and diving, tennis, and track and field. Varsity teams for women include basketball, cheerleading, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, tennis, track and field, and volleyball. In addition to varsity sports, more than half of the student body participate in Olivet’s thriving intramural and club sports programs.

CAMPUS Beautiful, park-like campus features 35 major buildings on 275 acres. Located in the Village of Bourbonnais, Illinois, just 45 miles south of Chicago’s Loop, with additional School of Graduate and Continuing Studies locations in Rolling Meadows and Oak Brook, Illinois; Indianapolis, Indiana; and Grand Ledge and Grand Rapids, Michigan.

THE NUMBERS 62 OLIVET.EDU

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million dollars in financial aid awarded last year to ONU students

99

CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS More than 90 clubs and organizations representing diverse interests, including a campus newspaper, yearbook and literary magazine; Enactus; Student Philanthropy council; ROTC; radio broadcasting (Shine.FM); numerous choral and instrumental ensembles (including University Marching Band and the University Orchestra); drama and musical theatre performances; intramural athletics; and community volunteer and spiritual life organizations.

SPIRITUAL LIFE Christian community committed to making worship of God the central focus of our lives. Our faith in Jesus Christ cannot be separated from the educational experience, and we seek to honor God in all we learn, say and do. Through chapel services, each segment of the University community has the opportunity to join with others in worship and receive instruction in the Word and encouragement to serve. Notable and world-renowned speakers regularly address the Olivet community during chapel.

GRADUATE STUDIES AND PROGRAMS Doctor of Education: Ethical Leadership Business: Bachelor of Applied Science in Business, Bachelor of Applied Science in Leadership, Bachelor of Applied Science in Management, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Bachelor of Science in Leadership, Master of Organizational Leadership, Master of Business Administration.

Education: Master of Arts in Education: Curriculum and Instruction, Master of Arts in Education: English Language Learners, Master of Arts in Education: Ethical Building Leadership (Principal Preparation Program), Bilingual Endorsement, Driver’s Education Endorsement, English as a Second Language Endorsement, Learning Behavior Specialist Endorsement, Reading Endorsement, Teacher Leader Endorsement.

Multi-Disciplinary Studies: Bachelor of Applied Science in MultiDisciplinary Studies and Bachelor of Science in Multi-Disciplinary Studies Nursing: Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-B.S.N.), Master of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing (RN-M.S.N.), Master of Science in Nursing: Education, Master of Science in Nursing: Leadership, Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner Certification.

Ministry: Master of Arts: Biblical Studies, Master of Arts: Christian Ministry, Master of Arts: Family Ministry, Master of Arts: Pastoral Ministry, Master of Arts in Religion, Master of Arts in Pastoral Leadership, Master of Arts: Urban Ministry, Master of Ministry, Master of Ministry in Spanish, Master of Divinity, Master of Practical Ministry.

percent of students receive financial aid

21

intercollegiate athletic teams compete in the NAIA and NCCAA

17

local ministry and global mission trip opportunities

OLIVET

AREAS OF STUDY Accounting Actuarial Science Art Art - Graphic Design Art - Drawing/Painting Art - Media Arts Art - Photography Art Education Athletic Training Biblical Languages Biblical Studies Biology Business Administration Business - Healthcare Management Business - Human Resource Management Business - Management Business - Philanthropy/ Not-for-Profit Business - Operations Management Business - Public Administration Chemistry Chemistry - Biochemistry Chemistry - Forensics Child Development Children’s Ministry Christian Education Christian Studies Communication Studies Computer Science and Emerging Technologies Computer Science Cybersecurity Defense Computer Science Software Development Computer Science Technology & Information

Corporate Communication Criminal Justice Criminal Justice Law Enforcement Cybersecurity Defense Data Science Dietetics Early Childhood Education Earth & Space Science Economics Economics & Finance Applied Economics Economics & Finance Certified Financial Planning Economics & Finance Corporate Finance Elementary Education Engineering - Architectural Engineering - Chemical Engineering - Civil Engineering - Computer Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Mechanical English English as a Second Language English as a Second Language Education English Education Environmental Science Exercise Science Family & Consumer Sciences Family & Consumer Sciences Hospitality Fashion Merchandising Finance French Geography Geological Science Greek Health Education

Hebrew History History Education Information Systems Information Technology Intercultural Studies Interdisciplinary Computing Interior Design International Business Leadership Studies Legal Studies Literature Management Management Information Systems Marketing Marketing - Commercial Graphics Marketing - Corporate Relations Marketing - International Marketing - Management Mathematics Mathematics Education Military Affairs Military Science Ministerial Missions Multimedia Communication Multimedia Communication Film Studies Multimedia Communication Journalism Multimedia Communication Live Event Media Mgmt.

Multimedia Communication Ministry Media Multimedia Communication Radio/Record Industry Multimedia Communication TV/Video Production

Music Music Composition Music Education Music Ministry Music Performance Musical Theatre Nursing Pastoral Ministry Philosophy Philosophy & Religion Photography Physical Education Physical Sciences Political Science Pre-Art Therapy Pre-Dental Pre-Law Pre-Medicine Pre-Optometry Pre-Pharmacy Pre-Physical Therapy Pre-Physician’s Assistant Pre-Seminary Pre-Veterinary Psychology Psychology Teaching Public Policy - Domestic Public Policy - Foreign Public Relations & Strategic Communication Recreation, Sports, & Fitness Religion Religion - Biblical Studies Science Education - Biology Science Education - Chemistry Science Education Earth/Space Science Social Science Social Science Education Social Work

Sociology Spanish Spanish Education Special Education Sport Management Theatre Theology Writing Youth Ministry Zoology

Statistics compiled from 2016, 2017 and/or 2018.

23

advanced degrees offered through the School of Graduate and Continuing Studies

20

intramural sports and tournaments with more than 1,540 participants each year

21

study-abroad opportunities and numerous mission opportunities available

15:1

student-to-faculty ratio with a total student enrollment of more than 4,600

95

percent career outcomes rate for Class of 2018

OLIVET.EDU

63

AMEN

BENEDICTION Heavenly Father,

First, we praise You for who You are. We thank You for all You have done and for all that You will do at Olivet Nazarene University. We thank You for the ministry that You have established on this campus and the men and women that You have ordained to be here for such a time as this. We continue to avail ourselves to be Your hands and feet on Earth for the purpose of advancing Your Kingdom.

Father, we pray that You release fresh oil on those who pour into the lives of our students.

We pray that You would refresh all of us as we work in the assignments we’ve been given.

We especially pray for our leadership. Give them clarity and bless the work of their hands.

Give us wisdom, keen discernment and Your guidance in everything we do.

Help us to work in a spirit of excellence.

We pray for our students. We pray that You would perfect every concern they have. We pray for a smooth transition for our freshman class and those who are transferring to Olivet.

Father, we want Your presence to saturate this place. We pray that You would prepare the hearts of our students for chapel and they would develop a hunger and thirst for righteousness and Your Word. We pray that more lives are transformed this year than ever before.

We pray a hedge of protection over our campus and for the safety of every student, faculty and staff member.

We pray for our graduate and online students. We pray that You would give them wisdom as many of them balance careers with classes. Help them to manage their time and let this be a great experience for them.

We thank You for Olivet Nazarene University and the impact it has had on our lives.

In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.

Jackie Rogers, Human Resources, from The ONU President’s Dinner

OLIVET NAZARENE UNIVERSITY ONE UNIVERSITY AVENUE BOURBONNAIS, IL 60914-2345

VISIT OLIVET! PURPLE & GOLD DAYS 2019 A special event designed for high school seniors, college transfer students and their families to visit and experience life at Olivet.

October 18 November 1 November 8 November 22 December 6 REGISTER TODAY AT OLIVET.EDU/VISIT or call 800-648-1463