Presidents Dessert Reception 2026 Program Booklet

2026 OLIVET NAZARENE UNIVERSITY

PRESIDENT’S DESSERT RECEPTION for FACULTY, STAFF and RETIREES T H U R S D AY, AU G U S T 2 0

Welcome FROM THE PRESIDENT AND FIRST L ADY

Welcome to the 76th gathering of faculty, staff, spouses, and special guests, to launch a new academic year and enjoy a beautifully renovated Chalfant Hall!

Tonight, we celebrate the achievements and tenure of co-workers, and examine again the great opportunity before us to equip thousands of students for their career and calling.

A feature will be vignettes of our values — various ways colleagues embody what is most important here, and most enduring.

Our thanks to many who made this evening enjoyable: Tom Ascher and the Human Resources team, Lynne Utter and Nick Mansell from the President’s Office, and many in our Media, Music, and Physical Plant teams.

This is God’s place. We are His people. That means there is no such thing as a small or mundane moment. May the Lord be pleased in all we do this year!

___

GREGG AND TAMMY CHENOWETH

2

2026

PRESIDENT’S DESSERT RECEPTION for FACULTY, STAFF and RETIREES

WELCOME, GREETING, AND PRAYER HR PRESENTATION BY TOM ASCHER DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES

MESSAGE FROM DR. GREGG CHENOWETH UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT

“ALMA MATER, OLIVET” LED BY DR. NEAL WOODRUFF ASSOCIATE DEAN, SCHOOL OF MUSIC

ACCOMPANIED BY DR. PAUL KENYON PROFESSOR, SCHOOL OF MUSIC

___

D E S S E RT M E N U CHEESECAKE CONES WITH TOPPINGS CUPCAKES

MOUSSE CUPS

CAKE SHOOTERS

JELL-O CUPS

CAKE POPS

FRUIT

TIGER PRETZELS

LAVENDER LEMONADE

MACAROONS

BOBA MACHINE

3

P R E S I D E N T ’ S S PE C I A L R E C O G N I T I O N

2 0 2 6 F A C U LT Y M E M B E R O F T H E Y E A R

Shelly (Mendell) Stroud ’90, Ph.D. Professor, Department of Social Work and Criminal Justice

“ JUSTICE AFFECTS EVERYONE’S lives,” says Shelly Stroud ’90, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Social Work and Criminal Justice. “We should all strive to be people who daily stand up for others by acting justly, loving mercy and walking humbly with God.” As a student at Olivet, Shelly had a distinct desire to contribute to the academic preparation of future generations of students. During one particular class, she felt a clear call to return to Olivet as a faculty member. After graduation she considered law school but instead pursued a career devoted to serving others, including five years as an elder abuse advocate with Catholic Charities and 17 years as a mental health advocate with the Helen Wheeler Center. More than two decades after completing what she thought was the extent of her academic experiences, Shelly was sitting with her oldest son at his freshman orientation at Olivet when she was reminded of her dream to teach.

“I was so inspired seeing all the faculty lined up that I contacted Dr. Houston Thompson and asked what I needed to do to be qualified to teach. The next day, I enrolled in a master’s program at Governor’s State and the next year, I joined the department as an adjunct faculty member.”

Since joining the full-time faculty in 2013, Shelly has worked tirelessly to enhance the theoretical and experiential learning opportunities that the department provides to students. She has written two textbooks, Criminology: Theories of Crime & Deviance and Juvenile Justice: Breaking the Cycle (both published

by Kendall Hunt) to meet the evolving needs of the curriculum. She has also been instrumental in collaborating with local law enforcement, criminal justice and social work agencies to organize annual events for students to gain hands-on situational

___

experiences with real-life situations.

These include a mock trial at the Kankakee Court House in front of a felony judge; a mock crime scene; arson demonstrations; emergency training; adverse childhood experiences (ACE) training with the State’s Attorney office; and an industry-specific career fair, which most recently hosted 26 agencies. Shelly also wrote and received a grant for the department through Norfolk Southern Railroad to purchase a virtual reality system which allows students to practice de‑escalation techniques, enhance communication methods, simulate necessary use of force, participate in active shooter scenarios, and prepare for mental health crises.

“It’s one thing to have book knowledge, but another to put it into practice. As a university, we are very fortunate that we have so many community providers that partner with us to help build meaningful internship opportunities and career connections. When agencies come in, students see career options in a whole new light.”

This fall, a new criminal justice track for Olivet’s MBA programming is launching due in large part to Shelly’s desire to help industry professionals expand their leadership capabilities and advance their careers.

For all of her students, her goal is not only that they graduate with professional competence, but also with a deep understanding of what it means to lead and serve with integrity.

“Micah 6:8 has always felt important to me, and I advocated that we adopt it as a departmental verse.

It should be a daily question for us all: what does the Lord require of me? In the field of criminal justice, many of our alumni will be in jobs in which they encounter people at their worst, but I hope they can cultivate the ability and strength to hold on to hope and treat people with dignity and respect.”

Shelly, for your commitment to preparing students for upstanding careers in law enforcement and criminal justice, contributing to dynamic community partnerships, and for your dedication to Olivet’s mission and faithful service to our Lord, we salute you as the 2026 Faculty Member of the Year.

4

P R E S I D E N T ’ S S PE C I A L R E C O G N I T I O N

2 0 2 6 S TA F F M E M B E R O F T H E Y E A R

Chris O’Brien ’96

Director of Infrastructure Operations, Information Technology “ D ATA S I T T I N G B Y I TS E L F doesn’t do anyone any good — my job is to communicate effectively to others how data is accessed and processed in a way that also makes them feel like their problems are getting solved,” says Chris O’Brien ’96, director of infrastructure operations in Olivet’s Information Technology (IT) department. “I love solving a problem before someone is even aware that they had one.”

At his core, Chris’s mission for his work at Olivet is undoubtedly one of service to others. For more than 30 years, he has dedicated his time and energy to helping the University build and sustain a complex system of information technology (IT) infrastructure to support the increased demand from the sophisticated technology that we use every day.

When Chris joined the IT department as a college student, he was admittedly just looking for a job and was only mildly interested in computer programming. He studied biology and had his sights set on veterinary school. However, after graduation, he temporarily shifted his career path to stay in IT. “I always thought of my work as a way to solve problems and help people. But if the people here weren’t great, I would have left a long time ago. I think the culture here is a big reason why it was so easy to stay for so long.”

During Chris’s time at the University, both the size of the team and the scope of what IT encompasses has drastically expanded. What was an 8-10-person team that focused on internal data and was responsible for things like pulling mailing lists, has transformed into an almost 30-person group of IT and Media Services professionals. This multi-talented group addresses software issues on personal computers; explores large-scale data management for the University; secures digital

___

systems for students, faculty and staff; responds to telecommunication issues; increases wireless access throughout the University; contributes to guidelines for the usage of AI; and answers endless help desk issues for equipment across campus, just to name a few things.

To make complex work even more complicated, the tools and knowledge needed to do the work seem to change every month.

“As the Internet has shifted from a novelty to a basic utility we’ve seen an explosion in the services that we needed to offer. It’s difficult to stay on top of rapid changes in technology; you have to be very scrappy.”

And then, of course, there are major problems like storm-related power outages, cyber-attacks and the occasional pandemic. Thankfully, the IT team tries to stay a few steps ahead of those daunting challenges, and Chris has been an active member of the University’s Emergency Management Team for the past 10 years to aid in those efforts.

“In March 2020, when IT was tasked with shifting coursework to be 100% online and operational in less than two weeks, the challenge wasn’t as complicated as it could have been. It was a major operation, but we were lucky we were prepared to be able to make that change as the University was already using some of those technologies.”

Chris directly manages a team of five people whose expertise collectively spans dozens of unique IT skillsets. The highly specialized collaboration required to manage that immense network reflects the interconnected nature of the technology itself.

But beyond the advanced technical skills essential to the work, Chris believes that cultivating a spirit of empathy is arguably one of the most critical components of providing the excellent IT service the team strives for.

Chris, for your commitment to creating, maintaining and enhancing a secure digital environment in which students, faculty and staff can engage in safe online learning activities, and for your dedication to Olivet’s mission through faithful service to our Lord, we salute you as the 2026 Staff Member of the Year.

5

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 5 – AU G U S T 2 0 2 6

YEARS OF SERVICE RECOGNITIONS 5 YEARS

15 Y E A R S

Faculty Daniel Allen Laurie Hofman David Horton Daniel Kender Kimberly Lynch Jeanette Martinson Jeremy Spence Laura Widstrom

Faculty Gregg Chenoweth Lance Kilpatrick

Staff Aaron Abrassart Cole Baker Austin Brown Adam Burton Larry Herndon Larry Kuzeja Teresa Mathews Alyssa Phelps Hannah Priest Lauren Rybolt Courtney Sauerbier Max Whitaker

10 Y E A R S Faculty Cathy Dillinger Lori Fulton Bruce Heyen Doug Nielsen Seok Lew Staff Sherry Kurtz Ashley Thomas

New Faculty

___

Kevin Berry Associate Professor, Business B.S., Finance, Northern Illinois University, 1992 MBA, University of Notre Dame, 2008

Staff Wayne DeBoer Rick Lalumendre Pat McConnell Noel Slaby Brian Utter Lisa Vander Veer Mindy Williamson Addy Zhang

K-Shayla Lafayette Assistant Professor, Nursing B.S., Nursing, Olivet Nazarene University, 2012 M.S., Nursing, Olivet Nazarene University, 2016

Areli Love Assistant Professor, Nursing B.S., Nursing, Olivet Nazarene University, 2014 M.S., Nursing Education, Aspen University, 2024

20 Y E A R S Faculty Kelly Brown Eddie Ellis

Moranda Matheson Assistant Professor, Nursing

Staff Melody Grimm Timothy Hess Ann Johnston Jean Thomas Houston Thompson

B.S., Nursing, Olivet Nazarene University, 2021 MBA, Olivet Nazarene University, 2022 M.S., Nursing, Olivet Nazarene University, 2024

Josh Ring Assistant Professor, School of Music B.Mus., Music Composition, Piano Performance, Olivet Nazarene University, 2013 M.Mus., Music Composition, Northern Illinois University, 2016 Performer’s Certificate (Organ), Northern Illinois University, 2017 M.A., Organ Performance, University of Iowa, 2019 D.M.A., Organ Performance and Pedagogy, University of Iowa, 2021

25 Y E A R S Faculty Brian Hyma Karen Knudson Jeff Rice Joe Schroeder Staff Jeff Domagalski Rebecca Schnurr

30 Y E A R S Staff Ted Borchardt Chuck Johnson Donald Johnson

6

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 5 – AU G U S T 2 0 2 6

New Staff

___

Names listed are those that were hired since the President’s Dessert Reception in 2025.

Tiffany Austin

Jose (Joe) Flores

Kevin Bernard

Graduate Business and Education Online Advisor Graduate and Continuing Studies

Emily Marek

Enrollment Recruiter Office of Admissions

Programs Support Coordinator School of Nursing

Kylie Green

Ann Marie Narske

Director of Public Safety Department of Public Safety

Executive Assistant to the Vice President for Student Development Office of Student Development

Cheri Betz

Executive Vice President Office of the President

Ryan Green

University Chaplain Office of Spiritual Development

Admissions Counselor Office of Admissions

Josiah Blair

Kyle Hastings

MSN/P-APRN Program Support School of Nursing

Custodian Building Services

Head Coach of Women’s Flag Football Department of Athletics

Jackie Blomquist

Travis Hill

Clinical Coordinator, Nursing Department of Nursing

Interim Head Softball Coach Department of Athletics

James (Jim) Bowlds

Nathan Hodor

Online Undergrad Coordinator, Advising and Persistence Graduate and Continuing Studies

Chapman Hall RD Office of Student Development

Henry Brown

Assistant Director for AVL Productions Office of Media and Technical Support

Lily Bruner

Assistant Director of Recreation Services Office of Student Development

Shaina Caddy

Administrative Assistant Reed Hall of Science

Shania Camacho

Assistant Athletic Trainer Department of Athletics

Olivia Chew

Alumni and University Relations Manager Office of Institutional Advancement

Enrollment Recruiter Office of Admissions Admissions Counselor Office of Admissions Williams Hall RD Office of Student Development Pacific Rim Student Services Coordinator Office of Admissions

Administrative Assistant and Chapel Coordinator Office of Spiritual Development

Anthony Crite Plumber Facilities

Caislyn Hummel Brock Kant Kelly Lara

Jason Lisko

Morgan Manahan

Roy Maynor

Student Financial Aid Coordinator Office of Student Financial Services

Jerry Mathews

Accommodations Coordinator Office of Accessibility and Disability Resources 7

Admissions Counselor Office of Admissions

Elissa Rodig

Rochelle Ruff

Heidi Russert (SR)

Administrative Assistant Department of Math and Computer Science

Rebecca Sandeno

Administrative Assistant Office of Human Resources

Michel Scheppler

Field Placement Coordinator/ Administrative Assistant School of Education

Phil Sefton

Public Safety Officer Department of Public Safety

Samantha Stafford

Guest Experience Coordinator Office of Admissions

Danielle Thomas

Student Financial Aid Coordinator Office of Student Financial Services

Stephanie Troendle

Administrative Assistant Department of Communication

Trey Vorwald

Assistant Baseball Coach Department of Athletics

FOR 2025–2026

Staff Recognitions ___ Anna Benoit • Completed the Olivet Nazarene University Leadership Institute, 2025.

David Brock • Completed the Olivet Nazarene University Leadership Institute, 2025.

Tracy Doolin • Completed the Olivet Nazarene University Leadership Institute, 2025.

Ann Johnston • Completed the Olivet Nazarene University Leadership Institute, 2025.

Marvin Jones • Completed the Olivet Nazarene University Leadership Institute, 2025.

Cindy Kaskie • Completed the Olivet Nazarene University Leadership Institute, 2025.

Kent Kinnersley • Completed the Olivet Nazarene University Leadership Institute, 2025.

Nick Mansell • Earned a Master of Arts degree in Biblical Studies from Covenant Baptist Theological Seminary, Owensboro, Kentucky, in May 2026.

Tyler Mclean • Completed the Olivet Nazarene University Leadership Institute, 2025.

Ashton Nolte • Completed the Olivet Nazarene University Leadership Institute, 2025.

Jon Smith • Completed the Olivet Nazarene University Leadership Institute, 2025.

Elizabeth (Liz) Sonneveld • Earned a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree to become a Licensed Professional Counselor.

Austin Stafford • Earned a Master of Arts in Ministerial Studies degree from Olivet Nazarene University in August 2026.

Zoie Summers • Completed the Olivet Nazarene University Leadership Institute, 2025.

Kristin Sumner • Earned a Master of Organizational Leadership degree from Olivet Nazarene University.

• Completed the Olivet Nazarene University Leadership Institute.

Zachary Tamez • Presenter at the Association of Christians in Student Development Conference, at Calvin University, June 2026.

8

Staff Recognitions – continued Houston Thompson • Juried conference presentation at the Association of Christians in Health and Human Services Annual Conference, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on the topic of “Cultural Influences in the Pursuit of Holiness.”

• Received the Dennis Seymour Faith and Innovation Impact Award from the Department of Computer Science at Olivet Nazarene University.

• Co-chaired the Grant Professionals Group for the Global Education and Clergy Development Department of the Global Church of the Nazarene.

• Advised three learners in Olivet Nazarene University’s Doctor of Education program.

• Served as a reader for two learners in other doctoral programs.

• Supply preached 39 Sundays for various Church of the Nazarene congregations in central and southern Indiana.

Brian Utter • Member, National Faith Advisory Board.

• Member, Indiana Foster Care Committee.

• Board of Directors, Living Alternative Pregnancy Resource Centers.

• Member, Christian Music Broadcasters Executive Circle.

• Board of Ministries member, Chicago Central District, Church of the Nazarene.

• Consultant to Africa Nazarene University Department of Communications.

• Consultant to Southern Cone Nazarene Theological Seminary on multimedia diploma program.

• Christian Music Broadcasters University conference, November 8–9, in Nashville, Tennessee.

• Presenter, CreaCom Media Camp, March 10–15, 2026, in San Jose, Costa Rica.

• Presenter, Rotary Club, March 23, 2026, in Manteno, Illinois.

• Emcee, Lake County, Indiana Right to Life Banquet, April 24, 2026, in Merrillville, Indiana.

• Project Shalom CreaCom Media Camp, May 11–22, 2026, in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

• Attendee, Christian Music Broadcasters Momentum Conference, May 26–30, 2026, in Orlando, Florida.

• Attendee, PALCON conference, June 3–5, 2026, in Bourbonnais.

9

FOR 2025–2026

Faculty Recognitions COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

___

Recent Scholarship Grants Received Aram Agajanian • Received a $1,000 partially funded grant from the McGraw STEM Student Engagement

Program through Dr. Dale Hathaway’s selection process. Due to other obligations, this grant is deferred to next year. The plan is to use the funds for EE/CE students joining and competing in IEEE Workshops.

Daniel Allen • Craighton T. and Linda G. Hippenhammer Faculty Scholarship Grant — The Human-First University.

Justin Brown • Supervisor for a Pence-Boyce Summer Research project.

Charles Carrigan • Natural Sciences Catalyst Program: $8,000 Geological Science Student Field Work.

Steve Case • Two-month residential research fellowship at the Linda Hall Library, Kansas City, “Plan[e]t Engineer: Gene Wolfe and the Deep Future of the Anthropocene.”

Bruce Heyen • Pence-Boyce summer research grant working with Pacey Nack for summer 2026.

• Received a grant to allow six students to present posters and attend the national American Chemical Society meeting in August 2026.

David Hoekman • Wrote and received a McGraw STEM Student Engagement Program grant with colleagues entitled “Increasing floral resources for pollinators at the Swanberg Biological Sanctuary to expand conservation potential and student research opportunities.”

Munya Katongera • McGraw Hill grant.

Karen Knudson • Received the Hippenhammer Faculty Scholarship grant to attend the Leeds International Medieval Congress in July 2026.

Jeremy Lyle • Pi Mu Epsilon Prize Grant.

Kyle Robinson • Hippenhammer Grant.

Joe Schroeder • McGraw STEM Student Engagement Grants to support SAE-Baja Team travel ($1,000 in October 2026 and AgInno Missioneering Team travel ($1,200 in May 2026).

Madeline Shepley • McGraw STEM Engagement Grant to take students to hear Br. Guy Consolmagno speak at Purdue.

Nick Troendle • Working with Isabella Ghidina, we received a Pence-Boyce for this summer to conduct research into honey bee population genetics.

Nicole Vander Schaff • Hippenhammer Faculty Scholarship Fund (Olivet Nazarene University), “Investigation

of ‘Other’ Cancer-Causing HPV Strains in Jiwaka Province, Papua New Guinea by DNA Sequencing,” December 2025. Total award amount was $4705.

10

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

Recent Scholarship Grants Received – continued Kristian Veit • Received a $1,000 grant with Daniel Allen and Josh Riley for a project entitled

“The human-first university: Practicing presence on the Christian college campus in the digital age.”

___

Ryan Younger • Contributed as technical lead to the development and submission of an institutional AI server grant proposal.

Completed Publications, Presentations, Projects or Performances Daniel Allen • Allen, D.M., Ramirez, P., & Jones, C. 2025. Disconnected: Drawbacks of screen use on the Christian campus. Society for the Scientific Study of Religion, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Brandon Arbuckle • Presentation on Theory of Mind in didactic seminar with Wellington Counseling Group.

• Presentation on Models of Marriage and Family Therapy through Aurora Advocate’s Family Therapy Training Institute, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

• Panel Presenter, ONU Faculty Development Opportunities: Adapting Assignments in the Age of AI.

Jeff Bell • Composed, arranged and recorded “Holy Forever” (a cappella anthem for choir).

• Performed several vocal solos at College Church University Avenue.

• Guest organist for local school graduation.

Nick Boros • Completed project (with Dan Green) on improving parking for faculty and staff on campus. Collected, analyzed, and submitted data to ONU’s Office of Public Safety.

Charles Carrigan • Served as the primary project advisor for Honors Student Amy Johnson and the

completion of her thesis, “Organic Constituents of Bourbonnais Creek Watershed.”

• Assisted another student, Hayley O’Vell, on her Pence-Boyce research project “Characterization of Three Unclassified NWA Meteorites Using Thin Section Microscopy.”

Steve Case • Interviewed for an episode of Ashville Public Radio SCIENCE BREW podcast.

• INSAP/Oxford conference on Indigenous Astronomies in the Space Age presentation: “John Herschel, Colonialism, and the History of Astronomy.”

• Olivet Jump Start presentation: “Christ and the Life of the Mind: Why Research Matters.”

• Panel participant, “New books in the history of science,” History of Science Society annual meeting.

• (Virtual) lecture at the Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institute for the Herschel Society on “John Herschel and the Invention of Science.”

• (Virtual) lecture for the Indiana Astronomical Society on “The Incredible Career of Sir John Herschel.”

Sonya Comer • Performance on Faculty Recital and local community leadership event, “Pause”: Nuvole Bianche by Ludovico Einaudi, piano solo & Sonata for Piccolo and Piano by Amanda Harberg, Movement I, Allegro, flowing.

11

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

Completed Publications, Presentations, Projects or Performances – continued Kelsie Davis • Producer/Supervisor, Green Room Theatre Company: Broadway Revue

“Sinners & Saints.”

• Director, ONU Theater Fall Play: “1984.”

• Producer/Supervisor, Green Room Theatre Company: Winter Workshops.

• Director, ONU Theatre Spring Musical: “Newsies.”

• Producer/Supervisor, Green Room Theatre Company Spring Play: “The Diary of Anne Frank.”

• Scholar Week Faculty Mentor: Livi Bryant’s presentation, “Psychology in Drama: Evolution of Trauma Theory and Its Portrayal in Theatre.”

Lynn Dill • Presented a Teacher Talk, titled “Methods for Generating and Organizing Class

Discussions: Online & In-Person,” in the English Department.

• Facilitated a panel discussion of students who participated in a study abroad trip to Ireland over spring break.

• Served as a faculty mentor for life writing students who presented, “Distilling a Life: Ethics, Perspective and Voice in Life Writing.” These last two presentations were during Scholar Week at Olivet.

Bruce Heyen • Mentored Akemi Hori, a summer research student who received a Pence-Boyce scholarship.

David Hoekman • Tropical Field Ecology students completed research projects, created posters and presented their research at Homecoming.

Kristy Ingram • Workshop Leader and Presenter, “Teaching English Overseas: Where Do I Start?”

Department of English Workshop for Undergraduate Students. Olivet Nazarene University. April 10, 2026.

• Presented, “You Can’t Have One Without the Other,” during Scholar Week. Olivet Nazarene University. April 13, 2026. Student Presenters: Lynette Alsot, Brooklyn Bishop, Lily Thomas.

Matt Jacklin • Outstanding Ensemble Award at Elmhurst Jazz Festival.

• Multiple performances, Sunport Serenades Recital Series (Albuquerque, New Mexico).

• College Church Recital Series.

• Performance with Heartland Festival Orchestra.

Josh Johnson • Presentation for Scholar Week here at ONU: “It Was a Turning Point:” Adolescents’ Willful Disclosure to Their Parents About Pornography.

• Guest speaker for the 2026 Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization here on ONU’s campus.

• Gave a pitch workshop entitled “Perfecting Your Createur Conference Pitch.”

Marvin Jones • Received Certification from Berklee College of Music in the Essentials of Teaching

Contemporary Voice.

• Received Certification from ONU’s Leadership Institute.

• Participated in personal training through Coach Builders and The Ziglar Corporation.

12

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

Completed Publications, Presentations, Projects or Performances – continued Paul Kenyon • Conference presentation: Illinois State Music Teachers Association annual meeting at

Blackburn College, “Developing Musicianship with 4- and 8-hand piano music,” Nov. 8, 2025.

• Played solo and accompanied at the annual ONU School of Music Faculty Recital, Sept. 5, 2025.

• Played solo piano program for faculty recital at the ONU School of Music, Sept. 18, 2025.

• Performed a sacred program with Dr. Marvin Jones for the Music at College Church concert series, Oct. 5, 2025.

• Performed with Dr. Josh Ring, ONU Centennial Chapel Organ Series Homecoming Recital, Oct. 17, 2025.

• Played piano duet program with Brenda Kenyon for Music at College Church concert series, Nov. 16 2025.

• Performed jazz program with School of Music colleagues for Faculty Jazz Concert, Nov. 18, 2025.

• Presented Christmas Concert with Tony Fightmaster at Christ Church UMC, Middletown, Ohio, Dec. 14, 2025.

• Performed with guest cellist Barbara Kavanaugh for the Music at College Church concert series, Feb. 22, 2026.

• Performed solo piano recital program for the Music at College Church concert series, March 15, 2026.

• Performed jazz program with School of Music colleagues for Faculty Jazz Concert, March 17, 2026 • Performed “Jazz in the Sanctuary” with School of Music Faculty Colleagues for the Music at College Church, April 26, 2026.

Parry Kietzman • Publication Co-Author: Larcom, R.; Kietzman, P.; O’Rourke, M.; Tracy, B. Do Pastures

Diversified with Native Wildflowers Benefit Honeybees (Apis mellifera)? Agriculture 2025, 15, 1924. https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15181924 • Conference Presentation Co-Author: Bee-friendly beef: harnessing community science to identify conservation solutions on working lands. Conference for Advancing the Participatory Sciences, Portland, Oregon, May 2025. E. Shibley, A. Johnson, N Izler, P. Kietzman.

• Presentation: Planting for Pollinators, Kankakee Valley Garden Club (Nov. 20 2025).

• Presentation: Is Beekeeping Right for You?, Kankakee Valley Garden Club (April 24, 2026).

• Guest speaker on Shine.FM video podcast, Pollinators and Native Plants (The Home and the Maker).

• Reviewer (ongoing project), Conservation Biology textbook.

• Supervised two summer research students, Brandon Jarosz and Francesca Baisler (Pence-Boyce Scholarship recipient), Summer 2025.

Karen Knudson • Book review of William Caxton, Paris and Vienne and Blanchardyn and Eglantine was

published in the Enarratio Journal in December 2025.

• Delivered a presentation entitled “That Time Lancelot Fought a Dragon,” on Oct. 18, 2025, for the “Medieval + Monsters” conference sponsored by the Medieval Association of the Midwest in conjunction with the Newberry Library. Also chaired two sessions at the same conference.

• Presented a paper entitled “The Free Gifts of the Feminine in the Wisdom of Solomon,” at the International Congress on Medieval Studies at Western Michigan University on May 14, 2026.

13

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

Completed Publications, Presentations, Projects or Performances – continued Mary Beth Koszut • Exhibition, 2026 Midwest Regional, Artlink Gallery, Auer Center for Arts & Culture, Fort Wayne, Indiana.

• Four-Person Exhibition, Victorian House Gallery, Olivet Nazarene University, Bourbonnais, 2026.

• Four-Person Exhibition, Reynolds Auditorium Gallery, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, 2025.

Elyse Lamszus • Contributed a chapter, “Grief Amidst the Milestones,” to They Didn’t Give Up, edited by

Kent Olney, published fall 2025.

• Presented “Delighting in the Beauty and Truth of Literature” at the Women’s Conference at Calvary Memorial Church, November 1, 2025.

• Presented “A Theology for Reading Literature” at the Faith and Friends class at Calvary Memorial Church, February 1, 2026.

• Presented “Supporting Writing in the Literature Classroom,” a Teacher Talk presentation for the ONU Department of English, May 1, 2026.

Seok Lew • Ahlfors, S.P., Lew, S., Hämäläinen, M.S. et al. Conductivity Deviations as Virtual Sources in Magnetoencephalography. Brain Topogr 39, 46 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1007/ s10548-026-01192-9.

Jeremy Lyle • Publication, independent sets in K 6-free graphs with large degree, (J. Lyle) Discrete

Mathematics, volume 349, issue 4, April 2026.

• Publication, Well-hued graphs with first difference two, (G. Boyer, K. Kuenzel, J. Lyle, R. Pellico), Graphs and Combinatorics.

Jay Martinson • In the role of Director of Faculty Development, facilitated many professional development activities for faculty and organized/facilitated Scholar Week.

Heather McLaughlin • Presentation, “Narrative and Documentary Video Production.” CreaCom Media Camp,

Iglesia del Nazareno Área Norte. March 14, 2026.

• Chair and moderator, 2026. “Religion and Media Interest Division – Division Meeting.”

Broadcast Education Association Annual Convention, Las Vegas. April 18, 2026.

• Chair and moderator, 2026. “Religion and Media Interest Division — Top Research Presentations.” Broadcast Education Association Annual Convention, Las Vegas.

April 18, 2026.

• Presentation with Eric Lockwood, “Storytelling.” CreaCom Media Camp, Iglesia del Nazareno América del Sur. Pilar, Argentina. May 16, 2026.

Kyle Robinson • Conference Paper: “Materialists Methodists: John Wesley, Icon of the British Culture

Industry” at the 72nd Annual Midwest Conference on British Studies held at Elmhurst University, Oct. 17–18, 2025.

Jon Seals • Solo exhibition accompanied by an artist talk, chapel presentation and course lecture. Four paintings from the exhibition were acquired for the permanent collection at Yale Divinity School. Exhibition Title: Brackish Waters.

Madeline Shepley • Co-author of the “Dangerous Questions in Astronomy Education” white paper (published July 2025).

14

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

Completed Publications, Presentations, Projects or Performances – continued Matt Stratton • Guest Tuba Soloist, KMB.

• Presented four sessions at the Bands of America Summer Camp Sweetwater Band Director Academy.

• Conductor of bands at several sporting events.

• Numerous recitals and concerts.

• Three Amigos Retirement Celebration Mass Tuba Ensemble.

Nicole Vander Schaff • Presentation: Advancing Women’s Health through HPV Testing in Papua New Guinea.

• Oral presentation, invited virtual guest speaker for Greenville University (IL) Biology students, November 2025.

• Science, Engineering, and God’s Global Mission, co-oral presentation, Urbana Missions Conference, Phoenix, Arizona, December 2025.

Kristian Veit • Veit, K. M., Rankin, L., & Poland, A. (2025). Correlating loneliness with a facet-level

measure of personality. [Poster presentation]. American Psychological Association’s Annual Convention, Denver, Colorado.

• Young Reusser, A., Gassin, E. A., Young, P., Jordan, M., & Veit, K. (2025, October).

The Ties That No Longer Bind: Evangelical Pastors & Christian Faculty Thoughts on AI’s Impact on Trust, Relationships and Belief. Roundtable presentation given at the 2025 APS Global Psychological Science Summit (virtual).

• Allen, D. M., Veit, K. M., Riley, J., Penrod, M., & Jones, C. (2026, April). The HumanFirst University: Practicing Presence on the Christian College Campus in the Digital Age. [Paper presentation]. Olivet Nazarene University’s 2026 Scholar Week.

• Meinert, M., & Veit, K. M. (2026, April). The Impacts of Violent Media Content on Body Image Perceptions. [Poster presentation]. Annual Meeting of the Midwestern Psychological Association, Chicago, Illinois.

• Haugen, R., & Veit, K. M. (2026, April). Exploring the Relationships Between Competition, Winning, Achievement-Striving, and Learning Enjoyment. [Poster presentation]. Annual Meeting of the Midwestern Psychological Association, Chicago, Illinois.

• Veit, K. M. (2025–2026). Christians at Work Seminar Series. Ten presentations given in the fall and spring semesters to the faculty and staff at Olivet Nazarene University from a manuscript in process (anticipated book title: God at Work at Work: Understanding and Navigating Work Using Christian Scripture and Industrial-Organizational Psychology).

• Had six students present their Quantitative Research Project at the 2026 Associated Colleges of the Chicago Area (ACCA) Student Symposium at Lewis University on April 18, 2026, and three students presented their studies on campus during finals week.

Aggie Veld • Wrote the foreword for a book that was released in May 2026 entitled “Learning How to Stay: the Months After,” written by Olivet alumna Sarah Grace Spencer.

Michael Wade • Small session co-speaker at Urbana Conference 26.

Neal Woodruff • Conducted the ONU Homecoming Concert performance with orchestra and combined

choirs, featuring Meredith Andrews.

• Entered 14 Olivet students in the annual auditions sponsored by the National Association of Teachers of Singing. Eight students were semi-finalists and five were finalists.

• Conductor for the ONU Spring production of “Newsies” and also played the role of Teddy Roosevelt.

• Led a worship seminar at Life Compass Church.

• Conductor and tenor soloist for ONU presentation of Handel’s Messiah.

15

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

Completed Publications, Presentations, Projects or Performances – continued Neal Woodruff • Served as an adjudicator for the national NATS competition.

• Served as an adjudicator for the national Classical Singer competition.

• Soloist, accompanist or conductor for multiple other recitals and concerts throughout the year.

Ryan Younger • Presenter at SharkFest 2026 (Tennessee) with the talk, “Galaxy Tracer: A Topology-First

3D Interface for Interactive PCAP Exploration” (https://arxiv.org/abs/2603.16018).

• Developed GalaxyTracer (galaxytracer.io), an original web-based network traffic analysis and teaching tool integrating 3D topology visualization with packet-level inspection.

• Coached student team in the National Cyber League 2026 Team Game to a top 1% national ranking.

• Developed and delivered new coursework in machine learning and network packet analysis with integrated investigative lab design.

___

Professional Leadership Sonya Comer • Director, ONU Summer Music Camp.

Kelsie Davis • Director, ONU Theatre.

David Hoekman • Chair of the ground beetle Technical Working Group (TWG) for the National Ecological Observatory Network. https://www.neonscience.org/about/advisory-groups/twgs • Instructor, three-week Field Entomology class at the Au Sable Institute of Environmental Studies, May–June, 2026.

• Instructor, four-week Field Ecology class at the Wheaton College Science Station in the Black Hills of South Dakota, June–July, 2026.

• Academic Programs Committee member for the Au Sable Institute of Environmental Studies.

Kristy Ingram • Director, ONU Undergraduate ESL Teaching Endorsement and Minor Program.

Elyse Lamszus • Served Sigma Tau Delta by helping at its International Convention and evaluating scholarship applications.

Jeremy Lyle • Reviewer for Discrete Mathematics.

Heather McLaughlin • Board member, Los Angeles Film Studies Center 501 (c) (3).

• Chair, Religion and Media Division, Broadcast Education Association.

Jon Seals • Art Editor for Yale ISM Review, a new online publication for Yale Institute of Sacred Music.

Dan Sharda • Contributor to an AI program from Cengage Learning, focused on physiology and immunology.

16

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

Professional Leadership – continued Matt Stratton • Indiana State School Music Association Semi-State Marching Band Adjudicator.

• Southwest Suburban Bands Conference - Wind Band Adjudicator.

• Illinois Music Educators Association - Large Group Contest Adjudicator Olivet Nazarene University.

• Illinois Music Educators Association - Large Group Contest Adjudicator Northern Illinois University.

• Cavaliers - Brass Caption Supervisor.

Nicole Vander Schaff • Co-leader of the Summer 2026 Papua New Guinea missions trip with Olivet students.

• Co-host and introductory speaker at ONU Honors Day 2025.

• Recipient of the 2026 Zonta Women in STEM Award (Kankakee Chapter and District 6 winner).

___

Community Engagement and Recognition Aram Agajanian • Creation Haven Makerspace in Kankakee, community partnership with ONU IEEE

Student Club.

• Supported the Armenian Apostolic Church community through various acts of service.

• Member, Knights of Vartan (KOV) organization, which worked to meet various needs in the Armenian community.

Daniel Allen • Allen, D.M., 2025. Faith Together: The Anxious Generation. Shine.FM podcast guest on

the topic of devices in schools.

• Allen, D.M., 2025. Screens & Schools. Professional development seminars at Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School (May 2025) and Bishop McNamara High School (August 2025).

Brandon Arbuckle • Chaperone for Central School (Jr. High School 8th grade) trip to Washington, D.C. Jeff Bell • Regularly volunteered at Center of Hope in Kankakee, Illinois.

• Organist and choir director for College Church University Avenue, Bourbonnais.

Nancy Bonilla • Nursery worker at College Church University Avenue (CCUA).

• Kitchen help at Vacation Bible Party, CCUA. • Led Spanish workshop at Everyone Cares Camp (summer camp for adults/teens with special needs).

Nick Boros • Went with students to judge the oral part of high school math competitions in the fall and spring semesters.

Justin Brown • Taught fifth and sixth graders about the Bible on Wednesday nights at Manteno Church of the Nazarene.

Charles Carrigan • Co-taught the college-age student Sunday School class on Sunday mornings with Pastor

Mark Quanstrom.

• Lead organizer for the Olivet River Keepers Kankakee River Clean-up Day, where approximately 40 students volunteered to canoe four miles down the Kankakee River and help beautify the environment.

17

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

Community Engagement and Recognition – continued Steve Case • Served on the Wright in Kankakee board of directors.

• Served on the City of Kankakee planning board.

Sonya Comer • Volunteer at GatheringPoint Church for music and other needs.

• GatheringPoint Leadership Development Training.

• Keynote speaker for Ladies Spring Banquet, “Sing Unto the Lord,” First Baptist Church of Momence.

Scott Dombrowski • Vacation Bible Party volunteer for Kidsland at College Church, summer 2025.

Dan Green • Wrote questions for a local high school math competition and helped judge an oral presentation for two such competitions.

Willa Harper • Affiliated with a group of Catholic sisters and served on their affiliates board.

Ryan Himes • Demonstrated a squid dissection for the third grade at Shabbona Elementary School.

Andrew Hoag • Served as a “buddy” for the February Night to Shine event at GatheringPoint Church.

• Involved in discipleship, kids’ ministry and technical productions at GatheringPoint.

David Hoekman • Participated in the Kankakee River clean-up day under the direction of Chuck Carrigan.

• Active participant and reader during worship services at American Lutheran Church.

• Served as a peer reviewer for the journal Aquatic Ecology.

• Rotary Club presentation about birding, field courses and ornithology.

• Led a “Birding Across Kankakee” bird walk event for the University of Illinois College of Agriculture extension office at the Aroma Land and Water Preserve.

• Ongoing leadership role with the local chapter of Strong Towns, a community organization that advocates for safe, livable, inviting and resilient communities (e.g., locally, that has meant calling for increased walkability, bikeablility and financial transparency in local government).

Kristy Ingram • Volunteer, Salvation Army, Kankakee, Illinois.

Dave Johnson • Various leadership roles at Kankakee First Church of the Nazarene.

• Participated in numerous cleanup and relief efforts after serious damage from spring storms and tornadoes in the area.

Josh Johnson • Served on my church’s worship team.

Marvin Jones • Served on the worship team and in the Sunday morning band at CCUA. • Served as discipleship pastor at CCUA.

Daniel Kender • Sent first shipment of computers to the Philippines as part of the Technology Praxis Outreach Program.

• Participated in Momentum Motivating Minds, a tutoring ministry of Momentum Church.

Paul Kenyon • Several musical performances at Westwood Oaks Senior Living, in Kankakee, Illinois.

• Performed a sacred program with Dr. Marvin Jones for Prime Time senior adults at Kankakee First Church of the Nazarene • Performed solo and with faculty colleagues on a benefit concert at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, La Grange.

18

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

Community Engagement and Recognition – continued Parry Kietzman • Guest speaker at two meetings of the Kankakee Valley Garden Club.

Mary Beth Koszut • Volunteer, Empty Bowls, Ceramics Charity Event, HedgeApple Arts Center, Kankakee, Illinois.

• Regular volunteer, St Paul’s Lutheran School, Bourbonnais.

Elyse Lamszus • Ran my fifth Chicago Marathon and captained my church’s Team World Vision marathon team.

• Served in various volunteer roles at my local church.

Karen Leonard • Reviewer for the International Journal of Applied Linguistics.

Seok Lew • Coordinated the HOPAN homeless ministry in Chicago, working with senior engineering design students to construct a small house that meets HOPAN’s specific needs and requirements.

Jeremy Lyle • Judge for state ICTM (Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics) contest.

Judge for River Valley Conference Math Contest.

Heather McLaughlin • Served at River Valley Christian Fellowship in various ministries.

• Helped my husband with his smoothie business at events in local schools and the farmers market.

• Part of the production crew for Nazarene Youth Conference (NYC) in Salt Lake City, Utah, July 2026.

Scott Ragan • Faculty Mentor for the ASCE student group at ONU.

• Mock interviews for three students at Clifton Central High School in May 2026.

Darl Rassi • Leading a group of 200 volunteers from the Apostolic Christian Church to write Sunday

school curriculum and lesson resources for teachers. This is a large multi-year project.

We have completed 710 lessons! We plan to launch the lessons in their beta format by August 2026. Graphic design work will be ongoing, with final production anticipated

by May 2027.

• Helped judge oral presentations at the Beecher Mathematics Contest in November 2025.

• Presented a lesson to three sixth-grade classes at Prairie Central Upper Elementary where we discussed what a mathematician does, and they explored palindrome numbers.

Jeffrey Rice • Deacon, Grace Baptist Church.

• Teacher, Kankakee Christian Home Educators.

• Cybersecurity Defense Institute.

• KCC IT Program Advisory Committee.

• Kankakee Area Career Center Advisory Committee.

Kyle Robinson • Kankakee County Historical Society, Vice President.

Joe Schroeder • Kankakee Symphony Orchestra, Bass Trombone.

• American Lutheran Church, Bourbonnais: Council Member, Discipleship Chair, Assisting Minister, Lector, Worship Leader, and musician.

• Swimming and diving official for the local USA-Swimming clubs, YMCA, high schools, and colleges: numerous events and championships.

19

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

Community Engagement and Recognition – continued Beth Schurman • Served on Kankakee Bishop McNamara’s Strategic Plan: Academic Excellence Sub-Committee as part of their school improvement process.

Dan Sharda • Helped lead a Biophilic cleanup day in the fields behind Alan Shepherd

Elementary School.

• Director of Kankakee Summer Tennis League, which supported a community of nearly 30 members and expanded this year to include local high school varsity players.

• Helped with setup and takedown at various band and orchestra concerts at a middle school and high school.

Madeline Shepley • Moderator for the Inkwells and Anvils writing Discord server.

• Co-leader of the college student group at my parish.

• Donated Planetarium tickets to the following organizations this year: Kankakee Youth Hockey Club, Zonta Club, and Grace Christian Academy.

• Weekly host of the short Notable Night Sky News segment on local radio.

Nick Troendle • Board member, Kankakee Valley Theater Association.

Nicole Vander Schaff • Volunteer at Community Cup Church of the Nazarene in various roles and ministries.

• Volunteered for United Way’s Earth Day of Action, April 2026.

• Planned an ONU Moving Day Donation Drive to collect unwanted furniture, clothes, etc., from students as they left campus. Beneficiaries included tornado victims (United Way), impoverished families (Salvation Army), and domestic violence victims (Harbor House). May 2026.

Aggie Veld • Lunch and recess volunteer for preschool, kindergarten and first grade, St. Paul’s Lutheran School.

Michael Wade • 2026 Spring Moving Drive at Olivet Volunteer.

• Joined church music band.

Ryan Younger • Developed and maintained Apps for Autism (https://www.appsforautism.org), a website providing accessible games and tools, including porting and adapting applications to support individuals with autism.

20

FOR 2025–2026

Faculty Recognitions COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES

___

Recent Scholarship Grant Recipients Amanda Chorak • Collaboration and assistance in the Early Childhood team in the SOE: recipient of the

ECACE Scholarship and Grant award for the CDEV & ECED programs (2022–2025), with continued scholarships for CDEV students enrolled in the program.

Laurie Hofman • $250 seed money from Thrivent Action Team’s Community Impact Card secured to

provide additional funding for Child Development’s Teddy Bear Clinic and Kappa Delta Pi Trunk or Treat.

Amber Residori • Secured two annual $1,000 scholarships from Riverside Medical Center for nursing or biology ROTC students (2023–present).

• Secured two annual scholarships from Riverside Medical Center for nursing students, covering their junior and senior year tuition.

Dawn Schwarzkopf • Received PNC Grow Up Great Grant for $25,000.

___

• Received Thrivent Grant ($250) for Kappa Delta Pi participation in Elevated Therapeutics Trunk or Treat sensory-friendly events for their clients with autism.

Completed Publications, Presentations, Projects or Performances Amanda Chorak • Participated in the Harbor House: Safe Futures Conference April 2026.

April Clark • Participated in the publication of “They Didn’t Give Up.” Hillary Cole • Continued SOWK Curriculum revamp: Tweaked assignment descriptions and rubrics to

confirm they aligned with new CSWE accreditation standards and finalized syllabi and pre/post tests for this.

• Facilitated Community Needs Assessment (Fall 2025): Used SOWK 412 to partner with Community Cup Church of the Nazarene, Conducted a needs assessment on current services for immigrant families in Kankakee County, Helped facilitate a focus group event where over 50 immigrant individuals came and shared their experiences and their needs, Wrote up findings for church, Findings will be used as Community Cup prepares to open an Immigrant Connection chapter.

• Presented on faculty panel related to AI use in plenary (Spring 2026); Spoke on the ethical considerations of using AI in the helping professions, especially within therapy.

• Helped lead a faculty town hall on AI use during Scholar Week (Spring 2026); Helped facilitate discussion on how/should AI be used on campus as it relates to different disciplines.

21

COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES

Completed Publications, Presentations, Projects or Performances – continued Cathy Dillinger • Rewriting all nursing curriculum with Brooke Piper and DeAnna VanKuren to align with CCNE new accreditation standards. Publication in “They Didn’t Give Up.”

Tom Edwards • Presented at Partner Palooza.

Susie Enfield • Completed a poster presentation at AACN’s Transform 2025 conference, in San Diego,

California, entitled “Pre-licensure Nursing Student Perception of Competency-Based Education.”

• Presented the same poster during Scholar Week 2026 at ONU. • Publication: “Pre-Licensure Nursing Student Perception of Competency-Based Education: A Phenomenological Study,” https://dx.doi.org/10.33140/JNH.11.02.05.

• Award: 2025 Robin Chard Memorial Award for PhD nursing students.

Amy Flynn • Presented “Self-Care for Educators” at a CEA meeting.

Dave Horton • Wrote an essay/chapter for the book, “They Didn’t Give Up,” published in August 2025.

• Named Outstanding Educator by the Illinois CPA Society, April 2026.

Lance Kilpatrick • Kilpatrick, L. (September 30, 2025). ECACE PPR Report Summer 2025 for the Early

Childhood Access Consortium for Equity.

• Guimond, R., Veld, A, & Kilpatrick, L. (November 7, 2025) Department Level Persistence Strategies. Olivet Faculty Development Workshop.

• Kilpatrick, L. (November 10, 2025). Part I: Title II Federal Education Report submitted to the United States Department of Education.

• Kilpatrick, L. (November 21, 2025). ECACE Presentation to Navigators. Illinois Board of Higher Education.

• Kilpatrick, L. (December 30, 2025). ECACE PPR Report Fall 2025 for the Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity.

• Kilpatrick, L. (April 30, 2026). Part II: Title II Federal Education Report submitted to the United States Department of Education.

• Kilpatrick, L. (April 30, 2026). Illinois Annual Program Report (APR) for the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE).

• Riley, J., Brown, J., Adamson, M., Cole, H., Allen, D., & Kilpatrick, L. (April 13).

AI Considerations Among Faculty. Plenary Faculty Meeting.

Kristin Mathews • Spoke at Life Compass Church’s Mother’s Day service through a sermon titled “Mirrors.”

May 2025.

• Led a presentation roundtable for a Project LEAD conference titled “What Does Culture Have to Do with Effective Teaching and Learning?” June 2025.

• Led an interactive presentation for the Project LEAD Fall Forum, “What Would You Do?: Practical Case Studies for Discussion,” November 2025.

• Conducted a professional development session at Ozinga titled “Culturally Responsive Leadership: Leveraging Individual Culture for Collective Success, April 2026.

Doug Nielsen • Reviewed chapters on descriptive statistics and hypothesis testing for an upcoming edition of Business Statistics: Communicating with Numbers.

22

COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES

Completed Publications, Presentations, Projects or Performances – continued Amber Residori • Presentation. (February 2025). The Importance of Relational Leadership, Olivet Nazarene

University Leadership Institute.

• April 2026: The Daily Journal: Value Added: Olivet Nazarene University Empowering Community Partnerships.

• Summer 2025: Olivet the Magazine: Doing Something Good Together.

• Presentation (November 2025). Wrap-Up Session: Lessons Learned. Olivet Nazarene University Leadership Institute.

• Presentation. (June 2026). Welcome to Our Family: Ready, Set, Go. Olivet Nazarene University Orientation.

• Virtual Presentation. (Ongoing). Ethics and the Office: Swimming in Deep Waters.

The North American Association of Christians in Social Work CEU Online Workshops.

Dawn Schwarzkopf • Our Nu Beta Chapter of KDP held a teacher panel, principal panel, and

student-teacher panel.

• Conducted a workshop in the Fall with English-speaking families, a workshop in the Spring with Spanish-speaking families, and a culminating field trip for both in April.

Shelly Stroud • Established a partnership with the I Got Your Six Foundation, resulting in two Criminal Justice students receiving $6,000 scholarships annually. Wild Pigs has also committed to sponsoring a Criminal Justice student each year with a $1,000 scholarship.

• Provided SAFER training for Sheltered 91, a human trafficking agency located in Hobart, Indiana.

___

DeAnna VanKuren • Nursing Pinning speaker, Light and Love, Fall 2025.

Advanced Degrees and Professional Certifications Earned Matt Adamson • Retired police officer annual firearms qualification, September 27, 2025.

Tina Burton • MA in Pastoral Leadership from Olivet in August 2025.

Susie Enfield • PhD in Nursing, August 2025, Wilkes University, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.

Amy Flynn • Heart-Centered Connections Practitioner Certificate.

Liz Lowe • Basic Life Support (BLS) Neonatal Resuscitation Provider (NRP).

Kimberly Lynch • Dementia Care Specialist (DCS) Certification.

Kristin Mathews • Maintained/Renewed Certification for National Board of Professional Teaching Standards — English Language Arts/Early Adolescence, December 2025.

Karen Smith • Certified Pediatric Nurse.

DeAnna VanKuren • BLS CPR Instructor recertification course completed.

23

___

COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES

Professional Leadership Roles Held Matt Adamson • Kankakee Community College Advisory Board member 2025–2026.

• Participated in the Kankakee Community College Law Enforcement Day and presented the Paragon Award (joint award presented by both schools).

• Proctored Kankakee Police Recruit Testing, June 21, 2025.

• Served as a member of the Eastern Illinois Law Enforcement Association.

• Served on the Kankakee County State’s Attorney’s Conviction Integrity Unit 2025–2026.

Kelly Brown • IACTE (Illinois Association of Colleges of Teacher Education) treasurer.

Amanda Chorak • Child Development Program Director and CDEV Internship Coordinator.

• Child Development Program Director for the ECACE Scholarship/Grant Program, online and traditional.

• In collaboration with Debra Kimberlin as a co-chair of the Kappa Omicron Nu National Honor Society for Human Services local Olivet Chapter, Kappa Delta Rho, the Child Development program joined the local chapter as the Child Development undergraduate program is an approved national human services program.

Hillary Cole • Screen Safety Small Group Leader: Hosted four sessions to share Screen Safety curriculum

from the ONU Center for Faith and Family, facilitated small group discussion each week, shared online resources, and completed informed consent forms, pre/post tests, and weekly surveys for the Center.

Cathy Dillinger • IACN - Illinois Association of Colleges of Nursing Bylaws Committee.

• KCC Nursing Advisory Board.

• Riverside Medical Center Nursing Advisory Board.

Tom Edwards • Diakonia sponsor.

• Faculty mentor.

Susie Enfield • Sigma International Nurse Leader Review Board, member.

• Kappa Sigma, Faculty Counselor.

Anne Figus • FACS Department Chair.

• Interior & Architectural Design Program Coordinator.

• American Society of Interior Design Student Chapter Sponsor.

• Interior and Architectural Design Student Ambassador Sponsor.

• Vice-Chairperson, Maternity BVM Credit Union Board of Directors.

• Professional Development Director, American Society of Interior Designers Illinois Chapter Board of Directors.

Amy Flynn • Program Coordinator for the Special Education Program.

Laurie Hofman • Program Director of Graduate and Continuing Studies programs in Education.

Lance Kilpatrick • Director of the ECACE Scholarship Project.

• Director of the Teacher Education program.

• Chair, Education Preparation program (EPP).

Deb Kimberlin • Board of Directors, Kappa Omicron Nu National Honor Society.

24

COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES

Professional Leadership Roles Held – continued Kristin Mathews • Culturally Responsive Teaching and Leading Task Force, Chair: Center For Success.

• Program Coordinator, Elementary Education Program.

Tricia Mills • President of Olivet’s local chapter of Sigma Beta Delta Honor Society.

Doug Nielsen • Chair of an Endowment Committee for my church.

Amber Residori • Provided weekly Licensed Clinical Social Work (LCSW) supervision to a local social

worker and Olivet alums.

• Provided ongoing mentorship and leadership consultation to community leaders from various organizations.

Tara Rewerts • St. Mary’s Clinical Coordinator.

Lauren Rouse • Served as the physical education Program Coordinator.

• Served as a University supervisor for the School of Education PE majors.

Dawn Schwarzkopf • Director of the Early Childhood Education program.

• Chapter Counselor for the Nu Beta Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi Educational Honor Society.

Karen Smith • Leader of the ONU chapter of Nurses Christian Fellowship (known as Selah).

• Led a medical mission team to the Dominican Republic through the Shalom Project.

DeAnna VanKuren • BSN Program Director, School of Nursing.

___

Jeff Williamson • Board Chair, Man on Fire. Bourbonnais.

Community Service and Recognition Matt Adamson • Helped organize, provide student help and pray at an ONU hockey game during

Public Safety Night.

• Volunteered at Bible Witness Camp.

• Helped organize the Kankakee Police Kids Christmas Party.

• Manna Club speaker for Safety in Kankakee.

• Chapel speaker at Kankakee Trinity Academy.

• Spoke at chapel at Grace Christian Academy.

• Taught men’s group at Calvary Bible Church.

• Ran the Virtual Reality Simulator for the Kankakee County Sheriff’s Department.

• Ran the Virtual Reality Simulator for the Bourbonnais Police Department.

• Ran the Virtual Reality Simulator for Celebrate Life.

Lynda Allen • Oversaw the integration of service-learning in our McGraw School of Business curriculum where senior students contributed over 2,000 hours of service to our community.

• Served as a Steward on the church board and the finance committee, and taught Sunday School for first- through third-grade children.

25

COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES

Community Service and Recognition – continued Ramsey Burgeson • Helped with disaster relief after the tornado that came through Kankakee County.

Hillary Cole • Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (MBVM) Church Young Adult Group.

• Volunteered at Bishop McNamara Catholic School (BMCS) K–5.

• In-home communion server.

Ali Denault • Organized and facilitated my church’s volleyball league ministry in the fall and spring.

• Fundraised and participated in the Pregnancy Resource Center’s Walk for Life with my daughter.

• During the fall and spring SOWK 202: Applied Learning classes, I provided time in class and cards for my students to write thank-you letters to the School Social Workers and unsung hero staff members in the Bourbonnais School District (custodians, secretaries, PE teachers, paraprofessionals and special education staff).

Cathy Dillinger • Partnered with United Way Personal Product Drive.

• Headed up the medical team with over 30 nursing students for Tim Tebow’s Night to Shine event at GatheringPoint Church.

• Weekly greeter at GatheringPoint.

• Monday evening couples small group (been together over five years).

• Led weekly bible study for four ladies for one-and-a-half years.

Tom Edwards • Served as greeter, usher, communion server and offering collector at my church.

• Served with Naomi’s House, an organization helping survivors of human trafficking.

• Served at Sweet Darren’s along with our students for an Easter celebration for people with disabilities.

Susie Enfield • Volunteer for the American Red Cross Sound the Alarm program to install smoke detectors in Elkhart, Indiana.

• Auxiliary member for Gideons International.

Dan Ferris • Served in the community through volunteering at Youth for Christ.

Anne Figus • FACS 498 service projects completed this year:

1. Creation of bracelets and cards for Youth for Christ.

2. Cookies, notes and cards of appreciation for the Kankakee County healthcare workers and first responders.

3. Treats and walks at River Valley Animal Rescue.

4. Cards and care at Manteno Veterans Home and Riverside Nursing Home.

5. Sports Equipment Drive for youth with limited resources.

6. Hearts for the Homeless supply drive through Manna Ministries.

7. Homemade treats, gift bags and handwritten cards for Harbor House.

Amy Flynn • Worship team lead (female vocals) at First Nazarene Church.

• Community service events for the Hope and Friendship Foundation.

• Volunteering for Abide in Me, a non-profit to support individuals with developmental disabilities.

• Volunteer musician for Giving Back to Lemont, a community event for Lemont’s food pantries.

26

COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES

Community Service and Recognition – continued Laurie Hofman • Personnel Committee Chair for Bourbonnais Public Library.

• Bourbonnais Public Library Trustee.

• Volunteer at LoveALatte.

• Volunteer and Event Coordinator for Cutie Crafts.

Dave Horton • Completed another year of the Voluntary Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program with

accounting and other business majors. This year we had 94 volunteers who completed over 660 federal and state income tax returns.

Brian Hyma • Elder board member for River Valley Christian Fellowship (RVCF).

• Youth leader at RVCF. • Scheduled to lead summer mission team of 29 to the DR through RVCF.

April Kamba • Organized All-Star Sports (community outreach program connecting ONU athletics with local adults with ID).

Lance Kilpatrick • Worship team member (bass/drums) at Manteno Church of the Nazarene.

• Served on the Nazarene Discipleship International (NDI) Committee.

• Directed the men’s basketball outreach program at Manteno Church of the Nazarene.

• Taught the fifth- and sixth-grade small group at Manteno Church of the Nazarene.

Deb Kimberlin • Participated in Healthy Kids Day at Kankakee Area YMCA. Liz Lowe • Volunteered at Uplifted Hospice Care and the Kankakee Pregnancy Resource Center.

• Multiple donations to the Maternity BVM food pantry.

• Multiple donations to storm relief after the March tornado and storms.

Kimberly Lynch • Feed My Starving Children MSN-FNP Team event.

Kristin Mathews • Strategic Planning Alignment Committee Member (representing ONU): Kankakee School District 111.

• Vacation Bible School Lead Teacher at Life Compass Church.

• Adult ESL class co-teacher at Life Compass Church.

• Children’s Church Lead Teacher at Life Compass Church.

Tricia Mills • Volunteer Income Tax Assistance: offered free preparation of individual income taxes to

the local community, serving low-income, senior citizens and international students, for several hours on eight evenings plus additional consultation services.

Doug Nielsen • Chair of the Endowment Committee for my church.

• Member on my church Board.

Tonya Peterson • Founder and director of Cancer Care Team at Christ First Baptist Church.

• Nursery worker.

• Awana teacher for teens.

• Parent Participant in Minooka Community School District #201 Strategic Planning.

27

COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES

Community Service and Recognition – continued Brooke Piper • Board member of Anthem Church.

• Participated in Saturday Serve (held the first Saturday of every month) at Anthem Church.

• Volunteered to help in the concession stand and with parking at my children’s school.

• Hosted a table for the Annual Tea at Anthem Church.

• Donated clothing and soap to a local charity.

Amber Residori • Member, Riverside Medical Center Executive Board.

• Vice Chair, Riverside Medical Center Board.

• Member, Riverside Medical Center Joint Conference Sub-committee.

• Member, Riverside Medical Center Ad Hoc Governance Board.

• Member, Kankakee County Partnership for Healthy Communities Steering Committee.

• Member, Kankakee County Partnership for Healthy Communities Education and Employment Sub-committee.

Glen Rewerts • Youth for Christ Annual Fundraising Dinner.

Dawn Schwarzkopf • Served as a buddy for a person with special needs at The Night to Shine Event at

GatheringPoint Church.

• Advisory Board member for Aunt Martha’s Healthy Families Program, which supports first-time mothers during pregnancy and until the child turns three.

• Community Theraplay Committee for Kankakee County member, which supports the use of Sunshine Circles in local school districts through Project Sun. • Volunteered in the Toddlers Room at GatheringPoint every Sunday during the second service.

• Couples Small Group leader at GatheringPoint, which met weekly on Sunday evenings.

• Volunteered with my family to set up, serve, and clean up at the local Christmas Day, Inc. event where meals are served to community members who live in group homes, those who cannot afford a full Christmas meal, and those who are alone on Christmas.

• Member of the Steering Committee that piloted the EPP Self-Assessment Tool for the 2024 Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan for the Illinois State Board of Education.

• Visited Hospice patients through Uplifted Care with my dog Mocha as a trained Pet Companion since December 2024.

Karen Smith • Led multiple community presentations this year through my Community Nursing course.

• Volunteered at a medical clinic in Bolingbrook that serves uninsured, lower-income individuals.

Shelly Stroud • Helped with the Bradley Lighted Christmas Parade along with 14 students.

• Assisted the Bradley Police Department with finding students for three different tobacco details.

• Assisted with seven students helping at the SWAT event for local departments.

• Chapter advisor for Alpha Phi Sigma.

• Service project with 16 students to Crushers in Englewood.

• ATF speaker for over 40 students in kindergarten through ninth grade.

• Arranged and hosted the annual Criminal Justice luncheon for nearly 35 community providers.

• Volunteered with students for the State’s Attorney’s Still I Rise and Shine after the tornado.

• Completed 12 field placement evaluations at different agencies.

28

COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES

Community Service and Recognition – continued Brad Thomas • Official photographer and content creator for the Bourbonnais Friendship Festival.

• Marketing assistant at the Bourbonnais Township Park District.

DeAnna VanKuren • Rescued Girl #8 - India Partners (donation in honor of my husband, Dale).

• Adopted a women’s basketball player, Kalli Papenfus.

• Collected food donations as a family for Harvest Sunday.

• Sorted food donations as a family to fill food pantries.

• Donated food items to the Shine.FM tornado relief effort.

• Donated to Day of Giving (ONU).

• Donated money to Maternity BVM church for steeple lighting.

• Donated money to Maternity BVM church for path lighting (public safety).

• Served as a Minister of Hospitality at Maternity BMV church.

• Served as a Ministry Lecturer of the Word at Maternity BVM church.

• Served as a council member on the Parish Council at Maternity BVM church, currently serving in the Faith Formation program.

• Worked at Camp Mosh with my family at Maternity BVM church (the church honored my husband this year for his years of service with the church and community).

Becky Vine • Participated in my church’s “Kicks for Kids” weekend where we gave away new shoes,

provided school uniforms, distributed 250 book bags, and provided gift cards to those in need.

• Provided personal care items, food and hotel vouchers to local homeless shelter victims or those devastated by fires.

Jeff Williamson • Board Member, Bridge Teen Center, Orland Park, Illinois.

• Color Commentary for ONU women’s basketball games, live streamed on ONUTigers.com.

• Committee member, United Way of Kankakee/Iroquois Counties.

29

FOR 2025–2026

Faculty Recognitions SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY AND CHRISTIAN MINISTRY

___

Scholarship and Professional Development Chad Maxson • Presented a paper, “Permeable Liturgy: Navigating Competing Spirits in White American Kevin Mellish Laura Widstrom

Evangelicalism,” at the Phenomenology, Religious Experience, and Spiritual Practices Conference at Fordham University.

• Completed a book about reading narrative as a genre, based on the Historical Books of the Old Testament, for the Interpreting the Bible Series published by The Foundry Press.

It will be published in late summer or the fall.

• Co-authored a book with Michael Severe, Ministry with Youth on the Margins (Baker) that is in the final editing stage and will be released in September 2026.

• Wrote the Unit 1 introductory article on II Timothy for the June/July/August 2027 edition of Adult Faith Connections Leader curriculum published by The Foundry.

• Co-presented “”Don’t Let Assessment Have the Last Word”” with Andrew Hoag and Daniel Allen at the November ONU faculty meeting.

___

Advanced Degrees

___

Eddie Ellis • Ordained in the Church of the Nazarene, having had my ordination recognized at the District Assembly of the Chicago Central District

Professional Leadership Leon Blanchette • Part-time children’s pastor at Kankakee First Church of the Nazarene.

Charles Perabeau

• Executive committee member for Chicago Central District Church of the Nazarene Board of Ministry.

• Co-director of PALCON Conference at Olivet.

• Member of USA/Canada Regional Course of Study Action Committee (RCOSAC).

• Member of Chicago Central District Church of the Nazarene Board of Ministry.

___

Community Engagement and Recognitions Eddie Ellis • Volunteer for Sleep in Heavenly Peace.

Chad Maxson • Theological Consultant for the Church of the Nazarene.

Charles Perabeau • Small Group Leader for Kankakee First Church of the Nazarene.

• Shalom Trip Leader to Ecuador.

Laura Widstrom • Soccer Coach for Dynamo U8, Old Mill U8, Adventure Commons U10 and Chicagoland United U10.

30

Faculty/Staff Member of the Year Awards

___

PAST RECIPENTS 2025

Dr. Elizabeth Gassin/ Dr. Cynthia Taylor

2006

1971

1988

Dr. Ralph Perry/ Dr. Mervyn Goins

1987

Professor Naomi Larsen/ Mr. Roy Brown

1986

Dr. Mary Shaffer/ Ms. Esther Tripp

1985

Professor Elbert Pence/ Mr. Charles Beatty

1984

Dr. Vernal Carmichael/ Mr. William Bennett

1983

Dr. John Hanson/ Mrs. Ruth Lane

2024

Dr. Don Reddick/ Mr. Greg Bruner

Mr. Frank Garton/ Mr. Dennis Seymour

2023

Dr. Shirlee A. McGuire/ Mr. Brian Parker

Mr. Don Toland/ Mr. Jim Knight

2022

Dr. Carol Maxson/ Mr. Matt Whitis

Dr. Gary Streit/ Mr. Doug Perry

2021

Dr. Diane Richardson/ Mr. Dan Ferris

Dr. William Ellwanger/ Rev. John Mongerson

2019

Dr. Sara Spruce/ Rev. Walter “Woody” Webb

Dr. Harry Westfall/ Mr. Phil Richardson

2018

Professor Amy Golyshko/ Mrs. Mary Anderson

2017

Dr. Richard Colling/ Mr. Brian Allen

2000

Dr. Carolyn Sechrist/ Mr. Clifford Hayman and Mrs. June Hayman

Dr. Fordyce Bennett/ Dr. John Cotner

2016

Dr. Judith Whitis/ Mr. Wendy Parsons

1999

Dr. David Atkinson/ Rev. Gordon Wickersham

Dr. David Jones/ Mr. Charles Henderson

2015

Mrs. Kathy Boyens/ Mrs. Phyllis Harris

1998

Mrs. Gunnell Jorden/ Mr. Pat Duncan

Dr. Vernon Groves/ Mrs. Gladys Corbett

2014

Mr. Larry Watson/ Mr. Gary Griffin

1997

Dr. George Dunbar/ Mr. Richard Matheny

Dr. Billy Hobbs/ Mrs. Dorothy Swearengen

2013

Professor Mike LaReau/ Mrs. Betty Elliott

1996

Dr. Joseph Nielson/ Mr. James Tripp

Professor Gardner Walmsley/ Mr. Albert Bloom

2012

Dr. Henry L. Smith/ Mr. David J. Pickering

1995

Dr. Harvey Collins/ Mr. Linford Marquart

Professor Rockwell Brank/ Mr. Harlan Milby

2011

Dr. Randal D. Johnson/ Mr. Darrell W. Bellomy

Mr. C.W. Ward and Dr. Richard Wirt/ Dr. William Hodges and Ms. Judy King

Dr. Coral Demaray/ Mrs. Emily Reeves

2010

Rev. William Foote/ Mrs. Joyce Muhm

Dr. Max Reams/ Dr. Ted Lee

2009

All Faculty and Staff

Professor Charlotte Keck/ Mr. Donald Keck

Dr. Harry Fulton/ Mr. Efton Elliott

Dr. Jeff Bell/ Mrs. Dianne Schaafsma

Dr. Harlow Hopkins/ Mrs. Mary Gates

Dr. Joseph Nielson/ Mr. James Tripp

Dr. Bob Wright/ Mrs. Kathy Steinacker

Mr. Allan Wiens/ Mrs. Thelma Collins

Dr. William Bell/ Dr. L.A. Marquart

Dr. Gerald Anderson/ Mrs. Connie Skinner

Dr. Otho Jennings/ Rev. Norman Moore

Dr. Dale Hathaway/ Mr. Brian Utter Dr. Lance Kilpatrick/ Mrs. Stacey Moore Dr. Tiffany Greer/ Mr. Drew Benson Dr. Dan Sharda/ Mr. Kyle Olney Mr. Gary Newsome/ Mr. Rob Lalumendre Dr. Joseph Schroeder/ Dr. Lisa Vander Veer Dr. Mike Pyle/ Mr. Jeremy Alderson Dr. David Van Heemst/ Miss Faith Newman Professor Jerry Cohagan/ Mr. Tony Fightmaster Dr. Glen Rewerts/ Mr. Marlin Wallace Professor David Wine/ Mrs. Marjorie Vinson Professor. Bill Bahr/ Mr. Thane Moore Dr. James Upchurch/ Mrs. Susan Wolff Dr. Don Daake/ Mr. Donnie Johnson 2008 2007

2005 2004 2003 2002 2001

1982

1981 1980 1979 1978 1977

1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989

31

1970 1969 1968 1967 1966 1965 1964 1963 1962 1961 1960 1959 1958

1976

Mr. Leonard Anderson/ Dr. Willis Snowbarger

1975

Dr. Walter Larsen/ Dr. R.L. Lunsford

1974

Dr. Clarence Grothaus/ Mr. Ed Brodien

1973

Professor Leo Slagg/ Dr. Paul Schwada

1972

Dr. D.J. Strickler/ Mr. Alyn Fletcher

1957 1956 1955 1954

F RO M 1 9 0 7 TO T H E P R E S E N T

Historical Markers at Olivet

___

Olivet Nazarene University’s origins can be traced to the first decade of the last century and to the resolve of several families in east central Illinois who were committed to providing a Christian education for their children.

In 1907 the prologue to the Olivet story began with elementary school classes taught by Miss Mary Nesbitt in a home in the community of Georgetown, Illinois. A year later, the founders of this small school acquired several acres of land in the nearby village called Olivet. There, they raised a modest building and added the secondary level of instruction. A College of Liberal Arts followed in 1909, along with the first name for this fledgling, but ambitious institution: “Illinois Holiness University.” The articles of incorporation established the school as a liberal arts institution which focused on the classics and included the study of the Bible based on the Wesleyan theological concept of entire sanctification. The first president, A.M. Hills, was appointed in 1909.

By 1912, the ambitions of Olivet’s founders outran their capacity. Nearing bankruptcy, the school was saved by 25 congregations of the Chicago District of the Church of the Nazarene, in a sum of modern equivalent to $3 million.

This young denomination loved education, having established 10 schools in its first decade. In fact, the denomination was given its name by J.P. Widney, president of the University of Southern California, and a panel at Harvard on denominationally-affiliated universities concluded that the Church of the Nazarene cannot be conceived apart from its schools. That early church commitment is still being perpetuated by the more than 800 Nazarene congregations throughout Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin.

The school grew slowly during the next decade. There were several acting and short-term presidents and the campus of 18 acres contained only a few small buildings. The first yearbook, the Aurora, was published in 1914. A new school name followed in 1915: “Olivet University,” and in 1923, the name was changed to “Olivet College.”

32

Historical Markers at Olivet – continued

___

The 1920s were a defining decade for the school. The world was experiencing unprecedented societal liberation following the end of World War I. However, Olivet remained steadfast in its conservative fabric. As was the case with many small church colleges at the time, Olivet’s finances eroded significantly with just 75 cents in the bank and a debt of modern equivalent of $5 million, forcing the trustees to declare bankruptcy in 1926. The then-college treasurer and Nazarene pastor, Dr. T.W. Willingham, bought the school personally at a public auction, gifted it back to the trustees, and outlined a new plan for solvency. He was elected that night as president.

A devastating fire destroyed the main campus building in November 1938, prompting the newly elected president, A.L. Parrott, and the trustees to consider locating a new campus as an alternative to rebuilding at their rural site. They found the present campus in Bourbonnais in 1939 which had been lost to bankruptcy by St. Viator’s College, who launched the 42-acre campus in 1868. Olivet made an offer that was accepted, but was short the modern equivalent of $2 million. Once again, Nazarene congregations made up the difference. Olivet moved in the summer of 1940, and “Nazarene” was added to the college’s name that same year. Four of the original 1868 buildings are still in use today: Burke Administration Building, Chapman Hall, Miller Business Center, and Birchard Gymnasium.

Receiving formal recognition and accreditation by the University of Illinois in 1939 was a major academic milestone for Olivet. The college catalogs of the 1940s reflected a School of Liberal Arts, a School of Music, a School of Religion, and a high school Academy.

Dr. Harold W. Reed, president from 1949–1975, led Olivet through a period of remarkable growth. As World War II ended, the GI Bill provided unprecedented financial support for a quickly-growing U.S. population to attend college. Olivet reaped the benefit, tripling in enrollment during the era. Dr. Reed was hugely influential in securing funding for the construction and renovation of 20 major buildings to keep pace with swelling enrollment.

Intercollegiate athletic contests were added in the 1960s, beginning with men’s basketball in 1965, and expanding through the late 60s and early 70s with seven more sports including women’s basketball and volleyball.

Olivet purchased additional properties to expand the campus, some of which later became the Snowbarger Athletic Complex named for the academic dean

33

Historical Markers at Olivet – continued

___

of the time. Also added were academic buildings including Reed Hall of Science, Wisner Hall of Nursing, Chalfant Hall and Strickler Planetarium.

Notably, a destructive tornado in 1963 caused more than $1 million of damages and injured 40 students, but again, Olivet survived crisis.

Dr. Leslie Parrott continued a focus on campus expansion, development and beautification during his 16-year presidential tenure from 1975-1991, with a specific interest in the elevation of Olivet to university status. In 1986, the school’s name was changed to “Olivet Nazarene University” to reflect the diversity of academic programs and graduate studies. With a new name came other changes including the design of an official University seal, created by assistant art professor Donald Royal, and repainting the smokestack with a new acronym.

Dr. Parrott expanded intercollegiate athletics into football, led by C.W. “Butch” Ward, in 1976. He also oversaw the construction of Larsen Fine Arts Center, Hardy C. Powers President’s Home, Warming House, J.R. Tripp Maintenance Center and the Leslie Parrott Convocation Center. In 1982, to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Olivet’s 75 years as a college, professor Harvey Collins was commissioned to paint a mural depicting the history of the school in the dining hall of Ludwig Center.

Dr. John C. Bowling became Olivet’s longest-serving and in many ways most significant president, 1991–2021. The macro-economic and cultural mores of the nation supported an average of 60% enrollment growth across the entire 115-member Council of Christian Colleges & Universities, Olivet included. The Bowling era was notable for doubling the size of the student body; fortifying Olivet’s academic offerings and reputation; expanding varsity athletics to include 22 teams; and producing many new facilities, such as Hopkins Alumni Center, Hammes bookstore, the Bowling Admissions Center, Weber Center, Fortin Villa ROTC building, the 3,000-seat Hawkins Centennial Chapel, the Perry Student Life and Recreation Center, a 20,000-square-foot addition to Reed Hall of Science, the Sims Education Center, and more.

Consequential programmatic features added value, such as establishing Olivet’s first professional fundraising program which today consistently provides 10% of annual revenues, including a remarkable $2 million annually from the Central Region of the Church of the Nazarene’s 800 congregations. There was also the creation of a Chaplaincy; the expansion of study abroad programs and

34

Historical Markers at Olivet – continued

___

local Christian mission projects; updating all IT and computer lab services; establishing the Center for Student Success and later the Center for Academic Excellence; an 18-year partnership beginning in 2002 with the Chicago Bears to host summer practices; Shine.FM (WONU) radio broadcasting grew to 200,000 listeners; digital sheet music and iPads contributed to the School of Music’s Apple Distinguished Program designation; the ONU Tigers Marching Band performed London and Washington, D.C. and Rome, Italy; and more.

From 2000–2017, the University also experienced remarkable growth in academic programs and services to non-traditional students — peaking at nearly 2,500 enrolled students in Graduate and Continuing Studies programs.

By the mid-2010s, the “enrollment cliff” struck higher education with the challenging circumstances of decreased birth rates (drastically reducing available traditional-aged students), the lowest interest rates in 50 years, and lowest unemployment rate in 30 years (disincentivizing non-traditional student enrollment). Soon after, the worst pandemic in a century struck the world in late 2019. COVID shut down businesses, churches, and very briefly, Olivet’s campus, and imploded the economy for two years. All colleges across the state of Illinois, regardless of institution type, were impacted by significant decreases in enrollment. But God is faithful and Olivet was able to continue opening its doors to receive students who are interested in “Education With a Christian Purpose.”

In 2021, the Board of Trustees elected Gregg Chenoweth, Ph.D. as Olivet’s 13th president. Following a discernment phase with hundreds of constituents and nearly 30 faculty and staff leaders, Olivet now stewards five priorities through 2027: (1) helping students persist to record graduation rates, (2) making Olivet affordable for target populations of greatest need, (3) applying Olivet’s virtue to strengthen four moral issues of our time, (4) installing a series of operational efficiencies while raising an aspirational quantity of funds, and (5) stabilizing enrollment through niche recruitment domains.

For 19 consecutive years, U.S. News and World Report named Olivet as a top regional university in its “America’s Best Colleges” report and the Best Christian Workplaces Institute consistently qualifies Olivet among the top work cultures among its national participants.

As we begin the 2026–2027 academic school year, Olivet welcomes another historically large group of new students. ■

35

COLLEGES, SCHOOLS AND MAJORS

Undergraduate Areas of Study

___

A N D G R A D U AT E D E G R E E P RO G R A M S The University offers a wide variety of opportunities for students — traditional, transfer and advanced degree seekers — to grow personally, spiritually and professionally as they make the most of their college experience.

College of Arts and Sciences Art Art – Studio Art Art Education Art History Ceramics Communication Studies Corporate Communication Drawing and Illustration English English as a Second Language English as a Second Language Education English Education Graphic Design History Leadership Studies Legal Studies Literature Media Arts Multimedia Communication Multimedia Communication – Film Studies Multimedia Communication – Journalism Multimedia Communication – Live Event Media Management Multimedia Communication – Radio/Audio Media Multimedia Communication – TV/Video Production Musical Theatre Painting Photography Political Science Political Science – Public Policy

Pre-Art Therapy Pre-Law Psychology Public Relations and Strategic Communication Social Sciences Education Sociology Spanish Spanish Education Theatre Theatre Production and Performance Writing SCHOOL OF MUSIC Music Music – Commercial Music Music – Composition Music Education Music – Performance Music – Recording Arts Worship Arts WALKER SCHOOL OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATHEMATICS Actuarial Science Artificial Intelligence Biology Chemistry Chemistry - Biochemistry Chemistry - Forensic Science Chemistry - Earth and Environmental Chemistry Computer Science Computer Science – Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

__

Olivet.edu/Academics 36

Computer Science – Software Development Computer Science – Software Entrepreneurship Computing Technology Cybersecurity Cybersecurity – AICyber Data Science Earth and Space Science Engineering – Architectural Engineering – Chemical and Biochemical Engineering – Civil Engineering – Computer Engineering – Electrical Engineering – Mechanical Environmental Science Geography Geological Sciences Geological Sciences – Geochemistry Geological Sciences – Geotechnical Geological Sciences – Life Science Information Technology Mathematics Mathematics Education Physical Sciences Pre-Dental Pre-Medicine Pre-Optometry Pre-Pharmacy Pre-Physician’s Assistant Pre-Veterinary Science Education – Biology Science Education – Chemistry Science Education – Earth/Space Science Statistics

Areas of Study ___ – continued WALKER SCHOOL OF STEM, cont.

Zoology Master of Science in Management

College of Professional Studies Athletic Coaching Criminal Justice Criminal Justice – Criminology Criminal Justice – Law Enforcement Health Education Interior and Architectural Design Kinesiology Kinesiology – Exercise Physiology Kinesiology – Pre-Athletic Training Kinesiology – Pre-Occupational Therapy Kinesiology – Pre-Physical Therapy Military Affairs Military Science Physical Education: Teaching, Grades K–12 Recreation and Sport Studies – Recreation Management Recreation and Sport Studies – Coaching and Human Performance Social Work Sport Management Sport Management – Administration and Leadership Sport Management – Sales and Marketing SCHOOL OF EDUCATION Child Development Early Childhood Education Elementary Education Special Education Master of Arts in Education: Curriculum and Instruction Master of Arts in Education: Educational Leadership Master of Arts in Education: Reading Specialist Doctor of Education: Ethical Leadership Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Bilingual Education

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Driver’s Education Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in English as a Second Language Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Learning Behavior Specialist (LBS1) MCGRAW SCHOOL OF BUSINESS Accounting Business Business – Human Resource Management Business – Management Business – Operations Management Business – Philanthropy/Not‑for-Profit Business – Public Administration Economics Economics and Finance – Applied Economics Economics and Finance – Certified Financial Planning Economics and Finance – Corporate Finance Entrepreneurship Finance International Business Management Management Information Systems Management Information Systems – Data Analytics Management Information Systems – Information Technology Marketing Marketing – Commercial Graphics Marketing – Corporate Relations Marketing – International Marketing – Management Master of Business Administration Master of Organizational Leadership SCHOOL OF NURSING Nursing Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Master of Science in Nursing: Nursing Education and Leadership (NEL) Post-Bachelor’s: Nursing Education and Leadership 37

Post-Graduate APRN Certificate RN to BSN

School of Theology and Christian Ministry Biblical Languages Biblical Studies Children’s Ministry Christian Education Christian Ministry Christian Studies Greek Hebrew Intercultural Studies Ministerial Missions Pastoral Ministry Philosophy Philosophy and Religion Pre-Seminary Religious Studies Theology Youth Ministry Master of Arts: Pastoral Leadership Post-Bachelor’s Certificate: Biblical Studies Post-Bachelor’s Certificate: Family Ministry Post-Bachelor’s Certificate: Mission and Discipleship Post-Bachelor’s Certificate: Pastoral Ministry Post-Bachelor’s Certificate: Theological Studies Post-Bachelor’s Certificate: Urban Ministry Master of Arts: Christian Ministry Master of Arts: Family Ministry Master of Arts: Ministerial Studies Master of Arts: Missional Multiplication Master of Arts: Urban Ministry Master of Divinity Master of Ministry: Spanish

GENERAL STUDIES General Studies

___

OUR MISSION Olivet Nazarene University, a denominational university in the Wesleyan tradition, exists to provide a university-level liberal arts “Education With a Christian Purpose.”

Our mission is to provide high-quality academic instruction for the purpose of personal development, career and professional readiness, and the preparation of individuals for lives of service to God and humanity.

“We seek the strongest scholarship and the deepest piety, knowing that they are compatible [and] … a Christian environment … where not only knowledge but character is sought.” (The quotation is taken from the Olivet Catalog, 1915.)

This mission provides the common ground for us as we blend our various gifts and interests together to impact each student. You will have many opportunities this year to live out this mission. Watch for those occasions, for they are moments of great possibility and reward. Through our mission, we transform lives for eternity.

___

O U R VA LU E S Christ-Centered Christ transforms people and the entire University.

OUR PEOPLE PRINCIPLES

Community Sharing life together is sacred.

Exhibit grace.

Stewardship God expects a return on His provision.

Seek to understand rather than be understood.

Innovation We respond quickly to needs and opportunities.

Assume good intentions.

___

Be transparent.

Distinction We make extraordinary impact.

Support, encourage and empower.

Heritage A legacy lives in heart and practice.

38