Shipherd's Record and The President's Annual Report, Winter 2020

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OLIVET

PRESIDENT’S ANNUAL REPORT 2019-20

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SHIPHERD’S T HE A LU M N I M AGAZ I N E O F O LI V E T CO LLEG E | FA LL 2020

IN THIS ISSUE:

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A Courageous Conversation

SHIPHERD’S Shipherd’s Record is named in memory of “Father” John J. Shipherd, who established Olivet College in 1844. The magazine is published twice annually for Olivet College alumni and friends.

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MAGAZINE STAFF Lisa Collins Graphic Designer & Brand Manager Being More and Doing Good as a Criminal Justice Professional

Taylor Gorr ’16 Media Communications Manager Michele McCauley Executive Director of Communications & Marketing Beth Romeo ’12 Senior Director of Alumni Engagement & Annual Giving

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Megan Newton ’13 — A Loving Home

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EDITORIAL Jack Caporuscio ‘20 Assistant Director of Annual Giving Lamontriale Hale ’01 — A Man of Potential

Ashley Harwood ‘18 Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement Geoff Henson Sports Information Director Emily Lash Development Officer

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Judith Tellez-Gonzalez ’13 — Instilling the Power of Education

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First-Generation Students Count on Olivet College

SEND CHANGE OF ADDRESS NOTICES TO: Office of Advancement 320 S. Main St., Olivet, MI 49076 269-749-7630 mwallenberg@olivetcollege.edu

DEPARTMENTS

20 Alumni Voices:

Priscilla Dhanapol Mohl ’77

26 Be More. Do Good.

2019-20 Year In Review

22 Alumni News

29 President’s Annual Report

24 Class Notes

32 Honor Roll of Donors

Follow us on social media >>>

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ON THE COVER: Olivet College is committed to diversity, inclusion and equity — values that date back to the College’s founding in 1844.

Now 176 years later, we don’t just talk about our rich history, we live it. The cover images are students of Olivet College — they are the face of our family.

Olivet College’s mission is to provide an education that enriches lives intellectually, morally and spiritually to a diverse campus community. Having attained these qualities through their educational experiences at Olivet, our hope is that our graduates will embody the “divine art and science of doing good to others,” as stated by the College’s founding fathers in 1844.

Olivet College is committed to the principles of equal opportunity and non-discrimination. The College, in its employment, student admissions, recruitment, and personnel policies and practices, will not discriminate against any individual on the basis of age, color, sex, gender identity, disability or disability status, height, weight, marital status, national origin, political persuasion, race, religion, military or veteran status or sexual orientation.

| P R E S I DE NT ’ S U P DATE

Dear friends, Olivet College was founded nearly 177 years ago on the principles of respect, integrity, honesty and love for one another. Kneeling upon the hill where Olivet College now stands, our founders vowed to create an inclusive institution of higher learning, defined and strengthened by who it includes, not by who it excludes. Olivet College is about more than an opportunity to be admitted to college; it’s about the opportunity to obtain a college degree that will change lives.

We have much to be proud of; however, as our country confronts continued social injustices, Olivet College must play an active role in creating a better future. Now is the time for us to take a closer look at our commitment to equity and fairness.

In this special issue of Shipherd’s Record and The President’s Annual Report, we have a “courageous conversation” on inclusion and diversity at Olivet College (pages 6-9). You’ll read how our students come to rely on the family-like atmosphere at Olivet College for guidance, support and mentorship, from admission through graduation and beyond (pages 18-19). We also learn how access to health and wellness services creates a sense of safety, well-being and belonging for our students (page 14).

In this issue, we also affirm the value of an Olivet College education. We see firsthand how a college education changes the lives of the graduate and those the graduate interacts with daily. Our alumni demonstrate how living the Olivet College value of Individual and Social Responsibility has power beyond measure. Zoe Feighner ’19, Tyler Goerbig ’17 and Kinslea Blouin ’19 are criminal justice professionals who create positive change daily (pages 10-13). Megan Newton ’13 is committed to helping children in foster care find loving forever homes (page 15). Judith Tellez-Gonzalez ’13 (page 17) and Priscilla Dhanapal Mohl ’77 (pages 20-21) work tirelessly to instill a passion for education in school children in Mexico and India, respectively. Lamontriale Hale ’01 (page 16), a founding member of Mu Omega Pi, is dedicated to helping youth, particularly young men, reach their full potential.

Alumni, students, faculty and staff often say Olivet College is a “special place.” I hear the stories and aspirations of our students and the words of gratitude of alumni. I see the commitment of our faculty and staff. In the Honor Roll of Donors (pages 32-35), we recognize and express our gratitude to all who have shown their support of the College, our mission and our students. The generous financial support of donors ensures future generations of students and alumni have the opportunity to change the legacy of their lives and the lives of others.

Olivet College is more than an institution; it’s a family.

As a family — and as Olivetians — we must work together to ensure all students desiring a college degree have that opportunity. We must support equity and fairness for all. We must dedicate ourselves to Individual and Social Responsibility.

As we enter the holiday season, may peace and good health be your gift at Christmas and your blessing through the season and new year.

Best regards,

Steven M. Corey, Ph.D. President

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“

Before coming to Olivet, I knew very little about diversity and that’s one reason why I came to Olivet. I wanted to be informed and learn. Since my freshman year, I have educated myself and learned how important diversity is.

We don't always get it right, but we actively strive to be better.

— S I D N EY, S T U D EN T

WE ARE All the different people I come across on campus expand my experience with different cultures and my ability to work well with all kinds of people.

— SA M A N T H A , S T U D EN T

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It is important to understand different views and backgrounds so that everybody can work toward a goal that is much bigger than ourselves. People at Olivet understand that and demonstrate integrity to accomplish goals and build positive relationships.

— D ESHAWN, COACH

a

— J OA NNE, FACULT Y

At Olivet, I don’t feel like my gender limits my potential in the major or the industry at all. I am pushed to take on new challenges and grow my experiences with no limitations.

— ZO I E, ST UDE N T

A commitment to diversity means to intentionally acknowledge both the

differences and similarities that make us a rich and

I feel like I truly belong at Olivet College due to the relationship I share with my professors. My professors feel like friends rather than professors. I can tell that they value my thoughts and ideas by always making time for me and going out of their way to make sure I succeed.

During my freshman Self and Community class, I experienced racism toward Hispanics from a group of students. It wasn’t the first time I had experienced this in Michigan, but it was the first time I had experienced it in my college.

What I took away from that class?

College was a place to grow, to learn, to understand and to be educated.

Olivet provides a place for that to happen. It’s not always beautiful or easy, but it is invaluable.

all OLIVET unique human family. It

means both welcoming and reaching out to others that are different than yourself.

— JA SON ’0 3 , S TA F F

— AUD R EY, ST UD ENT

— HA NNA H ’1 9 , STAFF

Students do a great job capturing the value of

“difference” at Olivet. I’ve led classroom discussions

where students have differing opinions, but respectfully listen and learn from each other. Sharing and engaging in each other’s perspectives and personal stories has made them more intuitive to people’s feelings and

sensitive to the things happening around the world.

I am excited for this next generation!

— L A’R A E, FACU LT Y FALL 2 0 2 0

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A COURAGEOUS

CONVERSATIO 6

SHIPHERD’S RECORD

ON

We’ve all heard it; we’ve all said it: 2020 has been a year like no other. Together, we’ve faced a pandemic, stressed over our finances and jobs, worried about our children’s education, listened to our leaders play the blame game instead of uniting for the citizens' benefit, and watched in horror as cities burned and families wept.

For many Black Americans, 2020 has been a year like every other. Black Americans and other marginalized citizens routinely face health crises and lack access to quality health care. They earn less pay while doing the same job as their white peers. They fret over the lack of qualified teachers and educational resources in their local schools.

They feel betrayed by public officials who make promises that are not kept. They experience racial slurs, derogatory comments, threats, physical brutality and murder. 2020 is nothing new for many Black Americans; it’s merely the year it all came to a head.

“Systemic racism, discrimination and prejudice are all deeply rooted in our country. Institutional racial oppression of people of color has been part of our country since the beginning of slavery,” said Linda Logan, Ph.D., vice president and chief inclusion officer at Olivet College. “Most K-12 education does not include these topics in the curriculum. Until it is addressed without a revisional version of history, it is not likely the reality of the country’s understanding of systemic racism, discrimination and prejudice will advance.”

It’s Time for a Courageous Conversation Dr. Logan said the Olivet community endeavors to subscribe to the seven tenants of the College Compact, particularly the core value of treating one another with respect. “The students, faculty and staff strive to create a vibrant community that respects our differences and embraces our similarities. However, that doesn’t mean we’re perfect. We have room for improvement.”

Courageous conversations about race, equity, inclusion and parity are required for the College to fulfill its mission of helping students maximize their human potential while minimizing barriers.

However, there must be an openness to learn and an atmosphere of trust and respect. “Individuals must be encouraged to express their views openly and truthfully, rather than defensively or by laying blame, and that takes courage,” Dr. Logan said.

“The students, faculty and staff strive to create a vibrant community that respects our differences and embraces our similarities. However, that doesn’t mean we’re perfect. We have room for improvement.”

— Linda Logan, Ph.D.,

Vice President and Chief Inclusion Officer

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Diversity and Inclusion In 2013, Olivet College defined diversity as a representation of students, faculty and staff of different races, nationalities, genders, sexual orientations, ages, gender expressions, religions and disabilities. Inclusion welcomes, respects and values all people in activities and processes on an equal basis, especially those who are marginalized.

Overall, the 2019 Olivet College Climate Survey reports that both students and employees believe the College is committed to diversity and inclusion. “They feel everyone has an equal chance at success, feel the College is supportive, helpful and flexible, and feel personally welcome,” Dr. Logan said. “People of color and women have been welcome, and more importantly, have felt welcome, at the College since its founding in 1844. That says a lot about our campus community and our commitment to inclusion and diversity.”

Sidney McIntosh, president of the Black Student Union (BSU), agrees that the College embraces diversity and inclusion. “I’ve seen professors wearing shirts and having signs in their offices in support of diversity and inclusion. They also discuss issues with us, which is great. It shows they support us and know that change is needed in society. It makes being a student here even more special.”

However, the Climate Survey reported that first-year minority students and women experience more negative experiences.

Any negative incident is unacceptable and addressed. Incidents reported in the 2019 Climate Survey are defined as “low-level,” such as negative comments or unwanted jokes.

“Self and Community” is a required course for all first-year students and explores several potentially divisive topics, including privilege, race, sexual orientation and citizenship.

“The voices and experiences of minorities, the differently-abled, individuals from working-class and lower-income backgrounds, foreigners and members of the LGBTQIA+ community allow students to connect with assignments and relate to the authors and creators. Self and Community creates an equitable, engaging learning environment for all first-year students,” explained Joey Shepherd, academic accommodations coordinator.

Equal is Not Always Equitable, and That’s Not Fair Fundamental to diversity and inclusion is the understanding of equity. Treating people equally is not the same as treating them equitably. Therein lies the problem and controversy.

Equity is fairness and justice. It recognizes that differences exist and efforts must be made to counteract those differences.

People are treated fairly while acknowledging their needs and circumstances, such as accessibility or accommodations. On the other hand, equality means everyone is treated the same with no consideration of individual differences.

“Equality is welcoming all people to Olivet College, regardless of race, sex, nationality, disability, age or religion. Assume we welcome a sight-impaired student; that’s equality,” Dr. Logan explained. “But, if we do not accommodate the student’s unique learning, health and safety needs, we are not treating that

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student equitably. Does the student have the resources to audio record lectures? Are classrooms marked in Braille so the student can find the correct room? Are sidewalks free of obstructions and can the student safety cross our streets? Are the food stations in the dining hall manageable? Is a professor willing to make accommodations for the student for test-taking? You cannot have equality if you don’t first have equity.”

Olivet’s gender-inclusive housing that was created in 2018 to support students who identify as nonbinary is an example of equity. While all students are offered housing, gender-inclusive housing provides a welcome living experience for students of all gender identities and expressions. “One key tenant of genderinclusive housing is students who have a safe place to reside on campus are more likely to feel welcomed and supported in the Olivet community,” Shepherd said. “Without gender-inclusive housing, the College would be excluding students who do not identify as male or female and other students who identify as members of the LGBTQIA+ community.”

Black Lives Matter Countering inequities is at the heart of the phrase “Black Lives Matter.” While some may not agree with the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation’s entire platform, we as Olivetians should agree that striving for justice, fairness and equity is something to stand up for.

Jamal Al-Uqhah, a BSU member, said, “Black Lives Matter means we matter and want to show others that we matter by making a change to all the injustice so that we have an equal playing field.

Everyone in this country is not equal.”

McIntosh agreed. “We are the same on the inside, but people still look at the skin color and feel threatened.”

McIntosh added, “The world is much bigger than the towns and cities people grow up in. We need to come together and fight for Black lives because no one should be denied a job, looked at differently, worry about health care, or miss out on opportunities all because of the color of their skin. We need to stand together.”

We’re Keeping Score From its inception, the mission of Olivet College has been “to do good to our students, by placing in their hands the means of intellectual, moral and spiritual improvement, and to teach them the divine art and science of doing good to others,” regardless of gender, race or financial means. This remarkable principle remains our guidepost today.

BSU and Alpha Xi Omega (ELITE) partnered to organize a Black Lives Matter event on the Olivet College campus in October. “It felt right to take a stand. We wanted to show students that Olivet is a safe place and, together, we are going to fight social injustice,” McIntosh said. “We know this issue is important and we wanted to allow other students to participate. Many members of BSU have shared that they have experienced discrimination in their lives. We wanted to fight against that and spread awareness, as well as help students use their voices for good.”

Taytum Myers, a member of BSU, explained that while she and many other students of color feel safe at Olivet and have not experienced discrimination while on campus, racism and social injustice are real. “There are problems everywhere, not just in big cities. We feel the pain of others that have been hurt through discrimination, and yes, we have experienced it in our lives. It needs to stop. Even though we are a small group of people at a small college, we still need to be heard and seen.”

“Standing up for what you believe in isn’t scary. It’s necessary,” added Al-Uqhah. “The scary thing is how innocent Black people are dying at the hands of police officers and seeing all that has taken place across the country in 2020. BSU and ELITE felt we could do our part by bringing awareness right here in Olivet through a peaceful event.”

How Would You Feel?

Imagine having to have “The Talk” with your children. The Talk is an expression for the conversation most Black parents have with their children about the dangers they may face because of the color of their skin. It’s a list of do’s and don’ts on how to behave in the presence of white people, particularly police officers: Don’t look angry. Do look happy. Don’t wear dirty work clothes in public. Do carry a receipt in your hand when you leave a store. Don’t wear a hoodie. Do say “yes sir” and “yes ma’am,” particularly when interacting with law enforcement. Don’t drive in certain neighborhoods. Do clearly state that your wallet is in your back pocket or purse and you need to pull it out. The list goes on.

“It’s important to remember that reciting a mission is different than living a mission,” Dr. Logan said. “Olivet College must live its mission every day if we are to continue to transform the lives of the students who put their trust in us. In my role as chief inclusion officer, my goal is to determine our scorecard on inclusion and diversity.” By documenting all diversity and inclusion efforts across campus, including those under the radar, Dr. Logan will develop a clear picture of achievements and areas that need attention. Dr. Logan added that continued meaningful diversity, inclusion and cultural competency training for faculty, staff and students are also crucial.

McIntosh, Myers and Al-Uqhah believe more opportunities to talk about inclusion and diversity will benefit the Olivet community, such as making the topic a mandatory part of weekly academic seminars. Shepherd added that providing more gender-neutral private restrooms and making the campus more accessible for individuals who are not ablebodied, such as elevators and ramps in each building, would address other inclusion barriers.

To help in these efforts, the College is creating an advisory council comprised of students, faculty, staff, alumni, community members and corporations.

With 29% of the College’s fall 2020 students identifying as a minority (one of the highest percentages among colleges in Michigan), Dr. Logan said that it is essential to acknowledge that, overall, Olivet College has a strong, healthy, diverse and inclusive college community. “We are not exempt from the issues plaguing our country. We do not live in a perfect world and there are differences that need closer examination. If anyone is up to the task, it is our Olivet College community.”

Al-Uqhah reminds us that we must all take responsibility to work toward and ensure justice and fairness for all. “The responsibility people have, regardless of if the issues affect them directly, is to acknowledge that issues exist. Don’t ignore it. Don’t say it’s not happening. Don’t say it has nothing to do with you, because someway, somehow it does. All you have to do is try to understand, learn and open your eyes. Then, help educate someone else.”

“How would you feel if you were the one going through this?”

Myers asked.

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Being More and Doing Good

AS A CRIMINAL

JUSTICE PROFESSIONAL We cannot ignore that Black men and women continue to experience social injustices and brutality at the hands of law enforcement. But, not all law enforcement professionals are bad. Countless extraordinary men and women in the field want nothing more to help a fellow human being during what is likely one of the most tragic and chaotic moments in their life.

The amount of training and education a prospective law enforcement professional receives is key to how they will likely treat others in the field. Olivet College’s criminal justice program is regarded as one of the best in the state of Michigan, with social justice and relationship building embedded in the curriculum. Students are required to take courses that focus on racial, ethnic and gender inequalities.

They have honest discussions on diversity, equity and fairness with faculty members who have worked as law enforcement professionals. They reflect on why people are treated differently and how these interactions can be improved. Students also dig deep into why they want a career as a criminal justice professional.

Graduates of the Olivet College criminal justice program are sought after by local and county law enforcement agencies and routinely finish at the top of the Michigan State Police Academy. For Olivet’s graduates, it’s about compassion, empathy and integrity. It’s about being more than brave or courageous; it’s about doing good for others every day.

Three Olivet College alumni who are criminal justice professionals shared an inside perspective on how they strive to be a catalyst for positive change in their communities and how they live the College’s mission today.

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Zoe Feighner ’19,

Michigan State Police Trooper Zoe Feighner ’19 recently began her criminal justice career as a Michigan State Police trooper. Her job is not only to serve and protect, but to promote social justice, community relationships and trust in the police force. Feighner believes her role as a criminal justice professional allows her “to be the change you wish to see in the world.”

Q: Why did you decide to pursue a career in the criminal justice field?

A: I wanted to make a difference in people's lives. I’m a firm believer that you have to be the change you wish to see in the world, and I feel that working in the criminal justice field can help me do that.

Q: How do you feel you contribute to your community as a CJ professional?

A: I'm still fairly new to the CJ profession, but I feel that just being able to let people talk about what is upsetting them makes them feel a lot better and gives them a better view of CJ professionals.

Q: How have you carried lessons from Olivet College in to the workplace?

A: Every day I am using the elements of crimes that I studied in my Michigan Criminal Law Class. I am evaluating crime scenes and paying attention to details similar to what I learned in the Cold Case Investigations course. I also believe that Olivet College has helped me prepare for interacting with diverse people and different cultures.

Q: What is your favorite part of your job?

A: Every day is different. You never know the kind of day you are going to have. You always have to be on your toes. I love interacting with people. My goal is to create a positive interaction, so people may have a better outlook on police officers.

“I’m a firm believer that you have to be the change you wish to see in the world, and I feel that working in the criminal justice field can help me do that.”

— Zoe Feighner ’19

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Kinslea Blouin ’19,

Child Protective Services Kinslea Blouin ’19 is a Child Protectives Services investigator. She advocates for one of the most vulnerable populations and works to promote a healthy family structure. Blouin creates custom solutions and support for each case she works on, understanding that each family, each child and each situation is unique.

Q: Why did you decide to pursue a career in the criminal justice field?

A: I love helping people create better lives for themselves. More specifically, in my career as a Child Protective Services (CPS) investigator, I get the opportunity to gain relationships and provide services for entire families. Criminal justice is a field where you may be the only positive influence in a person’s life, and I believe that is such a huge role to have and one that I take very seriously.

Q: How do you feel you contribute to your community as a CJ professional?

A: I am protecting children, as well as helping families make positive changes in their lives. We can provide services such as counseling, drug rehabilitation, AA support and intensive in-home parenting assistance. By providing these services, I am providing the family with an opportunity to change their lives in a positive way, which is helping the community as a whole. When we are in these children’s lives, we become someone they can talk to, look up to and trust. Shaping the next generation means shaping the future.

Q: How have you carried lessons from Olivet College in to the workplace?

“Criminal justice is a field where you may be the only positive influence in a person’s life, and I believe that is such a huge role to have and one that I take very seriously.”

— Kinslea Blouin ’19

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A: The CJ program gave me all of the tools to be successful in the field, and I carry many lessons with me that I learned in college. All of the professors have long backgrounds of working in the field, so they bring a lot of knowledge and experience to their teaching styles, which I loved. However, the biggest one may come from Dr. Regina Armstrong, director of the criminal justice program. She says, “Respect given is respect earned; disrespect given is disrespect earned.” Dr. Armstrong says this multiple times in all of her classes, and it is so true. In my job, I am someone that comes into a family’s home to investigate child abuse and neglect. Usually, the families I see are not happy that I am there and pretty hostile initially; however, if I show them respect and show them that I am there to help them, nine times out of 10 their attitudes change, and they respect me as well. Respect is not just given. You have to earn it, and I work really hard to earn the respect of my clients to give them the best opportunities to make a positive change within their family.

Q: What is your favorite part of your job?

A: The favorite part of my job is providing a service to a family and seeing it pay off. It is incredible to see a family that may have made some negative choices complete a service and make a positive change. Seeing a family come out on top and never have CPS involvement again is always the goal. Another favorite part of my job, of course, is that I get to hang out and talk to kids all the time, which is so fun. I have always loved kids, so that is a huge plus.

Tyler Goerbig ’17,

Michigan State Police Trooper Tyler Goerbig ’17 believes it is critical to serve as a role model in his community by being an officer. As a Michigan State Police trooper, he aims to promote social justice and advance multicultural understanding. Goerbig’s dedication and responsibility as a trooper are straightforward — it's his duty to respond to an emergency no matter the situation.

Q: Why did you decide to pursue a career in the criminal justice field?

A: Growing up, I witnessed a tremendous amount of criminal activity in my family. There was drug abuse, violent crimes and murder attached to my family name. I was tired of my last name being associated with bad people, so I decided that the best way to combat this issue was to be on the opposite side of the law.

Q: How do you feel you contribute to your community as a CJ professional?

A: I contribute to my surrounding community as a criminal justice professional by simply clocking in for work and responding to situations that most people can never imagine encountering. It is an amazing feeling knowing that I get to keep people out of harm’s way.

Q: How have you carried lessons from Olivet College in to the workplace?

A: The biggest lesson I have carried is to always be honest no matter what. That is something that was drilled into my head as a CJ student by my professors. Honesty is essential because we are supposed to be role models as police officers, and it is important to be honest and to have integrity.

Q: What is your favorite part of your job?

A: I am the helping hand for people. There is nothing more rewarding than knowing I changed someone's day for the better or even their life.

“There is nothing more rewarding than knowing I changed someone’s day for the better or even their life.”

— Tyler Goerbig ’17

Today, many wonder why anyone would want to pursue a career in criminal justice. The pay isn’t great, long hours are required and holiday work is expected, and generally, the profession is treated poorly by the public.

Feighner and Goerbig serve across the state of Michigan, risking their lives to save others. Blouin protects children in crisis and works to keep families whole. If you ask them why anyone would want to pursue a criminal justice career, they’ll say it’s because they were taught by the best to Be More and Do Good.

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HEALTH AND WELLNESS Services Expanded on Campus Mental and physical well-being are an essential part of a positive educational experience, and Olivet College is committed to providing a welcoming and safe environment for all Comets. Recently, the College expanded on previous community partnerships with local health care providers to offer a Health and Wellness Center on campus. Students will now have access to a physical space at OC to receive treatment from medical professionals, connect with mental health therapists, attend health-related events and more.

In addition to the physical Health and Wellness Center, the College also welcomed Dr. Erica Pearson, LPC, NCC, director of counseling health and wellness, in August. Dr. Pearson is the first full-time Olivet employee whose primary focus is on mental health and well-being at the College.

Her areas of expertise include collegiate counseling, trauma counseling and crisis intervention, mental health and wellness outreach, animalassisted therapy and more.

“By transitioning from community partnerships to on-campus health and wellness services, students are able to strengthen their sense of community,” Dr. Pearson said. “It’s important for students to know that these resources are extremely accessible to them, creating a feeling of safety and a sense of well-being. My hope is to strengthen the overall idea of wellness on campus. People often wait until they are overwhelmed with their health concerns to speak up or seek care, but students just have to walk to the next building or arrange a virtual visit. This will help students focus more on prevention of health concerns and lead to an overall healthier campus and community.”

This fall, students have already begun to utilize expanded health and wellness options. An online portal with Sparrow Eaton allows students to see providers every day of the week via telehealth. These options are available for students to connect virtually with both physical and mental health professionals.

“Sparrow Eaton medical professionals are really excited to work with college students, just as the Student Engagement Team and myself are,” said Dr. Pearson. “I’m also excited to be in a position where I can have a full-time presence on campus and hear about what students are enthusiastic about in terms of health and wellness. A one-size-fits-all approach is not effective, so interacting with students to hear what they think would be beneficial has been really great, and they have offered some very creative ideas.”

Group counseling and support groups are a few of the options students have engaged in this semester, and future events may include a health fair and educational workshops.

“There have been a lot of people who advocated for this service to be offered on campus, including current and former students and professors,” Dr. Pearson said. “Sharing their voices paired with the Student Engagement Team’s efforts is what made this resource on campus possible.

We express our gratitude to those who shared their experiences to promote wellness and continue to enhance wellness offerings.”

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Megan Newton ’13

A LOVING HOME When you hear the words “foster care,” or “adoption,” what do you think of? Do your first thoughts go to the children who have been removed from their homes, separated from loved ones? Or, do you think about the struggling parents who, despite their love for their children, just cannot provide necessary care? Maybe you think about crammed foster homes and worry about children left with unfit families. The unfortunate reality is that there are a lot of children living with trauma — children who are subjected to the most horrific scenes like violence, drug abuse and neglect.

Megan Newton ’13 has seen these situations firsthand through her work as a foster care specialist, the first position in human services she held post-graduation. As a student at Olivet College, Newton participated in service learning trips, which she credits for helping her identify that she enjoyed supporting people going through emotional distress. Those service trips gave her an opportunity to see the world from a new lens, and her education in sociology and anthropology helped prepare her for a successful career.

Today, Newton works as a foster care adoption specialist for a private agency in Michigan that helps children find longterm homes. “I think a lot of people are under the impression that adoption is synonymous with taking children away from their families, but I really want people to know that it is our number one goal to reunite families whenever possible.

We always place children with their families if we can,”

Newton said. “I also work with children who are unmatched, which means that there is not a family option and they are waiting to be adopted.” If a child is unmatched, Netwon uses the Michigan Adoption Resource Exchange (MARE) for additional resources to help find children new homes.

Through her work, Newton has seen some truly amazing cases. One of her proudest moments was her last visit with a family who adopted three siblings after having been their foster parents for some time. The family was not licensed to foster but knew the children and worked with Newton. They wanted to offer help and keep the kids together. The family stuck through the process, became licensed and were able to take in the children. Newton remembers the joy she felt knowing that the children’s needs were being met and that they were together and happy.

Newton said, “I think there are a lot of people out there who might be interested in fostering or adopting, but they just don’t think they would be eligible to do so. Single parents and LGBTQ+ households can foster and adopt. The reality is, kids just want a safe and loving home.”

If you or a loved one are interested in learning more about fostering or adopting, visit michigan.gov for more information from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).

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Lamontriale Hale ’01

A MAN OF POTENTIAL

“Here I could make a name for myself,” said Lamontriale Hale ’01 after arriving in Olivet as a high school senior. Hale was participating in a youth program at Ada S. McKinley Community Services, Inc. that was designed to link students to tutoring and mentoring resources and provide college placement support. The program took students to various colleges for tours and Olivet just happened to be on the list.

After a three-hour bus trip from the southside of Chicago, Hale finally arrived. “It was a fall day and I remember pulling into Olivet. It looked so peaceful and tranquil, much different than where I grew up,” said Hale.

Hale was a psychology major and participated in several extracurricular activities. He was a part of the College Choir, Black Student Union, Residence Hall Association and Campus Activities Board, which was responsible for planning movie nights and other activities on campus. Hale and his friends wanted to create a space for men to come together and help support each other through their college experience.

They used ideas from a high school program in Battle Creek called Men of Potential to start thinking about how they could change the image of the young male.

“We wanted our group to be open to all men, but we specifically wanted to support men of color and help them realize that no matter where you come from, you don’t have to be what people may perceive you to be. We are all connected through the brotherhood of life, and we should uplift each other and work to have transparent, open and honest dialogue to become stronger,” Hale said. While living in the African American Culture Center, Hale realized that he wanted to experience Greek life, and he wanted to help create a society that would foster multiculturalism in a new way.

Hale and his friends started to develop a plan for creating a new society on campus. “It was a long journey. We had to coordinate with other Greek societies to share our goals and purpose. The Inner Society Council (ISC) wanted to make sure that we weren’t creating something that already existed. We had to find a name, pick our house colors and motto, and create a pledging program. In order to be approved, ISC members had to vote us in unanimously.”

On Feb. 15, 2001, during Hale’s senior year, Mu Omega Pi was officially added to the Greek life roster at Olivet College. “We chose Mu Omega Pi because it represented the first letters of Men of Potential. We wanted to find a way to represent that our founding members came from different places and are now all connected. We looked at the Detroit Tigers and Chicago Bears and came up with orange and blue as our house colors to represent that connection to each other,” Hale said.

Following graduation, Hale moved back to Chicago, but the job market became even more competitive following the events of Sept. 11, 2001. With a drive to succeed and the frustrations of the world on his shoulders, Hale decided to pack his bags and move back to Olivet. Soon after, Hale accepted a position at Starr Commonwealth, a social services organization in Albion, working with at-risk teens. This position would be a launching pad for Hale to travel and develop a robust career in human services.

After Starr Commonwealth, Hale moved to Georgia to accept a position as a youth service worker with the Department of Justice.

He worked with youth held in a short-term facility until their court appearance, preparing the youth for the judge’s decision — a transfer to a juvenile facility or a return home. Helping young men, specifically men of color, find a way out of the prison pipeline is one of Hale’s ongoing life goals.

Hale also worked for the Department of Family and Children Services as a foster care specialist while he was living in Georgia.

That all changed in 2005 after Hurricane Katrina devastated the southeastern side of the United States. As Georgia was feeling the aftermath of Katrina, Hale returned home to Chicago to be closer to family. Fate landed him a position with Ada S. McKinley Community Services, the same organization that led Hale to Olivet all those years ago.

Today, Hale works for the State of Illinois in the Department of Human Services as a caseworker. Hale’s role is to connect people to affordable care, including food assistance and Medicaid.

“Who knew that my degree from 2001 would take me in so many positive directions?” Hale said. “You can take your one degree and make it work for you no matter what you want to do, but you have to be able to brand yourself. You have to be willing and open to the possibilities.”

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SHIPHERD’S RECORD

Judith Tellez-Gonzalez ’13

INSTILLING THE POWER OF EDUCATION Judith Tellez-Gonzalez ’13 grew up in Emilio Portes Gil, a small town in central Mexico nearly 2,000 miles from Olivet College.

She first heard of OC when a group of students traveling during the Intensive Learning Term visited the community organization in which Tellez-Gonzalez was serving at in 2003.

crucial for the next generation to develop a Godly character and acquire a high-quality bilingual education in Spanish and English. It’s also important to help students understand they can make a difference as individuals in their family, community, country and the world.”

Four years later, a scholarship from the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches helped TellezGonzalez officially become a Comet. While her path may have unexpectedly brought her to OC, today, there’s no doubt where Tellez-Gonzalez is meant to be.

Tellez-Gonzalez is passionate about instilling the power of education in her students as her professors and mentors at Olivet College once did for her.

“I desired to invest my life, time, energy and talents doing something that would bring glory to God once I graduated from OC and returned to Mexico. I didn´t want to just work to make money for indulgence,” Tellez-Gonzalez said. “Still today, I am in debt with God and all the people He mightily and significantly used to empower me to graduate with a solid faith, a humble soul and intellectually well-prepared to embrace the divine art of doing good to others.”

Today, Tellez-Gonzalez serves as a junior high school and high school supervisor at Harmony School in San Felipe del Progreso, Mexico. The school provides educational opportunities for all students, including children with physical, intellectual and other disabilities. Tellez-Gonzalez assists students with their academic course material, but she also encourages students to develop a Godly character and to reach their personal goals.

“I believe Christian education is the best tool to contribute to the development of a society that honors God,” Tellez-Gonzalez said. “I love to work with my students because I know it is

“God surrounded me with excellent faculty and staff at OC to fulfill His perfect plan in my life,” said Tellez-Gonzalez.

“I am forever grateful to them because I learned something from everyone I encountered. God chose them to be a part of my path so that I could have such exceptional purpose in my own life.”

Recently, Tellez-Gonzalez supported students during their Annual Student Convention. The event consists of competitions in 145 subjects, including music, art, sports, oratory and more. She hopes to continue advancing in the Accelerated Christian Education system to better serve her students, and most importantly, help her students find their greater purpose in life.

Tellez-Gonzalez holds many Bible verses close to her heart, including Jeremiah 29:11, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” TellezGonzalez says the verse reminds her of her time at Olivet College, and now it fuels her commitment to help her own students see hope for their future.

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First-Generation Students

COUNT ON OLIVET COLLEGE Why should I go to college?

How do I access financial aid opportunities?

What classes should I take?

Where do I go for tutoring support?

Who do I ask for help?

These are just a few of the questions that likely worry firstgeneration (first-gen) students. Being a first-generation student means they are the first person in their family to attend a four-year college or university to attain a bachelor’s degree. Earning a college degree changes the legacy of their family, but this population of students often has more questions — and less support — when pursuing a college education; however, it doesn’t mean that first-gen students have a lesser chance of success.

“First-generation students may be seen as underprepared for college, but they are indeed very much academically skilled and able to contribute to a campus community in many ways,” said Joshua Gillespie, coordinator of student success initiatives. “However, sometimes firstgen students may not know all the nuances of college life, such as financial aid processes, college jargon, procedures and expectations. And, they may not know what questions to ask. There is no blueprint for college, and the experience is new for both the student and their family. Recognizing this provides an opportunity for Olivet to provide additional support to these students so they may be as competitive and successful as their peers.”

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SHIPHERD’S RECORD

While second-generation students and beyond may only be adjusting to a new environment when beginning their college education, first-generation students are adjusting to an entirely new experience. Gillespie added that this often causes first-gen students to feel socially isolated.

The key to success is building a network for first-gen students, which directly connects with Olivet College’s family-like atmosphere.

First-year, first-gen student MacKenzie Hillsburg is still adjusting to the nuances of college life. She’s already found her fit in the insurance and risk management program and is getting involved on campus with Gamma Iota Sigma and the Women’s Leadership Institute. Every day her network is growing and she’s becoming more self-assured.

“I didn’t know exactly what first-generation meant,” Hillsburg explained. “My parents and grandparents didn’t go to college, but I wanted to be an insurance agent, so I knew I had to go to college. Since no one in my family has gone through this, I can’t ask them how they felt about college.

James Hobson

“It still surprises me that I’m actually here and this is real, but I can’t imagine attending a different college because of the relationships I have with professors, staff and classmates at Olivet.”

— James Hobson

“While I still struggle with self-doubt, I already have a group of people who I can go to for help. Joshua Gillespie is great; I connected with him over the summer and can talk to him about anything. I also met Assistant Football Coach Javier Smith through a summer class. While I have nothing in common with football, we connected over personal experiences because Javier grew up with a similar background to me.”

The list of Hillsburg’s connections across campus continues — her admissions representative, professors and a fellow student-mentor in the insurance program, just to name a few. In addition, Hillsburg is also taking “College 101,” a course taught by Gillespie to help any student prepare for success as a first-year student and beyond.

Senior and insurance and risk management major James Hobson emphasizes the importance of the connections Hillsburg is making now. As a first-gen student, Hobson’s college education is equally important to both him and his parents. His only regret is not diving into Gamma Iota Sigma, the College’s professional insurance fraternity, sooner.

“I come from a family of blue-collar workers, and I always thought I would be just like my dad,” Hobson said. “I am proud of my family’s work ethic, but my dad always told me he didn’t want me to be in his shoes — he wanted me to do better than this, and college was an option for me.

“It still surprises me that I’m actually here and this is real, but I can’t imagine attending a different college because of the relationships I have with professors, staff and classmates at Olivet.

I ask questions, utilize office hours and even have dinner at my professors’ homes. You don’t have to make an appointment just to get help, which isn’t the case at every institution. OC is unique in this way, and I am so grateful for that.”

Junior Faith Sams’ self-confidence has skyrocketed while at OC. As a media production and communication major and first-gen student, Sams’ goal is to become an advocate for others. She’s already practicing this by encouraging other first-gen students to chase their dreams.

MacKenzie Hillsburg

“My college journey has made me much stronger and wiser,” Sams said. “I realized that just by being here I am learning for others and making a path for more students to follow. When I was younger, my pastor told me that I would be the first one in my family to go to college, and he was right. Those words were so encouraging, and I hope to be that voice for others.”

First-generation students have questions, and Olivet College offers answers and more.

• You are welcomed and embraced.

• Your questions are understood and addressed.

• There are professors, mentors and allies who support your goals.

• You are not alone. You are a member of the Comet family.

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| ALUM NI VO I CES

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SHIPHERD’S RECORD

Priscilla Dhanapal Mohl ’77:

FROM KODAIKANAL TO OLIVET Olivet College is woven into Priscilla Dhanapal Mohl’s lifelong journey, just as her passions for helping others and doing good. Mohl first came to Olivet College from India in the 1970s as a sociology major and French and English minor. She later returned to earn her secondary teaching certificate in 1986.

Mohl’s career has been shaped around working with children, most notably founding a home for orphaned children in South India.

I came to Olivet College with the goal of returning to India to be of help to children in need. I made this commitment in grade 10, and throughout high school I spent weekends and vacations visiting orphanages and schools for visually and hearing impaired children.

During high school, I asked my friend, Louise, where she was planning to apply to college, and she told me she wanted to join her sister at Olivet College. This casual conversation before French class would have results beyond my imagination in the months to come. I was accepted to Olivet and earned the International Student Scholarship from the Kodaikanal International School where I attended.

I experienced my first plane ride and my first time away from home, but Olivet College students and faculty and the Congregational Church welcomed me. I never looked back or felt sadness being halfway around the world from my home in the hills of South India. I came to Olivet as a teenager and left as a woman, having learned many of life’s lessons, gaining knowledge and making friends for a lifetime. Student Volunteers, the Sigma Beta sorority and the International Club were all groups where I had the chance to be president and a member of the team. I also played on the JV volleyball team, sang in Concert Choir and played intramural volleyball. Olivet Congregational Church was “my church” during my college days. Members of the church invited me to their homes and always made me feel welcome.

After college, I experienced married life, motherhood, community work and my own employment.

I worked as a teacher at Kodaikanal International School, my alma mater, for 20 years, and I spent another five years teaching at a Canadian international school in India. For the past five years, I have been teaching piano and cultural Tamil at the Kodaikanal International School.

My mother and I co-founded a home for orphaned and destitute children. Initially, our family and close friends started this home called “Bethania,” which is Bethany in the Tamil translation of the Bible.

We started from scratch, developed eight acres of land, dug wells, planted 1,000 trees and constructed a chapel and living quarters. After 28 years, we transferred the home to an organization called Bethania Kids. I am still in touch with our former children.

I am grateful for my education at Olivet. The academics and the life experiences I had there influenced who I have been and am today. “Pro Christo et Humanitate, For Christ and Humanity,” have remained my guiding words to this day.

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| ALUM N I A S S O C IATIO N

Dear Fellow Alumni, Last year, I went to an event where I didn’t know many people.

As I was making my rounds and introducing myself, one group I talked to shared a little about where they went to school and how everyone knew each other. I started to say that I went to Olivet College, and before I could even finish, a man standing close by said, “Olivet? Me too!” Next thing I know, I’m in the middle of a big hug from a complete stranger.

I’d never met this person, but in that moment, it felt like we’d known each other for years. Why was our first reaction to greet one another with a hug? The more I think about it, I believe we both felt a sense of connection. It was like we were distant family meeting for the first time, and we had so much to catch up on.

It’s moments like these that make me so proud to be an Olivetian. Living through a year that has been so divided, I find comfort in knowing that there are nearly 12,000 of us scattered throughout the world living with a commitment to Individual and Social Responsibility.

2020 has certainly been a year for the history books. We have all faced challenges. Families are struggling. Businesses are trying to hold on. The racial and political divide has reached an all-time high. The Earth is crying for our help. People are tired. Whatever the world has brought upon you this year, remember that you are an Olivetian.

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SHIPHERD’S RECORD

Remember the resilience that Olivet College taught you — to stand tall when faced with difficult situations.

Remember that Olivet College gave you the tools to be successful and to communicate with passion and respect.

Remember that Olivet College shared an educational experience with you that prepared you to Be More and Do Good.

Most of all, understand that this pandemic will be over, and when it is, we will celebrate.

Until then, we must continue to be creative and find ways to connect and encourage each other from afar. Stay updated by subscribing to our E-Newsletter, following us on social media and engaging with us at an upcoming virtual event. The Office of Alumni Engagement has been working to develop a new series of events, which you can read more about on page 23.

We cannot let circumstances erase our sense of connection to each other. We are Comets, and we are in this together!

Sincerely,

Beth Romeo ’12 Senior Director of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving

Alumni EVENTS Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration and Alumni Talent Show

Jan. 18, 7-8 p.m.

This multicultural celebration will stream live on YouTube and social media. The program will feature messages from campus and will include an alumni talent show. We want you to showcase your talents! For more information on participating in the talent show and to sign up, please email alumnirelations@olivetcollege.edu.

Bingo

Feb. 2, 6-7 p.m.

Who doesn’t love bingo? Virtual bingo is facilitated just like in-person bingo; you will just view your cards on your computer or mobile device. Instructions are given at the beginning of the session. Many prizes are to be won at this exciting event. We hope to see you there!

Mommies and Mimosas Feb. 20, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Calling all millennial moms! Join us to connect with fellow OC parents. This event is ideal for anyone with an infant or toddler, but all parents are welcome, as well as dads! Bring a mimosa or another beverage of your choice and join us for some good conversation. Pajamas are welcome!

Happy Hour

Feb. 25, 5-6 p.m.

Unwind from your day with a happy hour with friends.

Bring a beverage of your choice and hop on Zoom for a time to catch up and chat with fellow Comets. We’ll share campus updates and answer any questions you have about your alma mater.

Cooking Class

March 10, 6-7:30 p.m.

Limit 20 participants.

More detailed information, including the ingredients list and how to register can be found at www.olivetcollege.edu/alumni-events.

How to Participate Virtually

All events are listed in the Eastern Time Zone and will be hosted virtually via the Zoom platform. Zoom is an online video conferencing tool used to facilitate meetings and events. These are live events where you will interact with others using the camera and microphone on your cellphone, tablet or computer.

More details and information on how to join the Zoom events can be found at www.olivetcollege.edu/ alumni-events.

A Note on Pledging

The Pandemic Response Team is collaborating with faculty, staff and students on what a 2021 pledging experience could look like for the Greek life community on campus. Conversations are still being had, but it is clear that campus will still be closed to visitors and alumni during the spring semester. Unfortunately, if pledging can occur for students, alumni will not be able to support programs in-person. The Office of Alumni Engagement is hosting Greek Forums to talk more about recruitment, retention and pledging with alumni. Be on the lookout for forum dates and updates via social media and our E-Newsletter.

Remember the Visitors Policy

In an effort to minimize the incidence and spread of COVID-19 during the 2020-2021 academic school year, we regret to inform you that outside visitors are still not permitted on campus. That means alumni cannot visit campus. We know this is unfortunate news, and we truly appreciate your cooperation and understanding at this time. Should updates to this policy occur as this pandemic unfolds, we will continue to keep you informed.

Homemade pasta and sauce made 100% from scratch?

You bet! We’ll make noodles and marinara sauce together during this virtual cooking class.

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| C L A SS N OT E S

1970s

2010s

1980s

Shaunie Hankins ’17 was named the women’s varsity basketball head coach for the Potterville Lady Vikings. Dallas Austin ‘16 will join her as the assistant coach. Shaunie and Dallas were both members of the Olivet College women’s basketball team.

Bruce Chapin ’71 retired after 41 years in the fire alarm and life safety installation and service contracting business.

Karen O’Brien ’83 retired after 37 years in education. She taught for 34 years at Grant Public Schools and for three years at Nogales, Arizona Public Schools.

O’Brien Tom Shaw ’88, Kellogg Community College (KCC) athletics and physical education director, was named the 2020 Michigan Community College Athletic Association Athletic Director of the Year. He also won the award in 1999 and 2014, and he is the first three-time recipient of the award.

Tom worked at Olivet College for Shaw several years before returning to KCC in 2008.

Brewster

Joe Gorman ’09 accepted the head varsity football coaching position at White Cloud High School.

Tom Pratt ’09 was named the parks and recreation director for the Otsego County Parks and Recreation Department.

Gorman

SHIPHERD’S RECORD

Hankins

2020s

Caleb Robinson ’20 accepted a position working as a campaign coordinator for the Michigan House of Representatives in District 71.

Vance

Births

Robinson

James ’07 and Kelli (McKee) ’09 Lile welcomed their second daughter, Ava Kristina, to the world on July 27, 2020. Kelli is the daughter of Gary McKee ’73.

Emily ’09 and Eddie ’10 Ward had their second child, Ezekiel James Ward, on May 22, 2020.

Paksi

Pratt

Do you have exciting news to share? Do you have a new address, email or phone number? Submit your news online at www.olivetcollege.edu/alumni/contact.

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Xavier Vance ’17 earned a Master of Fine Arts in film and media arts from the University of Windsor. Her short film, “Day One,” was selected for the Detroit Trinity International Film Festival and earned the Best Student Film Award.

Basye

Zane Paksi ’20 competed in season 12 of the TV show “American Ninja Warrior.” On his qualifying run, he made it to the fourth obstacle, called the Rib Run, which was based on speed and balance. His run can be seen on Hulu, American Ninja Warrior, season 12, episode 2.

2000s

Becci Brewster ’09 accepted a new position as a financial adviser at Richards & Addy Wealth Management. She has been working at Richards & Addy Wealth Management for almost 10 years as an adviser assistant.

Lindsey Basye ’13 and her team at 11Alive received seven regional Emmy awards for their investigative work in 2019.

Lile

Ward

Marriages

In Memorium

Justin Gargus ’10 and Ivory Marie were married on Sept. 10, 2020, at Sam Knob Summit Trail.

Ashley Laprise ’12 and Lyndsee Crespo were married on Aug. 22, Gargus 2020, on Mackinac Island by Shelby (Morley-Jaine) Burgess ’14.

Michael ’16 and Braelyn (Ocwieja) ’16 May were married on Aug. 15, 2020.

Tyler ’16 and Rachel (Senopole) ’16 Gorby were married on Sept. 5, 2020, in Houghton Lake.

Laprise/Crespo

May

Roger Morris ’65, 77, of Allegan, passed away on June 24, 2020, at his home. He retired from Milbocker and Sons after over 31 years. Roger was a member of the Phi Alpha Pi Society.

Morris

Michael J. Cronmiller ’65, Ph.D., died peacefully in the loving arms of his family on Oct. 2, after an extended illness.

Charles “Charlie” Marx ’67, of La Crosse, Wisconsin, passed away on May 31, 2020. While working on his education, he was a park ranger at the Warren Dunes State Park in Sawyer, and he had a lifelong love of the dunes and Lake Michigan. He also worked as an educational librarian at Olivet Marx College, and he retired from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse library as the head cataloguer.

Warner H. Sandord Jr. ’68 passed away on Sept. 18, 2020. He was a member of Kappa Sigma Alpha. After leaving Olivet, he graduated from the Yale Divinity School in 1970.

Gordon “Ted” Traye ’69 passed away on Dec. 28, 2019, in Orange Beach, Alabama.

Gorby

Brendon ’16 and Hannah (Sweeney) ’17 Smith were married on Sept. 18, 2020.

Dennis “Denny” Leach ’76, of Rives Junction, passed away on Dec. 13, 2019.

Smith

Cody ’17 and Brooke (Stephens) ’16 Oracz were married on Aug. 15, 2020.

Airic ’18 and Stephanie (Robinson) ’18 Boyce were married on Aug. 8, 2020, in Swartz Creek. Their bridal party included Tori Monterusso ’18, Kara Dishaw ’19, Katie Ordiway ’18, Sabrina Butler ’19 and Samantha Butler ’19.

Oracz

Mike Payne ’98 passed away on Leach Aug. 4, 2020. Mike was a member of the Alpha Lambda Epsilon Literary Society.

Wendy Mickelwait ’06 has passed away.

Wendy was a member of the Soronian society and women’s golf team while at Olivet College. No further details were provided.

Payne

Jordan (Jones) ’18 and Zach Bauer were married on Aug. 22, 2020.

Jack ’20 and Kealy (Humphrey) Caporuscio were married on July 11, 2020.

Bauer

Boyce

Caporuscio

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| BE M O R E . DO G O O D. — 2019-20 2 0 YE AR IN RE VIE W

NATIONAL SURVEY OF STUDENT ENGAGEMENT

U.S. NEWS AND WORLD REPORT BEST COLLEGE RANKINGS

WE ARE

RANKED! According to the 2020 National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE), Olivet College is a leader among Great Lakes Private Colleges in a number of engagement indicators that impact learning, based on responses from senior-level students: 1. High-impact practices (service learning, learning community, research with faculty, internship, study abroad, senior experience).

2. Collaborative learning.

3. Discussions with diverse others.

4. Student-faculty interaction.

5. Quality of interactions.

6. Supportive environment.

7. Academic emphasis.

Seniors reported the following perceived gains from attending Olivet College: 1. Working effectively with others.

2. Thinking critically and analytically.

3. Understanding people of other backgrounds.

4. Writing clearly and effectively.

5. Acquiring job knowledge or skills.

6. Analyzing numerical and statistical information.

7. Developing a personal code of values and ethics.

8. Speaking clearly and effectively.

9. Solving complex real-world problems.

10. Being an informed and active citizen.

OLIVET COLLEGE

Olivet College was ranked eighth as a Top Performer on Social Mobility and 42nd on the Best Regional Colleges in the Midwest list in the 2020 U.S. News and World Report Best College Rankings. The Top Performer on Social Mobility was a new ranking in 2020. Social mobility measures how well schools graduated students who received federal Pell Grants.

INSURANCE AND RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM RANKED AS COLLEGE STANDOUT

91% rated their Olivet College experience as “excellent” or “good.”

NSSE annually collects information from four-year colleges and universities about student participation in activities and programs that promote their learning and personal development. NSSE is a self-supporting auxiliary unit within the Center for Postsecondary Research (CPR) in the Indiana University School of Education.

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SHIPHERD’S RECORD

Olivet College was ranked second in Best’s Review survey of leading college insurance and risk management programs. The list is comprised of 20 colleges nationwide.

Olivet College is the smallest school by enrollment in the ranking, earning more votes than several Division I universities and programs.

$100,000 GRANT SUPPORTS SEXUAL ABUSE AWARENESS AND PREVENTION

The Department of Student Engagement received two grants from the State of Michigan through a program administered by the Michigan State Police. One $50,000 grant supports the College’s comprehensive sexual assault programming, and a second $50,000 grant will support the College’s camera security/alert system upgrade.

RN-BSN PROGRAM GRANTED ACCREDITATION

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) granted accreditation to Olivet College’s Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN) program in June 2020. This accreditation marks a substantial milestone for the program. Earning accreditation affirms the College is delivering on its responsibility to offer quality education for our students.

In addition, the RN-BSN program received a continued grant from the Bronson Battle Creek Community Partners. The funding supported CCNE accreditation costs, faculty salaries, and marketing and recruitment initiatives.

$3,000 GRANT SUPPORTS SERVICE TRIP TO PUERTO RICO

The College received a $3,000 grant from the Covenant Association of the Michigan United Church of Christ in support of a 10-person service trip to Puerto Rico. The trip in December 2019 was the College’s fourth disaster relief trip to the island since it was devastated by Hurricane Maria in 2017.

TOP MILITARY FRIENDLY SCHOOL

Olivet College was named a 2020-21 Top 10 Gold-Level Military Friendly® School by Victory Media. Olivet ranked third in the category of private schools not offering a doctorate degree. Military Friendly® serves as a standard to measure an organization’s commitment, effort and success in creating sustainable and meaningful benefits for the military community. The College was also designated as a 2019-20 Gold-Level Veteran-Friendly School by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency.

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| BE M O R E . DO G O O D. — 2019-2020 YE AR IN RE VIE W

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS 978

STUDENT-ATHLETE ACHIEVEMENTS

92%

Students

171 student-athletes earned Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) Academic Honor Roll honors by earning a varsity letter and maintaining a 3.40 or higher GPA.

Michigan residents

3%

71%

Non-traditional students

29

Live on campus

(age 25 or over)

Student-athletes earned a 4.0 GPA

60%

58%

Student-athletes

Male

28%

42%

Underrepresented minorities (URM)

Female

7 student-athletes broke a school record: Noah Bailey — men’s track (4x4 relay, long jump) Morgan Champion — women’s volleyball (career kills) Nicole Deweyert — women’s golf (career stroke average)

15

International Students

(Afghanistan, Australia, Canada, Central African Republic, Cuba, India, Kenya, Nigeria, Spain, Vietnam)

101

Student-athletes earned a 3.75 or higher GPA

Tyler Peck — men’s track (4x4 relay)

Jacob Ritter — men’s swimming (200 individual medley) Takato Timmerman — men’s swimming (100 breaststroke) Eric Wood — men’s swimming (200 freestyle)

10 senior student-athletes

finished their athletic career ranked in the top 10 of at least one statistical category in their respective sport.

FACULTY 15:1

47

Full-time faculty

17

Adjunct instructors

Average class size

PERCENT OF ENROLLMENT BY ACADEMIC DEPARTMENT

29% Business

22% Social Science

28

21%

11%

Natural Science and Mathematics

Arts and Humanities

Health and Human Performance

Interdisciplinary Studies (including undecided)

17%

SHIPHERD’S RECORD

Dalton Miner — men’s swimming and diving

Riley Bennett — baseball

Madelyn Notenbaum — women’s volleyball

Morgan Champion — women’s volleyball

Student-tofaculty ratio

49

Noah Bailey — men’s track and field

6%

Nicole Deweyert — women’s golf Aaron Gillespie — baseball Katie Hansel — women’s swimming and diving

Abigail Slater — women’s swimming and diving Eric Wood — men’s swimming and diving

TOP 10 MAJORS BY STUDENTS ENROLLED 1. Criminal Justice (122) 3. Biology (116)

8. Media Production and Communication (formerly Journalism and Mass Communication) (34)

4. Insurance and Risk Management (92)

9. Accounting (31)

5. Sports Recreation Management (74)

10. Actuarial Science (23) Graphic Design (23)

2. Business Administration (117)

6. Psychology (71) 7. Fitness Management (60)

PRESIDENT’S ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

Dear Alumni and Friends, The financial results shown are derived from Maner Costerian’s audited June 30, 2020 and 2019 consolidated financial statements, which received an unqualified opinion that the statements referred present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Olivet College, and in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The Resources Committee of the Board of Trustees, the director of business services and interim CFO and office staff expertly manage the finances of the College.

In my role as the interim vice president for advancement, it is my privilege to be a part of the activities that raise important philanthropic dollars to support the College. Coming out of the recordbreaking fundraising campaign that ended June 2019, we are moving forward to sustain critical current donor support and to identify the next generation of donors who will invest in the College’s new strategic plan and future. What we have been able to achieve and will achieve, is possible because of you.

Our committed and generous donors understand the need to invest in young people who will make a difference in their families, communities, the country and the world. Providing them with the resources to learn, study and grow as human beings is what makes the Olivet College experience unique and effective.

We gratefully acknowledge the many individuals, foundations, corporations and businesses whose vision and contributions help the College to invest in scholarships, new academic programs, capital improvements and innovation for the future direction of the College.

Your gifts and many contributions are truly appreciated.

Delstene Atkinson Interim Vice President for Advancement

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| P R ES I DE NT ’ S REP O RT — FINA NC IALS

NET ASSETS

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

Total Assets

58,477

60,466

61,002

58,030

56,283

Total Liabilities

15,203

16,402

14,332

13,773

15,085

Total Net Assets

43,274

44,064

46,670

44,257

41,198

Beginning Net Assets

18,430

18,239

17,291

14,352

14,840

Contributions/Additions

288

117

183

1,068

499

Investment Return, Net

906

862

1,448

2,304

(390)

Assets for Expenditure and Expenses

(779)

(788)

(638)

(433)

(597)

Total Endowment Assets

18,845

18,430

18,239

17,291

14,352

Land and Land Improvements

2,456

2,347

2,154

2,154

2,154

Building and Building Improvements

48,854

48,469

45,884

44,121

43,262

Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment

11,052

10,909

9,741

9,313

8,953

Library Books and Collectibles

758

758

758

758

758

Construction in Progress

—

—

946

818

582

Accumulated Depreciation

(32,987)

(30,940)

(29,064)

(27,307)

(25,598)

Net Physical Plant

30,133

31,543

30,419

29,857

30,111

Total Revenue

38,166

36,453

39,969

38,030

35,702

Total Expenses

38,956

39,059

37,555

34,971

31,022

Total Change in Net Assets

(790)

(2,606)

2,414

3,059

4,680

ENDOWMENT FUNDS

PHYSICAL PLANT

STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES

30

SHIPHERD’S RECORD

STUDENT AID

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

College Scholarhips, Fellowships and Grants

16,111

14,312

14,120

12,750

10,652

Federal/State Programs (Including Pell)

4,292

4,066

4,199

3,532

3,231

Total Student Aid

20,403

18,378

18,319

16,282

13,883

ANNUAL INVESTMENT IN STUDENT INSTRUCTION, SUPPORT AND ENGAGEMENT 11,000 9,959

10,000

10,439 9,623

9,414

9,000

8,443

8,000 7,000 6,000 5,000 4,000 3,000 2,000 1,000 0

2020

SUMMARY OF REVENUES FY 2020

2019

2018

71.9%

2017

2016

SUMMARY OF EXPENSES FY 2020

25.6%

Tuition and fees $27,429

3.5% Other $1,344

2.3%

TOTAL $38,166

41.4%

TOTAL $38,956

Scholarships $16,111

Investment return, net $890

11.5%

3.3%

Fundraising $1,252

Student instruction, support and engagement $9,959

Auxiliaries $ 4,486

19%

Auxiliaries $7,251

3.8%

Fundraising $1,471

6.9%

Institutional Support $2,686

10.9% Athletics $4,243

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| H O NO R RO LL O F DO NO RS

LIFETIME GIVING SOCIETIES

Through June 30, 2020

It is with sincere gratitude that we thank and recognize our Lifetime Giving donors. Lifetime Giving represents the cumulative amount an individual or organization has contributed to Olivet College through June 30, 2020. These individuals and organizations continue to support Olivet College through generous financial contributions that are vital to sustain our programs and initiatives.

We also extend our gratitude to the many donors who wish to remain anonymous. Thank you for your continued support of Olivet College.

Live Oak Society $2,500,000+ David Cutler ’65 Thomas ’69 and Gayle Kolassa Albert ’80 and Debbie Rosenthaler Black Oak Society $1,000,000 - $2,499,999 Estate of W. Hawkins Ferry* Robert* ’57 and Sarah (Engle) ’56 Lawrence Estate of Elizabeth A. Long* Michael Morman ’09 Charles Blackman ’46 and

Peggy Riethmiller Blackman* Steven ’82 and

Melinda (Strother) ’82 Roznowski Estate of James W. Underwood* ’34 Estate of Margaret H. Varney* Emory & Laura Ford Charitable Fund Frederick S. Upton Foundation Kresge Foundation Michigan Colleges Alliance W.K. Kellogg Foundation Bur Oak Society $500,000 - $999,999 Emory Ford Jr.* J. Robert Gillette ’63 Bob and Tanya (Urcavich) ’80 Grebe Rod ’81 and Amy Hathaway Estate of Ms. Evelyn E. Holtorf* ’25 Paul and Rebecca Kennedy Estate of Phyllis N. McRae* ’29 Estate of Keytha Olson* ’29 CDR. John G. ’75, USN Retired and

Valerie J. Peshinski Stephen ’84 and Elizabeth Upton Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Chartwells Dining Services Margaret A. Cargill Foundation Pin Oak Society $250,000 - $499,999 Estate of Mary (Van Allsburg) Ambrose* ’34 Martha Ann (Snapp) Barnes* ’43 Richard ’80 and Cindy Beyer Steven M. Corey, Ph.D., and Traci D. Corey Dr. Edith Kirk Crawford* L.H.D. Peggy (Pack) Dennis ’76 Ann Margaret Dimond Douglas and Beverly Federau H. Hugh Hickok* Margaret Hoats ’66 Jerome Marek* ’73 Wolfgang ’66 and Barbara Mieder Rita M. Ode* Michael Oyster ’77 Estate of Barbara K. Parkinson Donald A. Paull* ’36 Michael John Reynolds ’75 Marjorie (Wilson) Richards ’76 Timothy E. A. Smith ’65 Marion Tendyke* Estate of Douglas L. Willson*

32

SHIPHERD’S RECORD

Estate of Lyle J. Wysel ’36* Attwood Foundation Farm Bureau Insurance Co. Guido A. and Elizabeth H. Binda Foundation Michigan Department of Education Women’s Board of Olivet College White Oak Society $100,000 - $249,999 Lance and Gail ’64 Barker Barbara Broberg* ’39 Clarence* and Janet Brunger Thomas Burke ’82 Dr. Stephen Burton ’68 Denise and Chris Cornelius Norma and Dr. John Curtis Marilyn (Purse) Dean ’60 Harry B. Ennis* Barron Evans ’77 Carol Gruen ’76 and James Cash Norine (Clayborn) Gustafson* ’30 Estate of Nora C. Hagen* ’17 David Hayhow* Estate of Dorothy M. Keister* ’23 Justin Klamerus ’99 Estate of Walter Koelz* ’15 David ’84 and Sonya Labrecque Estate of Doris (Bryan) Laimbeer* ’27 Estate of Roland Leipholz* ’37 Estate of S. Morris Livingston* ’26 Jesse ’74 and Amy Lothamer Geoffrey Masters* ’62 Ilene Masters, H. David Masters* ’62 Chris McFail Estate of Robert B. Miller* ’85 Kenneth ’58 and Carol (Blumenthal) ’58 Milner James ’70 and Lizabeth ’70 Moore Estate of Lucile E. (Wildt) Moore* Moseman Trust* Donald Oderkirk ’64 Walter ’58 and Theresa Parker Richard ’68 and Reva (Hayes) ’68 Parrella Robert ’68 and Diane Parrella Estate of Allen Pell* ’59 Estate of Herbert J. Phillips* ’37 George* ’65 and Roseleen Pyne Richard Rasmussen* ’35 Gertrude R. B. Richardson Trust* Mario A. Rodriguez ’13 Estate of John H. Schouten* Arthur* and Charlotte Stevens Nellie Stone* Serene (Broberg) Strippgen* ’43 Estate of Cyril Turo* Ruard* ’88 and Clare Vanderploeg Franklin Varney* Estate of Dwight E. Weber* ’27 Estate of Roberta (Mains) Whitbeck* ’39 Jeffrey and Elizabeth (Larson) ’90 Wildern Woodrow ’69 and Shirley* ’72 Wilson

Estate of Fred R. Witkop* ’36 Amerisure Insurance Battle Creek Community Foundation Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Frankenmuth Insurance Company Hastings Mutual Insurance Co. Herrick Foundation Jack D. and Freda S. Sparks Foundation Kellogg Co. McGregor Fund Michigan Conference of the United Church of Christ National Association of Congregational Christian Churches State Farm Companies Foundation State of Michigan, Office of the Governor The Teagle Foundation Trane U.S. Inc. United Church Board for Homeland Ministries Whirlpool Foundation William Randolph Hearst Foundation Red Oak Society $50,000 - $99,999 Dr. Silas S. Anderson* Cheryl (Chapman) Barnes ’76 David P. Begle Trust* William P. ’75 and Jean (Shaffer) ’75 Blair Judge William Bledsoe* ’52 and Wilma Ray-Bledsoe M. Jane Brawner* ’43 Jack and Mary J. Butterick Jason Conkin ’97 Francis and Colette Coomes *Matilda Crane* Dennis Daugherty ’70 Henry* and Margaret Davis Carol Eichert Franck* John ’70 and Penny ’69 Gear William ’66 and Lorain Giles John R. Green ’59 Estate of Herbert W. Gutekunst* Estate of Dr. Frank G. Ham*, David and Sheila Hathaway Pamela Heos ’77 and Jeffery Brancheau Duane and Suzanne ’79 Hewitt Jerry Hill Timothy ’83 and Tami Hodge Brian ’88 and Kimberly Iott Craig A. Kapson ’72 Estate of Tena Karcher* Linda (Magalotti) ’70 and Robert Katcher Donald Keller ’67 William G. Kennary Estate of Margaret J. Kies* Alfred ’58 and Deanna Knickerbocker Will Kyselka* ’45 Howard G. Lambertson* ’34 Charles ’64 and Lynn McPhail William and Karla Middlebrooks Estate of Celestine Elizabeth Moloney*

Larida Petersen* ’31 Lisa Pompian* ’64 Dr. John W. Porter* David* ’65 and Merry Lu* ’68 Prior Virginia Reeder* ’49 Estate of Dorothy M. Reinhard* Estate of Gorton Riethmiller Jr.* Gertrude Schwarz* Judith Selesky ’66 Estate of Paul E. Siegel* Fredda Sullivan Sparks Eloda (Heibeck) Tangney* ’31 Mary Jane Tenny Estate of Lela M. Troutner* ’11 Charles* and Shirley Trubac Karen ’81 and Keith Van Hentenryck Doris Walter* ’41 Linwood "Woody" C. ’68 and Susan Wiley Raymond Wilks* Charles* ’92 and Mary Witte Andrew’68 and Barbara Wright Accident Fund Insurance Company Air-Way Manufacturing Co. Auto-Owners Insurance Company Dean Transportation Educational Assistance Ltd. Frey Foundation General Electric Foundation Loutit Foundation Merck Co. Foundation Michigan Future Foundation North Congregational Church State Farm Insurance Companies Towsley Foundation WB and Candace Thoman Foundation Acorn Society $25,000-$49,999 Alexander ’68 and Winifred Aranyos Josephine S. Austin* ’28 William Ballagh ’88 Marjorie Barto* ’42 Michael and Mary Bassis Marian L. Bell* ’35 Brian ’69 and Nancy Benner Jack "Jake" Bishop Jr. ’72 Howard ’59 and Martha ’61 Bondy Sandra (Vedder) Boyer ’85 Robert H. Bradley* Emerson Brown* ’41 Gary ’71 and Kathryn ’70 Burt David ’80 and Kimberly ’81 Byrens Yvonne ’73 and Victor Caamal Canul Ivis (Larson) Carlson ’43 James ’70 and Cynthia Carmody William Cassidy ’63 Ron and Evelyn (Gruen) Cortesi H. James Cox* Elizabeth “Betty Jo” Crosby John ’59 and Laura Davis Terry and Maria Davis

*Denotes a deceased donor who themselves or their estate made a contribution to Olivet College.

Michael ’77 and Jan (Harrison) ’77 Dieterle Melanie Engels ’08 Robert Ewigleben* Mike ’75 and Judy Fales Joseph Fink George Francis Lawrence Franks ’55 Peter ’66 and Sarah ’67 Fuller Blanche Gallery* Alfred E. Gilmour* Benny Hart Timothy Hauxwell ’83 Vern Hazard ’83 James C. High* Thomas Hoisington and Louise Alderson Linda Hoover ’81 Estate of Clara M. Hosie* B.J. and Teri Hull Craig Jenkins ’08 and Ananda Zaccanelli-Jenkins James and Carol Ann (Breidenstein) Johnson Estate of W. Harlow Kahler* ’26 Elizabeth Kiefer* ’34 Chuck Kovaleski ’70

Estate of Roland Shang-Yong Lawler* and Louise Lawler Dean ’55 and Jeanene Lewis Dr. Ray B. Loeschner Linda Logan, Ph.D. Estate of Clayton J. Marcereau* Kevin Martin ’77 and Duane Brown Estate of Ruth Meeker Henry* ’40 Charles Mefford* Charles ’76 and Roann Mefford Donald* and Zella Morris Gary A. and Judith ’70 Morrison M. Michael Morse ’61 Estate of Roy B. Nelson* Lachlan W. Noble* ’31 Denise Page Hood Helmer R. Petersen* ’34 Roger Piddington ’68 Phillip Prettyman ’70 Joseph S. Radom* Jack ’66 and Bonnie ’67 Rall Kelly Rossman-McKinney Ruth K. Sherwood* Maureen (Hendrick) Smyth ’71

First Congregational UCC, Battle Creek Free Spirit Construction, Inc. Gannett Foundation George I. Alden Trust Miller Foundation National Association of Congregational Christian Churches National Science Foundation Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation Samuel L. Westerman Foundation Schwab Charitable Fund SPX Corporation UCC Local Church Ministries, Council for Higher Education USX Foundation Inc. Vomberg Foundation Wells Fargo Commercial Banking West Michigan Chapter of the Risk & Insurance Management Society Westran Insurance Scholarship Foundation

Estate of Raymond E. Spokes* Katharine L. Swift* Eric ’94 and Shelley Thomas Susan Topping ’77 George I. Alden Trust* Donald Tuski ’85 Gretchen Votruba* ’38 Helen (Bohnet) Walter* ’30 Beverly Weidendorf ’60 Charles ’55 and Celia Weidendorf Tala Jean (Plummer) Welch ’77 Irmgard Wilmore* ’42 Karl ’69 and Connie ’72 Wilson Larry K. Winegar ’74 Edith Zannon* Begole Brownell Fund Besser Foundation Christian UCC, Sawyer Covenant Association of East Lansing Dow Chemical Co. Foundation Edward J.F. Young First Congregational Church First Congregational Church, Wayne First Congregational UCC, Alpena

ANNUAL GIVING HONOR ROLL

July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020

It is with sincere gratitude that we thank and recognize our Fiscal Year 2019-20 donors. These individuals and organizations continue to support Olivet College through generous financial contributions that are vital to sustain our programs and initiatives.

We also extend our gratitude to the many donors who wish to remain anonymous. Thank you for your continued support of Olivet College.

PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE ANNUAL GIVING SOCIETIES Shipherd Society $25,000+ Richard ’80 and Cindy Beyer William P. ’75 and Jean (Shaffer) ’75 Blair David Cutler ’65 Rod ’81 and Amy Hathaway H. Hugh Hickok* Robert* ’57 and Sarah (Engle) ’56 Lawrence Donald A. Paull* ’36 Marjorie (Wilson) Richards ’76 Arthur* and Charlotte Stevens Battle Creek Community Foundation Educational Assistance Ltd. Gruen Society $10,000 - $24,999 Dr. Stephen Burton ’68 Steven M. Corey, Ph.D., and Traci D. Corey Marilyn (Purse) Dean ’60 Donald Keller ’67 Jesse ’74 and Amy Lothamer Ilene Masters Walter ’58 and Theresa Parker Michael ’03 and Lindsey ’00 Seelye Douglas ’71 and Julie ’71 Semivan Amerisure Insurance Ash Brokerage Farm Bureau Insurance Co. Michigan Colleges Alliance R.E. Olds Foundation Speare Society $5,000 - $9,999 Yvonne ’73 and Victor Caamal Canul James ’70 and Cynthia Carmody Jason Conkin ’97 Terry and Maria Davis Mark ’75 and Laurie Girardin Carol Gruen ’76 and James Cash Vern Hazard ’83

Margaret Hoats ’66 Timothy ’83 and Tami Hodge Linda (Magalotti) ’70 and Robert Katcher Paul and Rebecca Kennedy Charles ’76 and Roann Mefford Robert ’68 and Diane Parrella Jack ’66 and Bonnie ’67 Rall Beverly Weidendorf ’60 Jeffrey and Elizabeth (Larson) ’90 Wildern Karl ’69 and Connie ’72 Wilson Woodrow ’69 and Shirley* ’72 Wilson Auto-Owners Insurance Company Getting to Clarity LLC Meijer Michigan Future Foundation Wolohan Family Foundation Brewer Society $2,500 - $4,999 John ’84 and Sandra Bremner David Dawson* ’71 Michael ’77 and Jan (Harrison) ’77 Dieterle David and Sheila Hathaway Dr. Arvill and Kay Jones Reginald Lancaster ’63 Wolfgang ’66 and Barbara Mieder Judith Selesky ’66 Susan Topping ’77 Todd and Stacey Upton Linwood "Woody" C. ’68 and Susan Wiley Accident Fund Insurance Company Lothamer Tax Resolution, Inc. The Murphius Group Hosford Society $1,000 - $2,499 Thomas Bowling ’71 Julie (Smith) Brooks ’77 Diane (Butterfield) Brunn ’67 Linda Bryant-Solomon ’68 Gary ’71 and Kathryn ’70 Burt Jack and Mary J. Butterick

David ’80 and Kimberly ’81 Byrens Delois Caldwell Simon Camaj ’95 William Cassidy ’63 Michael ’71 and Loralee Castner Helen (Wei) Chung ’68 Eleanor Colombo ’64 Elizabeth “Betty Jo” Crosby John ’59 and Laura Davis Frank ’78 and JoAnne ’79 Desy Mary J. Eakle Barron Evans ’77 Mike ’75 and Judy Fales George Francis Kathi Froehlich ’76 Larry ’64 and Marilyn Gaskins Edward Gatta Jr. ’77 William ’66 and Lorain Giles Eugene ’63 and Jo Grimley Frank and Constance Hagelshaw William Halacoglu ’82 Barbara Heller ’69 Reginald ’84 and Catherine Henry Pamela Heos ’77 and Jeffery Brancheau Larry ’68 and Carolyn Hice Sharon Hobbs Larry ’60 and Jerrilyn ’81 Holcomb Thomas Humphreys Craig Jenkins ’08 and

Ananda Zaccanelli-Jenkins Alfred ’58 and Deanna Knickerbocker Samuel ’68 and Cheryl Knox Sharon (Heller) Koning ’63 Dr. Ray B. Loeschner Linda Logan, Ph.D. Mike and Karla Love Michele McCauley Douglas McElhaney Robert ’78 and Kimberly Mette

M. Michael Morse ’61 Thomas Nelson ’70 James Nord ’66 James and Samantha ’00 Pearl CDR. John G. ’75, USN Retired and Valerie J. Peshinski Michael Pugh ’68 Roseleen Pyne Richard Ries ’85 Walter Schneider ’59 Robert Shegog ’74 Mikel Snow ’66 Larry ’64 and Virginia ’65 Spencer Clair ’80 and Nyla ’92 Stevens William ’67 and Anne Telling Roger ’59 and Marilyn Tharp David L. ’56 and Janice M. Thompson Charles ’55 and Celia Weidendorf Roger A. ’87 and Cathy Weise Tala Jean (Plummer) Welch ’77 Samuel L. Westerman Foundation Frederick S. Upton Foundation Grand Haven Area Community Foundation McLaren Oakland Medical Center Merck Co. Foundation Michigan Conference of the United Church of Christ Miller Foundation North Congregational Church The Peoples Church of East Lansing Robert and Bess Cook Foundation Selective Insurance Wolverine Mutual Insurance

It is our intention to recognize donors as they would like. If you would like to update how your name is listed in the Honor Roll, please contact advancement@olivetcollege.edu.

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ANNUAL GIVING SOCIETIES Red and White Society $500 - $999 Jeffrey ’75 and Deborah (Rebeck) ’76 Ash H. Robert Bacon ’76 Harry "Bud" Beekman ’65 Gary and M. Bernadette ’82 Bowker Lewis Brindle ’71 Orlando* ’57 and Delores Burton Leslie Clune ’71 Kevin Compton Mark ’66 and Janet ’67 Davison Matthew Debacker ’71 Cloyce Dickerson ’87 Robert H. Digby M.D., M.P.H. ’65 Terry Donnelly ’68 Frederick Eayrs ’68 Edward Fischer ’69 Justin D. Fleeson ’12 Michael ’63 and Betsy ’65 Foster Thomas ’67 and Elizabeth Gardner McKinsey Golfin ’05 Lamontriale Hale ’01 Richard Hamann ’85 Sam Hargraves Benny Hart Kathryn Heafield ’63 Richard Herbert ’79 Sylvia Hicks-Fox ’78 Kurt and Linda Hofmann Linda Hoover ’81 David ’73 and Thelma Horn C. Reid ’67 and Deborah ’69 (Brooks) Hudgins Steve ’86 and Elizabeth Hummer Stephen and Betsy Hunter Mary (MacPherson) Jennings ’52 Jan ’69 and Cathy ’69 Jones James and Emilie Kanitz Rosalie Brum Karunas Kyle ’09 and Laura (Markin) ’11 Labrecque Randy Lance ’04 Larry ’75 and Joyce Lethorn R. Richardson ’83 and Susan ’83 Levitte Martha (Townsend) Limauro ’87 Jacqueline Looser Gene Lorentz ’63 Daniel Maroney ’54 Kevin Martin ’77 and Duane Brown Martha Metzger ’63 Scott ’82 and Tanya-Mari Morrison Jane O’Brien ’65 Donald Oderkirk ’64 Janet Orr ’65 Mauricio Palli ’07 Richard ’68 and Reva (Hayes) ’68 Parrella Francis Petersen ’69 Peter ’65 and Nancy ’65 Raisbeck Phil Reed John ’65 and Nancy ’65 Rohde Andrea Rutledge Nancy Sahli ’70 Roderic G. Sanders ’08 Michael and Ann Sherzer Evan P. Simpson ’15 William ’67 and Mary Lou ’69 Skelley Lonnie and Barbara Spencer Bill and Michelle Stockberger Lynda Stone ’85 Sarah Surratt Matthew Swab ’09 Thomas Throop ’75 Mark ’76 and Francine Thuston La’Rae Trice Karen ’81 and Keith Van Hentenryck Steven Wheeler ’78 Brittany Zandstra

34

SHIPHERD’S RECORD

Thomas Zupko ’87 Arbor Grove Congregational Church Capital Region Community Foundation Chartwells Dining Services M&M Marketing Miller Wealth Advisors National Association of Congregational Christian Churches North Central Michigan Arbor Olivet Congregational Church Tenneco Automotive Responsibility Society $250 – $499 Suresh ’99 and Priya ’00 Acharya Regina Armstrong Frank and Audrey Baker Laura Barlond-Maas ’88 Jeffrey ’76 and Arlene Berg Benjamin Bernoudy ’58 Grant and Tina L. ’73 (Lincoln) Bienz Jeremy L. Blunt ’14 Eric Boothroyd ’73 David Brady ’72 Brandon Brissette James ’71 and Pam Brunger William Burdon ’69 Jeffrey Burleigh ’81 Doug Carter Karen (Ciesielski) Bochenek ’65 Frederick and Lynne ’80 Corbus Ronald and Cynthia ’76 Crooks Sandy Daniels ’85 Robert and Cynthia Davey Terry Dawson ’68 Branden Dyer ’14 Stephanie Marie Eagles ’86 Taylor Elley ’20 Melanie Engels ’08 Michael and Erin ’07 Fredericks Terri L. Glasgow James ’61 and Janice Grimshaw Richard Groch ’62 George ’61 and Judith Gullen M. David Moulton and Yvonne Hamann-Moulton Steven Hassenger ’76 Robert Hawkins ’75 John Hobday ’72 Norman ’61 and Karen Hoenes Mark ’80 and Lynn ’81 Holdren Hal ’71 and Janice Hooks Dennis Horal ’76 Joseph C. Iauch ’58 Brian Jaffee ’09 Richard Janeway ’69 Glenn Johnson ’71 Randy Jorgenson ’78 Martin Kapff ’72 Thomas and Lori Kiess Christine Laitner ’69 Shantel (Diethrich) Launstein ’93 Serafin Llerena ’11 William and Wendy ’82 Loveless Hernan Marin ’65 Jason Meadows ’03 Richard S. Miller ’70 Martin ’73 and Shirlee Mitchell Jason and Jill Moore Andrina Morence Gary A. and Judith ’70 Morrison William Nixon ’51 Joseph Pantaleo Louie Paquette ’61 Richard ’63 and Karen Penhallegon Leslie Perry ’75 Stanley Platsis ’64 Joan (Roberts) Pohl ’83

Timothy and Pamela Reeves John ’64 and Rosemary Ryan Arnold and Leatrice Schilbe Noreen (Towne) Search ’63 Gary ’68 and Diane Siemers Maureen (Hendrick) Smyth ’71 William ’63 and Terry Spokes Mary Stankewich ’76 Bernie ’72 and Becky Stankewicz Robert Stephan ’81 Scot and Tammie Streeter Marcia (Campbell) Sumerix ’69 Tucker Surbrook ’09 Mary Jane Tenny Jeffrey Thigpen ’07 Joseph Vicari Tamyra Walters ’80 Gerald and Joan ’52 (Bordner) Warren Donald Watkins ’73 Jerome Webster ’88 Daniel ’65 and Susan Welch Norman Wheeler ’73 Neil White ’62 Skip ’68 and Barbara ’70 Whittaker Robert ’67 and Charlotte Wilks Arthur and Joanne Williams Seung ’62 and Teresa Woo Jeff Zonyk ’69 Dell Technologies First Congregational Church of Belding State Farm Companies Foundation Whitetail Farms Farm Fresh Market Seelye Ford Barker Weber Insurance Agency Celebration Church of Christ Gibson Insurance Korotkin Insurance Group Mciver Enterprises LLC Pioneer State Mutual Insurance Company Renaissance Charitable Foundation Inc. Oak Leaf Society $1 - $249 Rebecca (Wright) Abate ’66 Gregory ’81 and Betsy ’81 Adamus Nicholas Africano ’16 Bill Albaugh Heidi B. Allen John ’76 and Cynthia Allen Jerry Allocco ’69 Gregory ’98 and Nikki ’99 Almy Richard and Marie Ames Thomas Appel ’65 David Asher ’71 Richard Atkinson ’68 Andrew T. Babicki Tim Back Timothy ’65 and Joyce Baird Terri and Michael Baker Brian Ballinger ’74 Cheryl (Chapman) Barnes ’76 Thomas ’76 and Carrie (Selden) ’77 Barnett Dale ’62 and Judy Barr Josh Baynes Randy ’78 and Jan ’80 Bays Michael A. Beach ’14 Cynthia Beals ’79 Matthew Bennett Walker Beverly John Bishop ’74 Emma Blackburn Curtis Blackwell ’17 Harlan Blood ’60 Lynnette Bohi ’70 Ida (Fischer) Bolen ’72 William Bornhauser ’71 Lido Bossory Mary Boucher ’59 Bruce and Shirley (Hickey) ’59 Boundy Linda Bowen ’71

Charles Bowers ’65 Jim and Jytte Bowers David and Maureen Boyd Jim Boyer Mark ’72 and Judith Brady Mary Beth (Dettling) Brady ’77 James ’69 and Sandra ’70 Briney Kirk and Lori Britton Robert Brown ’72 Daniel R. Brown Mark Buckland ’97 Elise Bugenske Ken ’08 and Brandy Bunting Douglas ’73 and Suzanne Burger Brian Burke Faith A. Burleigh Blaine Burnett ’08 Belva Burney ’68 Ed Burnham Evan D. Burt James D. and Pamela Butterick Douglas ’59 and Beverlee ’61 Byron Jeffrey D. Campbell ’99 Kay Canaan ’65 John ’73 and Karen ’71 Cavell Patrice (Briggs) Cecchin ’81 Karen Chaney Lawrence Cibulka ’80 Dustin ’01 and Cody ’02 Cichocki Elizabeth (Flanary) Cieszkowski ’06 Robert ’73 and Patricia ’73 Clark Catherine Claucherty-Webster ’75 Robert Clay ’00 Robert Colford ’62 Zachary Collins ’17 Bob Coplin ’72 Charlene Crase Cynthia Crase James Crocker ’77 Michael Current Antoine T. Currie ’10 Brenton Curtis ’65 Jill (Sours) Daniel ’80 Tiara Dean Richard and Ilene DeBaun Andrew J. DeBruyn Peggy (Pack) Dennis ’76 Henry DeRuiter ’70 Thomas and Nancy Devries Ann (Huss) Dickinson ’79 Karlyn (Eberhardt) Dickinson ’67 H. Robert Dittmer ’78 Sandra Dobbins Gayl (Sanborn) Dotts ’78 Fred C. ’63 and Nancy Douglas Kathleen Driver ’50 Marjorie Eagen ’71 Margaret (Hooker) Eaton ’48 Mary Eaton ’69 Christopher Evans Michael and Rolene Fadden Bill ’62 and Marilyn ’61 Feddeler Suzan Felter ’86 Jack ’56 and Nancy ’57 Fieldman Brandon Fifield Jonathan and Kelsie Fifield David M. Firlik ’13 Carol Flanigan Richard ’93 and Elizabeth Fleming Kimberly (Boyer) Flitton ’93 Dawn Flynn ’71 Chad ’06 and Denise (Ritzer) ’07 Folkersma Sandra (Mesrobian) Fordyce ’64 Jill Foss Martha (Hyde) Frahm ’67 Anne B. Francisco ’69 Jolie Frantz Carl Fredrickson ’56 Lisa J. Furman Boris and Edith ’74 Gerber Brian Gibbs ’17

* Denotes a deceased donor who themselves or their estate made a contribution within the fiscal year.

John Gilchrist ’84 Nicholas Glaser ’07 Taylor Gorr ’16 Angela Gray ’82 Bob and Tanya (Urcavich) ’80 Grebe Mark ’50 and Susan ’50 Griffin Susan (Stucky) ’50 and Mark ’50 Griffin Sharon Griffin John Grimes Nathan Gross ’94 James R. Grugett ’87 Patrick Guilford Ed ’77 and Gretchen Guisbert Daniel Haacker ’69 Todd Haehnle ’90 Denise M. Hafner Carolyn Hall ’45 Vaughn Hall* ’65 Michael Ham Carol (Villinger) Hardwicke ’77 Eileen Harrison D L Hartnagle Jacob Harvey ’19 Beverly Harwood Carole ’Kelly’ Havens ’77 Kevin Hayward ’78 Jim and Betsy ’64 Healy James Heffner ’84 George ’76 and Lisa ’79 Heitsch Karen Hendrick Brian and Joley Hersch Duane and Suzanne ’79 Hewitt Gloria (Bell) Hines ’64 Frederick Hinz ’70 Allan and Shirley Hirt Benjamin Hitchcock ’10 Kenneth and Mona Hitchcock Randall Hoelzen Darlene Holloway Jeffrey L. Holm ’14 Kevin Holt ’92 Thomas Homes ’17 Charles Hookway James Hopkins Mack Hosack ’71 Mike Howard Cynthia Hudson ’92 Elsie (Erlich) Ilgner ’50 Lloyd Irving ’70 Maxie and Carrie Jackson Edward Jamison ’75 Aileen M. Jamison Gregory ’09 and Jessica ’08 Jarratt Marty (Mason) Jennings ’67 Christopher Johnson ’72 Keisha Johnson Amanda ’07 and Laura (Brinkley) ’07 Johnston Mark Jones ’76 Kam Kamali Vincent Kempinski ’81 Ramona Kime ’80 Robert ’57 and Judie ’59 King Lacee M. King ’12 Kirk Kinjorski Joshua and Colleen Kirtland Robert K. Knapp ’15 Leah Knapp William and Deborah (Buell) ’66 Kodros Joshua P. Kofflin ’15 Jennifer J. Waite ’92 Kathryn (Vogt) Koveleski ’47 Hristo Kozhuharov ’07 Sarah LaFoe Travis Lankerd ’16 Joan (Crabill) Larimer ’77 John Latta ’74 Camille Lavey ’76 Patrick Leahy ’10 Travis ’03 and Lisa ’02 Lehman Lawrence Lewis ’53 Russell and Wendy Lewis

Paul Lobos ’87 John Lomacz ’78 Gary ’74 and Judy Longman Mike and Karla Love Arend and Nancy Lubbers Robert ’76 and Deborah Luther Karen A. and Mitch S. Lutzke Richard and Marilyn Lyons Grant ’96 and Julie MacKenzie Helen A. Macqueen ’14 William Maloney Gary and Allison Marion Kaleb Marion John ’73 and Sandy (Brokstad) ’76 Martin Dan ’66 and Mary Mathews Zachary D. McGill ’10 Alicia McPherson Larry ’64 and Mary Martha ’65 Melendy Bradford Mellor ’76 Colin J. Mengel ’15 Frank Mercurio ’20 Joseph Meyers ’76 Charles and Helen Mickens Alexander Miller ’00 Edric L. Miller ’13 Joseph Miller ’76 Samantha Miller ’10 Daniel Mishler ’76 Erica J. Moats ’17 Thomas ’70 and Jane ’72 Moe Joel Moore James ’70 and Lizabeth ’70 Moore Christopher Moran ’91 Richard and Sandra Morman Joan Morton Susan Munn ’67 Michael ’74 and Theresa Murphy John Sanders and Georgie Murray Daniel Musielewicz Corey M. Mykolaitis ’13 John Nametz ’74 James N. Neal ’11 David Nelson ’85 William ’73 and Celeste Newhouse Donald Nichols ’57 Marion R. Norwood ’87 Cynthia Noyes Kathy Wheeler ’79 Linda Oliver ’93 Richard and Linda Olsen Jenessa C. Olson ’12 Thomas Olson Dennis O’Mara ’73 Andrew J. Ottenwess ’15 Jacob Overholt John Owen ’71 Nathan A. Pallet Deborah Paquette ’88 Brian Paquette Timothy Parsons ’91 James Paulson ’72 Bradley Payne Angelita Pedelty ’05 Ross Pennock ’17 Greg Peplinski ’72 Henry Perkins Chuck Perry Janine Marie Peters James and Becky Petersen Daniel Peterson Richard and Martha Pewe Robert Phillips ’93 Martin ’71 and Rebecca ’73 Pierce Rickey and Sally Piper Marilyn Plummer Linda Pohly ’76 George Pohly ’80 Nancy (Byrnes) Popp ’72 James R. and Susan Q. Powers Linda Purcey George Purlee ’59 Caitlyn Rakowski

Ross Ramer Xiyan Ren ’00 Kasey (Wells) Renowden ’68 Denyse Rice ’67 Lance Richardson ’83 Kenneth Rickman ’72 Austin Rinard Gregory ’99, ’04 MAT and Amber Rinehart Dean Roberts ’18 Kyle Roberts Zackary ’16 and Leah (Lupu) ’16 Robinson Nancy Rodda ’74 Holly (LaRose) Roenicke ’96 James ’56 and Mary ’58 Rogers Kelly Rossman-McKinney James Rowell ’66 Ty Rozema ’16 Joseph Sabatella ’81 James Sabatella ’86 Daniel Salerno ’74 Thomas Sampson and Nancy Wonch Ross G. Sanders ’12 Vanita Sanders Michael D. Sandman Martha (Winn) Sawyer* ’62 William ’64 and Jayne Saybolt Scott Saylor ’96 Cheryl (Fisher) Schaefer ’75 Nancy Scheffler ’60 Carol (McKay) Schelb ’69 Myra (Clark) Schlicht ’59 Henry ’72 and Jacquelyn ’72 Schoch III Darcy Schreckengust ’88 Dawn Schreckengust Janet Schultz ’69 Michael ’87 and Kelly ’89 Schumborg Sandra Sechrest Jerry Secor ’58 Tom ’88 and Lory ’88 Shaw Timothy Sheets ’73 Heather Sheets ’98 Ryan and Katherine Shockey Linda Shoemaker Gregory Shook ’74 Beth Shunkwiler ’06 Irvin ’65 and Carol ’65 Sigler Michael and Gaye Simkins Robert O. and Constance A. Smith Timothy E. A. Smith ’65 Stephanie Smith ’07 Larry and Cathy Smith Edward Smith ’79 Helen Soergel ’57 Dean Souden ’68 Karyn Spaude Erin Stallings Heather Staniszewski ’95 Alice (Robbins) Steinberg ’51 Gary Steiner ’76 William ’65 and Mary Ann Stephens Michael ’70 and Mary Stephens Brian Steusloff James Stevens ’76 Paul ’94 and Robyn Stoetzel John ’70 and Marilyn ’73 Strader Jared M. Stratz David Symonds ’70 Michael Szedlak ’71 Steven Teare ’75 William L. Teller ’66 Robert ’95 and Jane Tenyer Michael Terranova ’08 Eric ’94 and Shelley Thomas Joann Topolski Larry and Charlotte Towe Robert Trameri ’57 Louisa (Grill) ’03 and Ian Trott Thomas Tucker ’78 Oliver Tuthill ’68 Leonard Tyler ’63 Cynthia Ulmer James and Judy ’72 Unruh

It is our intention to recognize donors as they would like. If you would like to update how your name is listed in the Honor Roll, please contact advancement@olivetcollege.edu.

Terry ’57 and Roberta Upton Jacob Van Vliet ’17 David Holub ’79 and Ruth Vance ’79 Francie VanderMolen ’77 M. Elise VanWoert ’94 Robert Verner Michael Wade ’80 Gleo Wade ’95 Alexandra Wagner ’70 Darlene Wahlberg ’80 Adam and Michelle Wallenberg James A. Ward Keir Ward Tracy and Lisa ’00 Webb Norbert ’67 and Evelyn Wegienka Carol Wehr ’64 Thomas Weidner ’80 Bente (Fein) Weitekamp James ’75 and Rita ’76 Wencel Janet (McIntyre) Werner ’63 Gary Wertheimer and Cynthia Eller Michael ’71 and Bonnie Wescott Mark Wheeler ’08 Marcia White Owen ’60 and Judith ’63 Whitkopf Paul Wieber Lawrence ’87 and Jacqueline Wier James Wilder Herbert Wilkinson ’65 Micha (Bryant) Wilkowski ’89 Gerald ’62 and Marcia Wilson Jeff ’84 and Patricia Wilson Thomas and Joy Wiseman Eric ’71 and Amy ’71 Witzke Charles Wood ’62 Andrew’68 and Barbara Wright Robert Yahrmarkt ’10 Lediya Yousif Aaron Begg Construction Advanced Pools and Technology Inc Amy’s Shear Perfection LLC Auto Body & Paint Supply Inc Barnett Construction Brussee/Brady, Inc. BW Battle Creek LLC Earley & Associates Inc Eaton County Association of Retired School Personnel Eaton Federal Savings Bank Ed Koehn Ford Lincoln First Congregational Church U.C.C. – Women’s Fellowship Gray Well Service, LLC Griffith Electric LLC Independent Bank J & C Hudson, LLC J & K Thompson Management LLC Jewish Communal Fund Katz Well Drilling Inc Letavis Enterprises, Inc. Marshall District Library Marshall Lanes Mask Memorial Christian Methodist Episcopal Church Michigan State Federal Credit Union Olivet First Assembly of God Olivet Lions Club Olivet Self Storage Rhinos Plumbing Schwab Charitable Fund Soronian Society Southeastern MI Association of Congregational Churches Southern Michigan Pool Pros LLC Third New Hope Baptist Church Union Church Women’s Fellowship Union Services Agency Wells Fargo Community Support Campaign

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Office of Alumni Engagement 320 S. Main St. Olivet, MI 49076

NEW ONLINE ALUMNI STORE

The Office of Alumni Engagement is pleased to announce that a new online OC Alumni Store is open to serve you! The store launched during the virtual Stay At Homecoming event in October with great success. The store features several OC branded items, including those pictured and MORE! Now through Dec. 31, use promo code OCPRIDE to receive 10% off your entire order!

There will be new items coming soon, in addition to extended sizes.

www.olivetcollege.edu/alumnistore