Olivet Nazarene University Pictorial History

Table of Content s INTRODUCTION

John C. Bowling, University President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

T O A L M A M AT E R , O L I V E T A Historical Sketch of the University Gary W. Streit, University Provost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

WE LIFT OUR VOICE IN PRAISE Praise through Music Harlow E. Hopkins, Class of 1953 and Harriet (Boughhan) Hopkins, Class of 1953 . . . . . . . . . . . .25

N O B L E S TA N D A R D S W H I C H W E ’ L L H O L D T I L L E N D I N G O F O U R D AY S Academic Excellence Gregg Chenoweth, Class of 1990 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

T I M E W E S P E N T W I T H I N T H E S E WA L L S The Olivet Experience Susan (Myers) Williams, Class of 1969 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63

FOR HERE WE LEARNED TO KNOW OF TRUTH Education With a Christian Purpose Leora (Windoffer) Legacy, Class of 1968 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83

M Y O L I V E T, O U R O L I V E T School Spirit through Athletics Heather (Kinzinger) Shaner, Class of 1998 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .109

EPILOGUE John C. Bowling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .136

just south and west of the main campus,

for Excellence was the development

and now home to ROTC classes and

of an electronic campus to enhance

intramural sports fields. The School

instructional presentation and delivery

of Graduate and Continuing Studies

and to ensure technological literacy.

established a Chicago Regional Center

Today, Olivet provides wireless access

in Rolling Meadows, Illinois, and

throughout the campus, including all

moved their administrative offices in

classrooms and residence hall rooms;

Bourbonnais to greatly expand facilities

a fully computerized library and

at Heritage Place.

learning resource center; a distance

When Dr. John C. Bowling became president of Olivet in July 1991, he was intent on building on the solid

learning classroom; 80 smart classrooms; and over 25 computer labs.

Shine.fm (89.7 WONU), a 24-hour

foundation laid by those who had

35,000 watt radio station licensed by the

preceded him, but at the same time

FCC as a non-commercial educational

he realized the fast-approaching 21st

FM station, is an educational and public

century required a new vision and

relations arm of the University. Radio

progressive changes, especially in the

broadcast training began with Professor

area of information technology. So one

George Snyder in 1946 with a campus-

of his priorities set forth in his Agenda

only broadcast station known as WONC

WONC radio studios on the fourth floor of Burke Administration Building, 1946–1953.

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To Alma Mater, Olivet

Tornado of April 17, 1963 strikes hard at this northwest corner of Burke Administration Building. Many windows were blown out.

Two graduates at Burke Administration Building preparing for commencement ceremonies.

that transmitted through electrical

1988 for the new 35,000 watt station.

lines on campus to individual radios.

In 2003, WONU-FM and broadcasting

In 1967, Professor Ray H. Moore set

classes moved from the north wing of

up WKOC-fm radio studios in Ludwig

Benner Library to a retrofitted building

Center with 10 watts of power. Power

next to the Admissions Center on

was raised to 421 watts in 1983. The

Main Street, and the Department of

studios moved to Benner Library in

Communication and Digital Media

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To Alma Mater, Olivet

Dean Carl S. McClain proudly displays his memoirs, I Remember — my fifty-seven years at Olivet Nazarene College, 1983.

offices and classes moved into that

funding the construction of the

vacated space, including new television,

Centennial Chapel. This impressive

graphic arts and photography studios.

facility will give to the Olivet community

In 2004, President Bowling introduced to the Olivet family the theme “Promises to Keep” as the focal point for the next major capital campaign, focused on

a permanent home for both her public worship as well as cultural events.

In 2005, the North Central Association reaffirmed Olivet’s

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accreditation for the maximum period

At this Centennial moment, Olivet

of ten years with no stipulations.

rests on the shoulders of 100 years

A major reorganization of academic

of dreams and determination —

divisions, departments and schools was

of tears and triumph — of reversals

implemented that same year, resulting

and revival — of fear and faithfulness.

in the creation of the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Education,

2007 ▪ A dream ▪ A campus of

the School of Professional Studies,

250 acres with 40 buildings ▪ 422

the School of Theology and Christian Ministry, and the School of Graduate

faculty and staff ▪ 4,500 students

and Continuing Studies. Each school is

▪ a new beginning ▪ a University

led by a dean who, in turn, works closely

thrives!

with the newly designated provost.

Selden Kelley Jr. stands beside a portrait of his father Selden D. Kelley Sr., Olivet president 1948–49, and Selden Dee Kelley III at right, who graduated from Olivet in May 1978.

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To Alma Mater, Olivet

THE “O” CLUB from the early ’40s

Men’s “O” Club.

Women’s “O” Club.

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To Alma Mater, Olivet

CAMPUS BUILDINGS Gymnasium — Walker Hall

Constructed by St. Viator College, the Olivet Gymnasium covered 5/8 of an acre.

In 1941, Walker Hall was used as faculty apartments.

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CAMPUS BUILDINGS Burke Administration Building — Chapman Hall

West view of Burke Administration Building, built in 1906 as MarsileAlumni Hall by St. Viator College.

West view in 1940 of Chapman Hall, originally built in 1906 as Roy Memorial Hall by St. Viator College.

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To Alma Mater, Olivet

APRIL 16, 1963 Olivet Campus — Trailerville

Effects of the 1963 tornado that swept across the campus which demolished Trailerville, housing for married students, along with damaging effects to several buildings.

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Walter B. and Naomi Larsen in 1941. They led Olivet’s Department of Music from 1932 to 1972.

itself,” expressed President John C.

1933. Thus, the partnership was

Bowling in the 75th Anniversary

formed that began a deeply spiritual

Concert Band Homecoming program

and dedication-to-quality “crescendo”

in 1991.

that continues to this day.

In the early years, music was indeed a vital part of the life of Olivet through

Margaret (Flint) Woodruff ’42

the pioneering efforts of Rev. DeCamp,

recalled:

Olin Waltz, Claude Dent, J. Glenn Gould, Professor Peake, his daughter

The Larsens, though receiving

Mrs. Irene Price, and others.

inadequate and unpredictable salaries,

But a significant new era began in

nevertheless regularly traveled by train

1932 when Walter Burdick Larsen

to Chicago to study with the renowned

arrived to teach. He met senior student

faculty of the American Conservatory

Naomi Tripp, and they married in

of Music. We students who were paying

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To Alma Mater, Olivet

The Orpheus Choir was established and conducted by Dr. Walter B. Larsen in 1932. This photo of the choir was taken in the Burke Administration Building lobby in 1941.

Olivet’s modest tuitions were

A significant portion of the Larsen

receiving the conservatory’s excellence

legacy resides in the choral tradition

“once removed.” It is not possible

that was established in 1932 with

to exaggerate the Larsens’ investment

the founding of Orpheus Choir by

of money, talent, discipline and energy.

Dr. Larsen, its first conductor. Upon

Sacrifice was the trademark of all

his untimely death in 1957, Mrs. Larsen

Olivet’s early faculty, but no department

became the choir’s conductor, followed

was more the beneficiary of faculty

by Dr. D. George Dunbar ’58 in 1972,

commitment than was music!

and Dr. Jeffrey Bell ’81 in 1999. During the 1950s, Orpheus Choir sang Handel’s

The naming of Larsen Fine Arts

Messiah each December and toured for

Center in their memory in 1982 affirmed

ten days on the educational region each

the musical influence their dedicated

spring. In addition to the many campus

lives had on Olivet and her students.

appearances each year, the Dunbar era

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“Praise Song — The Piano and Orchestra of Ovid Young,” 1972.

have served God through their musical

professor in piano from 1965–75, then

gifts and talents as professors, teachers,

as an adjunct lecturer in music from

artists, performers, church musicians,

1975–78. Since 1976, Olivet’s president

band and orchestra members, and choir

has commissioned Young to arrange

members around the world. Notable

a specially selected hymn to be sung

are Roger McMurrin ’61, conductor

by Orpheus Choir at the annual

of the Kiev Symphony Orchestra and

baccalaureate service. Because of his

Chorus, and renowned duo pianists

exemplary service to Olivet and his

Nielson and Young. Pianist and

witness around the world, Olivet

composer Stephen Nielson served at

conferred the honorary Doctor of

Olivet as an artist in residence from

Letters on Young in 1985.

1971–78; pianist, organist, composer,

Olivet’s instrumental music history

conductor Ovid Young ’62 served at

began with string and orchestral

Olivet as an instructor and assistant

ensembles. In the late 1940s, orchestra

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To Alma Mater, Olivet

“The Comforter Has Come — A Decade of Inspiration,” 1985.

conductors included Eldon Basney,

leadership of A. Harold Fitzgerrel

Don Hustad, Lowell Burroughs, Walter

’41, the band was “born again,” and

Larsen, Kenneth Bade ’49 and Harlow

instrumental music was introduced as a

Hopkins ’53. Neal Woodruff ’91

part of the college curriculum. In 1991,

serves as the current orchestra

Fitzgerrel returned to conduct the band

conductor.

at the 75th anniversary concert.

A band began at Olivet in 1910–11.

Harlow E. Hopkins served as

In 1933, Walter Larsen brought the

director of bands from 1957-96.

band back into existence, after an

Touring began in 1963 — the day

absence of six years, under the direction

after the April 17 tornado. Dean Willis

of J. Richard Sullivan. The tragic fire

Snowbarger said, “The concert band

in 1939 destroyed the meager collection

should go ahead with its plans —

of music and the few college-owned

we’ll have 35 fewer mouths to feed.”

instruments. In 1940–41, under the

The band’s first General Assembly

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“1967 Homecoming Concert — Recorded Live,” Harlow Hopkins, Conductor and Ovid Young, Orchestral Arrangements.

The Olivetians, 1964.

The Olivetians, 1970.

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To Alma Mater, Olivet

appearance took place in 1968 in

“Let all the people praise thee,

Kansas City. During the Hopkins era,

Let all the people praise thee,

several nationally known conductors

Let all the people praise thy name

occupied the podium including

Forever and forevermore.”

Frederick C. Ebbs, Mark H. Hindsley, Ray E. Cramer, Mark S. Kelley and

Praise. Visit a chapel service at Olivet

John P. Paynter.

and you will see and hear the praises

Concert Band remains strong today

of the Olivet family lift to God. Then

under the leadership of Dr. Neal

you will know that the prayers and

McMullian. With necessary and gratifying

praises of those early founders have

support from the administration, the

been honored; moreover, their prayers

marching band returned in 2004 for the

and praises continue through the

first football game with 85 members and

prayers and praises of today’s Olivet

a one-time guest appearance by a fully

family. And these “hearts lifted in

uniformed euphonium player named

praise” have a lasting impact:

John Bowling.

Aeolian Singers: Fonda Bearinger, Virginia Trent, Kathryn Zook, Mabel Grubb, Leah Voigt and Lois Carpenter, 1941.

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Whenever I hear an orchestra tuning,

penned. That song ranks as one of my

I am taken back to Chalfant Hall.

favorites because of its powerful lyrics

I am on the choir risers waiting for

and the fondness I have for hearing

a rehearsal or concert to begin. …The

a thousand people sing in harmony.

memories most dear to me, however, are

It is an experience that has lived with

of Harlow Hopkins or Naomi Larsen as

me from my Olivet days until now.

they conducted with tears spilling down

May it ever remain!

their cheeks. The music touched them,

— Duane Romey ’90

and it touched us as well. I remember fighting back tears as I sang Messiah for the last time. The Scripture was so meaningful and the music so inspiring.

— Patricia Wright ’75 I was thinking recently about how many churches today have moved away from singing hymns in worship services and how I miss them. My thoughts go back to Olivet’s chapel, and the times when Dr. Hopkins would lead us in singing from the hymnal. In particular, I enjoyed “Wonderful Grace of Jesus” each semester. The hymn was written

by Haldor Lillenas in 1918, and the

I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever.

message embodied in the song is as

Every day I will praise you and extol

true today as it was when it was

your name for ever and ever.

Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom.

One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts….

My mouth will speak in praise of the Lord. Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever.

— Psalm 145:1-4, 21 NIV

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To Alma Mater, Olivet

The Sound Foundation, 1970s.

Byron Carmony and Ray H. Moore record many of Carmony’s songs about Olivet on campus in 1987.

The Collegians Men’s Quartet, 1967.

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