Valuing the Olivet Experience: One Donor’s Story

VALUING THE OLIVET EXPERIENCE: ONE DONOR COUPLE’S STORY

oe Bowman graduated from Olivet in 1968 with a degree in music education. After graduation, he met his wife, Carroll. Over their 50 years of marriage, they have raised three children and now have sixgrandchildren. J

As a child, Joe received a strong foundation of Christian values and faith in God from his parents. When he looked for a college that would continue to build on that foundation, Olivet was a natural choice. The University reinforced those values and added new dimensions that Joe needed to successfully navigate the turbulences oflife.

A significant aspect of Joe’s Olivet experience was building meaningful relationships with faculty and staff members. “The attention I received was as a person and not just a number. My professors made huge impacts on my life. Professor Curtis Brady drove to Ohio to be with me after the sudden death of my father during my sophomore year and Professor Dwayne Little took the time to personally explain why tolerance and diversity are so important in living as a Christian. Before coming to Olivet, these concepts of fully living out a life of faith were not a part of my background.” After teaching for seven years as a high school band director, Joe was convinced that a career in education was not the best fit. “I wanted a new direction that would put my training and teaching experience to use in a business environment,” he reflects. “The Lord directed my steps first into a sales position, and then in 1978, He guided me into starting Century Resources, a school fundraising company.” After 40 exciting and successful years, Joe retired, but maintains his position as Chairman of the Board. Joe feels that his life can be summed up through the verse Proverbs 16:9. “The mind of

a man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” Joe says, “I believe Proverbs is telling us that a plan is important. Olivet helped me develop my mind so I could make a plan, implement it and be prepared to take God’s next steps.” “Over time, I have come to have an incr eased appreciation for the major impact Olivet had on my life. It strengthened my values, increased my faith in God and provided me with the necessary tools to take the steps that God directed in mylife.” Looking back at his car eer and educational experiences, Joe is still confident of his decision to attend Olivet. “If I were talking to a young person who is considering different college options, I would tell them that Olivet offers a quality education guided by Christian values; the University values personal needs as an individual; and that at Olivet, you will meet people who become lifelong friends.” “Carroll and I believe in ONU, and by giving support to the University, we are investing in its mission and helping make a positive difference in our world for generations tocome.” ■