Thursday–Sunday, October 24–27
WEEKEND SCHEDULE
THURSDAY
9:30–11 P.M.
Throwback Thursday
Student Pancake Feed Ludwig Center
FRIDAY
8 A.M.–4:30 P.M.
Holiness Reading Room Open House
Benner Library, Room 007
9 A.M.–3 P.M. except during Chapel Campus Tours
Bowling Admissions Center (Tours start at the top of every hour)
9 A.M.–4 P.M.
Legacy Student Day
Bowling Admissions Center RSVP REQUIRED — OLIVET.EDU/VISIT
10 A.M.
Homecoming Chapel Centennial Chapel
1–3 P.M.
Archives Open House
Benner Library, First Floor
1–2:15 P.M.
Organ Recital Centennial Chapel
1:30–2:30 P.M.
School of Theology & Christian Ministry Alumni Gathering
Burke Admin. Bldg., Third Floor Cafe RSVP REQUIRED
2–4 P.M.
Shine.FM Open House
Shine.FM, Foyer
2:30–3:15 P.M.
Planetarium Show
Strickler Planetarium TICKET REQUIRED
3–4 P.M.
History and Political Science Department Mixer
Burke Admin. Bldg., Room 307
RSVP REQUIRED
3–5 P.M.
School of Nursing
Homecoming Tea
Wisner Hall for Nursing, Rms. 159 & 160 RSVP REQUIRED
3:30–4:15 P.M. Planetarium Show
Strickler Planetarium TICKET REQUIRED
4–5 P.M.
Research Poster Session
Reed Hall of Science, Atrium
5–5:30 P.M.
Johnson Gallery and Research Awards
Reed Hall of Science, Atrium
5:15 P.M.
Women’s Basketball Game
McHie Arena TICKET REQUIRED
Immediately following game
Women’s Basketball Reception Birchard Gymnasium
5:30–7 P.M.
ONU Catalyst Banquet
Reed Hall of Science, Room 330 REGISTRATION REQUIRED
6:30 P.M.
ONU Hockey Game
Ice Valley Centre Ice Arena, Kankakee
$5 PER PERSON AT THE DOOR
7–9 P.M.
Fall Play: “33 Variations”
The Theatre at Sims Education Center TICKET REQUIRED
7:30 P.M.
Men’s Basketball Game
McHie Arena TICKET REQUIRED
8:45–10:30 P.M. 5th Quarter Fair
Perry Center, Field House TICKET REQUIRED
9:30–11 P.M.
Spoons 4 Forks Comedy Improv
Wisner Hall for Nursing, Auditorium
$4 PER PERSON AT THE DOOR
SATURDAY
7:30 A.M.
ROTC Homecoming 5K
Fortin Villa at Bell West Campus REGISTER AT OLIVET.EDU/HC
9 A.M.–NOON
Future Tiger Training
Ages 0–8th Grade
College Church University Avenue REGISTRATION REQUIRED
9:30 A.M.–NOON
Undergraduate Class Reunions
Chalfant Hall TICKET REQUIRED
9:30 A.M.–NOON
Purple & Gold Reunion
For anyone before 1974
College Church, Christian Life Center TICKET REQUIRED
10 A.M.–NOON
Shine.FM Open House
Shine.FM, Foyer
10:45 A.M.
Planetarium Show for Kids
Strickler Planetarium TICKET REQUIRED
11 A.M.–2 P.M.
Family Fun Zone
Warming House, Lawn
11 A.M.
Women’s Alumni
Basketball Game
McHie Arena
12–3 P.M.
Holiness Reading Room
Open House
Benner Library, Room 007
12–1:30 P.M.
Social Work
Alumni Gathering
Weber Center, Foyer
1 P.M.
Football Game
Ward Field TICKET REQUIRED
1–4 P.M.
Guest Artist Exhibition
Victorian House Gallery
1 P.M.
Swim Meet
Perry Center
2–4:30 P.M.
Fall Play: “33 Variations”
The Theatre at Sims Education Center TICKET REQUIRED
3–3:45 P.M.
Planetarium Show
Strickler Planetarium TICKET REQUIRED
3:30 P.M.
ONU Hockey Game
Ice Valley Centre Ice Arena, Kankakee
$5 PER PERSON AT THE DOOR
3:30–4:30 P.M.
STEM Reception
Reed Hall of Science, Atrium
RSVP REQUIRED
4–6 P.M.
Child Development Program
Alumni Celebration
Weber Center, Room 304
4–5 P.M.
Phi Delta Lambda Open House
Benner Library, Room 007
RSVP REQUIRED
4 P.M.
Women’s Alumni Soccer
Snowbarger Athletic Park
5–5:45 P.M.
Planetarium Show
Strickler Planetarium TICKET REQUIRED
5–7 P.M.
Missionary Reunion
College Church, Room 100
RSVP REQUIRED
7 P.M.
Messiah: The Reunion Concert Centennial Chapel TICKET REQUIRED
8:45–10 P.M.
Friends of the Fine Arts
Dessert Reception
Ludwig Center
For alumni and their families participating in the Concert RSVP REQUIRED
SUNDAY
8–9:30 A.M.
President’s Prayer Breakfast Chalfant Hall TICKET REQUIRED
10:30 A.M.
Homecoming Church Service
College Church University Avenue TICKETS & INFORMATION
If you need assistance, visit the Homecoming Hospitality Center in the lobby of the Perry Center or call 815-939-5258.
Tickets will be emailed to you. You may receive help printing them off at the Homecoming Hospitality Center.
Families are welcome to enjoy the field house and lower level of the Perry Center as an indoor place to have fun.
DEAR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS,
Tammy and I are delighted to have you back to Olivet Nazarene University.
We hope that you feel at home again during your time here for Homecoming and Family Weekend. These are exciting days at the University and I trust you will sense the Holy Spirit at work while you are here.
Perhaps you never miss Homecoming, or maybe this is your first time back on campus in 50 years. Either way, you will see renovations on campus, new faculty members and new students — but we know that you will recognize the tried and true Olivet. Our aim is to provide a high-quality education that develops students personally, professionally and spiritually through an “Education With a Christian Purpose.”
It is a privilege to serve as President and I take seriously the responsibility to make Olivet the best it can be. I want Olivet to thrive, not just for you and me, but for the next generation of Olivetians. We have an important part to play in the world and there is a great need for Olivet people in every industry.
Thank you for making a difference in the world around you.
Welcome home!
Sincerely,
Gregg Chenoweth, Ph.D.
HOMECOMING CHAPEL
Program
PRELUDE ............................................... Josh Ring ’13 Affiliate Professor of Music
CALL TO WORSHIP ........................ Proclamation Gospel Choir Director, Marvin Jones
WELCOME ............................................. Brian Allen ’81 Vice President for Institutional Advancement
PRAYER ............................................. Tone Marshall ’13 University Chaplain
CONGREGATIONAL WORSHIP
YOUNG ALUMNI AWARDS AND .................. Erika Moeschke ’12 SCHOLARSHIP PRESENTATIONS Senior Director of Alumni Relations and University Advancement
YOUNG ALUMNI AWARD RECIPIENT ... Julie (Pilacyncki) Gulledge ’15
YOUNG ALUMNI AWARD RECIPIENT ............. Camilo Giraldo ’14
CLOSING COMMENTS ................................ Erika Moeschke
ALMA MATER ...................................... Neal Woodruff ’91 Associate Dean, School of Music
POSTLUDE ................................................. Josh Ring
After Homecoming Chapel, there is more to see and do including open houses, theatre performances, athletic competitions and the 5th Quarter Fair.
Young Alumni Awards
Since 2011, Olivet Nazarene University’s Alumni Association has proudly presented two Young Alumni Awards during Homecoming to alumni who have demonstrated exemplary leadership in their careers within 10 years of graduating from the University.
Julie (Pilacyznski) Gulledge ’15, JD
Julie Gulledge ’15 grew up in a rural area in Michigan. Her first memory of Olivet Nazarene University is moving into her dorm room in Williams Hall. “I spent time with my friends every day,” she recalls. “I could walk from my dorm to the dining hall, the library and all my classes. I was so excited about my new life!”
Dr. Camilo Giraldo ’14
Camilo Giraldo came to the United States in 2010 from Medellin, Colombia, South America, but he wasn’t planning to go to Bourbonnais, Illinois. God had a different plan for him.
When he joined the Olivet Nazarene University Tigers tennis team and enrolled as a student, Camilo immediately knew he was in the right place. His passions were tennis and engineering, and God provided him with a scholarship so he could pursue both.
“Because of Coach Andy Gibbs and my teammates, I quickly realized I was in a healthy community where people genuinely cared about me,” Camilo says. “That was the spark I needed to grow
A business major at ONU, Julie studied economics for the first time, taught by Dr. Paul Koch. She was impressed by how he approached the subject from a Christian perspective. Dr. Charles Perabeau mentored her as a student in the ONU Honors Program. “In every class I took, my eyes were opened to new aspects of the world,” she says. “I began studying and learning with continued, next page continued, next page
Julie Gulledge, continued Camilo Giraldo, continued
the idea that my work and my life are for the glory of God. Professors who love Christ and follow Jesus in their careers and their lives modeled this for me, and still do.”
Before graduating from ONU, Julie completed an internship at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s Chicago Regional Office. This ultimately launched her career as a securities lawyer.
She earned her JD degree from the University of Michigan Law School in 2019. During law school, she spent a semester working as an intern with the World Intellectual Property Organization, a special agency of the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. While in Europe, she visited new places every weekend. That experience began her love for travel that continues today.
Julie’s career as an attorney began in corporate law at Dickinson Wright in Detroit, Michigan, and continued in securities law at Alston and Bird in Atlanta. One of her biggest surprises in life is being able to put her full‑time legal career on hold and raise her three children as a stay at home mom.
Julie and her husband, Caleb ’16, are the parents of three children, Jaina, Scarlett and Rory. They live in Atlanta and are actively involved in Dunwoody Community Church.
“I will be forever grateful for my time at ONU,” Julie says. “I discovered that the value of my education went way beyond the classroom. Living and growing with a community of people who love the Lord is one of my greatest blessings. At ONU, I made lifelong friends who continue to inspire me, encourage me as a mom, and support me in my relationship with God.” ■
personally, spiritually, academically and as an athlete.”
Camilo’s favorite ONU memory is meeting Katelynn (Sondlein) ’15 and working together on her Spanish homework. They married in 2016, while he was in graduate school.
Camilo credits ONU’s Dr. Ken Johnson and Dr. Joseph Schroeder with encouraging him to pursue a career in university teaching and scholarship. In 2021, Camilo earned his PhD degree from The University of Kansas. As part of his doctoral research, he developed a vibratory mat that has the potential to improve balance for humans with loss of sensation in their feet. He joined the ONU faculty in spring 2021.
In 2022, God opened a new opportunity for Camilo at Messiah University in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. As an assistant professor of engineering, he has already led student teams to serve in Kenya and Nepal.
Camilo and Katelynn live in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and are members of Midtown Community Church. In 2024, they welcomed their first child, Joanna. ■
9:30 a.m. | Saturday, October 26 | Chalfant Hall
UNDERGRADUATE CLASS REUNIONS
Program
Locations
Purple & Gold College Church CLC
Class of 1974 Weber Leadership Center
Class of 1979 President’s Dining Room, Ludwig Center
Class of 1984 Weber Leadership Center, Room 301
Class of 1989 McHie Arena, Room 100
Class of 1994 Parrott Convocation/Athletic Center, Tiger Den
Class of 1999 Weber Leadership Center, Room 207
Class of 2004 Perry Student Life and Recreation Center, Room 222
Class of 2009 McHie Arena, Room 104
Class of 2014 Weber Leadership Center, Rooms 306–308
Class of 2019 Warming House
WELCOME AND PRAYER ................. Lisa (Schnicker) Garvin ’90 President of the Olivet Alumni Association
Susan (Hendley) Wolff ’94
Associate Vice President, Institutional Advancement
ALMA MATER
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS ................. Dr. Gregg Chenoweth ’90 University President
A GIFT FOR EVERY STUDENT CAMPAIGN ..... Erika Moeschke ’12 Senior Director of Alumni Relations and University Advancement
CLOSING INSTRUCTIONS FOR REUNIONS ........ Erika Moeschke
After your reunion, enjoy a full day of Homecoming festivities. See pages 2 and 3 for the complete list.
5 p.m. | Saturday, October 26 | Chalfant Hall | RSVP Required
Olivet Nazarene University School of Music presents this joyful holiday tradition
SOUNDS OF THE SEASON
Innovative performances of favorite holiday music by ONU students
FRIDAY, DEC. 6 , AT 7 PM
SATURDAY, DEC. 7 , AT 2 PM
CENTENNIAL CHAPEL
SAVE THE DATE FOR TICKETS, VISIT OLIVET.EDU/EVENTS
GEORGE FRIDERIC HANDEL’S
Runion § MssiaH:
C oncert
FEATURED ALUMNI SOLOISTS AND FACULTY
BRADLEY GARVIN ’87 ( bass-baritone), made his Metropolitan Opera debut in 1993 in Beethoven’s “Fidelio,” and has since performed at the New York Opera house nearly every season since. He has been seen around the world nearly a dozen times in MetOpera HD Live broadcasts both in cinemas and PBS stations. His music can be found on Apple Music.
CASSANDRA PETRIE ’16 ( mezzo-soprano), teaches voice and directs choirs at Manchester University and Grace College. She has performed in various festivals and young artist programs globally. In summer 2024, she starred in “Dead Man Walking” and “Cosi fan tutte.” Cassandra is set to debut at Indianapolis Opera next season.
JENNA FAWCETT ’11 (soprano), teaches private voice and maintains a schedule as a busy performer in theatre and concert alike. She has appeared as Potiphar’s Wife/Narrator u/s in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” at Citadel Theatre, as well as performed in “Working” and “South Pacific” (Dunes Arts Foundation), “New Faces Sing Broadway 1964” (Porchlight), and as June Carter Cash in “Ring of Fire” (Drury Lane, Williams Street Rep).
REUBEN L. LILLIE ’11 (tenor), praised for his “virile sound” and “reliable technique” (Opera News), has performed in notable roles with DuPage Opera Theatre, Chicago Summer Opera, Des Moines Metro Opera, Vero Beach Opera, Sugar Creek Opera, and Santa Fe Opera. He has collaborated with chamber groups like Fourth Coast Ensemble and Civic Orchestra of Chicago. A graduate of Olivet, Chicago College of Performing Arts, and McCormick Theological Seminary, Reuben has served as an adjunct professor at Olivet.
ASHLIE MCINTIRE ’10 (soprano), is a Northern Colorado native. She received her B.M. in Vocal Performance from Olivet and her M.M. in Vocal Performance from DePaul University in 2013. Her performance credentials include Musetta in “La Bohème,” Miss Wordsworth in “Albert Herring,” Diana and Giove in “La Calisto,” Clorinda in “La Cenerentola,” and Pamina in “Die Zauberflöte.” Ashlie has a private voice studio in Windsor, Colorado.
NEAL WOODRUFF ’91 (conductor), is the Associate Dean of the School of Music. Dr. Woodruff currently conducts the University Orchestra and Concert Singers, and teaches applied voice/pedagogy, opera/music theatre, conducting,
Olivet’s School of Music in coordination with the ONU Alumni Association presents its 88th performance of Handel’s Messiah in an expansive reunion concert, featuring a 250+ voice alumni and student mass choir, augmented University Orchestra, and professional alumni soloists.
and church music. A certified Somatic Voicework™ instructor, he serves on the Central Region Board of Directors for the National Association of Teachers of Singing and is the chorus master for Sugar Creek Opera.
JOSHUA RING ’13 (organist), teaches music theory, aural skills, organ, composition, and piano at Olivet. He has performed internationally, including at Cologne Cathedral and on the radio program Pipedreams. Dr. Ring recorded the album “Fanfare for a New Century” and has won several prestigious awards.
JEFF BELL ’81 (director, Orpheus Choir), is a professor of music at Olivet where he teaches various music courses. Dr. Bell is also an organist, a published composer and has produced three sacred music albums.
MARVIN JONES (director, Proclamation Gospel Choir), is a full-time faculty member teaching church music, worship, and worship leadership. Dr. Jones serves on the worship staff at College Church University Avenue.
continued, next page
NEAL WOODRUFF
JENNA FAWCETT
MARVIN JONES
ASHLIE MCINTIRE
CASSANDRA PETRIE
JEFF BELL
REUBEN L. LILLIE
BRADLEY GARVIN
JOSH RING
MssiaH
PART ONE
Overture
Recitative — Reuben L. Lillie
Comfort ye, My people, saith your God. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry to her that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned. The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness. Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. (Isaiah 40:1–3)
Aria — Reuben L. Lillie
Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill made low; the crooked straight, and the rough places plain. (Isaiah 40:4)
Chorus
And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it. (Isaiah 40:5)
Recitative — Bradley Garvin
Thus saith the Lord, the Lord of Hosts: Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land; and the desire of all nations shall come. The Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to His temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in; behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of Hosts. (Haggai 2:6,7; Malachi 3:1)
Aria — Bradley Garvin
But who may abide the day of His coming? And who shall stand when He appeareth? For He is like a refiner’s fire. (Malachi 3:2)
Recitative — Cassandra Petrie
Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Emmanuel: God with us. (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23)
Aria with Chorus — Cassandra Petrie
O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion, get thee up into the high mountain! O thou that tellest good tidings to Jerusalem, lift up thy voice with strength! Lift it up, be not afraid! Say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God! O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion, arise, shine, for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee! (Isaiah 40:9; 60:1)
Recitative — Bradley Garvin
For, behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people; but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and His glory shall be seen upon thee, and the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising. (Isaiah 60:2,3)
Aria — Bradley Garvin
The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: and they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. (Isaiah 9:2)
Chorus
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder; and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)
Pastoral Symphony
Recitative — Jenna Fawcett
There were shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo! The angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them, and they were sore afraid. (Luke 2:8–9)
Recitative — Jenna Fawcett
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day, in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:10–11)
Recitative — Jenna Fawcett
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying: (Luke 2:13)
Chorus
Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth, good will toward men. (Luke 2:14)
Aria — Jenna Fawcett
Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy king cometh unto thee. He is the righteous Saviour, and He shall speak peace unto the heathen. (Zechariah 9:9–10)
Recitative — Cassandra Petrie
Then shall the eyes of the blind be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb shall sing. (Isaiah 35:5–6)
Aria — Cassandra Petrie
He shall feed His flock like a shepherd, and He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those that are with young. (Isaiah 40:11)
Aria — Ashlie McIntire
Come unto Him all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and He will give you rest. Take His yoke upon you, and learn of Him, for He is meek and lowly of heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls. (Matthew 11:28–29)
PART TWO
Aria — Cassandra Petrie
He was despised and rejected of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. (Isaiah 53:3)
continued, next page
MssiaH
Chorus
Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; He was wounded for our transgressions; He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him. (Isaiah 53:4–5)
Recitative — Reuben L. Lillie
Thy rebuke hath broken His heart; He is full of heaviness; He looked for some to have pity on Him, but there was no man, neither found He any to comfort Him. (Psalm 69:20)
Aria — Reuben L. Lillie
Behold and see if there be any sorrow like unto His sorrow. (Lamentations 1:12)
Recitative — Reuben L. Lillie
He was cut off out of the land of the living; for the transgression of Thy people was He stricken. (Isaiah 53:8)
Aria — Reuben L. Lillie
But Thou didst not leave His soul in hell; nor didst Thou suffer Thy Holy One to see corruption. (Psalm 16:10)
Chorus
Hallelujah! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth. The kingdom of the world is become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ; and He shall reign for ever and ever, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, Hallelujah! (Revelation 19:6; 11:15; 19:16)
PART THREE
Aria — Ashlie McIntire
I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth. And though worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God. For now is Christ risen from the dead, the first fruits of them that sleep. (Job 19:25–26; I Corinthians 15:20)
Recitative — Bradley Garvin
Behold, I tell you a mystery; we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. (I Corinthians 15:51–52)
Aria — Bradley Garvin
The trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. (I Corinthians 15:52–53)
Chorus
Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, and hath redeemed us to God by His blood, to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. Blessing and honour, glory and power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb, for ever and ever. Amen. (Revelation 5:12–14)
MESSIAH ORCHESTRA
FLUTE
Isaiah Mannebach
Kyra Mortenson
Kaylie Spry
OBOE
Marchella Mailey ’20
Noelle Wiese
Kendall Allen
CLARINET
Jaasiel Stauthammer
Gideon Horton
Jadyn Koehl
BASSOON
Brian Corbeille ’24
Lily Wetterhus
HORN
Nolan Lewis ’21
Alaina Haas
Julia Janopolous
TRUMPET
Eric Penrod ’84
Tyler Corbeille
Chris Bird
TROMBONE
Matthew Bair
Emalie Myrum
Tyler Greene
TUBA
Jalen Coffman
TIMPANI
Steven Myer
MESSIAH STUDENT CHOIR
BASS/TENOR
Jared Counterman
Dexter Arens
Matt R. Bair
Josh Bernard
Raymond Boudreau
Grahm Brown
Tobin Brown
Will Brown
Johnny Cook
Evan Donnelly
Blaine Duff
Shawn Emerson
Shawn Emmerson
Trevor Gonzalez
Alexander Gray
DJ Hicke
Grant Kauffman
Ryan Koerner
Cole Morris
Zach O’Haver
Jonas Porter
Watson Porter
Watson Porter
Drew Raisor
Barrett (Grey) Roesti
Gavin Secviar
Cooper Skoumal
Seth Snow
Logan Stine
Will Suits
Nathan Taylor
Benjamin Troxell
Kyle Weeks
HARPSICHORD
Dr. Paul Kenyon
ORGAN
Dr. Josh Ring ’13
Matt Gerhard ’08
VIOLIN I
Connor Mix ’19*
Beth Litwiller
Amanda Luby Gable ’13
Miguel Heredia
Alaina Bahr
Megan Wilkinson
Grace Anton
Emily Roalkvam
Courtney Lewis
Will Wiegman
Nathan Wisener
Stephen Yantes
SOPRANO/ALTO
Ashlyn Cook
Ash Aurig
Leah Baumhauer
Olivia Bish
Abi Bowen
Maddy Bull
Hope Christner
Eleanor Close
Katie DeVries
Rachael Dexter
Rachael Dexter
Abigail Diaz
MESSIAH ALUMNI AND FRIENDS CHOIR**
Jonathan Bartling ’98
Melinda (Jackson) Bartling ’99
Constance (DiPietro)
Beatty ’82
Karen (Abbott) Bontrager ’86
Lynnae (De Jong)
Bontrager ’17
Noah Campbell-White ’21
Lisa (Boaz) Carlton ’14
Cheryl (Spargur) Chaney ’75
Dianna (Horton) Coffman ’92
Sierra (Navarro) Dunn ’16
Carol (Wickersham)
Emerson ’79
Dan Evans ’78
David Evans ’79
Emily Fernette ’15
John Franklin ’19
Martha Garvin ’59
Merle (Maxey) Gause ’78
Christine (Caven) Geeding ’14
Emily (Jacobson) Heald ’09
Joel Heald ’08
Phyllis (Holstein) Mund ’61
Anthony Hudgins ’98
Lillian Hurt ’14
Madeline Johnson ’23
Roger Jones ’83
Matthew Jones ’14
Calley (Seefeldt) Kaeb ’13
Stacie Knefelkamp ’05
Ben Kunz ’04
Charlotte (Bottles) Lambert ’78
Victoria Lee ’16
Terri (Hasselbring) Lenger ’79
Reuben Lillie ’11
Ashley (Grimm) Mansell ’21
Matthew McBurnie ’96
Jeremy McLaughlin ’96
Kimberly Meiste ’05
VIOLIN II
Ashley Jackson ’21
Akemi Hori
Jamie Graves
Lauren Beatty ’13
Maddie Luft
Lauren Johnson
Samantha Stapelmann
Josefa Figueroa Ulloa
Danielle Lockwood
Shaylynn Banizewski
Prof. Rebecca Cope
VIOLA
Prof. Heather (Eaton) Williams ’06
Naomi Von Gillern
Hannah Mix
Rebecca Black
Mary (Mitten) Mercer ’71
Barbara (Voyles) Miles ’70
Ori (Bible) Moghadam ’97
Julie Murphy ’76
Mark Murphy ’78
Katie (Benson) Nielsen ’05
Amber (Leffel) Olney ’14
Luke Olney ’10
Brenda Osweiler ’05
Chad Ozee ’00
Timothy Philips ’12
Brenda Rieger ’80
David Rose ’77
Sheila (Lacey) Russell ’75
Judy (Armstrong) Saurer ’72
Beverly Schmidt ’71
Karen (Daugherty) Schroeder ’93
Mary (Smith) Shoff ’74
Brooksie (Hancock) Smith ’77
Matthew Larson
Dana Benjamin-Mauricio
Madison Penrod
Brooklyn Bishop
Sarah Kellner
CELLO
Melissa Carroll ’06
Jonas Porter
Noelle Miller
Anna Reynolds
Ashtyn McBurnie ’22
Ryan Woodruff ’22
Jackson Doering
BASS
Kent Gieselman
Eleanor Snipes
Izzy Weitzel
Jaina Dubbert
Katelynn Freesmeyer
Caroline Garvin
Mackenzie Gearhart
Tiffany Going
Elise Groen
Morgan Gulley
Tiah Guthrie
Tionne Guthrie
Clara Haas
Cassidy Hastings
Jacky Heavner
Hannah Hudgins
Amy Jebsen
Justine Kauffman
Faith Landes
Sydney Lang
Jordan McCully
Grace Moore
Olivia Morris
Emily Neel
Lauren Neel
Abby Ortman
Gabby Phillips
Ana Quezada
Laynie Rienow
Hannah Rose
Ashlynn Scott
Ryleigh Shaul
McKenna Smith
Peyton Spangenberg
Eden Starfeldt
Lily Sturgell
Macey Wade
Lisa Spruill ’95
Rachel Tobey-Burrows ’19
Tracy Toepfer ’03
Quinn Van Dommelen ’24
Rachel (Walters) Warfel ’94
Dan Werner ’79
Kaylee (Bontrager) Wilson ’09
Julie (Allen) Wiseman ’69
James Boardman ’69
Susan Field ’86
Teri Dilts ’84
Joy (Vandersteen) Brown ’73
Lindsey (Hayes) Corbin ’14
Paul Danner ’72
Tony Fightmaster ’79
Wiliam David Fightmaster ’75
Michael Flowers ’10
Rachelle (Turner) Fox ’94
Kevin Gard ’23
Nina (Freesmeyer) Green ’70
Stan Green ’69
Megan Huntsman
Shirley Kern ’60
Heidi (Hurula) Kidaguian ’19
Steve Krampitz ’89
Russell Lovett ’68
Andrew Moore ’15
Lucy (Hauser) Rechsteiner ’18
Daniel Sproull ’90
Monica (Lewis) Van Houten ’19
Olivia Winters ’23
Kyra Wolfe ’22
Jacie Wolfe ’22
George Wolff ’93
Rachel DiVittorio ’15
Carol (Cheney) Daugherty ’04
*concertmaster ** as of the time of printing
“O” AWARDS
Since 1957, Olivet Nazarene University’s Alumni Association has honored outstanding alumni through the presentation of the “O” Awards at the annual fall Homecoming celebration.
2024 Ministerial “O” Award
BEN KAYSER
’02/’04 MBA
He has not taken on any significant formal leadership roles in a company or organization. He doesn’t have a big resume to show for his efforts. The work that Lt. Col. Benjamin “Ben” Kayser ’02/’04
MBA is most proud of is how he loves people unconditionally and invests in them deeply. His greatest desire is that the young men and women he encounters will get to know and experience Christ, and then will go out and love others the way Jesus loves them.
When Ben began his higher education at Olivet Nazarene University, he had a few simple goals: play sports, obtain a business degree, and find a wife. Although he accomplished all of those goals, he experienced an even more significant life change. Through the love and example of the students and faculty of ONU, Ben committed his life to Christ in 2000.
One day, as he was sitting on the third floor of Benner Library, the Lord confronted Ben with Matthew 16:24−26. God asked him to give up everything in this life to find eternal life with Christ.
At that moment, Ben knew he had a choice: Will I surrender everything to Jesus and go “all in”?
As a ONU student, Ben had been spending time with Dr. Carol (Maxson) Summers ’88, who generously hosted him and other students over school breaks; with Dr. Glen Rewerts in the McGraw School of Business; with Dr. Kent Olney, whose course on marriage and family psychology continues to educate Ben today; Dan Heefner ’01, one of his ONU Tiger baseball teammates. Ben saw that they had peace, but he did not. He watched them love others selflessly, but he did not. Ultimately, he knew they had Jesus, but he did not.
After some prayer and struggle, Ben answered God’s call with a resounding, “Yes!” Dr. Rewerts and Dan discipled Ben in how to follow Jesus, make disciples, and love others selflessly.
At ONU, Ben received a ROTC scholarship and also completed his Master of Business Administration degree. Then he embarked on a career journey that has repeatedly given him opportunities to share his faith. After graduation, he enlisted for active duty in the U.S. Army and was deployed as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom for a 15 month tour of duty. In 2010, he joined
A lay recipient and a ministerial recipient are chosen from nominations submitted to the Alumni Board. Qualified individuals represent the ideals of the University and have distinguished themselves in their professional fields.
the staff at Fort Liberty, North Carolina.
Since 2013, Ben has served as an Air Force Reserve Chaplain.
Ben is married to his college sweetheart, Elizabeth “Betts” (Babcock) ’02. They are the parents of seven children: Grace (who attends ONU through the Veritas Program), Bella, Chloe, Anna, Ruth, Isaiah and Ezekiel. Their family has hosted more than 60 people (mostly soldiers) to live in their home for a few months or even years. They have individually discipled hundreds of other soldiers, family members and children — who are now spreading the good news of Jesus Christ and His love for us all over the world for the glory of God!
For 14 years, Ben and Elizabeth served with The Navigators ministry. In 2024, they began
2024 Lay “O” Award
serving with Oaks International to proclaim Christ and multiply disciplemakers for the glory of God and the joy of all nations. They have trained or are in the process of training 16 full‑time missionaries.
Ben and Elizabeth also oversee three disciple making communities at Fort Liberty. Some of the people whom they have discipled are now pioneering a new disciple making community at Fort Bliss, Texas.
“The reach of U.S. military personnel is remarkable,” Ben says. “My hope is that, through it all, people see the ways we are trying to honor the Lord, and that they are inspired to go and do the same. Our goal is to reach the nations, and it is incredible to witness that happening.” ■
ANTHONY HOOVLER ’88, MD
When Anthony Hoovler arrived at Olivet Nazarene University in the fall of 1984 from a small town in southwestern Ohio, he didn’t realize the impact ONU would have on his life. His parents, Arthur ’63 and Carolyn, as well as a few aunts. uncles and cousins, had attended ONU, so the Bourbonnais campus was already familiar
to him. But he was beginning his own ONU story.
During the summer before his freshman year, Anthony had connected with another incoming freshman, Reagan Kling, during a campus visit. On move in day, Anthony was thrilled to learn that Reagan was just down the hall on the second floor of Chapman Hall and that they shared some classes together. Forty years after their first handshake, they and a group of other alumni stay in regular contact as “Olivet brothers.”
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Anthony Hoovler, continued
While at ONU, Anthony was a resident assistant for two years in Hills Hall and played on the Tigers golf team. As a pre medicine major, he spent much of his time in Reed Hall of Science, as a learner, a student teacher, and a laboratory assistant in both zoology and organic chemistry.
“The quality of my education was truly exceptional,” Anthony says.
“Dr. Armstrong, Dr. Ferrin, Dr. Johnson, Dr. Colling and others were so dedicated to my professional development. And I will always be thankful to Dr. Ivor Newsham, who was also VP for Academic Affairs, for teaching me independent study physics so I could complete my requirements for med school. I’ll never forget that sacrifice Dr. Newsham made on my behalf.”
Anthony graduated from ONU in 1988 with a BA in zoology and minors in chemistry and French. He was accepted to several medical schools and chose the University of Louisville School of Medicine, funded by a scholarship from the U.S. Navy. He recalls that much of his first year medical school curriculum was a review because he was so well‑prepared at ONU.
After receiving his MD in 1992, Anthony did his internship training in San Diego. While there, he met Jenifer, who became his wife. She is a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, and she and Anthony have been married for more than 29 years.
Trained in Internal Medicine, Aerospace Medicine, Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Anthony’s professional career has been unconventional. Beyond providing traditional medical care in hospitals and clinics, he has treated patients in several different countries, cared for service members on board four different
combat ships, and even served on a U.S. Navy ship docked in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.
Anthony also learned to fly helicopters in the military and spent three years with the U.S. Marine Corps as a flight surgeon. “Flying helicopters was an amazing experience,” he says.
“Admittedly, it was quite dangerous. But thankfully, the protective hand of the Lord was with me, and I’m still here!”
Following more than 13 years of military service, Anthony and Jenifer settled in the Pacific Northwest, and Anthony joined a large multispecialty group, providing endocrinology care. Today, he serves as a medical director with Novo Nordisk, one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world. Though he no longer wears a white coat, he does have the privilege of impacting the care of millions of people worldwide.
Anthony and Jenifer attend Calvary Chapel in Poulsbo, Washington. He serves as chair of the Missions Board and plays keyboards on the worship team.
Remaining active in the ONU community, Anthony serves as a board member of Catalyst ONU, an alumni group supporting the natural sciences. He has also been a guest lecturer in the Biological Sciences and Chemistry departments, sharing his real world experience. He served on the ONU Alumni Board for six years.
In 2021, in collaboration with his “Olivet brothers,” Anthony led the establishment of the HB Brothers ’88 Student Scholarship. “Many of us received foundation scholarships as students, myself included, from families and groups who didn’t even know us,” he says. “But they knew we could excel professionally and grow spiritually at ONU. We just want to pay that forward and support future generations.” ■
PRESIDENT’S PRAYER BREAKFAST
Program
ORPHEUS CHOIR .................................... Dr. Jeff Bell ’81 Director
WELCOME AND PRAYER Lisa (Schnicker) Garvin ’90 President of the Olivet Alumni Association
CONGREGATIONAL SINGING
PRAYER TIME ......... Dr. Gregg ’90 and Tammy (Salyer) Chenoweth ’89 University President and First Lady
SPECIAL MUSIC .................................. Bradley Garvin ’87
TESTIMONY ................................... Anthony Hoovler ’88 2024 “O” Award Recipient
CLOSING .............................. Gregg and Tammy Chenoweth
Homecoming Church Service begins at 10:30 a.m. at College Church University Avenue
UPCOMING OLIVET EVENTS
The Office of Alumni Relations and Olivet’s Alumni Board welcome you to Homecoming 2024
OFFICE OF ALUMNI RELATIONS
815-939-5258 • Alumni@Olivet.edu • Olivet.edu/Alumni-Friends
Erika Moeschke ’12
Senior Director of Alumni Relations & University Advancement
Hannah (Iverson) Priest ’21
Associate Director of Alumni & University Relations
Carla (Reno) Schimmelpfennig ’89
Office Manager for Alumni & University Relations
Morgan Connor ’24
Graduate Assistant for Alumni & University Relations
ALUMNI BOARD OF DIRECTORS, 2024–2025
Dr. Gregg Chenoweth ’90
University President
Dr. Brian D. Allen ’82
Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Susan (Hendley) Wolff ’94
Associate Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Lisa (Schnicker) Garvin ’90
Alumni Association President
Ryan Walker ’06
Alumni Association Vice President
Tim Alderson ’75
Secretary and Historian
Rev. Andy Dayton ’97
Ministerial Trustee Representative
Dr. Jim Forshee ’79
Lay Trustee Representative
Karen (Abbott) Bontrager ’86 On Region
Matthew Buller ’10 Educational Region
Spencer Cook ’10 Off Region
LaMorris Crawford ’06 Off Region
Jordan Gallup ’06 Off Region
Katie (Kalemkarian) Jimenez ’06 Off Region
Eric Johnson ’94 Off Region
Scott Lingle ’90 Educational Region
Matthew Lyle ’09 Off Region
Dr. Cassie (Martin) Mecklenburg ’03
Educational Region
Dr. Chris Peal ’86
Educational Region
Michael Reddy, Jr. ’90 Educational Region
Bill Religo ’67 Off Region
Jordan (Bredholt) Schriver ’15 Off Region
Jessica (Allison) Swanson ’06 Off Region
Gordon Tommy ’97 Off Region
Dr. Amy (Butler) Williams ’90 Off Region
HOSPITALITY CENTER
If you need assistance during Homecoming:
• VISIT the Homecoming Hospitality Center in the lobby of the Perry Student Life and Recreation Center, or • CALL 815-939-5258.
Are you staying connected to Olivet’s latest news and updates?
Our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages offer daily information and ways to stay in touch.
Our online platform OlivetConnect. com will help you network and connect wth fellow alumni.
Olivet.edu/Visit
