The Parent Guide - Summer '19

SUMMER 2019

THE MAGAZINE

THE BEST FOUR YEARS Helpful Tips for Transitioning to College

UNDERSTANDING FINANCIAL AID Affordability for Every Family

THE PARENT GUIDE OLIVET.EDU

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Distinguished Academics Since 1907, Olivet has provided secondto-none academic instruction for the purpose of personal development and career preparedness. Through instruction and personal interaction, students embark upon lives of service to God and humanity, living out the “Education with a Christian Purpose� mission.

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SUMMER 2019 OLIVET THE MAGAZINE is published quarterly by the Office of Marketing and Engagement under the direction of the Vice President for Institutional Advancement.

VOLUME 87 ISSUE 2 (USPS 407-880) (ISSN 2325-7334) Copyright © 2019 Olivet Nazarene University One University Avenue Bourbonnais, IL 60914-2345 800-648-1463 PRESIDENT Dr. John C. Bowling ’71/’72 M.A./’06 D.Div., Ed.D., D.Min. EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT FOR ADMINISTRATION AND HUMAN RESOURCES AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Dr. David J. Pickering ’89/’94 M.B.A., D.B.A. VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT DEVELOPMENT Dr. Walter “Woody” Webb ’86/’89 M.A.R./’08 D.Div. VICE PRESIDENT FOR INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT Dr. Brian Allen ’82/’05 Litt.D. VICE PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS Dr. Carol Summers ’88/’90 M.A.E., Ed.D. VICE PRESIDENT FOR ONU GLOBAL Dr. Ryan Spittal ’99/’04 M.B.A., D.B.A. EDITORIAL BOARD Dr. Brian Allen ’82/’05 Litt.D. Dr. Brian W. Parker ’93/’11 Ed.D. for 989 Group George Wolff ’93 for 989 Group Lauren Beatty ’13 Erinn Proehl ’13 ART DIRECTION George Wolff ’93 for 989 Group DESIGN Matt Moore ’96 for 989 Group Donnie Johnson PHOTOGRAPHY (PHOTOS AS CREDITED) Jones Foto Image Group Mark Ballogg Joe Mantarian ’16 Austin Siscoe ’17 Dan Kuruvilla ’19 EDITORIAL SUPPORT AND DESIGN Adam Asher ’01/’07 M.O.L. for 989 Group Austin Siscoe ’17 Thomas Dinkleman ’18 Heather (Kinzinger) Shaner ’98 STUDENT SUPPORT Goldene Brown ’19 Sara Easter ’21 Westin Edwards ’20 Solomon Jothi ’20 M.A. Elizabeth Kijowski ’21 Landon Martin ’19 Alexis Meredith ’19 Andrew Perabeau ’20 Rachel Sedgwick ’20 Jordan Stephens ’19 Jackson Thornhill ’20

Periodicals postage paid at the Bourbonnais, Illinois, Post Office and at additional mailing offices. Postmaster, send address changes to: Editor, Olivet The Magazine Olivet Nazarene University One University Avenue Bourbonnais, IL 60914-2345 Reproduction of material without written permission is prohibited.

News, events and announcements are printed at the discretion of the editorial board. Opinions expressed in this magazine do not necessarily represent Olivet Nazarene University policy.

W H AT DO YO U T H I N K ? oliveteditors@olivet.edu

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IN THIS ISSUE 4

FROM THE PRESIDENT The Value and Culture of Higher Education

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MAKING THE BIGGEST DECISION Perspectives on the College Experience

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8 STUDENTS: HIGHER PURPOSE Our Graduates are a Step Above

ON THE COVER On May 11, 2019, marketing major Jordan Stephens ’19 celebrated her graduation with her family after four years of vibrant life at Olivet. Stephens family from L to R: D.J Brown, Evelyn Rockey, Jordan Stephens, Ryan Stephens, Jennifer Stephens, Jessica Rockey & Scott Stephens.

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Finding Your Way at Olivet

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OLIVET THE MAGAZINE Welcome to The Parent Guide, a special issue of Olivet The Magazine published by Olivet Nazarene University. This issue is designed specifically to assist you in navigating the college search process alongside your child and to provide information that will help you evaluate each college and university you wish to explore.

In their book, Packin’ Up and Headin’ Out, Jill and John Bowling write about the impact of the college years: “During these years, besides getting an education that will provide one with an academic foundation for life, students will also: make the transition from living at home to living on their own, move from being under the nearly constant authority and supervision of parents to being independent, choose a career path, develop lifelong friendships, more formally establish your personality, and one may find a life mate.”

The college search process can be vast, complicated, time-consuming and even stressful at times, so we hope you find this issue informative, useful, inspiring and reassuring. We hope you embark on this journey with a sense of excitement and that you are startled by the grace and goodness of God at many stops along the way.

No matter which colleges you are exploring, the entire Olivet community is with you in spirit and available to you should you have questions at any point.

May God be with you and bless you!

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INSIGHT

FROM THE PRESIDENT The Value and Culture of Higher Education

Remember shopping for shoes or winter coats or bicycles? Did you ever lament buying toys/ clothes/electronic devices because they fell short of their promised value? The value mindset will serve you well as you help your child find the right college.

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In this Q&A for Olivet The Magazine, Dr. John C. Bowling, president of Olivet Nazarene University, offers his perspective on the college value proposition.

Olivet The Magazine: What should parents look for to help determine the promised value of any given college experience?

Dr. John C. Bowling: Look for the value proposition: the statement that summarizes why you should buy a certain product or use a certain service. In this case, it’s the experience at a particular college or university. The value proposition should communicate — in a phrase or a single sentence — what sets apart a specific institution. It is a promise of value.

At Olivet, our value proposition is this: “We believe higher education should have a higher purpose.”

We are not merely a university whose task is to provide a set of courses leading to a degree. We do that, but that is not all we do, and it is certainly not our reason for existence. If all we do is give degrees, we have missed our calling.

The good news is that our primary purpose is not education alone. It is also transformation.

Olivet offers an exceptional academic program.

In addition, we provide a place where young men and women learn to love God with all their minds, hearts and spirits, and to love others as themselves.

OTM: With the escalating costs of higher education, is a university education really worth the investment?

JCB: The cost of a university-level education must be viewed through the lens of investment — not just cost. What is the return on such an investment? The U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics analyzes employee earnings data biennially according to education level.

These findings indicate that workers with college degrees earn significantly more than those without. They also emphasize how lower education levels tend to correspond with higher unemployment rates. In 2015, adults with bachelor's degrees took home more than those with high school diplomas. Degree holders earned $48,500 a year, while diploma holders earned $23,900.

But the value of a university degree goes well beyond the economic return. Attending a university broadens a person’s understanding of oneself and the world, and it enriches one’s life through the wide variety of experiences and relationships.

OTM: Over the course of your career, you have seen many students thrive and some fail. In your opinion, what is the basis for student success?

JCB: Students sometimes come to school with unrealistic expectations. Some do not recognize the level of discipline it will take to complete four years of university-level studies. With that in mind, student success is best supported by creating a synergy among faculty, staff and families. Student success starts at home and continues through freshman orientation programs, student residential life, academic support, and — at Christian schools — the work of the chaplain’s office.

At ONU, we are fully committed to helping identify students who may be struggling and to providing those students with support. The Elwood Center for Student Success at Olivet leads this important initiative.

OTM: "What if my daughter or son struggles in college?" It’s a question many parents ask. How do you respond?

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JCB: It is important for parents to know that most students will struggle at some point during their college experience. It’s called “life.” Parents need not overreact. Yet, if a student’s struggles persist, parents should feel free to contact the university for help. At Olivet, there is a great system in place to assist students, and we are happy to provide support.

OTM: What is your best advice for parents of incoming freshmen?

JCB: Start early to help your children develop an appropriate level of self-sufficiency before you send them off to college. Students must learn to take responsibility, to solve problems on their own and to become their own advocates.

OTM: How is the president of a university involved in influencing the campus culture and setting the tone of university life? What are some essential elements of a successful campus culture?

JCB: First, let me say a word about the significance of a campus culture and ethos. I am convinced it is as important as the quality of the academic preparation an institution provides. The campus culture — values, traditions, standards, shared commitments and so on — is the primary shaping influence upon students.

In his best-selling book, The Advantage, Patrick Lencioni writes, “The single greatest advantage any company can achieve is organizational health.”

He writes about businesses, but the same is true for colleges and universities. Every school has its own personality. At the university level, the essential qualities that shape campus life include a strong sense of mission, clear values of respect for others, a positive outlook that pervades

campus activities and objectives, a strong sense of community, a positive spiritual tone and joy.

Getting a university education ought to be a joyful experience!

Although fostering and maintaining a positive campus culture takes all faculty and staff, it must be publicly embodied and expressed by the university president. If he or she is passive or absent from this aspect of university life, the school’s potential will be significantly diminished.

OTM: How is institutional culture built and sustained?

JCB: Institutional culture is built intentionally by clarifying the mission, celebrating community, fostering positive relationships, providing a set of campus traditions and nurturing multidimensional positive support for students, faculty and staff.

The culture is strengthened and sustained by open, honest communication and constructive problem-solving.

OTM: What is the mission of Olivet Nazarene University, and what is the Olivet ethos?

JCB: Here is where one encounters the Olivet difference. Our mission statement addresses this very issue: “Our mission is to provide high-quality academic instruction for the purpose of personal development, career and professional readiness, and the preparation of individuals for lives of service to God and humanity.”

The threefold nature of this statement clearly indicates that the reason Olivet exists goes beyond professional preparation alone. While that aspect is important, our commitment is broader and deeper. Olivet does more than help our students know how to make a living.

We also help them learn how to build a life of significance and purpose. Thus, Olivet offers more. Compared to most other universities, it has a strong value-added dimension.

DR. JOHN C. BOWLING serves as the 12th president of Olivet Nazarene University. An Olivet alumnus and

Harvard University Fellow with two master’s degrees and two earned doctorates, he is a best-selling author and a prominent national speaker. He is internationally recognized as an outstanding leader in higher education and the Church. His most recent book is ReVision: 13 Strategies to Renew Your Work, Your Organization, and Your Life.

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"The campus culture — values, traditions, standards, shared commitments and so on — is the primary shaping influence upon students."

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THE PARENT GUIDE

MAKING THE BIGGEST DECISION There is no shortage of options when you are trying to help your child choose a place to pursue higher education. The real challenge is finding the right place — the college or university where each individual student will thrive.

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Our parent guide will serve as a handy guidebook and provide information that is widely applicable. It will also provide some nice-to-know specifics about Olivet Nazarene University.

May you find guidance in these pages and joy in the process of discovery.

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THE PARENT GUIDE

THE CASE FOR

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LIBERAL A RT S

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DR. STEPHEN CASE

A colleague’s email signature includes this quote often attributed to

Yet the liberal arts are more than transcendent skill development.

lighting of a fire.”

formation of persons. A liberal arts education allows human beings

William Butler Yeats: “Education is not the filling of a pail. It is the No one has been able to prove Yeats actually said those words.

But whoever spoke them was affirming Greek writer Plutarch, who wrote nearly two millennia ago that the mind is “not a vessel to be filled but wood to be ignited.”

The idea that learning should go beyond professional or career preparation to the shaping of the whole person — mind, body and

soul — is the touchstone of a liberal arts education. The acquisition

of skills and accumulation of knowledge are certainly part of the educational endeavor, but they cannot be the only part.

A liberal arts education is the formation of personhood. It is the groundwork upon which all further learning — in career, graduate

school or life itself — is built. Career preparation is training for a job. Liberal arts education is preparation for a life.

The great Christian thinker G. K. Chesterton once said that tradition

is the truest democracy, because tradition is giving a vote to all

those who have gone before. A liberal arts education builds on the cumulative wisdom of the Western experience, a heritage of Christian culture in dialogue with the best of classical learning and

Education does not exist primarily to serve industry. It exists for the to deeply perceive the world and humanity’s cultural heritage

within it. It provides — as described by Donald Schmeltekopf, provost emeritus at Baylor University — an opportunity to explore the “formative and enduring ideas surrounding God, nature and

human life.” At Olivet, this means students become more engaged, more compassionate and better-rounded citizens.

John Herschel, the 19th century British astronomer and polymath, said that “to the natural philosopher there is no natural object

unimportant or trifling. ... He walks in the midst of wonders.”

For the man or woman trained in the liberal arts, the world is

never something to exploit or take for granted. It is something to approach with humility and gratitude. It is something that forms a rich, interwoven tapestry with humanity’s cultural heritage.

Will studying astronomy — exploring the narrative of science and what humanity has learned of our place in the universe — make

better accountants or ministers or nurses? Will studying literature — learning how the greatest minds of the ages have expressed

themselves in verse and prose — make better engineers or doctors or teachers?

continuing with development of the modern academic disciplines.

Yes. Undoubtedly.

Far from being an antiquated study of dusty topics, the liberal

More than this, though, a liberal arts education is part of our heritage

the sciences and mathematics. They hone critical-thinking and

holiness and the testimony of the Incarnation give us confidence

cultivate the ability to wrestle with ideas and engage differing

charged with the grandeur of God.” Thus, a Christian education is

increasingly connected, diverse and technologically charged

with it as broadly as possible.

arts allow wide engagement with literature, arts, humanities,

and charge as followers of Christ. The tradition of Wesleyan

communication skills, develop cultural and scientific literacy, and

that, in the words of poet Gerard Manley Hopkins, “the world is

points of view. These are exactly the skills most needed in our

one that must encompass that world and humanity’s engagement

world. In an environment where the average person will have many

different jobs in the course of a career, employers are beginning to recognize the value of skills that transcend the particulars of professional preparation.

At Olivet Nazarene University, we aspire to such an endeavor with

the “deepest piety and the highest scholarship,” confident that the liberal arts are not only alive but also vital in this millennium.

STEPHEN CASE ‘05, PH.D. is the director of Strickler Planetarium at Olivet Nazarene University, a professor and the associate director of the faculty team for the Olivet Honors Program. He teaches and writes about the history of astronomy, and his research has appeared in

Historical Studies in the Natural Sciences, Mercury, Endeavour and Annals of Science. He holds a doctorate in the history and philosophy of science from the University of Notre Dame. His website, stephenrcase.wordpress.com, features samples of his writing, photography and other interests sparked by the fire of his liberal arts education.

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DR. AMBER RESIDORI

As I stood in line at the grocery store, an adorable and articulate

Ironically, these role models would likely explain that they have not

shared eye contact and a brief smile, so she was now comfortable

quit becoming. They have been mindful to capture valuable life

4-year-old named Ashley began chatting intently with me. We had enough to tell me her name, introduce me to her mother and baby

brother, tell me about her preschool, and explain the details of her life and future.

Ashley: “I want to become a teacher or a firefighter or a nurse or a veterinarian when I grow up.”

Me: “Wow! Those are a lot of great choices! So, are you in college now or will you be starting after preschool?”

Ashley: “I’m starting college right after church on Sunday.”

Me (grinning, appreciating her innocent wit and cheering her on): “Good for you! Whatever you become, I’m sure you’ll be great at it.”

Ashley: “Thank you! Mommy says I’m becoming quite a handful.

But I already told her that I’m becoming a teacher or a firefighter

or a nurse or a veterinarian. Mommy says that she’s working on becoming a better listener.”

Mommy and I share a smile.

At the ripe old age of 4, my new friend, Ashley, is already busy making her plans to become. Somewhere along the way, she has

picked up messages that confirm certain career choices might be a great fit for her.

She probably enjoyed one of her preschool teachers, watched

a movie about a heroic firefighter, or experienced the loving

comfort of a nurse. I can picture her sheer joy at realizing there is actually a job that allows her to care for animals. Somehow, my new delightful friend, Ashley, has already figured out that she is designed to become.

We tend to idolize people who have achieved, made their mark

and become. We see them as bigger than life — at least bigger than our own life. We admire their accomplishments and we want to capture their unique qualities so that we can emulate their success.

yet become. Instead, their unique quality is that they have never lessons that were embedded within failure and success, within the mundane and the exciting.

You see, individuals who have truly become never settle. They

stretch themselves so that they are constantly in the process of developing, improving and transforming.

Olivet is committed to helping our students become. We offer a relevant, current and cutting-edge educational experience within a connected, family-like atmosphere. We are proud of our strong academic programs and our reputation as a place for spiritual

growth and discovery. We want our students to be challenged and stretched educationally, but we also want them to be challenged and stretched personally and spiritually.

Our students work beside faculty and staff who model service to Christ. We recognize that our students are relational and see

faculty as mentors who lovingly teach them that becoming is not an overnight process. Instead, becoming emerges only after

repeating, testing, trying, learning and then owning moments of character development. We know that college years are a key time

in students’ lives when they continue to clarify their values, morals

and the lens through which they see the world. So, our faculty interactions are intentional and dedicated to helping students develop, transform and become.

Our faculty members understand that college students are sustained not by mere books; instead, they are nourished by time spent with people they grow to admire and respect. In fact,

becoming involves finishing strong every hour, every project and

every opportunity. It means showing up — really showing up — with a commitment to excellence, integrity and service.

Our students become doctors, social workers, engineers,

accountants and pastors, fulfilling dreams they may have imagined since childhood. But, more importantly, our students become men and women who lead, who are committed to ongoing growth and who strive to glorify God as they serve professionally and personally.

AMBER RESIDORI ‘93, ED.D. is dean of Olivet’s School of Life and Health Sciences. A licensed clinical social worker, she has worked extensively in residential treatment settings with youth and adolescents who have severe emotional and behavioral disorders. Her experience in developing ground-up programs includes an outpatient practice for sexual offenders, a healthy-touch/anger management

curriculum for elementary and high schools, various new residential treatment programs, a transitional living program and acute inpatient psychiatric hospital programs.

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ADOBE STOCK

WHEN I GROW UP

I WA N T TO BECOME

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THE PARENT GUIDE

COLLEGE IS NOT A COMMODITY JONES FOTO

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D R . PA U L K O C H

In both my introductory and upper-division courses in economics,

Christian institutions like Olivet are also particularly well-positioned

“perfect competition.”

mentioned by David Brooks in his column, “The Big University,”

we address a particular form of market structure that is known as This framework assumes that there are many producers of a virtually identical product, which means that no one firm has any

power over the market price. As a result, these enterprises are often characterized as “price takers” and are usually found in

sectors known as “extractive industries” or “commodity markets.”

Examples such as agriculture and other natural resource

within the marketplace of higher education to respond to the issues which was published in the Oct. 6, 2015, edition of The New York Times. Brooks began his commentary by observing that “many American universities were founded as religious institutions,

explicitly designed to cultivate their students’ spiritual and moral

natures.” After explaining the reasons why this emphasis has declined over time, he makes the following statement:

markets come readily to mind, because those companies cannot

Universities are more professional and glittering than ever, but in

that would lead potential buyers to pay more.

how to do things, but many are not forced to reflect on why

differentiate their product from the output of other firms in a way During our present age, it has become fashionable, at least in

some quarters, to refer to a college education as a commodity, where the “product” is indistinguishable from one institution to

another. Upon further reflection, however, this assumption breaks down fairly quickly for the following reasons:

Every university has a distinct mission and identity. For example, even colleges which might appear, at first glance, to have the same academic purpose are not going to be identical with

respect to the qualifications of their faculty, the specific nature of their programs, their physical facilities or their extracurricular

opportunities. No two teacher-education or land-grant institutions are going to offer identical experiences to their students. The same can be said for schools that emphasize the liberal arts or preprofessional programs.

Every university has a distinct ethos and culture. If we look just within the realm of faith-based institutions, those colleges sharing a

common commitment to the integration of Christianity and learning

some ways there is emptiness deep down. Students are taught

they should do them or what we are here for. They are given many career options, but they are on their own when it comes to developing criteria to determine which vocation would lead to the fullest life.

When I read Brooks’ words in the preceding paragraph, I think of

Dr. John C. Bowling’s frequent admonition to Olivet students: focus not just on making a living but also on making a life. I also think of

my favorite section of our University’s mission statement, which was first printed in our Catalog more than 100 years ago: “We seek

the strongest scholarship and the deepest piety, knowing that they are thoroughly compatible (and) … a Christian environment … where not only knowledge but character is sought.”

One of the privileges of teaching at ONU for 25 years has been

the opportunity of working alongside colleagues who are engaged

in the process of combining scholarship and knowledge with piety and character as they invest daily in the lives of students. That is the Olivet difference.

across the various academic disciplines do not all pursue this calling in the same way. The spirit of each Christian college is going

to be influenced by the history and tradition of that institution as well

as its theological commitments and the unique contributions of its faculty, staff, students and alumni over time.

PAUL KOCH, PH.D. is an expert economist, master teacher and member of the American Economic Association and the Association of Christian Economists. As a member of the faculty for the International Business Institute program, he lectures nationally and internationally on economic issues and spends the summer months teaching in Europe. He holds a bachelor’s degree from George Fox University and a master’s

and doctorate degrees from Illinois State University. A trusted professor of business and economics at Olivet since 1992, Dr. Koch is a past recipient of Olivet’s Richard M. Jones Faculty Award for Teaching Excellence.

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GRADUATION PRIDE First-generation graduate and Chicago native, Genesis Garcia ’18, celebrated her academic accomplishments surrounded by family. She now serves as a nurse at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

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I M PACT

FIRST PERSON Richard and Debbie Dykhouse

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WES TAYLOR

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"As I considered colleges, a question haunted me. If my mom was going to scrub floors to make sure I could attend college, which school made my mom's sacrifice worthwhile?"

My family has always valued education highly. I remember my mother telling me from a young age that she would take a second job scrubbing floors to make sure I had a college education. Her words became a strong visualization for me. Her words instilled in me the value of education and the commitment my family had to education and lifetime learning.

I discovered the value of my Olivet decision as my time at Olivet fueled my vocational interest and as I experienced learning and preparedness with a Christian worldview. For example, Dr. Koch encouraged me to undertake a program in Washington, D.C. This experience became a highlight of my learning about life, my vocation and what God was calling me to in my vocation.

Olivet Nazarene University became a natural choice.

In my life since Olivet, I have continued to witness the value of my education. I was well prepared for law school, for the M.B.A. program I attended and for my vocation after graduate school. My Olivet experience continues to positively influence my career as I rely on the base of Christian living and purpose that was fortified as a college student.

Olivet had a reputation of being a community of learning where students enjoyed relationships with professors furthering their individual growth. Olivet represented a choice that wrapped these favorable outcomes in a commitment to Christ and a foundation in Christian living. Olivet had a strong record of preparing its students for graduate school, the next step for me.

Like everyone, I certainly had other choices, but I could not escape the clear tangible and intangible value of the Olivet experience. I knew the sacrifice of my parents would more than pay off in my preparedness for life – not to just succeed in a world that demands excellence, but also to succeed as an individual committed to life with a Christian purpose.

Early in my freshman year, I experienced the value of my Olivet education. I met individuals who had a profound, positive impact on my life, my vocational calling and my commitment to Jesus and His values. I quickly turned my goals into a career as an attorney using my interest in business.

My Olivet experience has paid dividends in the lives of my family members. My wife, Debbie, and I have a son who graduated from Olivet in 2017. Our eldest son earned his Olivet bachelor’s degree in 2012 and is about to complete his Juris Doctor at Harvard Law School. I have witnessed the Olivet value from a parent’s perspective, the way my parents saw it. Except that Olivet is even better now.

I join my mother in saying that I would gladly take a second job scrubbing floors to make sure my children could attend college, especially at Olivet!

RICHARD R. DYKHOUSE, distinguished Olivet alumnus, trusted expert, and leader in business, media and communications, currently serves as executive vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary of the global communications company Charter Communications, Inc. Frequently referenced in Forbes and Bloomberg Businessweek, he received a bachelor's degree in finance from Olivet Nazarene University,

a M.B.A. from Indiana University and a J.D. degree from Indiana University School of Law. He and his wife, Debbie, are the parents of Ryan ’12, Reagen ’17 and Megan.

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I M PACT

FIRST PERSON George and June Kalemkarian

"Without that campus visit, Katie would have missed God's will and her experience at Olivet, which gave her the solid foundation that inspired her to go out into the fashion business world and thrive."

Katie Kalemkarian wanted to find a mid-size Christian university where she could study fashion design or fashion merchandising.

She was accepted to Olivet Nazarene University and a university in Seattle, Washington. She visited the Seattle campus and immediately decided that was the place for her.

JORDAN HANSEN

But Katie’s father, George, offered some parental advice. He felt she owed it to herself to visit both schools before she made her decision. So Katie and her mother, June, headed for Olivet with a “this is a waste of time” mindset.

“Our thinking quickly shifted,” June recalls. “The first thing that surprised us was the admissions building. It was lovely and revealed that Olivet appreciates beauty and excellence. Next, the people we met made an indelible impression. Everyone was warm and accepting. As Katie and I walked the campus, we both felt God drawing us in and revealing that Olivet was actually the place He had for her.”

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Katie is a buyer for The TJX Companies, Inc., the global parent company of T.J. Maxx, HomeGoods, Marshalls, Sierra Trading Post and a number of retail outlets outside the United States. She has worked for the company in Boston, Massachusetts; London, England; and Los Angeles, Calif.

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Earning a bachelor's degree at Olivet Nazarene University can be the first step into a life filled with promise and success. Many students take the next step of earning a master's or doctorate degree from Olivet's School of Graduate and Continuing Studies or other universities worldwide.

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HIGHER PURPOSE

Olivet The Magazine recently spoke with eight outstanding young alumni who are continuing to pursue a higher purpose in higher education.

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BENJAMIN GEEDING

Yale Divinity School Married to alumna Christine (Caven) When Ben Geeding came to Olivet as a freshman, he was an atheist.

He just wanted to study and perform music. God had different plans for him, however. By the time he received his bachelor’s degree, he had sung in several musical ensembles, conducted Orpheus Choir and become a follower of Christ. Today, he is pursuing a Master of Arts in Religion degree at Yale Divinity School (YDS), one of the world’s most prestigious seminaries.

“I am awed by the fact that my professors are renowned theological scholars,” Ben says. “They challenge me, invest in me personally and go out of their way to mentor me.”

During his first year as a YDS student, Ben conversed with Christian activist Shane Claiborne and social activist Dr. Tony Campolo. He facilitated theological discussions with pastors and scholars at a theological conference. Working for the Summer Study program, he welcomes professionals who come to Yale to continue their education. He preached at a church in Connecticut and sang during a YDS chapel service.

One of the benefits of Ben’s undergraduate and graduate education at Olivet was having professors who encouraged him to keep looking ahead to the next step. Now, he is taking those next steps.

CALUM SAMUELSON

University of Cambridge, England: Master of Philosophy, 2016 Married to alumna Andrea (Richardson) After finishing Olivet’s innovative MA of Christian Thought degree program, Calum moved to England to study Medieval History at the University of Cambridge. There, he drew upon his biblical and theological training to examine untranslated manuscripts of Christian monks and learn about how the Church confronted difficulties presented by the rise of Islam.

Upon completing his MPhil at Cambridge, Calum began working for the Jubilee Center—a Christian social policy think tank in Cambridge. As the lead researcher, he worked closely with Cambridge faculty, members of Parliament, and various professionals in order to tackle difficult social issues by drawing upon biblical wisdom and Christian tradition. Calum has published several influential papers and reports in the UK and has presented his research at churches and conferences in England and the Netherlands.

Calum now serves as a pastor in the Seattle area, building upon skills and experiences he began to hone while leading and preaching on a weekly basis for ministries at Olivet.

“Olivet certainly equipped me academically,” Calum reflects, “but I think I value my time there most for the ways that my mentors and friends urged me to consider and cherish the depths of life as experienced through one’s calling, sacrifices, and relationships.”

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TERRIANA GREGORY John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital

“I’m a first generation college student, and I’m very proud of that,” says Terriana Gregory, M.S.W. “I’m the only person in my family with a bachelor’s degree and the only one with a master’s degree. Olivet taught me how to succeed.”

Terriana entered the Master of Social Work degree program at Aurora University in May 2017 with advanced standing and graduated one year later. Her focus on God, prayer and Bible study — which she learned while a student at Olivet — got her through the academic challenges and even her daily commute.

Today, Terriana is living her dream of serving others. She is a full-time crisis worker in Stroger Hospital’s emergency department, helping Cook County’s underserved population. Approximately 120,000 adults and children/adolescents come to the 24-hour emergency room for treatment each year.

Two Olivet professors have influenced Terriana’s life as she pursues her chosen career. “I know Dr. Aggie Veld and Dr. Amber Residori believe in me,” Terriana says. “They pushed me to keep going, even when I had low moments or didn’t do well on a test. They kept rooting for me and never gave up on me.”

JOSHUA DILLE

Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law As an Honors Program graduate from Olivet, Joshua Dille landed a scholarship to attend one of the top law schools in the United States. His high score on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) was another plus for his acceptance.

Joshua has completed 2 years of the three-year Juris Doctor (J.D.) program at the Northwestern Pritzker School of Law in Chicago. He serves as a teaching assistant for the required introductory legal writing course.

In March 2018, he competed in the Evans Moot Court Competition as a member of the Moot Court Society student group.

In summer 2018, Joshua worked as a law clerk for the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, writing criminal appellate briefs for filing in the First District Appellate Court of Illinois. He also attended the Blackstone Legal Fellowship leadership training conference in Washington, D.C., designed especially for Christian law students who strive to integrate their values and beliefs with their legal careers.

“Olivet prepared me academically for the rigors of law school and beyond,” Joshua says. “Olivet also provided me with practical experiences and opportunities to grow personally and find a life-giving community.”

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HUNTER SELBY

U.S. Navy NUPOC Program Married to alumna Gabrielle (LaSpina) Hunter graduated from Olivet with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering in May 2017. While at Olivet, he joined the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate (NUPOC) program within the United States Navy. The NUPOC program is specifically designed for students who will train to be nuclear engineers in the Navy.

Following his graduation from Olivet, Hunter spent three months at Officer Candidate School at Naval Station Newport in Newport, Rhode Island. He graduated in the top 10 percent of his class. After graduation, ENS Selby and his wife, Gabrielle (LaSpina), moved to their new duty station in San Diego, California. He is currently serving as a communication officer on the USS John Finn (DDG 113), an Arleigh-Burke Class Destroyer, for his first tour.

Now, he is training and preparing to receive his Surface Warfare Officer pin, which will lead him into a year of schooling. That will be followed by a second tour, which he will serve on an aircraft carrier as a nuclear engineer.

ZACH PESSIA

University of Kansas Married to alumna Ashley (Ledbetter) Two passions — a love for research and a desire to help others — guided Zach Pessia to the next steps in his professional career. With recommendations from Olivet and University of Kansas (KU) alumni, professor Joseph Makarewicz ’07 and Camilo Giraldo ’14, he entered the master’s program in mechanical engineering at KU in 2017. His focus is biomechanics.

While at Olivet, Zach devoted more than 300 hours to designing and building the Myo Prosthetic Hand. This was his senior capstone project with Dr. Seok Lew as his project mentor. During that time, he also traveled with The Narrow ministry team, served on worship teams for chapel and Party With Jesus, and worked as a tutor and teaching assistant. These experiences, plus his homework group and the mentoring of professor David Ibrahim, taught him how to manage his time and how to work to the best of his ability.

At KU, Zach is a member of the Spine Biomechanics Laboratory. This team is using innovative methods and materials to make medical devices more efficient and better for patients. He says, “I am so excited to be in a field and research area that will significantly help others.”

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MACY (MURRAY) SPRUNGER Washington University Married to alumnus Samuel Sprunger

“My undergraduate research experience at Olivet was very important in my getting accepted into the Ph.D. program at Washington University,” says Macy Sprunger, who plans to become a chemistry professor.

In 2016, Macy and her undergraduate chemistry professor, Dr. Douglas Armstrong, received a Pence-Boyce research grant from Olivet — one of several such grants funded by Olivet alumni and available annually to STEM students.

Macy began her research project at Olivet in summer 2016 and was able to continue it during the 2016–2017 academic year. During Scholar Week 2017, she presented some of her findings. She says, “Getting into the lab that summer and doing this research project eight hours a day for 10 weeks showed me graduate school would be a good fit for me.”

At Washington University, she has completed two years of her five-year program. Working in the laboratory of Dr. Meredith Jackrel, Macy and her colleagues are studying protein misfolding related to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig’s disease. In 2018, she received a GAANN (Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need) Fellowship from the U.S. Department of Education.

ESTHER PAEK

Olivet Nazarene University In May 2019, Esther graduated from Olivet with a Master of Arts in Religion degree and accepted a position as the operations manager with Brave Initiatives, a nonprofit organization based in Chicago.

As she transitioned from theoretical to practical applications of serving she says, “I am excited to be a part of an organization that cares about its community and is making a difference by investing in girls - not only to become future female engineers and computer programmers, but also to care about their world and make a social impact.”

Brave’s mission is to empower high school girls to be agents of change in the world through design, coding, and leadership training. The organization uniquely addresses a multitude of social issues including the gender gap in the STEM industry.

Encouragement from Olivet professors strongly influenced Esther’s growing passions for serving youth and empowering women by utilizing technology to initiate social change. “I am beyond thankful for my professors, especially Dr. Frisius and Dr. Lowery, who invested in me since before freshman orientation. I could not be more grateful to them for believing in me, guiding me and teaching me to think for myself.”

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Campus Living When you are choosing a college, it’s not just majors, classes and activities that will determine the quality of your educational experience. Quality of life is also a major factor in how you will learn and grow during the undergrad experience.

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AFFORDABILIT Y

UNDERSTANDING UNDERSTANDING FINANCIAL AID AID FINANCIAL The college choice will be heavily influenced by how you and your student perceive cost and the financial aid process. Be sure you are making decisions based on accurate information. You don’t want to rule out schools based on sticker shock when financial aid could bring those schools within reach.

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"Honestly, we weren't prepared to pay for college. We were amazed when we found out Olivet had a team to help us find the solutions we needed." — Thomas S., Naperville, Illinois

WHAT CAN WE DO TO MAKE COLLEGE AFFORDABLE?

File your FAFSA (Free Application for Student Aid), and file it as early as possible. The FAFSA is the gateway to state and federal financial aid, and universities use this information to determine your student’s awards. The FAFSA can give access to grants as well as loans that tend to have lower interest rates with the most advantageous payback schedules. Some state grants have limited resources.

It’s important to file as soon as possible to ensure you receive everything you are eligible to receive.

WHEN CAN WE FILE THE FAFSA?

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You can file the FAFSA at fafsa.gov beginning Oct. 1, 2018, for the 2019-20 school year. You previously had to wait until Jan. 1, but the government moved up the filing date so you can have your financial aid picture sooner and longer to best prepare for the start of school. Another improvement: You will be able to electronically pull financial information from your 2017 taxes directly into your FAFSA form.

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UNDERSTANDING UNDERSTANDING FINANCIAL AID AFTER FILING THE FAFSA, WHAT COMES NEXT?

The FAFSA allows your student to select up to 10 schools to automatically receive your family’s FAFSA information.

Each school that your student has applied to and been accepted to will then send a financial aid award letter outlining all the federal, state and institutional aid your student is eligible for.

HOW DO STANDARDIZED TEST SCORES FIT INTO THE EQUATION?

It's important to find out how each admissions office handles test scores, as each school is different.

If you take the ACT or SAT more than once (not required, but permitted by both testing organizations), some universities take the highest score, while others take an average. A higher test score could improve an academic scholarship by thousands of dollars per year.

ARE THERE SCHOLARSHIPS IN ADDITION TO THOSE FOR ACADEMICS?

Some schools offer only academic scholarships. Most have additional opportunities. Like academic scholarships, most others are provided on the basis of merit and/ or participation. At Olivet, there are scholarships for athletics, music (including marching band and orchestra), art, ministry and ROTC. 30 OLIVET.EDU

IS MONEY AVAILABLE FROM SOURCES OTHER THAN THE UNIVERSITY?

YES! Students should seek out local and national scholarships. Consider organizations your student has been a part of, businesses you frequent and your employer. Many offer scholarships. For national scholarships, register at reputable websites such as scholarships.com, bigfuture.collegeboard.org or fastweb.com and begin applying as soon as possible.

Never pay for scholarship searches. The reputable sources are always free.

WHAT IF WE HAVE A REMAINING BALANCE?

The reality for most college students is that scholarships and government assistance alone do not fully cover tuition expenses. The remaining portion can be covered by parent loans, student loans or payment plans. There are many federal and private loan options. You should know that student loans require a cosigner. Payment plan options are unique to each institution. Financial aid is not a “one-size-fits-all” process, so work with your financial aid advisor to explore your best options

WHAT IS A PARENT’S BEST RESOURCE FOR INFORMATION?

This process can be overwhelming, so don’t be afraid to lean on financial aid advisors. They will work with you to find financial aid solutions based on your needs. Ask the tough questions and stay informed.

The more involved you are, the easier it will be.

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS? At Olivet, the Office of Admissions is a great resource for families in every stage of the process.

Call 800-648-1463 to arrange your personal campus visit and financial aid consultation.

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ACADEMICS

WITH HONORS

In May, the Olivet Nazarene University Honors Program graduated its ninth cohort. The University Honors Program provides the opportunity for academically gifted students to develop their scholarly abilities through intensive interdisciplinary coursework, enrichment activities and a two-year mentored research project.

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In the past nine years, the Honors Program has graduated 110 students, all of whom completed a capstone research project and thesis supervised by a faculty mentor in their respective disciplines. These significant undergraduate research experiences open the door for leadership opportunities in academia and industry. For example, Kathryn Eccles ’11, part of the first cohort, recently completed her Ph.D. in geology at Boston College and is now teaching as a tenure-track professor at Wheaton College.

This year’s graduating cohort included representatives from the fields of zoology, engineering, biology, dietetics, business, literature and psychology. Research projects covered such varied topics as a survey of endangered bumblebee species, materials testing for a nuclear generator design, and a comparison of dystopic themes in modern literature. Graduates from this year’s cohort are going on to a wide array of graduate studies and industry careers. Some standout examples: Amy Kaczor – Pursuing Master of Science in nutrition and dietetics at Benedictine University; Marlena Kalafut – Pursuing dual master’s degree in social work and urban planning at the University of Illinois at Chicago; Elisa Klaasen – Pursuing Master of Arts in English literature and rhetoric/composition at Northern Illinois University; David Kok – Hired as a mechanical engineer at The Raytheon Company; Emma Kuntz – Pursuing Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine at the Midwestern University Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine; Timmy Mayotte – Hired to teach biology at Chicago; Hope Academy, a Christian school in inner-city Chicago Erica Sandtorv – Pursuing Master of Science in applied statistics at Syracuse University; Michael Resciniti – Hired as a mechanical engineer at Textron Specialized Vehicles;

To be eligible for application to the Honors Program, students must meet at least one of the following qualifications: have an ACT score of 28 or an equivalent SAT score; graduate in the top 10 percent of their graduating class; or have an unweighted GPA of at least 3.75 on a 4.0 scale.

Students in the program participate in a sequence of team-taught, discussion-based classes their freshman and sophomore years that satisfy four of Olivet’s core general education curriculum requirements. These courses explore what it means to be human and expose students to the Christian liberal arts tradition.

Each cohort begins the Olivet experience with an overnight freshman honors retreat and caps coursework with a cultural excursion to Chicago during their sophomore year. In their junior and senior years, students receive funding for travel and supplies related to their research projects, and they complete their studies under the supervision of a faculty mentor of their choosing.

Cole Doolittle ’19, who is currently conducting research on the impact that invasive species have on local forest communities at the University of Minnesota, says of his Honors Program experience: “Though the Honors Program provided the space, resources, and funding for my research, the full scope of the program extends beyond academic excellence. The Honors Program continually challenged me to step into the full reality of God’s plan for my life. The material is challenging; the work is difficult. But the reward for persistence is an eyeopening spiritual, relational and academic understanding of what it means to be human.”

The culmination of students’ research is published in ELAIA: the Olivet Nazarene University Honors Journal, which is released each fall and features the work of the previous year’s graduating class. For more details about the Honors Program and application information, visit www.olivet.edu/honors.

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Olivet Nazarene University has been recognized as a College of Distinction.

Again.

STAYING FIT One of the keys to a successful college career is navigating all the various elements: academic, social, spiritual and physical. Olivet provides students with healthy eating options and a dynamic Recreational Life Center, where students can swim, climb, exercise and enjoy fun together.

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THE SENIOR YEAR The best way for your student to prepare for college is to make the most of senior year. Your daughter or son should dig into classes. Good study habits, focused determination and solid grades are the best preparation.

She or he should invest in extracurricular activities that highlight athleticism, musical talent, leadership or public service. It will be a busy year, and graduation will be here before you know it. These steps, written for your student, will help your family navigate the enrollment process and get a head start on the college experience.

ASK THESE QUES TIONS

Does the college offer your major?

Are there ample areas of study (in case the student changes majors)?

Are the professors accessible in and out of the classroom?

Are the professors renowned in their fields?

Are the academic programs rigorous?

What’s the classroom experience?

How many students are in each class?

Does the college have strong internship and study-abroad opportunities?

Will the school offer financial aid?

After financial aid is awarded, how affordable is the school?

Are there added-value opportunities and services?

What is the campus city or town like?

What’s the weather like?

How important is distance from home?

Is the school near additional internships, jobs and culture?

Does the college have on- and off-campus guidelines for living?

Do you value the school’s policies regarding residential life?

What arts opportunities are there?

Are there athletic teams to cheer on?

What are all the on- and off-campus dining options?

Are there fitness activities for students?

Does the college offer off-campus living?

What are some alumni success stories?

Is academic tutoring and career counseling readily offered?

What clubs, intramural sports, ministries, and volunteer activities exist?

Is the school a good fit?

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FALL Visit! Fall is a great time to look at the schools on your college list. The perfect time to connect with students and professors is when classes are in session. Even sit in on a class or two. Olivet’s Purple and Gold Days (fall dates ... Oct. 13, Oct. 20, Nov. 3, Nov. 17 and Dec.1) are ideal occasions to experience campus firsthand.

Finalize a short list. Use the information gathered from college visits, interviews and research to determine where to apply. Compare and contrast schools on the short list to determine where they rank in priority.

Stay on track with grades and activities. Colleges look at senior year, so stay focused on classes and maintain commitments to extracurricular activities.

Take standardized tests. Register for and take the ACT, SAT or SAT Subject Tests as necessary. Add Olivet's school code so test scores are sent automatically.

Keep track of deadlines. Sometimes it feels like all you are doing is paperwork. “Sign here. Fill this out.

Send this in.” It may not be fun, but it is necessary.

It is important to know what form is due when. Make a calendar showing the application deadlines for admission, financial aid and scholarships.

Connect with a guidance counselor. Be sure the counselor knows where to send transcripts, score reports and letters of recommendation. Give counselors any necessary forms much earlier than the actual deadlines so they have time to complete them.

Complete applications for schools on the short list.

Make sure the guidance office has sent all necessary materials, including test scores, recommendations, transcripts and application essays. Plan to get all this done before winter break, so you won’t be rushed on deadlines.

File the FAFSA. Filing for the following school year starts on Oct. 1 of the current year. File as soon as possible to ensure access to eligible state and federal aid, as well as priority status for university scholarships (Olivet’s school code is 001741). Some state programs have limited resources and are first-come, first-served.

File as soon after Oct. 1 as you can!

THE SENIOR YEAR WINTER Follow up on applications. Verify with the guidance counselor that all forms are in order and have been sent to colleges.

Send mid-year grade reports. Ask the guidance counselor to send these reports to colleges on the short list. Remember, schools will continue to keep track of grades, so it’s important to keep working hard throughout senior year.

Review college financial aid packages. Award letters should begin arriving at homes in late November for those who filed early. Though finances should never be the only factor in a decision, consider each package carefully, as not all colleges use the same format. Be sure to call your Olivet family advocate and enrollment advisor for further clarification (800.648.1463).

SPRING Prepare! Take any last standardized tests and ACT/SAT retakes (statistically, students improve their score on the second or third attempt). Take AP or CLEP tests to earn college credit as senior year winds down. Be sure to discuss these options with an enrollment advisor at each school on your short list, as every school awards college credit and academic scholarships differently.

Make the final college decision. Notify all schools of your intentions by May 1. If still undecided, schedule campus visits to the schools being considered. Send in the enrollment deposit and have the guidance counselor send a final transcript upon graduation. Submit any other paperwork required by the university.

Follow up on financial aid information. Be sure you have received a FAFSA confirmation and award letter. If necessary, explore and apply for loans. Maintain contact with the financial aid advisor to discuss the best options for paying for college.

Continue your scholarship search. Apply for scholarships with approaching deadlines, and keep searching for more scholarship and grant opportunities.

Using free online scholarship search tools is a great way to find potential aid.

Interact with future classmates. Attend college events, check out class Facebook and Instagram pages and finalize roommate selection.

Ask colleges about their scholarship opportunities.

Be sure to take this information into account when making a short list. A university’s sticker price can fluctuate greatly after financial aid and scholarships are applied. Talk specifically with a family advocate and enrollment advisor at Olivet to discover how scholarships and financial aid change your bottom line.

Attend new student summer orientation. Finalize course selections, choose a dorm room, meet freshman classmates, interact with faculty and staff, and begin the exciting experience of the next four years!

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SUMMER

CAREER PREPARATION Olivet is a dynamic, engaging, interactive experience designed to empower you to achieve your goals in life — whether it’s getting into an elite graduate or medical school, or stepping into that dream career.

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Not every student has a simple answer when asked the unavoidable question

What’s your major?

Welcome to the perfect place to explore all the possibilities that question presents.

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So, you’re still exploring what to do with your life.

You’re not alone.

Each year, about 17 percent of students entering college haven’t declared or decided on a major.

Around 15 percent of Olivet’s incoming students are unsure of their exact field of study. Considering that nearly 50 percent of all college students change their major (at least once), why worry?

Olivet Nazarene University is higher education focused on the liberal arts — where you get to explore all areas of knowledge and understanding: literature, science, religion, mathematics, health and the arts.

The Center for Student Success, located on Olivet’s campus, strives to create a culture and climate that encourage students to explore all their educational and academic interests and assists students in identifying their specific career or calling.

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“Choosing a major can be a daunting task — especially when you feel as if everyone else already knows what they are doing. And there are so many different majors from which to choose. Here, students are not left alone.

We partner with each student through the process.”

Beth Olney

Director, The David L. Elwood Center for Student Success

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Ask yourself these questions: What is most important to me in life and in a career?

In which areas do I naturally excel?

What do I most enjoy doing?

Which majors and careers fit best with my personality?

What do I most think about regarding the future?

For which issue or cause am I most passionate?

If I could do anything I wanted and knew I would be successful, what would I do?

Academic Coaching Center Peer coaches help students develop independent learning skills in a relaxed, comfortable setting. Students’ unique learning preferences and education goals are primary in all sessions. Coaches help with enhancing academic skills, improving critical-thinking skills and fostering independent scholarship.

Career Services Students explore careers and employment opportunities using a variety of resources. Assistance with résumés, cover letters, the job search process and interviewing skills sets students apart in the professional world. On-campus job fairs give potential employers opportunities to meet students in person. HireOlivetians. com connects employers with job seekers and employees with jobs.

Counseling Services When stresses build, professional counselors are available to help students grow and succeed.

Students’ well-being is the top priority at Olivet.

Health and Wellness Services Being healthy physically benefits students as they pursue their education and prepare for their future careers. Complete, personalized, quality health care is available for all students.

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“ Starting at Olivet without a major had me feeling a bit anxious. Freshman Connections provided me the support I needed, answered any questions I had and encouraged me to explore the many areas of study that Olivet offers. My anxiety and stress turned into excitement when I learned more about all the opportunities available to me. This was a crucial time for me in discovering what the Lord was calling me to do. I am thankful for the Olivet process that led me to the major I now love: social work.”

Sarah Ritter ‘18

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The Explorer’s Toolbox

Freshman Connections JumpStart

Catalog Consult Olivet’s online course catalog for a list of available majors and requirements for each.

MyPlan Assessment Get free access to four inventories that help you learn more about your values, skills, interests and personality.

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This three-day conference introduces new students to college life and life at Olivet. Large and small group events, challenging messages and many opportunities to get acquainted make this a valuable start to a life-changing adventure.

Meet weekly with your small group throughout the first semester in this for-credit class. Study the book Habitudes for the Journey. Learn about people, places, resources and ideas that pave your way to college success.

CliftonStrengths Imagine the Future Review the 140 areas of study Olivet offers.

List careers you might want to pursue.

Consider the majors that will help you get there.

This assessment helps you discover the one true you. Find out more about what you naturally do best.

Use the results to live your best life.

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Introductory Courses Take the first course in one or two areas that interest you. Sample before committing.

Prayer Ask God to direct you in your decisions.

Listen for His answers.

Career Coaching Meet with a career coach or faculty advisor to work through the rewarding process of choosing your major.

Shadowing Experience Learn more about the careers that interest you.

Reach out to professionals in those fields. Arrange to interview them or shadow them on the job.

For more information about how you can begin your exploration with Olivet Nazarene University, go to olivet.edu or call us at 800.648.1463.

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NEWS

ONU HEADLINES See more at olivet.edu

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CELEBRATING THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE CLASS OF 2019 From senior class activities to the commencement ceremony on Saturday morning, the campus buzzed with special events and thousands of visitors throughout commencement week in May. Highlights included a reception honoring 16 Honors Program graduates; the social work pinning ceremony recognizing 31 Bachelor of Social Work graduates; and the nursing pinning ceremony, which welcomed 59 new nurses into the profession.

The baccalaureate service on Friday was a time set aside to worship together as a campus community. Kelsie Davis ’19, a communication studies major, and Caleb Coe ’19, an exercise science major, shared personal testimonies about their Olivet experiences. Special music from the School of Music and a message from University President John C. Bowling ’71 inspired the graduates. During the commencement ceremony, the academic achievements of the Class of 2019 were celebrated and 638 bachelor’s degrees were conferred.

During commencement on Saturday, Keely Dugan ’19 and Timothy Mayotte ’19 received the Maggie Sloan Crawford awards for outstanding male and female graduates. In addition, five new U.S. Army second lieutenants were commissioned. On behalf of the Class of 1969, Joyce (Wine) Burggraf offered a blessing over the graduates: “May each of you follow God’s guidance and live the abundant life that Christ came to provide.” Capping the day was the School of Graduate and Continuing Studies (SGCS) commencement, which included 153 adult studies bachelor’s, 654 master’s and 14 doctoral graduates.

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READY PLAYER ONE This spring, Olivet announced the addition of varsity intercollegiate esports for players of League of Legends, Overwatch and Beat Saber to its offering of over 90 extracurricular activities. The University is currently recruiting talented incoming freshman players for the inaugural team, and scholarships will be offered to qualified candidates. Since varsity intercollegiate esports began five years ago, programs have popped up around the country. Olivet’s team will compete in the newly constructed esports facility located within McHie Arena, which will house 22 gaming stations and two large screens for overall play monitoring. The team will be under the direction of Mike Szostek, faculty instructor of media arts for the Department of Art and Digital Media and system administrator/analyst in the Department of Information Technology.

THOMAS DINKLEMAN

PROMOTING THE CAREFUL CARE OF CREATION In its first year of existence, the ONU Animal Outreach team attracted 30 active members and educated more than 800 people during six large outreach events held at local schools, churches, libraries and Olivet’s campus. Formed this past fall by sophomore zoology majors Dakotah Henn and Tanner Senti, the team cares for and educates others about animals including Texas indigo snakes, eastern box turtles and hissing cockroaches. Through the presentations, community members receive information about both native and non-native species to better appreciate some of the Earth’s most misunderstood creatures.

SUBMITTED BY CRAIG MANES

NURSING PROGRAM ENJOYS STANDARDIZED SUCCESS

JONES FOTO

Olivet recently announced a 95 percent first-time pass rate for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for graduates of Olivet’s traditional and accelerated bachelor’s programs. Passing the NCLEX ensures that new nursing professionals are properly equipped to safely practice in the workplace. While Olivet’s pass rates often exceed state and national averages, the 2018 score indicates that students are receiving exceptional levels of industry training. In order to prepare nursing students for the NCLEX, Olivet’s nursing curriculum incorporates HESI exams, which are standardized tests that indicate a student’s mastery of content and are required for admission to Olivet’s nursing program. Tiffany Greer ’97, director of nursing programs and professor, says of the success of the programs, “Our hope is to eventually get a 100 percent NCLEX pass rate — but, more importantly, that we continue to hear from hospitals and health systems that they love our grads and that they want more of them to apply.”

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NEWS

INTRODUCE A GIRL TO ENGINEERING On April 6, Olivet hosted the fourth annual Introduce a Girl to Engineering, an outreach event aimed at inspiring middle school girls to explore STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). More than 170 girls attended the event, which was coordinated by Olivet’s Society of Women Engineers (SWE) and sponsored

by BASF Corporation. Participants investigated numerous scientific principles through experiments and projects.

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Jasmin Folkers ’19, former SWE president, says of the event, “Providing opportunities for young girls to learn about engineering is so important because it gives them the interest and confidence that they’re smart enough to have a career in math and science.

I hope that one day people won’t be shocked when I tell them that I’m a mechanical engineer. I don’t want to be known as a female engineer but, simply, an engineer.”

SPRING RECAP FOR TIGER ATHLETICS

JANET MCDOWELL

Olivet’s softball, baseball, and women’s and men’s track and field, tennis, and golf teams had strong finishes to their 2019 seasons. The softball and baseball teams both advanced to the opening rounds of their respective NAIA tournament championships. The track and field teams also represented well at the NAIA Outdoor National Championships, as junior Jalon Simpson set a school record and claimed a national title in javelin.

In addition to their athletic successes, 37 Tigers playing spring sports were named Daktronics NAIA Scholar-Athletes for achieving a GPA of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale and attaining junior academic status. Across all 2018–2019 sports, Olivet finished 14th in standings for the NAIA Learfield IMG Directors’ Cup, awarded annually to the nation’s best overall college athletics program. Olivet also was the highest-ranking university in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference.

FINDING STRENGTH IN NUMBERS

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When Joshua Dale ’19 of Geneva, Illinois; Michael Hyde ’19 of Clinton Township, Michigan; Benjamin Lavin ’19 of Crystal Lake, Illinois; and Zachary Thorp ’19 of Portland, Michigan, started their freshman year at Olivet, they all chose to double-major in accounting and corporate finance. A simple yet strategic choice at the time set them on course not only for academic success but also for a unique, tight-knit friendship.

With similar class schedules, they often studied and hung out in the McGraw School of Business office suite in between classes. Referred to as “The Posse” by professors, the group challenged each other academically and socially, participating in intramural sports and Olivet’s Accounting Club. Now graduates, they have parlayed the experience into job search success. Zachary was accepted into a 12-month leadership development program with Graphic Packaging International in Kenton and Marion, Ohio, to prepare for a financial analyst position. Joshua, Michael and Benjamin all accepted accounting jobs with Plante Moran, a CPA firm, as a tax accountant and staff auditors, respectively.

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When in Rome More than 115 members of Olivet’s marching band will travel to Italy in January to play in the Rome New Year’s Day Parade and Festival. The theme for the marching show is “When in Rome” and will include selections from Tchaikovsky’s “Capriccio Italien,” “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant” by Billy Joel, themes from the film “Under the Tuscan Sun,” Rossini’s “L’italiana in Algeri” and several traditional Italian scores. In Italy, the band will go on several educational tours and perform at various venues. One of the largest marching bands at a Christian university, Olivet’s Marching Tigers have previously performed in London’s New Year’s Day Parade for Queen Elizabeth II and at the Presidential Inauguration Parade in Washington, D.C.

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Worship on Campus Chapel gatherings add significant meaning to campus life. Top Christian speakers present challenging and inspiring messages. Students lead a focused time of worship through music.

In this setting, many have accepted Christ and committed to serve Him. PHOTO BY JONES FOTO

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KNOW GOD KNOW YOURSELF IGNITE A PASSION

FOR LEARNING

DISCOVER YOUR PURPOSE

DEVELOP THE LEADER WITHIN

LIVE A LIFE OF

SERVICE Embedded in this world of uncertainty and change is a sure and steady presence — unseen but not unknowable. We believe in gravity, though we do not see it, for we can feel its steady pull and see its effects. In the same way, can we not see His hand at work in this world?

T H E OLIVE T EXPERIENCE It is by trusting our lives to that which is unseen that transforms what is seen into a deeper reality — one not subject to the changes that come year by year. For as Hebrew 11:1 says, “Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”

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KNOW GOD K N O W

G O D

Christian hope is more than trust. It is a confident expectation that what God has promised will indeed come to pass.

And this assurance, this hope, changes not only how we anticipate the future; it also changes how we live in the present. Our confident expectation in the goodness of God’s future gives us a joyful assurance and a peaceful confidence.

DR. MARK QUANSTROM Dean, School of Theology and Christian Ministry

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KNOW YOURSELF KNOW YOURSELF

The Lord wants all of our stories: our comedies, dramas and tragedies.

He wants the happy as well as the not-so-happy endings.

He’s especially interested in the ones where we feel lost and unable to see where we are headed.

We are not alone. As the Master Architect of the universe, He sits alongside us in infinite patience. He draws us a plan to prosper and not harm us. He draws us hope and a future.

DR. JAY MARTINSON Chair, Department of Communication

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LEARNING IG NI T E A PA S S ION F OR LE A RNI NG

The shaping of the whole person — mind, body and soul — is the touchstone of a liberal arts education.

Skills and knowledge are certainly part of the educational endeavor, but they cannot be the only part.

The formation of personhood is the groundwork upon which all further learning — in career, graduate school or life itself — is built. Career preparation is training for a job.

Liberal arts education is preparation for life.

DR. STEPHEN CASE Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry and Geosciences

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PURPOSE DI SC OVE R YOUR P URP OSE

Students work beside faculty who lovingly teach that ‘becoming’ emerges only after repeated testing, trying, learning and owning moments of character development.

Students clarify their values and morals. Our intentional interactions are dedicated to helping students develop, transform and become.

In fact, ‘becoming’ involves finishing strong every hour, in every project and within every opportunity. It means showing up with a predetermined commitment to excellence, integrity and service.

DR. AMBER RESIDORI Dean, School of Life and Health Sciences

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LEADERSHIP DEVELOP THE LEADER WITHIN

Vision matters, especially for those at the door of adulthood. We dare not miss the potential of the formative college years.

A university provides the ideal setting to engage students and help them envision what they might become for the glory of God and for the good of humanity.

Olivet creates daily openings where I may now freely discuss matters of faith and vision with my students. It is a place where old and young together can ‘dream dreams’ and ‘see visions’ (Joel 2:28, Acts 2:17) that lead to a promising future.

DR. KENT OLNEY Chair, Department of Behavioral Sciences

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SERVICE LIVE A LI FE OF SE RVICE

Storytellers spread the great news about Jesus from village to village. Songwriters write masterpieces that praise His faithfulness.

Poets arrange the words into rhyming stanzas that glorify His magnitude.

I wish I were a storyteller, a songwriter or a poet. I’m not.

I’m His subject who praises Him my way, with my story. And my story is His story — a story about divine irony and the countless ways God uses every opportunity for His purposes, regardless of our roots.

DR. KASHAMA MULAMBA Professor, Department of English, College of Arts and Sciences

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OLIVET

AT A G LA N C E STUDENTS More than 4,600 — 2,700 of them undergrads — from nearly every U.S. state, 21 countries and more than 40 religious denominations.

ADMISSION Based on ACT score and high school records (college transcripts for transfer students). For incoming freshmen, average ACT score is 24.

ALUMNI Olivet Nazarene University has graduated many notable alumni who have given back to the University, the Olivet region, the Church and the world in so many ways. There are more than 40,000 living alumni making a worldwide impact.

ACADEMICS More than 140 areas of study offered through the School of Business, School of Engineering, School of Life and Health Sciences, School of Education, School of Music, School of Theology and Christian Ministry, and the College of Arts and Sciences. Study-abroad opportunities have included Australia, China, Costa Rica, Ecuador, England, Egypt, Romania, Japan, Uganda, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles.

ACCREDITATION Includes the Higher Learning Commission, the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education, the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, the American Dietetics Association, the Council on Social Work Education, the National Association of Schools of Music, the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. CAMPUS Beautiful, park-like campus features 35 major buildings on 275 acres. Located in the Village of Bourbonnais, Illinois, just 45 miles south of Chicago’s Loop, with additional School of Graduate and Continuing Studies locations in Rolling Meadows and Oak Brook, Illinois; Indianapolis, Indiana; Grand Ledge and Grand Rapids, Michigan; and Hong Kong.

SPIRITUAL LIFE Christian community committed to making worship of God the central focus of our lives. Our faith in Jesus Christ cannot be separated from the educational experience, and we seek to honor God in all we learn, say and do. Through chapel services, each segment of the University community has the opportunity to join with others in worship and receive instruction in the Word and encouragement to serve. Notable and world-renowned speakers regularly address the Olivet community during chapel.

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million dollars in financial aid awarded last year to ONU students

99

ATHLETICS At Olivet, student-athletes compete on 21 intercollegiate teams. Olivet provides competitive athletic awards and scholarships for qualifying candidates. Varsity teams for men include basketball, baseball, cheerleading, cross country, football, golf, soccer, swimming and diving, tennis, and track and field. Varsity teams for women include basketball, cheerleading, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, tennis, track and field, and volleyball. In addition to varsity sports, more than half of the student body participates in Olivet’s thriving intramural and club sports programs.

CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS More than 90 clubs and organizations representing diverse interests, including a campus newspaper, yearbook and literary magazine; ROTC; radio broadcasting (Shine.FM); numerous choral and instrumental ensembles (including marching band and the University orchestra); drama and musical theatre performances; intramural athletics; and community volunteer and spiritual life organizations.

GRADUATE STUDIES AND PROGRAMS Doctor of Education: Ethical Leadership Business: Bachelor of Applied Science in Management, Bachelor of Business Administration, Master of Organizational Leadership, Master of Business Administration.

Education: Master of Arts in Education: Curriculum and Instruction, Master of Arts in Education: English Language Learners, Master of Arts in Education: Ethical Building Leadership (Principal Preparation Program), Bilingual Endorsement, Driver’s Education Endorsement, English as a Second Language Endorsement, Reading Endorsement, Teacher Leader Endorsement.

Nursing: Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing for Paramedics, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-B.S.N.), Master of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing (RN-M.S.N.), Master of Science in Nursing: Education, Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner Certification.

Ministry: Master of Arts: Biblical Studies, Master of Arts: Christian Ministry, Master of Arts: Family Ministry, Master of Arts: Pastoral Ministry, Master of Arts in Religion, Master of Arts in Pastoral Leadership, Master of Arts: Urban Ministry, Master of Ministry, Master of Ministry in Spanish, Master of Divinity, Bachelor of Practical Ministry, Master of Practical Ministry.

percent of students receive financial aid

21

intercollegiate athletic teams compete in NAIA and NCCAA

17

local ministry and global mission trip opportunities

OLIVET

AREAS OF STUDY Accounting Actuarial Science Art Art - Graphic Design Art - Drawing/Painting Art - Media Arts Art - Photography Art Education Athletic Coaching Athletic Training Biblical Languages Biblical Studies Biology Biology Teaching Business Administration Business - Healthcare Management Business - Human Resource Management Business - Management Business - Not-for-Profit/ Philanthropy Business - Operations Management Business - Public Administration Chemistry Chemistry - Biochemistry Chemistry - Forensics Chemistry Teaching Child Development Children’s Ministry Christian Education Christian Studies Communication Studies Computer Science Computer Science Cybersecurity Defense Computer Science Software Development

Computer Science Technology & Information Corporate Communication Criminal Justice Criminal Justice Law Enforcement Cybersecurity Defense Data Science Dietetics Early Childhood Education Earth & Space Science Economics Economics & Finance Applied Economics Economics & Finance Certified Financial Planning Economics & Finance Corporate Finance Elementary Education Engineering - Architectural Engineering - Chemical Engineering - Civil Engineering - Computer Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Mechanical English English as a Second Language English as a Second Language Teaching English Education Environmental Science Exercise Science Family & Consumer Sciences Family & Consumer Sciences Hospitality Fashion Merchandising Finance French Geography Geological Science

Greek Health Education Teaching Hebrew History History Teaching Hospitality Information Systems Information Technology Intercultural Studies Interdisciplinary Computing Interior Design International Business Leadership Studies Legal Studies Literature Management Management Information Systems Marketing Marketing - Commercial Graphics Marketing - Corporate Relations Marketing - International Marketing - Management Mathematics Mathematics Education Military Affairs Military Science Ministerial Missions Multimedia Communication Multimedia Communication Film Studies Multimedia Communication Journalism Multimedia Communication Live Event Media Mgmnt Multimedia Communication Ministry Media Multimedia Communication Radio/Record Industry

Multimedia Communication TV/Video Production Music Music Music Composition Music Education Music Ministry Music Performance Musical Theatre Nursing Pastoral Ministry Philosophy Philosophy & Religion Photography Physical Education & Health Teaching Physical Sciences Political Science Pre–Art Therapy Pre–Dental Pre–Law Pre–Medicine Pre–Optometry Pre–Pharmacy Pre–Physical Therapy Pre–Physician’s Assistant Pre–Seminary Pre–Veterinary Psychology Psychology Teaching Public Policy - Domestic Public Policy - Foreign Public Relations & Strategic Communication Recreation, Sport, & Fitness Religion Religion - Biblical Studies Science Education - Biology Science Education - Chemistry Science Education Earth/Space Science

Social Science Social Science Education Social Work Sociology Spanish Spanish Education Special Education Sport Management Administration Sport Management - Marketing Theatre Theology Writing Youth Ministry Zoology

Statistics compiled from 2016, 2017 and/or 2018.

23

advanced degrees offered through the School of Graduate and Continuing Studies

20

intramural sports and tournaments with more than 1,540 participants each year

21

study-abroad opportunities and numerous mission opportunities available

15:1

student-to-faculty ratio, with a total enrollment of more than 4,600

95

percent career outcomes rate for Class of 2018

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JONES FOTO

AMEN

PA R E N T P R AY E R God of life and love, Yo u h a v e g i v e n m e t h i s c h i l d t o c a r e f o r t h i s l i t t l e w h i l e .

My heart is welled with joy and thanksgiving, a n t i c i p a t i o n a n d a n x i e t y, a m i d s t a l o n g i n g t o b e t o g e t h e r a s w e h a v e b e e n t i l l n o w.

T h e s e y e a r s o f g r o w i n g u p h a v e m o v e d s o q u i c k l y, so many things left undone, so much left unsaid, so much I still hope to give to my child who is taking this new step in the journey of life.

Help us as we reshape our lives to reflect this new reality of college.

Show us new ways to be present to each other in love and in trust.

Give me patience and help me to remember that my child is establishing new routines i n f r e e d o m — r o u t i n e s d i ff e r e n t f r o m m y r o u t i n e s .

Calm my fears. Strengthen and protect my child in the midst of the challenges and temptations that surround all students.

Grant greater courage that I myself may have had in standing for Yo u r t r u t h a g a i n s t c o m p r o m i s e s o f f a i t h .

Provide good friends and worthy confidantes for my child during these college years.

Help me to give support and confidence, to discern how I am needed now and to pass on, in my love, a measure of the strength and courage Yo u h a v e g i v e n m e i n t h e g i f t o f p a r e n t i n g .

Amen.

OLIVET NAZARENE UNIVERSITY ONE UNIVERSITY AVENUE BOURBONNAIS, IL 60914-2345

VISIT OLIVET! There is no greater time to discover all Olivet has to offer than during our unique visit days. Connect with your future mentors and instructors and discuss your college dreams and career plans. The Olivet community is a place where faith, fun, and formation converge.

The Office of Admissions offers custom, personalized campus visits each weekday, plus the dynamic Purple and Gold Days events for students and parents throughout the academic year.

Explore your options at olivet.edu/visit We Believe. You Belong Here.