Shipherd's Record spring 2004

Spring 2004

The Alumni Magazine of Olivet College

From the President Here, now and into the future Through the hard work of many students, faculty, staff and alumni, a variety of areas have improved recently at Olivet College. However, we still have a great deal of work ahead of us as we strive to make Olivet great in all areas.

This issue of Shipherd’s Record describes many of the improvements we are making in academic, athletic and co-curricular activities.

Fundraising has improved for our capital projects, and I am very proud of the progress we are making. I would like to personally thank all the alumni who have given to Olivet College this year.

On June 30, the Solid Oak Initiative will come to an end.

This fund-raising campaign has been designed to encourage our supporters to make gifts to both The Olivet Fund and Heritage Campaign, which is the college’s capital campaign for major improvements. If you haven’t given this year, there is still time. As we seek more funding through grants from foundations and corporations, the percentage of alumni giving is considered a key determining factor. So please give at a level that is comfortable to you; participation is just as important as the size of the gift.

As a private institution, Olivet College does not receive financial support from the State of Michigan. Since Olivet provides an educational opportunity to a wide range of students who do not always have the financial means to pay for college, we need to raise money each year to offer these students scholarships. Money for Olivet’s scholarship program is raised annually through The Olivet Fund. Though this fund serves a number of purposes, its major emphasis is supporting scholarship initiatives.

We want Olivet College alumni to be proud of their alma mater. To do this, it takes commitment and involvement from all Olivet alumni and friends. Please be a part of this exciting time at Olivet! As always, feel free to contact me with any feedback you may have. I listen carefully to what our alumni and friends have to say.

Don Tuski ’85, Ph.D. President

President Tuski with Priyanka Mehra, who served as the student speaker during the college’s 2004 Commencement Ceremony on May 23.

Olivet College Board of Trustees Officers David T. Hayhow, Chair, Okemos George F. Francis III, Vice Chair, Southfield Carol Eichert Franck, Vice Chair, Orleans, Mass.

David E. Hathaway, J.D., Secretary, Ada Kennard A. Kinzler, Treasurer, Bloomfield Hills

Members G. Asenath Andrews ’72, Detroit Christine Arvidson ’78, Traverse City Richard A. Beyer ’80, Reston, Va. Charles A. Blackman ’46, Ph.D., Madison, Ind. The Hon. Judge William F. Bledsoe ’52, LL.B., Detroit Thomas Burke ’82, Carmel, Ind. Dennis Daugherty ’70, Mattawan Elizabeth G. Dole, Grand Rapids Henry H. Doss, Traverse City Robert Ewigleben, Albion James T. Fitzpatrick ’86, Grand Ledge Judith C. Frey, LL.D., ’89, Grand Rapids William N. Healy ’79, Brighton Timothy Hodge ’83, D.O., DeWitt Thomas Hoisington, Lansing The Hon. Judge Denise Page Hood, Detroit The Rev. Mark P. Jensen, D.D., ’89, Farmington Hills Thomas E. Kolassa ’69, Battle Creek Robert M. Lawrence ’57, Grosse Ile William Middlebrooks, West Bloomfield Martin L. Mitchell ’73, Ed.D., Coldwater George Pyne III ’65, Milford, Mass.

The Hon. John J.H. Schwarz, M.D., Battle Creek Samuel H. Thomas, Ann Arbor

Administrative Responsibility Team Donald L. Tuski ’85, Ph.D., President Larry D. Colvin, Vice President for Administration Norma L. Curtis, Vice President and Dean for Academic Affairs Julie Foster ’92, Vice President for Community Life Lynn Ward Gray, Executive Director of Special Projects and External Relations Saleef Kafajouffe, Vice President for Diversity and Dean of the College Alan L. Nagy ’68, Vice President for Institutional Advancement Dave Price ’68, Director of Athletics Jerry T. Rashid, Assistant Vice President for College Relations Thomas N. Shaw ’88, Vice President for Enrollment Management T. Christopher Snow, Chief Financial Officer Barbara A. Spencer, Executive Assistant to the President

Features Heritage Campaign

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This fund-raising initiative is supporting a variety of campus improvements – touching academics to athletics.

35 years of teaching and creating

Shipherd’s Record is published twice annually for alumni and friends of Olivet College.

Shipherd’s Record Staff

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Jerry Rashid Assistant Vice President for College Relations Shannon Tiernan Coordinator of College Relations and Special Events Jackie Bounds College Relations Specialist Bruce Snyder Director of Publications and Web Services Geoff Henson Sports Information Director

Math Musicians

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Send change of address notices to: Development Office Olivet College Olivet, MI 49076 (269) 749-7625 pfrayer@olivetcollege.edu On the cover John Wilterding, assistant professor of molecular biology, and sophomore Wendy Mickelwait work together with science lab equipment recently purchased through funding from the Heritage Campaign.

Education for Individual and Social Responsibility

www.olivetcollege.edu

Professors Michael Fredericks and Marcus Darden are passionate about the work they do in the classroom and on-stage.

Enabling lives, initiating change

Contributors Marty Mason Jennings ’67 Molly Reed ’05 Linda Jo Scott Send comments or suggestions to: Office of College Relations Olivet College Olivet, MI 49076 (269) 749-7657 jrashid@olivetcollege.edu

Professor Don Rowe has shared his time and talents with students for more than three decades.

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Brian Benner ’69 is dedicated to humanitarian issues.

Empowering people through perseverance

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For Carolyn Crowe ’76, it’s all about community service and helping others.

Departments 2 Around the Square 7 Academic Updates 12 Olivet People

22 Comet Sports 25 Development 26 Class Notes SHIPHERD’S RECORD 1

Around The Square Betsy Dole Women’s Resource Center hosts conference The Olivet College Betsy Dole Women’s Resource Center hosted a “Women in Legal Careers” conference on March 17.

The day featured a presentation by Teresa Godwin Phelps, Notre Dame Law School professor, titled “Pollyanna, Alice and Other Women in the Law.” Phelps’ speech, which addressed both optimistic changes in laws concerning women and the notion that the world is designed for and by men, focused on topics such as economic and religious oppression, the consequences of sexual harassment and domestic violence, and insistence on justice.

“We women who are strong should support our weaker sisters Teresa Godwin Phelps and yet-unborn daughters,” said Phelps. “Together we can end violence against women by telling the story that it is shameful, unmanly and criminal.”

Phelps is the director of Notre Dame’s Legal Writing Program and chair of the University Committee on Women Faculty and Students.

In the week preceding the conference, the Women’s Resource Center hosted a self-defense training workshop.

The Crime Victims Advocacy Council of Lansing was also on hand to offer information about sexual assault and violence.

Olivet College recognized by the United Way Olivet College has been recognized for its outstanding participation in the 2003 annual campaign of the Eaton County United Way (ECUW). The college was honored with three awards, receiving both the Gold Level Giving Award and the Award of Excellence as a result of achieving a more than four-fold increase in total dollars given by college employees over the prior year. Dollars given or otherwise pledged (and paid via payroll deduction) by college employees totaled $2,700.

The college was also recognized for the largest percentage increase (580 percent) in number of employees participating, with 34 total participants. The campus campaign achieved this level of success due to the efforts of the college’s campaign cochairs, Tammy Walters, director of conferences, special events and housing, and Maria Davis, associate professor of biology and biology program director.

ECUW’s mission is to unite resources with community needs and provide its financial support through several local agencies and community councils.

Chris Snow, Olivet’s chief financial officer, serves as a member of the ECUW Board of Directors.

2 SPRING 2004

2004 Commencement One hundred sixty-three graduates were recognized at Olivet’s 2004 Commencement Ceremony May 23 in the Upton Center. Former Sen. Dr. John “Joe” Schwarz of Battle Creek received the Doctor of Laws honorary degree prior to delivering the commencement address. The Rev. Donald Olsen, Ph.D., associate executive secretary of the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches, received the Doctor of Divinity honorary degree.

Dr. John “Joe” Schwarz

Spring 2004 Service Day Olivet College’s biannual Service Day provides an opportunity for students to better society. Projects such as cleaning up the community, doing yard work for the elderly and painting downtown Olivet’s Oak Chest resale shop, helped to make the spring 2004 Service Day a big success.

Several students participated in the “Tell a Friend” event for the American Cancer Society. This program trains volunteer callers to contact five or more friends and acquaintances to encourage them to get a mammogram. Students also spent time with Hospice patients in Charlotte, wrote letters to service men and women and made bluebird houses to brighten the community.

Phi Epsilon Kappa (PEK), the health, physical education, recreation and safety professional society, initiated food and coin drives to benefit SIREN/Eaton Shelter, which serves domestic violence victims and homeless families in Eaton County. In honor of its volunteerism, PEK received the Spirit of Service Day Award, which acknowledges those who go above and beyond the call of duty for the assistance of others. PEK members distributed drop boxes throughout Olivet, Marshall and Bellevue to collect nonperishable food items.

PEK, along with 10 additional helpers, accumulated more than 600 food items and $104.10 to donate to the shelter.

Dedicated to Olivet Gary Morrison, head men’s golf coach and adjunct professor emeritus, was honored at the college’s Holiday Dinner for 36 years of service. Joel Epstein, adjunct professor emeritus Jare Klein and Gary Morrison of history; Jare Klein, head wrestling coach emeritus; and Don Rowe, professor of art, were honored for 35 years of service. Ron Thatcher, director of financial aid, was recognized for 20 years of service.

Around The Square Students in the news Ron Cole, a senior from Buchanan, was recently awarded a Michigan Press Association Foundation Scholarship. Cole was one of 10 people from across the state to receive this honor.

Erin Harrison, a senior from Bellevue; Kelly Parker, a junior from Olivet; Amya Rudnik, a senior from Delton; and Barbara Spencer, a student from Olivet, were selected to participate in the Michigan Small College Art Exhibition. Parker received a $50 Juror’s Choice Award for a carved plaster piece titled “Shell.”

Michael Davis, a junior from Eaton Rapids, was the top choice for the Intermediaries and Reinsurance Underwriters Association (IRUA) internship with a reinsurance company and broker. Jeremy Shephard, a junior from Kalamazoo, was selected for a National Association of Professional Surplus Lines Offices (NAPSLO) internship with an excess and surplus lines insurance company and broker.

Both Davis and Shephard competed against nearly 100 insurance students from across the country. Olivet College has had 26 IRUA and NAPSLO interns since the late 1980s.

Andrew Knight, a senior from Kingsville, Ontario, and Michelle Simmon, a junior from DeWitt, were two of 15 students selected for the Risk and Insurance Management Society Conference Anita Benedetti Student Involvement Program in San Diego, Calif. Through the program, Knight and Simmon’s transportation, lodging and meal expenses were covered for the entire conference.

In addition, Knight and David Celetti, a senior from Sault St. Marie, Ontario, were recently acknowledged as top students in the insurance field. Knight was honored as the IRUA Intern of the Year, and Celetti as the NAPSLO Intern of the Year. Both competed against hundreds of students across North America.

The Donald A. Morris Awards are given each year to the top five graduating seniors with the highest grade point averages. The 2003-04 recipients, along with the faculty member they chose as the most influential during their career at Olivet College, are (front row from left) Taneisha Pointer of Lansing; David Pratt of Springport; Andrew Knight of Kingsville, Ontario; Matthew Quigley of Olivet; and Heather Walther of Essexville; (back row from left) Jare Klein, Saleef Kafajouffe, Mike Hubbel, Leah Knapp and Lowell Walsworth.

Angela Boardman, a senior from DeWitt; Julia Draper, a senior from Charlotte; Marie Gouba, a sophomore from Novi; Katherine Graebner, a junior from Olivet; Anna Ruth Munk, a senior from Lansing; and Margaret Todd, a sophomore from Bangor, performed at the Knox Church in Stratford, Ontario as part of Olivet College’s Women’s Camerata. French horn player, Elizabeth Flanary, a sophomore from Howell, accompanied the singers.

The group has performed around mid-Michigan. They are releasing a CD this summer titled “There is Sweet Music.”

Greek society house renovations The Phi Alpha Pi fraternity and Sigma Beta sorority are in the process of making renovations on their houses, keeping the charm of Olivet College’s architecture up-to-par. They wouldn’t have been able to do it, however, without the help and donations of alumni and others in the community.

Between fundraisers and alumni donations, these Greeks have been able to invest in big projects such as a new roof and resurfaced sundeck for Phi Alphs and eight new windows for Sigmas. This is only the beginning of the list of projects they have in

store for their houses. “We want to build an alumni walk in front of the house, replacing the existing concrete,” said Cameron Leitch, a senior from Wyebridge, Ontario, who serves as the Phi Alpha Pi president. The women of Sigma Beta are concentrating on repairing the boiler, water pipes and electrical wiring.

In addition to donations, alumni have taken an active role in the renovations. Their assistance will leave a mark for ages to come within the houses.

“A lot of alumni who live around here come to the house and help out when they can,” said Blair Treadwell, a sophomore from Battle Creek and Sigma Beta member. “It’s nice to see things in the house that past actives did. They come back and are so proud.”

The restoration of these houses is a mark of character for present and past members. Olivet’s Greek societies band together for the betterment of the fraternities and sororities they love. With the renovation of their houses, Phi Alpha Pi and Sigma Beta members will be remembered for years to come.

SHIPHERD’S RECORD 3

“Heritage Campaign: Respons brings about campus improve

by Jerry Rashid

S

ignificant campus-wide improvements are taking place at Olivet College. For the first time in recent memory, and under the careful watch of President Don Tuski ’85, Ph.D., enhancements touching both academics and athletics are strengthening Olivet’s dedication to providing its students with a quality liberal arts education.

Financing for a vast majority of the projects, which range from cutting edge science lab equipment to a new football field, has been made possible through the college’s ongoing “Heritage Campaign: Responsible Liberal Arts.”

The campaign has been designed to generate a variety of campus improvements to encourage and promote academic excellence and athletic achievement.

Through this fund-raising program, J. Robert Gillette ’63 and Dave Cutler ’65 made generous donations to academics and athletics, respectively, and also initiated matching challenge grants.

“Olivet College is in a great position because of Robert Gillette and Dave Cutler as well as many other alumni and friends who have supported the initiatives within the Heritage Campaign,” said Tuski. “Support of student learning in and outside of the classroom and in the context of responsibility is critical to the future success of the college.”

The Olivet College Board of Trustees recently approved more than $1 million from the campaign funds for the enhancements, many of which will be completed in time for the fall 2004 semester.

New equipment in the science lab includes a precision shaker bath (left) and PCR thermocycler.

Sophomore Wendy Mickelwait (left) and freshman Denise Jackson get hands-on experience in Olivet’s updated science lab.

4 SPRING 2004

sible Liberal Arts” ements Academic excellence One of the areas on campus experiencing major improvements is the Natural and Physical Science Department.

Resources from the campaign will enhance the curriculum by allowing the department to purchase advanced equipment for analytical chemistry, biotechnology and microbiology. It will also provide for additional infrastructure improvements in the laboratories.

“The equipment we are purchasing with the campaign money has created a lot of excitement within the science department, from both faculty members and the students alike,” said John Wilterding, assistant professor of molecular biology and director of the chemistry program.

According to Wilterding, the goal of Olivet’s science faculty members is to purchase equipment that will be the most versatile and have the greatest impact across the science curriculum.

Among the recent acquisitions are a technology grade microcentrifuge for DNA manipulation, purification and analysis; polymerization chain reaction thermocycler for DNA amplification; precision shaker bath for cell incubation of bacteria cultures and preparation of DNA; and electrophoresis equipment for DNA imaging and analysis.

In the near future the science faculty will purchase additional analytical equipment broadly useful in all aspects of the chemistry program, as well as in water quality and pollution analysis in environmental science. In addition, the department intends to upgrade its microscopes to aid in cell and molecular studies in a wide range of courses.

“When we are finished purchasing the equipment that we feel best fits our needs at Olivet, it will surpass what many other institutions have to offer,” said Wilterding. “For students majoring in chemistry, biochemistry and Funds from the Heritage Campaign were pre-medical studies, the used to outfit Olivet’s new drum line, opportunity to use this type which was introduced to the campus of equipment allows them to community for the first time at the leave Olivet with a very 2004 Honors Convocation in April. valuable hands-on experience using some cutting edge technologies.”

Classroom upgrades in the Mott Academic Center and Upton Conservatory of Music will create new opportunities in teaching and learning by integrating networking, digital and audio visual technologies.

Freshman Ashurina Chamoun and junior Justin Hemmer working on bacterial DNA purification.

“We are really excited to be able to improve the learning environment in our classrooms,” said Norma Curtis, vice president and dean for academic affairs. “In January, we added five new Smart Boards to some of our classrooms. Our next project includes creating two new state-of-the-art classrooms that are designed to accommodate every teaching and learning style with a wide variety of technology options.”

The college has also purchased a new recording and editing station for the music program; and the analog equipment at WOCR, Olivet’s student-run radio station, will be replaced with a new digital system to enhance students’ hands-on learning experience. (continued on next page) Tim Flynn, assistant professor of music, works with sophomores Margaret Todd (center) and Marie Gouba on the music program’s new recording and editing station.

SHIPHERD’S RECORD 5

Campus Improvements

Heritage Campaign

continued

Athletic achievement

Campus improvement

Some of the college’s outdoor athletic facilities are also experiencing major renovations.

The grass football field is being replaced with a new synthetic playing surface. Other stadium modifications include a new home grandstand with seating for approximately 2,000 people, and a

While major improvements are being realized as a result of the many generous individuals who made donations to the Heritage Campaign, the college is continuing its annual commitment of resources to enhance the campus.

Many of the projects on the horizon are relevant to the campaign themes. The college’s identified priority projects include more student study and social space, renovations to the Kirk Center dining hall and new furniture for the residence halls.

Olivet’s “Heritage Campaign: Responsible Liberal Arts” concludes June 30, 2004. Those interested in making a financial contribution to the campaign are asked to contact the college’s Office of Institutional Advancement at (269) 749-7630.

new press box. Installing lights as well as additional fencing and pavement around the new field are also in the plans.

The Heritage Campaign also calls for improvements at the baseball, soccer and softball complexes, including a press box and concession/restroom area.

Earlier this spring, a make over of the baseball field was completed, which resulted in a new infield, pitchers mound and two new bullpens.

“The entire athletic department at Olivet College is proud of all the positive changes that are taking place around our campus,” said Dave Price ’68, director of athletics. “By upgrading our older facilities and the addition of new venues, we are truly moving our athletic program into a position of becoming more competitive in the MIAA and NCAA.” According to Price, the upgraded facilities will go a long way in supporting the needs of Olivet’s current athletes, while also becoming major selling point for recruiting new student-athletes.

“The spectator-friendly environment we are creating with our outdoor facilities have been created with the thought in mind of making gameday at Olivet a positive experience for all,” said Price.

Board of Trustee member George Pyne III ’65 (center), who has been one of the driving forces behind the fund-raising efforts for the new football field, with Dominic Livedoti ’65 (left), assistant head football coach, and Irv Sigler ’65, head football coach.

The Heritage Campaign is designed to inject resources and support towards three major aims of Olivet College: academic excellence, athletic achievement and campus improvement.

Academic Excellence: Co-Curricular Service Learning $170,000 Classroom Technology 145,000 Chemistry and Molecular Biology Lab Renovations 100,000 Music Program 80,000 Information Technology 75,000 Faculty/Staff Development 75,000 Education Program Model Classrooms 70,000 Theatre Program 70,000 $785,000 Athletic Achievement: Athletic Facility Practice Fields Football Stadium Upgrades New Track Facility Student-Athlete Transportation Athletic Facility Upgrades Campus Improvement: Campus Safety Shipherd Hall Renovations Hosford Alumni House Classroom Renovations Student Cyber-Café Campus Paving

$1,000,000 220,000 200,000 200,000 120,000 10,000 $1,750,000 $250,000 236,600 100,000 93,400 50,000 30,000 $760,000

To see the progress on the new football field, visit

www.olivetcollege.edu/sports

6 SPRING 2004

Members of the Comet baseball team had the opportunity to show off their talents this spring on the new pitchers mound and infield.

Academic Department Updates Arts and Communication

by Gary Wertheimer, department chair and professor of art As is the case across campus, the Arts and Communication Department is increasing expectations to better meet the needs of current and future students.

This year the visual arts program implemented its new art education curriculum, which meets the most up-to-date standards set forth by the state of Michigan. We also began to offer ceramics classes, which are housed in our new 1,000 square-foot ceramics studio adjacent to the sculpture studio.

Our Career Advisory Council has been established. Through the eightmember council, we are working to link students to professional mentors and possible internship opportunities. The Art Alliance, a student-run art organization founded in fall 2002, has been active in community service both on- and off-campus. Among other things, they are planning to offer a summer art camp for local children.

The visual arts program is also in the Gary Wertheimer process of working with the Office of Alumni Relations to schedule an alumni art exhibition to correspond with Homecoming.

The Echo, Olivet’s student-run newspaper, had a very successful year. It was one of 11 papers nationwide that took first-place honors in the annual American Scholastic Press Association contest this spring. Freshman Joshua Wolfrum, advertising editor, took second-place in the Michigan Press Association/Michigan Collegiate Press Association 2003 College Newspaper Contest for an advertisement he designed.

Senior Ron Cole, arts and entertainment editor, was Olivet’s first Michigan Press Association Foundation Community Journalism Scholarship awardee.

The music program has instituted two new degree programs, including a bachelor’s in sacred music and a bachelor’s in music with elective studies in business. Jeananne Nichols has been hired as the new director of instrumental music.

We have recently made some much needed renovations to the choral rehearsal room. The acoustical tiles have been recovered, new drapes were made, and the room has been plastered and repainted. The Intensive Learning Term was exciting for two of our groups as the Jazz Band traveled to Brazil and the Women’s Camerata went to the Stratford Festival in Ontario, Canada.

The theatre program has announced the 2004-2005 roster of plays, which include “The Tempest” by Shakespeare, “The Vagina Monologues” by Ensler, “The Importance of Being Earnest” by Wilde, and “All in the Timing” by Irving.

WOCR, the college’s student-run radio station, will convert from analogue to digital this summer to better meet the real-world broadcasting needs of students.

Business Administration and Economics

by Richard D. Parker, department chair and assistant professor of business There are many Business Administration and Economics Department highlights to cover from the past academic year. The most obvious being the addition of two new professional faculty members in Henk Brand, assistant professor of international business, and Michelle Woodhouse-Jackson, assistant professor of business. Other highlights include the development and approval of the new business Richard Parker curriculum, the initiation of a volunteer income tax service (VITA), the creation of a Business Administration Advisory Council and the continued growth and success of Phi Beta Lambda.

The business administration curriculum includes three new majors: financial management, marketing/management and general business. Faculty are in the process of creating material that can be used with the new Smart Board technology and with the projector system that was donated to the department by the Kellogg Foundation, thanks to Susan Houston, associate professor of business.

Nineteen Eaton County residents received federal income tax refunds of approximately $30,000 as a result of the assistance provided by six Olivet College accounting students through the VITA program. Vickey Thapa, a senior from Arlington, Texas; Brandi Britton, a sophomore from Charlotte; Deanna Thompson, a sophomore from Howard City; Alexandru Otrezov, a freshman from Mondora; Hristo Kozhuharov, a freshman from Bulgaria; and Pritesh Samuel, a freshman from Nepal, attended training sessions at Michigan State University and prepared income tax returns in Charlotte this February. The VITA program will be continued next year.

John Homer, professor of economics, was primarily responsible for the creation of the advisory council. Members of the council have provided advice and assisted in a few classes.

Phi Beta Lambda sponsored graduate school workshops, went on a field trip to the Economic Club of Detroit where Neil Batson spoke about Enron, and visited Shipshewana, Ind., to observe another culture. In addition, Phi Beta Lambda is hosting a golf outing Saturday, Sept. 11, 2004 at The Medalist Golf Club in Marshall. All business alumni are invited to attend.

SHIPHERD’S RECORD 7

Academic Department Updates Education

by Charlie Wilson, department chair and assistant professor of education There are several exciting new initiatives in the Education Department, including the special education endorsement proposals, which are going through the academic governance system at the college. Throughout the state there is a deficit in the number of special education teachers. The department is addressing this need to provide qualified instructors for students who are considered emotionally impaired and learning disabled by making options available for students and certified teachers in local school districts. The department is also working to establish partnerships with the Lansing School District to provide teaching personnel and options for their school employees who wish to become special education endorsed personnel.

A report published by the U.S. Department of Education in 1999 emphasized that early field experiences play an important role in shaping and maintaining high-quality teachers. During the 2003-04 academic year, we responded to this need by increasing the number of field experiences for education students. The department feels this provides future teachers with the opportunities to understand the complexities of teaching, for personal Charlie Wilson growth, for self knowledge and to clarify career and educational goals. In addition, classroom observations provide effective means to learn how certain teaching methods are employed in the schools, how classrooms are organized and how students respond to the classroom environment.

Walker Beverly, assistant professor of education, and I have established a learning community and partnership with the East Lansing and Lansing school districts in the form of an administrator academy. The Michigan Department of Education requires school administrators to obtain six semester hours or 18 State Board of Education Continuing Education Credits every five years to maintain administrative certification or to sustain qualifications. This requirement also includes central office administrators. Olivet’s Education Department provides professional development courses to help meet this need.

There is a dual benefit that is achieved from these collaborative efforts. The administrators bring their expertise and practical knowledge to the college and the college brings the administrators up-to-date on new trends, research and new federal and state legislation that impact K-12 schools.

8 SPRING 2004

Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Sport

by Janet Tsang, department chair and assistant professor of HPERS The Olivet College Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Sport (HPERS) Department has continued to work toward our mission of providing students with the highest quality educational experience in a cooperative and collaborative environment.

We recently submitted a teacher preparation program review to the Michigan Department of Education, which includes some proposed curriculum changes. If approved, we plan to begin offering a major in physical education (K-12), a minor in secondary and/or elementary physical education, and a minor in secondary Janet Tsang and/or elementary health education.

In hopes of engaging a larger part of the student body in physical activity, we have gradually started adding activity-based classes to our course offerings. Starting in the fall of 2004, students will have the opportunity to enroll in Pilates, or stretch and tone classes.

I would like to announce the involvement of three new adjunct faculty members - Scott Tombaugh, Angela Jensen and Thomas Sampson.

The department is also excited to announce the founding of a new professional fraternity associated with the HPERS department, Phi Epsilon Kappa. The organization is open to students interested in health, physical education, recreation or safety. The executive board consists of president Jaime Stenz, a junior from Alpena; vice president Jennifer Feringa, a sophomore from Rockford; secretary Melinda Hall, a senior from Albion; and treasurer Ryan Tiseo, a junior from Washington.

Academic Department Updates Humanities

by Martha Perkins, department chair and assistant professor of humanities The Humanities Department would like to announce that Cecilia Rincon McCaleb, long-time instructor of English at Olivet High School and native of Columbia, has joined our department this year as an adjunct instructor of Spanish. She has made available to our students opportunities to participate in Lions Club missions to Nicaragua and other Central American countries.

We hope to have our Spanish Martha Perkins language students traveling with Professor McCaleb in the near future.

Our new religion minor is nearly complete; Roy Backus, assistant professor of religious studies, and Lowell Walsworth, professor and director of communication studies, are putting the finishing touches on the curriculum and hope to have it added to the offerings by the 2004-05 academic year. We are also very pleased to be offering philosophy courses again, thanks to Professor Backus.

I presented student work at the Annual Associated Writing Programs Conference in Chicago in March. Focused on the teaching of dialogue to creative writers, the presentation included written samples and video clips of student work from last fall.

Kirk Hendershott-Kraetzer, assistant professor of humanities, led an Intensive Leaning Term trip to England in May; Shakespeare in production was the focus of the course.

Jack Ridl, professor of English at Hope College and this year’s Abbie Copps judge, read the winning poem and his own work at the annual Abbie Copps Awards Ceremony in March.

This year’s Garfield Lake Review was also launched at the ceremony. If you would like a copy, please contact Mike Mikalakis, editor, via e-mail at mmikalakis@olivetcollege.edu, or Professor Laura Maas, advisor, at lmaas@olivetcollege.edu.

The department had a strong showing at this spring’s Service Day with four projects sponsored by students in our majors’ seminar. Heather Boultinghouse, a junior from Gowen, managed a letter writing project where members of the campus community were encouraged to write a note to our troops serving overseas.

Alexis Johnson, a senior from Holt, headed up the American Cancer Society “Tell a Friend” campaign on campus, encouraging students, faculty and staff to contact female family and friends with information about breast cancer screening, while Maria Insalata, a junior from Dowling, and D’Lynn Kowalk, a junior from Charlotte, lead a group of students to the Charlotte Hospice to lend a helping hand. The last group, headed up by Ann Grimm, a junior from Lansing, helped out the Humanities Department by completely revamping our departmental display.

Insurance and Risk Management

by Michael Hubbel, department chair and professor of insurance and risk management It’s been another exciting year in the Olivet College insurance program. In this academic year alone, more than 100 students will have completed the principles of insurance. Our new insurance and risk management major was recently approved, which will incorporate more finance and insurance coursework, an advanced spreadsheet and database course, a new insurance negotiation and persuasive presentation course, and an internship requirement. Approximately 67 students have indicated this year that they are pursuing the insurance major or concentration. We appreciate the help of our industry advisory committee in designing the new major, and the help of our great coaches and admissions representatives in bringing us many of these students.

Our students participated in 14 internships last summer, including three in competitive, national internship programs – two winning national recognition as interns of the year. One national intern had an article published in the Journal of Reinsurance, about the new directors’ and officers’ liability exposures created by the recently passed Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and one will go on to an internship at Lloyd’s of London.

Our industry friends continue to Michael Hubbel support us by volunteering on our advisory committee of 35 professionals, contributing to 41 insurance scholarships totaling $44,000 last year, speaking in our classes, and providing many in-kind gifts.

In a partnership with the Michigan Association of Insurance Agents, we are partnering with Kalamazoo Valley Community College to offer an insurance certificate program, which will help students earn a property-casualty agents’ license and the Insurance Institute of America General Insurance Certificate. It is hoped that this program will encourage students to pursue the completion of a four-year degree in insurance at Olivet College.

Our students were well-traveled this year – attending conferences and networking with professionals in New York City, Toronto and London. Our chapter of the international insurance and risk management society, Gamma Iota Sigma, continues to be ranked as one of the top two chapters internationally each year.

Our students organized a two-day collegiate symposium on the excess and surplus lines insurance business, called “The Extreme Risk Takers,” sponsored by the National Association of Professional Surplus Lines Offices last fall. Students from six other colleges and universities participated. Our Gamma Iota Sigma chapter manages a budget of approximately $20,000 per year, providing students with an ultimate learning laboratory in business.

SHIPHERD’S RECORD 9

Academic Department Updates Mathematics and Computer Science

by Marcus Darden, department chair and assistant professor of computer science This year, Michael Fredericks and Janine Peters, assistant professors of mathematics and computer science, joined the Olivet College faculty.

Michael has an extensive background working in higher education as an academic advisor and manager of student employees and student organizations. As a veteran employee of nearly 20 years at Lansing Community College (LCC), he continues to advise students both at Marcus Darden Olivet and LCC. His multiple certifications in software applications and the Blackboard Online Learning System have helped him create and deliver multiple online courses in his first year. Janine comes to us with teaching experience as an adjunct professor at Western Michigan University, Kellogg Community College and Olivet College.

While she has taught both mathematics and computer science courses in the past, her main duties at the college will be teaching mathematics.

In addition to new personnel, the department has also added new facilities. A computer lab dedicated for computer science classes and students has been an excellent addition. The lab is outfitted for 20 students and includes computer tables, a traditional lecture area, small lounge, print station, server room and an instructor’s station. Classes and student participation have improved, and a strong sense of community among the students and faculty is building. For upper-level mathematics courses, we have begun the coordination of a new Mathematics Technology Classroom. The small room will hold 10 students along with three computers equipped with high-level research and simulation software packages. We hope its completion will augment the mathematics program in the way the computer science lab has improved that program.

Our students have been active this year as well. The mathematics seminar developed a new student organization, the Michigan Council of Future Teachers of Mathematics. Affiliated with the Michigan Council of Teachers of Mathematics, the group is fundraising, preparing a regional conference, tutoring school-age children, and developing a program called Calculators Count to help local schools purchase calculators. Students from the mathematics program participated this year in the Lower Michigan Mathematics Competition. The computer science students are forming a student chapter of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM). In addition to visiting graduate schools and research facilities, they are visiting and networking with other ACM student chapters. Two teams of three students participated in this year’s International Collegiate Programming Competition at a regional site in Ashland, Ohio.

10 SPRING 2004

Natural and Physical Science

by Leah Knapp, department chair and professor of biology The Natural and Physical Science Department has recently completed an extensive review of our education program for the Michigan Department of Education, including production of a Web-based report that is also being used as an advising tool. The elementary integrated science major/minor was approved by the state and the biology secondary program gained provisional approval, with updates due by next year.

With money from the “Heritage Campaign: Responsible Liberal Arts,” we have been making lab improvements for use by chemistry, biochemistry and molecular biology students and faculty. With financial support from Richard Rasmussen ’35, we also purchased “Mort,” our new life-sized skeleton, to replace our previous skeleton.

Maria Davis, associate professor of biology and biology program director, offered a course in forensic science during the Intensive Learning Term, providing students with some interesting hands-on opportunities.

We hope this will ultimately become a permanent class and part of a minor in forensics that is in initial planning stages with the Social Sciences Department.

Susanne Lewis will join us this Leah Knapp fall as a full-time chemistry professor.

She is completing her doctorate in organic chemistry and will be working with us to continue updates on the chemistry labs.

Students participated in another spring prescribed burn at Kirkelldel Biological Preserve to reduce aggressive non-indigenous plants. Projects for this year include creating a seed bank area to provide native plants and seeds that can then be transplanted to other sites to speed the spread of native species, and an on-going student research project comparing the efficacy of habitat restoration techniques.

The department organized a new student organization, called the Tri-Pi’s, to provide hands-on experiences through science outreach programs to local schools. Davis is serving as the organization’s advisor. Earthbound environmental awareness organization members provided educational outreach at the annual Crane Festival through the Michigan Audubon Society, while Richard Fleming, professor emeritus of biology, and I conducted nature walks and natural history presentations.

Earthbound has also presented two very popular hands-on live animal programs particularly targeting children, on animal myths and misconceptions, and on reptiles and amphibians.

Academic Department Updates Social Science

by Linda McWright, department chair and assistant professor of sociology and anthropology This has been an exciting year for the Social Science Department as we work toward the goals outlined in the department’s strategic plan.

The students, faculty and I established a 30-member Social Science Advisory Council, which includes alumni, tri-county human service agencies, criminal justice related agencies, community colleges and students. The advisory committee provides council on curriculum, partnership opportunities, and sources of funding, as well as internship/ employment opportunities for our students.

Nine new members were initiated into the local chapter of Phi Alpha Theta, the international Linda McWright honorary history society. The students are Monica Boeneman, a senior from Olivet; Kevin Brownell, a student from Marshall; Jonathan Byrd, a junior from Marshall; Kristen Dixon, a junior from Charlotte; Max Eichholz, a junior from Battle Creek; Jodi Griffin, a junior from Charlotte; Matthew Luna, a senior from Battle Creek; Mellissa Reed, a senior from Lansing; and Josh Truman, a senior from Bath. Julie Foster ’92, vice president for community life, and Donald E. Walker, professor of history, conducted the ceremony.

Charles Graessle, professor of psychology, and I are pleased to announce that several students were inducted into the reactivated Olivet College Psi Chi chapter. Congratulations are due to Christel Kendrick, a sophomore from Holt; Trevor Blair, a senior from Union City; Coleen Dziurlikowski, a sophomore from Westland; Karla Gillard, a senior from Stockbridge, Ga.; and Elizabeth Gibbons, a senior from Hastings.

Students from the Christian Counseling class developed and implemented the first Christian Youth Conference. The students responsible for the successful conference were Gillard, Otelua Thomas, a senior from Chicago; Ebony Robbs, a junior from Oak Park; Angela Vines, a junior from Muskegon; Amanda Buckley, a senior from Olivet; and McKinsey Golfin, a junior from Flint.

Several students attended and participated in regional professional conferences with Graessle and Cynthia Noyes, assistant professor of sociology and anthropology. Additionally, Graessle and Noyes were part of a team that presented at the recent national technology conference of the Association of American Colleges and Universities in Cambridge, Mass.

Also, Graessle is completing an SBC/Ameritech Partnership Grant-funded initiative.

Faculty and Staff Notes Cynthia Eller, adjunct instructor of art; Don Rowe, professor of art; Susan Rowe, adjunct assistant professor of art; and Gary Wertheimer, arts and communication department chair and professor of art, participated in a Faculty Art Exhibition in the college’s Barker-Cawood Art Gallery March 11 to 30. Drawings, paintings, prints and sculpture were displayed.

Don Rowe also had a serigraph titled “The Morgan Town Tomato by Afternoon” shown in an exhibit of prints from the Clark Family Collection of the Graphic Chemical and Ink Company at the Indianapolis Art Center. Rowe’s print was purchased by the Clark family 30 years ago.

Wertheimer also presented a photo essay titled “Traditional Bronze and Gold Casting in Ivory Coast, West Africa,” on March 31. The event was hosted by Sigma Beta. In addition, Wertheimer was asked to be one of two jurors for 3-D work at the East Lansing Art Festival in May. Timothy Flynn, Ph.D., music program director and assistant professor of music, published a book on a French composer titled Camille Saint-Saens: A Guide to Research. He’s signed an additional contract with the publisher for a book on the French composer Charles Gounod.

Michael Hubbel, insurance department chair and professor of insurance and risk management, completed a four-part program to earn the Insurance Institute of America’s Associate in Reinsurance professional designation in March. This designation, which required Hubbel to pass four two-hour exams, keeps him up-to-date in the field while helping him to understand what his students go through to pass national exams.

Jare Klein, wrestling coach emeritus, was recognized by the National Wrestling Coaches Association in March, when he received a lifetime honorary membership.

Leah Knapp, natural and physical science department chair and professor of biology, was nominated to the Michigan Nature Association Board of Trustees, which purchases and preserves land that contains endangered species or endangered habitats all over Michigan.

James Nobles, adjunct instructor of education, was selected as the Music Educator of the Year by the Michigan Educators Association.

SHIPHERD’S RECORD 11

35 Years of Teaching and Creating

by Linda Jo Scott

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Liberal arts is a very important kind of higher education, and it’s what small schools do the best.

12 SPRING 2004

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- Don Rowe

“Y

ou have reached the home and studio of Don and Sue Rowe...” says the answering machine.

And when you visit that home and studio, you realize that under one roof two lives, two artists’ careers and two artists’ passions come together wonderfully in a combination atelier, home and museum of art treasures.

Place has always been important for Don Rowe, the artist.

When he was just a scribbler with crayons, his family moved to his mother’s family’s resort on Squirrel Lake, Minocqua, Wisconsin, and his parents took over running the place.

Twenty-six miles from any town, the resort was a little paradise in the summers for the seven Rowe children. In the ’40s and early ’50s, before motels and expressways cropped up around the country, replacing the more intimate communal style of resort living, families went back to the same place, summer after summer. The Rowe children fished and swam all summer long with vacationer friends who returned each year, seemingly just to play with them.

Even now, scenes suggesting the lake and Wisconsin North Woods emerge frequently in Rowe’s paintings, sometimes juxtaposed against images of himself as a man in his early sixties. As his wife points out, “All of the lake and landscape images that are current in his work are actually from right around us here in Michigan. I believe that one transfers the sense of place to where one is now... not necessarily about where one was. I think his more surreal work of a few years back merged period objects in invented landscape that seem rural or woods like, often including architecture that he invented or conjured up from memory. I feel these pieces were reflections about his past, childhood memories, whatever.”

As Rowe himself explains it, “Although I enjoy traveling, I’m the kind of person who likes to be in one place for a long time. Some artists always portray scenes from their past, and I used to be that way, but I have gradually learned to paint what I am seeing and experiencing at the time. Maybe this has happened because of what I expect of my students. In the winter months, we do still lifes; in the summer we both do landscapes, always painting what we see at the moment. In recent years we have stayed with Olivet College alumnus Mike Reynolds ’75 in Palm Springs, Calif., painting the desert.”

After his early years in Wisconsin, Rowe was to spend the next seven years of his life in large cities, first pursuing his undergraduate degree in Chicago, at the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT), resident home for the German Bauhaus School of Design. It was there that he met his future wife, Susan Sobczak, a fellow art student at IIT. Upon their graduation from IIT, the newlyweds set out on their first-ever trip east so Rowe could attend the University of Hartford to pursue his master’s of fine art degree.

left: Don Rowe, professor of art, with senior Hera Haizel.

After graduation, Rowe sent out 350 letters of application to colleges with art departments which were strong in print making.

Out of four definite contracts, he chose a position in the Nez Perce Art Studio at Olivet College. His predecessor, Steven Hazel, had developed such a strong program in print making at Olivet that artists from four states would come to work in the studio on weekends.

Rowe admits that when he and Susan came to Olivet, they had no intention of staying for what has now been 35 years. But from the beginning, the concept of a home and studio took root, and for more than a third of a century, it has filled their lives with a rich combination of teaching and creating art, entertaining friends and collecting artwork by fellow artists.

Physically, the house and studio have grown, too. What began as a three bedroom ranch house has spread in three directions, with a new entryway in the front, a screened-in porch in the back, a bedroom added above the garage. Most recently the garage has become a summer studio, complete with an enormous screen covering the door.

After Susan supported Don in graduate school by working as a visual designer, she earned her master’s of fine arts degree from Western Michigan University. She has made art her career, too, teaching commercial art part-time at the college and serving as graphic designer for Albion College.

The Rowes have one daughter, Jessica, who is also an artist. She is working full time at Northwestern University as a visual information liaison and teaching at Columbia College, in Chicago.

What began as a hobby for Rowe of sketching colleagues’ faces during long faculty meetings has emerged organically into a huge, ever-growing panorama of Olivet College campus buildings and faces from the past and present. Faculty have a sense of having completed an important rite of passage when they come to the faculty lounge in the fall and find themselves suddenly nestled among the various images on this three-dimensional collage.

Again, Rowe’s strong sense of place shows through, for these are not portraits in isolation; they are a part of an ever-expanding visual community.

Commenting upon his present-day teaching, Rowe muses that “Students are very different these days, because a large proportion of them have difficulty focusing over a period of time. You have to be much more entertaining to keep their attention. This means you can’t rely on old notes anymore but have to keep inventing new ways to teach.

“Liberal arts is a very important kind of higher education,” Rowe goes on, “and it’s what small schools do the best. As director of our ‘self and community’ course and of general education, I see myself as an advocate and spokesperson not only to the students but to the rest of the faculty.”

When the Rowes eventually retire, one can imagine a seamless transition. They will simply spend more time in their home and studio, creating, entertaining and collecting. Former students and colleagues will drop by for tea or sherry, and the closest thing Olivet has to a true French salon will go on and on.

above: Don and Susan Rowe

SHIPHERD’S RECORD 13

Math Musicians

by Molly Reed ’05

- Michael Fredericks

14 SPRING 2004

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“

People lose focus that you can be good at more than one thing. People should get involved and learn whatever they can whenever they can.

W

With Darden’s position as chair of the department and Fredericks’ hether they are on-stage or in the classroom, new teaching status, they found that their careers as musicians were Marcus Darden and Michael Fredericks have exceptional tools in the educational field. “It gives you tolerance, no problem appealing to the college crowd. In especially with large groups,” said Fredericks. “As a musician you fact, their dual lifestyles as professors and deal with so many personalities and differences and when you come musicians demonstrate to their students that into the classroom you deal with the same thing. It’s like learning a they can be successful at whatever endeavors they wish to song. Some people get it right off the bat and some people don’t. It’s pursue. the same thing in the classroom; you try to get everybody to the Darden, chair of the Mathematics and Computer Science same spot.”

Department, and Fredericks, assistant professor of mathematics They do not have to try very hard to get people to the same and computer science, have always had a passion for horn bands. spot when they perform at Rick’s American Café in East Lansing.

In April 1992 they combined with a group of friends to form Lines for this popular college hang out wrap all the way around the Global Village, a band armed with an astounding style of funk, corner when Global Village is performing. College students swamp soul, rock and roll, jazz and everything in between. With Darden the open floor, slow dancing to Marvin Gaye classics and singing on saxophone and vocals and Fredericks on bass guitar, their along to the entire play list. Darden and Fredericks rarely have timeless tunes such as Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition” and The trouble holding the crowd’s attention.

Commodores’ “Brick House” generate From stage view, however, they can read nothing but high energy, entertainment people’s faces and body language to and beats worth getting down to. As know when they need to change it up. excitable as their audience, their The same necessary adjustments carry reverence for performing phenomenal over to teaching. “You have to entertain music while having a genuinely good time people for three hours when you are in a has been their key to 12 years of success band, and you have to do the same thing on the local music scene. “We have with students,” said Fredericks. “The always been great friends,” said philosophy in my classroom is that you Fredericks. “That is what really makes have to entertain as well as educate performing worthwhile. We have so much them.” fun.”

With the close rapport the school They have carried that success over offers between students, faculty and to Olivet College, launching the staff, that philosophy is not hard to follow.

Mathematics and Computer Science “Olivet does what the world tries to Department into a curriculum bound to achieve,” said Fredericks. “The attitude make their graduates highly marketable. of the administration and the students “We are trying to revamp the department brings people of all different races and with a new, highly sought after degree Fredericks and Darden, along with their band Global backgrounds together into realizing we program,” said Fredericks. “In addition Village, perform regularly at Rick’s American Café in are all the same. Olivet has the right to the new structure we are looking at East Lansing. attitude toward education.” bringing in certifications, which are an That attitude, as modeled by important part of resumes for computer science students.”

Darden and Fredericks, stresses the importance of having other Two new computer science courses were designed in this passions in life. They have proved this in their equal talents of past year alone. One course, created in combination with the teaching and performing music. “People lose focus that you can be business department, teaches Access and Excel software. good at more than one thing,” said Fredericks. “People should get The other, titled Web design and development, uses Macromedia involved and learn whatever they can whenever they can.”

Dreamweaver and Flash programs to create detailed Web sites.

They have also constructed a state-of-the-art computer lab designed strictly for computer science students, whom in the past, have had to compete for lab space on campus. Like superheroes of the modern working world, Darden and Fredericks use their dual talents to improve, educate and enthrall.

Their students could not agree more. With an instinctual ability to entertain, these two were destined to teach. When Fredericks came to Olivet to help Darden develop software for the computer science department, he was asked to stick around.

Michael Fredericks (left) and Marcus Darden were the architects behind Olivet’s new computer science lab.

SHIPHERD’S RECORD 15

Olivet People

Enabling lives, initiating change

by Shannon Tiernan

16 SPRING 2004

B

rian Benner ’69 is a problem solver, a righter of wrongs, a pressure valve for the release of society’s steam.

From medical malpractice to work-site safety, he finds himself rolling up his sleeves and getting down to business on a daily basis as a trial lawyer based in Farmington Hills.

“Lawsuits are the regulatory arm that tells industry when you carelessly injure people, you are going to compensate them,” said Benner. He calls it dispute resolution for a civil society.

In addition to working in Michigan, Benner’s practice takes him around the world to work on cases in locations such as Austria, England, Germany and Scotland. In fact, Benner is currently working with Holocaust survivors on a reimbursement program set up by the German Government.

“Though the compensation isn’t very great, we’re representing one 84-year-old man who may not have to work anymore because of this program,” Benner said. “You really feel like you’re doing a good deed.”

Not all of Benner’s cases are as enjoyable. In the past four years he has worked with three people who were maimed on the job by unguarded conveyer belts. These people suffered life changing injuries that could have been prevented with the installment of a $2 plate. But his clients were in no position to enforce safety regulations at their company.

“You have to laugh sometimes or you’d just cry,” he said of the situation.

According to the National Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries, 7 million people are injured on the job each year. Since the agencies responsible for work-site safety are typically underfunded and it’s not a hot political topic, Benner said it’s hard to get legislators and consumers engaged in safety issues. Despite the odds, Benner remains passionate about improving safety in the workplace.

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Mr. Peck was involved in a number of issues to reduce violence in our society; he really did a lot of good things in his life.

Olivet People

“The greatest thing Americans have going for them is our legal system,” added Benner. “Everybody in the world wants our legal system because it provides for a quality of life and gives you a chance to say I’ve been injured and I have the right to a remedy.”

Benner’s enthusiasm for the law doesn’t end with work-site safety. He is also adamant about reducing violence through firearm regulation.

“I have a case right now in Michigan where a gun dropped on the floor and fired, killing a 2-year-old boy,” Benner said. “The gun did not have an inexpensive safety device that would have prevented the weapon from firing when it dropped. It’s frustrating being a lawyer sometimes because employers and manufacturers have gone the wrong way on providing safety for the public.”

Benner believes so strongly in consumer safety, that he established the Mark and Helen Benner Humanitarian Award, in honor of his parents. The award was created to honor those who believe in bettering society through humanitarian work.

Gregory Peck, a theatre, television and big screen actor, was the first recipient.

Benner was instrumental in bringing Benner met Peck, who Mary Robinson, Ireland’s first female was also involved in president (1990-97), to Olivet’s campus in November 2003. firearm safety issues, when working with the Washington, D.C.-based Coalition to Stop Gun Violence.

“Mr. Peck was involved in a number of issues to reduce violence in our society; he really did a lot of good things in his life,” said Benner. “Making the world a better and safer place to live should be a goal for all of us. It makes for a far more just and fair world.

“A society’s greatest resource is its people,” he said. “We should be doing everything we can to prevent needless deaths and injuries due to dangerous machines and unsafe consumer products.”

- Brian Benner ‘69

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Brian Benner ’69 presented the first Mark and Helen Benner Humanitarian Award to Oscar award-winner Gregory Peck, who died in June 2003.

SHIPHERD’S RECORD 17

Olivet People

t e v i l O o t e m Why I ca From its historically intimate campus atmosphere to “just wanting to get away from home,” there are a number of reasons why students have attended Olivet College through the years.

But like no other time in school history, prospective students are looking to Olivet to fulfill their higher education goals.

• • •

As of May 1, Olivet had nearly 150 more applications than it did at the same time last year.

Olivet’s retention rates continue to rise; total enrollment reached an all-time high of 1,071 in fall 2003.

The Office of Admissions’ goal is to recruit 300 to 350 new students for the 2004 fall semester (as opposed to more than 400 students each of the previous two years), allowing for even stricter recruitment requirements.

Not only is Olivet’s enrollment and retention increasing but the quality of the student body is on the rise as well. The mean grade point average for fall 2004 incoming freshmen is 3.2 and the average ACT score is 20.1, up from 2.92 and 19.3 one year ago. “In the past few years we have developed an admissions staff who not only increased enrollment, but raised the bar for incoming students,” said Bernie McConnell ’82, assistant vice president for enrollment management. “If you bring in stronger, academically prepared students, your enrollment and retention will rise.”

So what else about Olivet College is causing this influx of interest? Let’s start at the beginning.

18 SPRING 2004

by Shannon Tiernan

Opening doors According to Ashurina Chamoun, a freshman from Warren who works in Olivet’s Office of Admissions, visiting a campus is when the reality of going to college really sets in. And Olivet’s faculty and staff, along with the work-study students who round out the college’s admissions front, do their best to break down barriers with prospective students to make them feel like this is where they really want to be.

“We all have so much fun, we get along well and we relate well to each other,” said Chamoun of her experience in the admissions office. “I love meeting people who are in the same position I was a year ago. Bringing them in, having fun with them, making them feel comfortable – this was a good choice I made to come here and I want them to see that during their visit.”

By the time a high school senior Ashurina Chamoun graduates, he or she may visit numerous colleges or universities before making a final decision. So it’s imperative that Olivet’s admissions staff approach each student as an individual – gearing visits to meet the student’s unique academic, athletic or co-curricular needs.

“Olivet is attracting more students now because we’re going the extra mile to give more personalized attention to every prospective student who walks in the front door,” said McConnell.

“We give the best campus visit we can to each student – they

won’t decide to not come here because they were treated better somewhere else.”

Going the extra mile doesn’t stop with admissions, though.

Since his installation in February 2002, President Don Tuski ’85, Ph.D., has challenged the entire campus community – from the grounds crew to faculty, and staff to coaches – to perform at a higher level. “That has truly made the admissions and retention process easier because it’s evident we’re working harder to make this campus something we can all be proud to represent,” added McConnell.

Athletics a big hit Nearly 40 percent of Olivet’s student body is comprised of students who must find a happy balance between their academic and athletic interests. So the college’s athletic recruiters work hand-in-hand with the Office of Admissions staff to recruit some of the state and nation’s finest student-athletes to Olivet College.

“There are three things I look for when it comes to recruiting student-athletes,” said Bill Maas ’89, athletic recruiting coordinator and women’s golf coach. “Do they have a solid academic background, can they help us improve the team athletically and do they have a good sense of civic responsibility?”

Olivet athletes are students first. Some coaches even mandate study tables for their team members – both in- and out-of-season.

According to Wendy Wendy Mickelwait Mickelwait, a sophomore pre-med student and member of the women’s golf team, Olivet’s faculty are good about working with students who juggle academics with sports, and most student-athletes work hard to maintain academic eligibility. “I’ll bring flashcards to practice with me sometimes, or I’ll bring my books or laptop to study,” she said.

“I haven’t had a problem with it.”

Like many student-athletes, Mickelwait can’t imagine not being involved with athletics at Olivet since it’s a major part of her college experience. “I believe if I did not play golf and had been accepted to Olivet based solely on academics, my personal experience here would be almost entirely different.

“But I know college is supposed to be fun – regardless of why you’re here. I have really great friends and the professors are great, that really helps a lot!”

Making the grade Olivet College has a number of outstanding academic programs which attract well-rounded students looking for a start to their professional lives.

This fit the bill for senior Matthew Quigley.

“I had always heard good things about the academic programs at Olivet College,” said Quigley. “It’s very personalized here because it’s so small, you know just about everybody; you

Olivet People can build good relationships with your professors because of this.

My education here has been so hands-on; I don’t know if other colleges and universities can offer the same opportunities.”

This intimate atmosphere available at Olivet helps garner strong student/faculty relationships. Nearly every alumna or alumnus has a professor who truly made a difference in their life. Formed during the college years, this student/faculty bond Matthew Quigley can last a lifetime.

“Anything we can do to connect with students’ lives is so imperative,” said Lowell Walsworth, director and professor of communication studies and biblical studies. “I take what I’ve learned as a Christian minister and get involved with the personalities of the individual students. That human connection is key to making students’ time here memorable.”

Location key to success When students think about attending a school, many look for something that is conveniently close to home. In fact, nearly 36 percent of Olivet’s student body hail from towns within a 30-mile radius of campus. But this isn’t always the case.

For freshman Hristo Kozhuharov, location was extremely important in deciding where to attend college. He preferred something in Germany or the United States.

“I come from Bulgaria,” Kozhuharov said.

“I studied in a foreign language school for five years back home which prepared students for applying to institutions around the world.”

Wishing to pursue a business degree, Kozhuharov got online to visit college Web sites. Seeing Olivet’s insurance program was one of the best in the nation, he sent his application and paperwork to Mike Fales, director of church relations and co-advisor for the college’s international students. Though he was accepted at more than 15 schools, Hristo Kozhuharov Kozhuharov chose to attend Olivet.

“Olivet is a small college where people really get to know one another, and that’s what I’m used to because I don’t come from a big city,” said Kozhuharov. “I see myself as so much more selfreliant because I came to a college far away from home.”

Whether its academics or athletics, admissions or the location that brings prospective students to Olivet, it is evident that members of the campus community are growing ever-proud to call themselves Olivetians.

SHIPHERD’S RECORD 19

Empowering people through perseverance

by Shannon Tiernan

20 SPRING 2004

A

s a child, Carolyn Crowe ’76 would regularly bring home injured animals and birds to heal and release back into the wild. This nurturing spirit is still present in Crowe today.

“I have a real concern for the underdog, that’s why I serve many organizations that raise the level of people’s existence,” she said. “Working to accomplish anything that will better their community or world; I think that’s always been my nature.”

Crowe’s schedule is inundated with community service activities. In all, she volunteers for 19 organizations in addition to working full time at the Blue Water Habitat for Humanity in Port Huron. Though she’s paid to work at Habitat, it’s clear she finds fulfilling its mission just as rewarding as her volunteer experiences.

“It’s very intense and stressful to find the necessary funds for Habitat to build in the Port Huron area, but it’s all worthwhile since I feel like I’m working for God because Habitat is a Christian ministry,” she said. “The organization is very focused on giving the less fortunate a helping hand, not a handout.”

Crowe has spent her adult life trying to do what the average person can do to make this world a better place.

“I give my time, talent and perseverance, but I’d like to give more,” she added.

Giving more of her time seems impossible in this already jammed schedule. On the rare occasion Crowe has a “free” weekend, she finds herself participating in walk-a-thons, coordinating a fund-raiser for an organization, or feeding, walking and picking up after her dogs.

Crowe credits her parents, who were both extremely active in their community as well, for her nurturing spirit and drive to improve society. Her mother, who was also a volunteer, worked with more than 13 organizations including the Girl Scouts and the Lapeer Mental Health Hospital. Her late father, a former Detroit News outdoor editor and avid environmental advocate, taught Crowe how everything she does affects something else in life.

In addition to her parents, she calls her years at Olivet College extremely formative.

~

“I loved my professors, especially Senorita Campana,” said Crowe of her college Spanish professor. “She had such a belief in her students, never did she take no for an answer. I don’t think she knows how she affected people.”

This notion of not taking no for an answer has stuck with Crowe, who now finds herself jumping in whenever there is a problem to solve or a task to complete. Nowhere does this hold more truth than with Girl Scouts and Leader Dogs for the Blind, two of her favorite organizations.

Under the slogan, “Do a good turn daily,” the Girl Scouts fit Crowe’s mission in life. “I attribute my beliefs on how we interact with the environment, my need for giving back and my desire to leave a place better than I found it to Girl Scouts,” said Crowe.

She loves seeing the proverbial light bulb go on when some of her scouts realize they can do something they didn’t know they could, or seeing the excitement when a group of scouts finish a program.

“Changing people’s lives by enabling them to reach their full potential allows them to be the best they can be,” added Crowe of her work with the Girl Scouts and Leader Dog programs. “Both organizations provide personal empowerment to individuals.”

Crowe has been raising leader dogs since 1994 and is on her 11th puppy. Though the dogs take a majority of her time, she says it’s rewarding to see them placed into a loving and grateful home.

“It’s like sending them off to college or them getting a job,” she laughed. “Then you get to start over with this new little bundle.”

Though these organizations are suitable for Crowe, they may not fit everyone. Understanding where to focus your talents is key in taking the first step toward volunteerism. According to Crowe, even the most mundane of activities – from stuffing envelopes to raking a local park – can help alleviate the time crunch on an overstressed staff or improve a community.

“I understand when people don’t have time to volunteer, but when there’s a will there’s a way,” added Crowe. “You may already be participating in activities at your children’s school or at church, and that’s great. If not, just find an area you are interested in and give a small amount of your time; just do your thing.”

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Changing people’s lives by enabling them to reach their full potential allows them to be the best they can be.

“

- Carolyn Crowe ’76

Carolyn Crowe ’76, pictured to the left and above with two of the leader dogs she has trained.

SHIPHERD’S RECORD 21

Comet Sports Stubbs has swimming and diving teams making a splash

by Geoff Henson

The success of the 2003-04 Olivet College swimming and diving teams can be attributed to two things. First and foremost is the man at the top, Head Coach Dave Stubbs. Secondly, the success is a result of an influx of quality student-athletes.

Stubbs, who was a highly successful coach at the high school level for 29 years, brought his expertise to Olivet in the summer of 2002. With only six weeks of recruiting, the 2002-03 teams had five student-athletes combined. After a full year on the recruiting trail, Stubbs welcomed 25 recruits for the 2003-04 campaign. Senior Shannon McHugh (Manistique) also decided to re-join the team after sitting out her junior year.

“Having Shannon back not only filled a serious hole in our dual-meet lineup, but she added a veteran leader to a very young team,” said Stubbs.

When asked why they came to Olivet, almost all of the recruits answered with a similar reason – they wanted to be a part of something special.

At the 2004 Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Coach Stubbs and Shannon McHugh Association (MIAA) Swimming and Diving Championships Feb. 19-21, the women finished in fourth-place and the men fifth. Both finishes were the best-ever in school history.

“Our performance was great, and we showed no fear,” said Stubbs. “For such a young team, I was concerned with how they would react. They passed the test and then some.”

The men’s team ended its dual-meet season with a 5-4 overall record and 2-3 MIAA mark. The women had a 7-4 overall and 3-3 MIAA record.

The men’s team started the season off with a 125-115 dual win against MIAA rival Albion College on Nov. 1, 2003. The victory was the first-ever in school history, and more importantly, the first-ever MIAA win.

A week later, it was time for the women’s team to shine.

The Lady Comets hosted NCAA Division II foe Hillsdale College and picked-up their first-ever dual-meet win, 125-106.

On Jan. 10 in a double dual at Hope College, the women’s team won its first-ever MIAA dual-meet, beating Alma, 67-46.

The men also beat Alma, 86-26.

At the year’s final MIAA dual-meet on Jan. 16, the Lady Comets won their biggest meet of the season, 121-118, over Kalamazoo. The men’s team almost knocked off the Hornets, 122-120. The last event, 200 freestyle relay, decided the winner on both sides.

“Other than the MIAA meet, that night was the high point of our season,” Stubbs said. “We showed that we could compete with the better teams in the MIAA.”

22 SPRING 2004

Looking back on the season, the men’s team broke every school record. Some of the top swimmers were freshmen Juan Aguirre (Queretaro, Mexico), Jon Cox (Battle Creek), Ananta Fetters (Fennville) and Levi Yockey (Phoenix, Ariz.).

Aguirre broke three individual school records (100 backstroke, 50 freestyle and 100 freestyle) and swam on four record-setting relays. Cox, Fetters and Yockey hold two individual school records apiece. Fetters and Yockey joined Aguirre on all four relays, and Cox was a part of two relays.

“These guys had a great year for us,” stated Stubbs. “The thing that stands out about them is they all brought a solid work ethic to practice.”

The women almost duplicated the men, breaking school records in all but three events.

Leading the way was sophomore Jill Lingbeek (Plainwell), who became the second swimmer in school history to earn All-MIAA honors. At the league championships, she was third in the 100 butterfly, fourth in the 100 backstroke and seventh in the 200 butterfly. Lingbeek also swam on the second-place 200 medley relay, third-place 200 freestyle relay and fourth-place 400 medley relay. She broke the school record in each event except the 100 backstroke.

“Jill was one of the hardest workers on the women’s team,” Stubbs says. “Her dual-meet season was not what she would have liked but she had an outstanding MIAA championship meet.”

McHugh, Laura Herzog (St. Joseph) and Katherine Roesch (Lake Orion) also had outstanding years. McHugh broke her own school records in the 100 and 200 breaststroke, which she set as a sophomore. Herzog shattered school marks in the 500, 1,000 and 1,650 freestyle events. She was also a part of three record-setting relays. Roesch set school records in the 200 and 400 individual medleys and swam on four relays. She missed breaking the 200 backstroke record by .02 seconds.

In addition, divers Kristin Bloomquist (Holt) and Andy Weiss (Fremont) set school records on the one- and three-meter diving boards.

Freshman Levi Yockey

Comet Sports Women’s tennis team has cinderella season

by Geoff Henson

The Lady Comets captured wins at four-of-six singles flights At the beginning of the season, Head Women’s Tennis and two-of-three doubles flights. Mallory Bailey (Kalamazoo), Coach Mary Anne McMullen ’01 told her young and Corey Jager (Kalamazoo), Venera Kurteshi (Taylor) and Rachel inexperienced team they had the talent to make their presence Vilums (Hudsonville) won in singles action. The duos of Baileyknown in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association Vilums and Stephanie Reed (Holt)-Lindsey Struble (Battle (MIAA) and make history at Olivet College.

Creek) won in doubles play.

McMullen was right. The 2004 “The win over Alma was a great day squad, which consisted of one junior, for Olivet College,” said McMullen. two sophomores and eight freshmen, “The players knew that they had made turned in the best season in the history history and were very proud of what they of the program. accomplished. Their sportsmanship was The team ended the 2004 great during that match and throughout campaign with a 6-9 overall record, 2-5 the season.”

MIAA mark and seventh-place finish At the MIAA championships, at the 2004 MIAA championships.

Vilums was fifth at the No. 1 singles The Lady Comets placed sixth in the position. After dropping her first match in final league standings, which is a straight sets, she bounced back to win her combination of regular season and next two matches, including a 6-4, 4-6, tournament finishes. Furthermore, Head Coach Mary Anne McMullen ’01 (far left) and Assistant Coach Matt Wait ’99 (far right) with members of Olivet’s 2004 7-5 victory in the fifth-place match. the six wins are one more than the total women’s tennis team.

Bailey was sixth and Jager, Struble and wins in the history of the program.

Mehgan Bildner (Grosse Ile) were seventh.

The biggest win of the season was a 6-3 victory against “At every practice and match this season, all the players Alma College on April 3, which snapped a 104-match losing worked their hearts out and left everything on the courts,” said streak in MIAA play. Prior to that, Olivet’s last MIAA win was McMullen. “We were a Cinderella story this year that came true.” a 5-4 victory over Adrian College in 1988.

Sports News and Notes

Newland

Horanburg

Shunkwiler

Shelhart

On back-to-back days this spring, the softball and baseball teams threw a no-hitter. Jenn Newland (Tekonsha) tossed a seveninning no-hitter in a 5-0 win at Kalamazoo College on April 6.

The next day, five baseball pitchers – Dustin Bolt (St. Joseph), Brad Dragicevich (Kalamazoo), Josh Kellogg (Morley), Zack Langford (Marshall) and Brian Schaeffer (Mason) – combined to throw a no-hitter against Finlandia University for the second baseball no-hitter in school history.

In addition, sophomores Erica Anderson (Casnovia) and Stephanie Green (Leroy) combined to pitch a no-hitter against Rochester College on April 19. This no-hitter was the eighth in school history.

Kim Horanburg (Grand Ledge) and Beth Shunkwiler (Berrien Center) earned 2004 first-team All-MIAA softball honors. Newland was a second-team selection. Chris Shelhart (Rolling Meadows, Ill.) and Ricky Strain (Livonia) were recognized with first-team All-MIAA baseball honors.

Strain

Johnston

Pruitt

Dinner

Amanda Johnston (Mt. Morris) was selected to the 2003-04 firstteam All-MIAA women’s basketball squad. She led the Lady Comets in scoring (14.4 ppg) and rebounding (8.4 rpg). De’Andre Pruitt (River Rouge) earned 2003-04 second-team All-MIAA honors in men’s basketball. Pruitt led the Fighting Comets in scoring (14.3 ppg) and rebounding (6.2 rpg).

The women’s soccer, women’s cross country and wrestling teams received team GPA awards from their respective coaches’ association.

Horanburg was named to the 2004 College Sports Information Directors of America Academic All-District IV second-team. She has a 3.50 grade point average (GPA) in history.

Mike Dinner (Oakville, Ontario) finished in a tie for 44th-place at the 2004 NCAA Division III National Men’s Golf Championships hosted by the PGA Club of Southern California at Oak Valley.

Dinner had a four-round total of 307 strokes (79-80-69-79).

SHIPHERD’S RECORD 23

2004 Fall Sports Schedules FOOTBALL SEPT. 11 18 25 OCT. 2 9 16 23 30 NOV. 6 13

WOMEN’S SOCCER

@ Franklin (Ind.) OHIO WESLEYAN MANCHESTER (Ind.) ALMA * @ Hope * ADRIAN * (Homecoming) @ Tri-State (Ind.) @ Kalamazoo * WISCONSIN LUTHERAN * @ Albion *

2:30 p.m.

1 P.M. 1 P.M. 1 P.M. 2 p.m.

1 P.M. 1:30 p.m.

1 p.m.

1 P.M. 1 p.m.

MEN’S SOCCER SEPT.

3 @ Manchester (Ind.) # 3 or 5 p.m.

4 vs. Moody Bible (Ill.) # TBA 10 vs. Transylvania (Ky.) $ 3 p.m.

11 vs. Defiance (Ohio) $ 1 p.m.

18 AURORA (Ill.) 2:30 P.M. 22 ALMA * 4 P.M. 25 @ Hope * 1:30 p.m.

28 @ Kalamazoo * 4 p.m.

OCT. 2 ADRIAN * 2:30 P.M. 6 @ Calvin * 4 p.m.

9 @ Albion * 1:30 p.m.

14 @ Tri-State (Ind.) * 4 p.m.

16 @ Alma * 1:30 p.m.

20 HOPE * 4 P.M. 23 KALAMAZOO * 1:30 P.M. 26 @ Adrian * 4 p.m.

30 CALVIN * 1:30 P.M. NOV. 3 ALBION * 3 P.M. 6 TRI-STATE (Ind.) * 1:30 P.M. # - denotes Manchester College Tournament (N. Manchester, Ind.). $ - denotes Ohio Northern University Adidas Classic (Ada, Ohio).

CROSS COUNTRY SEPT.

OCT.

NOV.

4 11 25 2 9 16 30 6 13

@ Hope College Invitational @ Lebanon Valley (Pa.) Invitational MIAA Jamboree @ Hope * @ Lansing CC Invitational @ Michigan Intercollegiate Meet @ Ohio Northern Invitational @ MIAA Championships @ Calvin * NCAA Regional Meet @ Alma NCAA National Championships

SEPT.

3 @ Concordia (Ill.) 4 p.m.

5 @ Dominican (Ill.) 3:30 p.m.

11 vs. Manchester (Ind.) # 2 p.m.

12 OTTERBEIN (Ohio) # 3 P.M. 15 @ Hope * 4 p.m.

18 CALVIN * NOON 21 @ Tri-State (Ind.) * 4 p.m.

25 SAINT MARY’S (Ind.) * NOON 29 @ Adrian * 4 p.m.

OCT. 2 KALAMAZOO * NOON 5 @ Alma * 4 p.m.

7 ALBION * 4 P.M. 13 HOPE * 4 P.M. 16 @ Calvin * noon 19 TRI-STATE (Ind.) * 4 P.M. 23 @ Saint Mary’s (Ind.) * noon 27 ADRIAN * 4 P.M. 30 @ Kalamazoo * noon NOV. 2 ALMA * 3 P.M. 6 @ Albion * noon # - denotes Albion/Olivet Tournament: Games on Saturday at Albion and games on Sunday at Olivet.

VOLLEYBALL SEPT.

1 3-4 8 10-11 14 16 23 25 30 OCT. 2 7 9 12 15-16 20 23 26 30 NOV. 2-6

ALBION * @ Oberlin (Ohio) Tournament CALVIN * @ College of Wooster (Ohio) Tournament ADRIAN * KALAMAZOO * @ Alma * @ Hope with Saint Mary’s (Ind.) * ROCHESTER * @ Kalamazoo * @ Madonna TRI-STATE (Ind.) and ALMA * @ Adrian * @ Elmhurst (Ill.) Tournament HOPE * @ Calvin with Tri-State (Ind.) * SAINT MARY’S (Ind.) * @ Albion * MIAA Tournament (Site TBA)

BOLD and CAPS denote home event. * denotes Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association event.

www.olivetcollege.edu/sports 24 SPRING 2004

7 P.M. TBA 7 P.M. TBA 7 P.M. 7 P.M. 7 p.m. noon 7 P.M. 11 a.m.

7 p.m.

NOON 7 p.m.

TBA 7 P.M. noon 7 P.M. 11 a.m.

TBA

Development Gruen memorial fund

The Legacy Society

In memory of Dr. Fred Gruen, professor emeritus of chemistry who died Nov. 16, 2003, the college has established the Dr. Fred Martin Gruen Memorial Fund, which benefits the Natural and Physical Science Department.

Donations will be used to enhance the curriculum through purchasing advanced equipment for analytical chemistry, biotechnology and microbiology. The new acquisitions will provide students with a highly advanced, technological hands-on experience.

Many alumni credit Dr. Gruen, who taught at Olivet for 41 years, for their Dr. Fred Gruen success in the medical, educational and research fields. The fund commemorating his contributions to Olivet College will help his impact on the scientific field carry over to current and future students.

For more information on donating, contact the Office of Institutional Advancement at (269) 749-7630 or via e-mail at advancement@olivetcollege.edu.

The Legacy Society of Olivet College recognizes those individuals who have provided for Olivet in their estate plan or through a will provision. It is a unique way to provide financial support to your alma mater while still providing current income for yourself as well as future support for family and loved ones.

Gifts to Olivet College through an estate plan can reduce estate and probate costs, reduce or eliminate tax on capital gains, and provide a lifetime income.

For more information regarding an estate plan or will provision, please contact Alan Nagy ’68, vice president for institutional advancement, at (269) 749-7584 or via e-mail at anagy@olivetcollege.edu.

Show your support!

Every gift - no matter the size - makes a difference! It’s important to know that the number of alumni who give is an indicator of faith in their alma mater. Major donors are eager to lend their support to institutions where alumni support is strong.

Philanthropic organizations invest their dollars in institutions exhibiting strong alumni support as well.

If you work for a matching gift company, please visit your personnel or benefits office to obtain forms and more information.

There are a number of programs and events at Olivet that would benefit from the increased funding. With your participation and financial support, Olivet will continue to strengthen itself for future generations.

Join the 1844 Society The 1844 Society is part of The Olivet Fund and builds upon the tradition of giving and support to the college. All that is required to become a member of the society is a one dollar donation for each year Olivet has been educating students.

This fiscal year, membership in the 1844 Society requires a minimum gift of $159 dollars. Each year thereafter, the total amount increases by one dollar. For example, during the 2004-05 fiscal year, the total gift will be $160.

Individuals who contribute at a higher level automatically become 1844 Society members and are recognized at the level of their contribution.

The Olivet Fund Each fiscal year ( July 1 to June 30) Olivet College seeks support for The Olivet Fund. Unrestricted gifts to the fund allow the college to offset some of the financial awards it provides for students. During the 2003-04 academic year, Olivet awarded more than $6.6 million to its students through internal grants, scholarships and the college’s work-study program.

Your annual support of The Olivet Fund, which can be unrestricted or designated for a specific area (i.e. a department, academic program, athletic team, etc.) will keep the Olivet education experience affordable for all qualified students.

SHIPHERD’S RECORD 25

Class Notes Update from the Director There are many improvements happening at Olivet College right now – many of which you can be a part of!

The new football field, stands, press box and lighting are becoming a reality; the finishing touches on this project should be completed by the end Marty Mason Jennings ’67 of June.

A huge thank you goes out to Dave Cutler ’65 for his more than generous gifts in support of this project and for putting a challenge out to others for these improvements. And a very special thank you also goes to Tom Nesbitt ’63 and George Pyne ’65 for their timeless energy in calling alumni to garner support. Because of the drive for contributions, numerous other alumni have stepped up to the plate to support other campus improvements.

We recently held a memorial tribute to Dr. Fred Gruen, who passed away in the fall. Many alumni returned to campus to honor Dr. Gruen and talk about his influence on their lives and their choice of careers. If Dr. Gruen was influential in your life, please consider supporting the Dr. Fred Martin Gruen Memorial Fund for improvements in the chemistry and molecular biology laboratory. A substantial gift was made by J. Robert Gillette ’63 to better the science department, and the additional gifts will only enhance the improvements already made.

Mark your calendar for Oct. 15 and 16, 2004 for our Homecoming, “Reflections and Expectations.” Do plan to be here – you won’t want to miss it! Watch your mailbox for more details this summer.

Anyone interested in staying abreast of happenings at Olivet College between Shipherd’s Records can sign up for our e-newsletter by e-mailing collegerelations@olivetcollege.edu.

This monthly electronic publication includes information on alumni socials and Olivet news and notes.

Please stay in touch by contacting me at (269) 749-7644 or via e-mail at mjennings@olivetcollege.edu. Or stop by to see me in Dole Hall if you are in the area. And don’t forget to keep sending in class notes for Shipherd’s Record.

Sincerely,

Marty Mason Jennings ’67 Director of Alumni Relations Visit the Olivet College Alumni Association Web site at

www.olivet.onlinecommunity.com Your I.D. number is required to register.

The number is located near your name on the address label.

26 SPRING 2004

1930s Mildred (Pace) Leggitt ’33 lives in San Marcos, Texas. She is very proud of her twin great-great grandsons, born last summer; there are now five generations of Leggitts. Mildred has two sons and a daughter.

Virginia (Rose) Johnston ex’39 attended Olivet for one year and then transferred to Michigan State University. She loved Olivet and was very active, especially in speaking competition. She would enjoy hearing from classmates at Ba8674@aol.com.

1940s Elizabeth Pettitt ’41 and Fran Gazlay ’42 are retired and live in Northville.

Their careers included teaching preschool in Milford and Northville; economics in Detroit for 35 years; the Army Air Corps for three and a half years, and teaching instruments to B 17 pilots. Biz stays busy grandmothering, exercising and writing for three history quarterlies.

She is one of three generations of Olivetians. Their daughter Julie (Gazlay) ’66 and husband Paul Lundstedt ’67 live in California.

1950s Wendy (Segal) Greene ex’50 was treated to a special 75th birthday party in January by going to a taping of “Jeopardy,” her favorite TV show.

David H. Graham ’58, Ph.D. retired from the ministry after 30 years of service. A celebration to begin a new chapter of his life was held in the Sanctuary of The First Congregational Church in Battle Creek on Jan. 4.

2004 Homecoming - Oct. 15 & 16 “Reflections and Expectations” Olivet College is celebrating its 2004 Homecoming Oct. 15 and 16. Themed “Reflections and Expectations,” the festivities will not only encompass Olivet’s historic past, but celebrate the numerous plans and opportunities unfolding on campus.

• • • • • •

Events include; Golf outing at The Medalist Golf Club in Marshall The Class of 1979 25th Reunion at Schuler’s ’60s gathering at Schuler’s, hosted by J. Robert Gillette ’63 ’50s gathering at the National House Homecoming Party in MacKay Gymnasium Dinner at Schuler’s for those who graduated prior to 1960 celebrating the Class of 1954’s 50th reunion.

Additional information about Homecoming Weekend will be distributed as the date approaches.

Class Notes 1960s Marty Bagosy ’68 is working as a senior engineering mechanical designer for a major defense contractor in the Midwest. Marty’s email address is bagosymp@hotmail.com.

Richard and Reva Parrella, both ’68, hosted the New England alumni social in Medway, Mass. Richard is the vice president of E. Parrella Co., which manufactures bowling balls, billiard balls, bocce balls, specialty balls, sheet stock, rod stock and shift knobs.

New England Alumni Social: Diane Parrella, Robert Parrella ’68, Keith Parker ’66, Reva (Hayes) Parrella ’68, Richard Parrella ’68, Marty (Mason) Jennings ’67, Al Nagy ’68 and Dave Pywell ’69

1970s Cathie Rickert ’70 is retired from teaching and is living in Ontario.

She would like to hear from classmates and members of Alpha E. Cathie’s e-mail address is Cathie.rickert@sympatico.ca.

B. Pennie Millender ’74 was appointed Wayne County 36th District Court Magistrate by Gov. Jennifer Granholm. She was sworn in on Dec. 17, 2003. She had served as magistrate of the 36th District Court since December 1997. In 1976, Millender earned her master’s degree in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling from Wayne State University. In 1987, she earned her law degree from Detroit College of Law and was subsequently admitted to the State Bar of Michigan.

Marcia (Downs) Barker ’76 is traveling the world with her diplomat husband, Brent, and their sons, Edmund (8) and Martin (6). They are posted in Vilnius, Lithuania. She is busy with church, school board, PTA activities and editing the Embassy newsletter. In their 10 years of marriage, the Barkers have lived in Washington, D.C.; Miami; Shanghai, China; and the Fiji Islands. Marcia’s e-mail address is barkerbmem@yahoo.com.

Deborah (Rebeck) Ash ’76 has been a principal flutist in the Plymouth Symphony Orchestra since 1989. She also has performed with the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra, the Greater Lansing Symphony Orchestra and the Michigan Opera Theater.

Deborah maintains a private studio and has been on the faculty of the University of Windsor School of Music.

In 1998, she wrote Riding Past Grief: A Daughter’s Journey during her mother’s illness and subsequent death; the book was illustrated by her family.

Deborah lives in Ann Arbor with her husband Jeff ’75. They have two children in college. Her e-mail address is deborash@umich.edu.

Elisabeth Giegerich ’78 was notified by the Michigan School Vocal Music Association (MSVMA) that she is on the ballot for 2005 State Honors Choir Director. This will be Elisabeth’s third time on the ballot. She teaches at Flint Central High School and works as an adjudicator for MSVMA. She also supervises one of the area State Solo & Ensembles for that organization. She conducted the Michigan State Honors Choir in 1990.

Susan Elmer ’79 is working at the Cerebral Palsy Foundation of Kansas, Inc. She is the vice president of community support services division and the acting director of quality assurance for the agency. She is planning on attending her 25th reunion during Homecoming and would love to see old friends. Susan’s e-mail address is llrsee@aol.com.

Texas Alumni Social: ShaNee Jeffers ’02, host Larry Hice ’68, Jan and Jim Ferguson ’68

SHIPHERD’S RECORD 27

Class Notes Mary (Moore) Haney ’86 teaches at Wellspring Alternative High School in Holly. She lives with her daughter, Mary Catherine (11), and son, Matthew (9). Mary would enjoy hearing from former classmates and Alpha E members. Her e-mail address is mary.haney@holly.k12.mi.us.

Frank Cugini ’87 is the president and CEO of Synergy Soup in Lansing, which is noted for its Web designs and innovative solutions.

The Web address is www.synergysoup.com.

Detroit Holiday Social: Dave Nelson ’89, Christine and Chris Beaudoin ’89, Carol Nesbitt, Bill ’61 and Carol Mountain

Mike Hescott ’87, president and co-owner of Freestone Pickle in Bangor, had his product displayed in the movie “50 First Dates,” starring Adam Sandler.

1980s Karen (Turnbull) Dodds ’80 works at Community Mental Health for Central Michigan as a support coordinator. She works with children and adults with developmental disabilities. Her officemate is Julie Sharp ’76. Karen’s e-mail address is kdodds@cmhcm.org and Julie’s is joliver@cmhcm.org.

Thomas Critchlow ’82 was recently recognized for his outstanding dedication and service by being named 2004 Mason of the Year by the Bellevue Lodge. He is serving as the lodge’s worshipful master.

Leslie (McMullen) Filsinger ’82 has a small psychotherapy practice in Jamestown, New York. She also owns a company that manufactures and sells a novel calendar, a non-date sensitive 100-day countdown to the wedding day. Leslie and her husband have four children. Her e-mail address is les@filsingergames.com.

Brian Hughes ’82, the department chair and director of music at Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, traveled to Poland in January to lead a concert with the Filharmonia Sudecka, the symphony orchestra of Poland. This was not the first overseas conducting experience for Brian; he has been active across Europe since winning a conducting award in 1999 from the orchestra in Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic. Brian’s e-mail address is BHUGHES@loras.edu.

Sandra (Vedder) Boyer ’85, managing shareholder of the Anderson Boyer Group, was inducted as a Fellow of the College of Law Practice Management at its annual meeting in Washington, D.C., in Sept., 2003. Sandra consults with law firms in areas including general management; strategic planning; associate development; marketing; mergers and acquisitions; financial management and human resource management.

28 SPRING 2004

Celebrate the Arts Day: Art Professor Don Rowe, Dale Barr ’68, Gary Wertheimer, chair of the Arts and Communication Department, Susan and Mark Griffin, both ’50

Roger Weise ’87 works as an underwriting supervisor at Foremost Insurance in Grand Rapids. He received his Chartered Property & Casualty Underwriter Designation (CPCU) at the annual CPCU Meeting and Seminars and the conferment ceremony in New Orleans.

Roger’s e-mail address is roger_weise@foremost.com.

Scott Wyman ’87 was honored for environmental stewardship by the Cass County Conservation District “cooperators” in February. Scott has been in that county’s parks department for 17 years and has been instrumental in the reforestation of the parks, securing $500,000 in grants. He has been working to re-establish trees in the Dr. T.K. Lawless Park, which was damaged by tornadoes in 2001.

William Foster ’88 owns the Fries Veterinary Clinic, P.C. in Durand.

He performs basic medical and surgical services for cats and dogs.

Bill’s e-mail address is wfoster@surfbest.net.

Class Notes Bailey brings attention to social justice Marlon Bailey ’91, received an enthusiastic welcome April 14, when he presented as part of the college’s Lecture and Symposium series. His presentation, titled “Being a member, standing apart and sometimes acting alone: The complex politics of social justice,” focused on racial, gender and sexual equality.

With a warm introduction from President Tuski, who referred to him as one of Olivet College’s “finest alums,” Bailey took the podium with a round of applause from faculty pleased to see him back, and students eager to hear him speak. His speech noted social concerns ranging from poverty, HIV, war, racial and sexual inequality and how we are sometimes called to act alone upon our conscience, despite opposition from our communities.

“Those positions upon which you are standing apart are for the good of the people of the world,” said Bailey. “Such positions are meant to change the world for the better, not to make the world worse. Standing apart and acting alone are to understand the historical context of the issue at hand and to stand for an incredible way of righteousness and social justice.”

While attending Olivet he earned a bachelor’s degree in theatre and speech education. His acting career has flourished in his performances at the Attic Theatre in Detroit, the Southern Theatre in Minneapolis, The Woolly Mammoth Theatre in Washington D.C., and the Kentucky Shakespeare Company in Louisville. “Theatre teaches you to be intellectual, to think about life and to speak out,” said Bailey.

“The nature of the education I received, and the mentors I had while attending Olivet College really gave me an opening to an intellectual world.

Olivet creates a different kind of student.”

The Olivet flag is displayed by Lt. Rick Fritz ’96 (standing left), Capt. Adam Calderon ’95 (right) and Chaplain Major Jim Chapin ’76 along the Red Sea in an area where the Multinational Force and Observers is located. The city in the background is Sharm El Sheikh, located near the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula. Members of Olivet’s women’s tennis team recently sent letters to Chapin, who wrote a letter back to each one of the players. Included in the letters were Army code of conduct cards plus military patches for head coach Mary Anne McMullen ’01.

Robyn (Carter) Hagerman ’89 and her husband, Karl, would like to thank all of their alumni friends for the emotional and financial support they received during their oldest son’s battle with childhood leukemia. Kyle was initially diagnosed a week after his second birthday and underwent three and a half years of chemotherapy. They are happy to report that he is a healthy and happy 7-year-old. His leukemia is in remission after being off chemo for two years. They have two other children, Tucker (5) and Tatum (2). They live in Alaska and can be reached at hagerman92@gci.net.

Ernie Lahusky ’89 recently won the Chairman’s Circle Award from State Farm Insurance. The award recognizes agents whose results exhibit quality, multi-line production, strong household retention and an alignment of their business operations with State Farm’s long-term goals.

Alumni art exhibit planned Marlon Bailey ’91

Olivet College is hosting an alumni art show Sept. 30 to Oct. 26 in the Barker-Cawood Art Gallery. Former art students interested in displaying their work should call (269) 749-7644 before July 2, 2004.

Gary Wertheimer, Arts and Communication Department chair, is coordinating this first-ever event.

SHIPHERD’S RECORD 29

Class Notes 1990s Ben Botti ’90 received the National High School Citizenship Education Teacher Award from the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Decatur. The award recognizes teachers who promote citizenship education with their students. Ben is an American history teacher in Decatur. He taught a class on student leadership in which students initiated a recycling program and coordinated community service projects.

Holly (LaRose) Roenicke ’96 is in the Public Affairs Assignment Program for future leaders at the Dow Chemical Company in Midland.

She started at Dow in 2001 as the media relations manager for Michigan operations. Holly’s e-mail address is hroenicke@chartermi.net.

David Birmingham ’98 graduated from Bastyr University in 2001 with a master’s in acupuncture. He has an acupuncture practice in Clio. David and his wife, Rose Willaford ’98, can be reached at r_cw@sbcglobal.net.

2000s Kathy Roche-Wallace ’00 was the first American woman to finish the 2003 Triple Iron Triathlon and placed second overall. The triathlon requires contestants to swim 7.2 miles, cycle 336 miles and run 78.6 miles in fewer than 60 hours. Kathy, a mother of six, teaches fitness classes and works at Starr Commonwealth as an adventure education instructor.

Amy Nye-VanZandt ’01 is earning her master’s in counseling psychology at Spring Arbor University. She is employed at the Battle Creek Health System’s Fieldstone Center as a behavioral health worker. Amy’s e-mail address is MrsOCDbug@aol.com.

Frankenmuth Social: John Graves ’67, Tom McCleary ’65, President Don Tuski ’85 and host Don Keller ’67.

Rev. Timothy Dibble ’91 is a United Methodist minister in the United Kingdom. He would love the opportunity to provide pastoral assistance to fellow alumni, including weddings or baptisms.

Timothy’s e-mail address is Fiona.dibble@ntlworld.com.

Frances (Gordon) Ehause ’91 is the assistant principal at a charter school in Oak Park. In 2002 she earned her master’s in elementary education from Eastern Michigan University (EMU) and is now enrolled in an educational leadership master’s program at EMU. Mike Lothschutz ’91 is employed as a Senior IT Specialist with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation in Lansing. His e-mail address is lothschutzm@comcast.net.

Barbara (Yates) Gaglio ’95 is a high school English teacher in the Albion Public School District. She would appreciate hearing from her Soronian sisters at byates@albion.k12.mi.us.

Melissa (Doubleday) DeCastro ’96 is a self-employed, independent headhunter, placing individuals in entry level to mid-level management positions across the nation. She lives with her husband and son, Clive (21 months), in western Michigan. Melissa’s e-mail address is mdecastro@selectiverecruitment.com.

30 SPRING 2004

Participating in last year’s Alumni Classic were (from left) Irv Sigler ’65, Rocky Johnson ‘85, Ed Heator ‘80 and Gary Morrison.

Two alumni golf outings planned Get ready to show off your golf swing at one of Olivet College’s two upcoming golf outings. The Alumni Golf Outing is Monday, June 28 at the Kalamazoo Country Club. The $100 registration fee includes a visit to the Golf Pro Clinic, 18 holes of golf, dinner and prizes. The event is being hosted by Bill Baird ’72.

For more information, call (269) 749-7673.

The annual Olivet College Alumni Golf Classic (sponsored by the athletic department) is Friday, July 16 at The Medalist Golf Club in Marshall. The registration fee of $95 includes 18 holes of golf with a cart and cooler; lunch, beverages and dinner; and door prizes and raffles. Contests will include longest drive, longest putt and closest to the pin. Proceeds from this annual event benefit the college’s athletic programs.

For more information, call (269) 749-7189.

Class Notes Marriages

Alumni council report

Keith Parker ’66 married Diana Tavares Dec. 27, 2003 at the Sherburn Inn in Sherburn, Mass.

by Don Oderkirk ’64, council president

Bill Corey ’67 married Christine Cunningham Nov. 14, 2003 in New Hampshire.

Bob Dozier ’68 married Gloria Miller March 13, 2004. They reside in Las Vegas, Nev. Patti Moore ’86 married Richard Morris Oct. 4, 2003 in Glen Arbor.

Barbara Yates ’95 married Jeff Gaglio Oct. 10, 2003 in Albion .

Bridesmaids included Amy (Paltekly) Flynn ’95 and Audrey (Davison) McManus ’95.

Patrick Lamb ’96 married Jennifer Lyn Mikowski Sept. 6, 2003 in Suttons Bay. Jason Conkin ’97 married Jeanne McNamara Sept. 20, 2003, at St. Anthony’s Church in Nanuet, N.Y. David Birmingham ’98 and Rose Willaford ’98 and were married Sept. 13, 2003 in Clio . Olivet attendants in the wedding included Michael Payne ’98, Erin Western ’98 and Shayla Blankenship ’98.

Brad Grueter ’99 married Lisa Kiino July 20, 2002.

James Curnalia ’01 and Becky Lukasiewicz ’01 were married in Rockwood June 7, 2003. They reside in Akron, Ohio.

Joseph Merritt ’01 and Kelly Loeffert were married at the Grand Ledge Opera House Sept. 20, 2003.

Adam Kiebala ’02 married Lynelle Johnson Aug. 16, 2003.

Adam is the son of Susan Houston, associate professor of business at Olivet College.

Lisa Brunworth ’03 married Corey Luna on June 7, 2003 in Hudson.

Megan Tenney ’03 married Jason Alday Dec. 27, 2003 in Battle Creek.

New Additions To Doug Cook ’89 and wife, Louise, a son, Aiden Michael, Oct. 5, 2003.

To Mike Lothschultz ’91 and his wife, Amy, a daughter, McKenna Lyn, Sept. 28, 2003. McKenna joins two sisters, Kylie (5) and Karah (3).

To Mike Stahly ’93 and wife, Anne, a son, Jack Guy, Feb. 19, 2004.

To Suzanne Bronson ’93 and her husband, John, a son, John Michael, Feb. 20, 2004.

To Christina (VanDeusen) LaMacchia ’99 and her husband Steven, a son, Vincent Giovanni on Mar. 23, 2004.

The Olivet College Alumni Council awards and scholarship committee, chaired by Carol (Chapman) Sigler ’65, interviewed 25 Olivet College students in March for the Alumni Council Scholarships. The caliber of each student was very impressive.

The council chose six deserving students to receive a total of $3,500 in scholarships.

The Alumni Council Scholarship Fund depends on contributions in order to aid well deserving students attending Olivet. All alumni have the opportunity to recognize these essential students by sending a contribution to the Olivet Fund designated for the “Alumni Council Scholarship.”

Don Oderkirk ’64 At the 2003 Homecoming, Distinguished Alumni Awards were presented to Bob Gillette ’63, Dr. Paul Hahn ’65 and Douglas Semivan ’70. These gentlemen considered the 2004 nominees at the May meeting. Art Stevens, and Charlotte Whitney Stevens, were selected to serve as the 2004 Homecoming Grand Marshals out of appreciation for their great contributions to the college for many years.

If any Olivet alumni are interested in participating on the alumni association 20-member authorized council, please contact Marty Mason Jennings ’67, director of alumni relations, at (269) 749-7644 or myself at (269) 849-3107.

Conflict in Olivet, circa 1948

by John Henry Vanderlind ex ’50

Some Olivetians have heard about a particularly painful period in the 1940s when students struck, faculty were fired, and charges of abuse of academic freedom were heard around the state and nation. I have written a history of these events and sent it to Olivet’s current leaders.

My historical account describes the frenzy of McCarthyism and how I believe Aubrey L. Ashby aligned himself with certain alumni to make charges of disloyal faculty to undercut Malcolm Dana’s administration. He eventually took over the administration of the college and “cleaned house.” I believe one of Dr. Ashby’s motives, was to remove certain faculty from Olivet whom he blamed for his son’s depression and suicide in Olivet in 1945. The first to fall was Professor T. Barton Akeley, who taught political science, and his wife Margaret Love Akeley, a college librarian. Students wanted to know the reasons for the dismissals, and their attempts at finding out are the core of my history in that era.

Many who were present during that time have reviewed my work and find it to be an accurate account of the events of the summer and fall of 1948. For more information or for copies of the pamphlet, contact me at john@mapleclinic.com or at 525 S. Union, Traverse City, MI 49684.

SHIPHERD’S RECORD 31

Class Notes In Memoriam Ruth (Martens) Kendrick ’30 died Feb. 3, 2004. She earned her master’s degree from Michigan State University and was a history teacher at Niles Jr. High School until retiring in 1971. She is survived by a daughter and grandchildren.

Mabel (Fremont) Brooks ’33 died Dec. 18, 2003. She is survived by a son and two sisters. She had been a resident of Fremont.

John W. Stephenson ’60 died Feb. 27, 2004. He is survived by his mother and four children, one of whom is Cyndy D’Asceenzo ’85.

The family would welcome e-mails from friends and classmates at ejcyndy@yahoo.com.

Dr. James Mudgett ’61 died Jan. 14, 2004. He had been a physician in Traverse City for 25 years. He is survived by his wife, Karen, three children, a brother and sister.

Florence (Ford) Poor ’33 died Feb. 28, 2004. She had been a teacher for most of her professional life. She is survived by her husband, Charles, a daughter, grandchildren, twin sisters and brother-in-law Gordon Poor ’36.

Dianne Todd Matthews ’64 died Dec. 30, 2003.

Charles Lowe ’34 died Jan. 14, 2004 in Texas. Charles played on the 1932 championship basketball team, but his playing career was halted due to an injury, which occurred during a practice that left him blind in one eye.

Sandra Elaine Stafford ’70 died Oct. 21, 2003.

Ralph Ladd ’35, a member of the Board of Trustees Emeritus for Olivet College, died Dec. 4, 2003. He is survived by his wife, Virginia, daughter, Judy, and grandchildren.

Robert Pearse ’38 died Dec. 24, 2003. He served in the U.S. Army in the China-India-Burma area for two years. He received his master’s and doctorate at the University of Chicago. He taught at Boston University until his retirement. The Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, N.Y., recruited him where he taught until he was 84 years old. Robert is survived by his wife, three children and grandchildren.

Louise Williams ’38 died in September 2003.

Richard Y. Kim ’66 died Jan. 27, 2004. He is survived by his wife Grace.

Timothy Benner ex’80 died on April 27, 2004. He is survived by his wife and three sons, brother Brian Benner ’69, and three other brothers and one sister.

Josh Bookwalter ’01 died April 17, 2004. He was a soccer player and member of Phi Alpha Pi and Gamma Iota Sigma while at Olivet.

Former Faculty and Staff Memoriam James Attwood, former Board of Trustees member at Olivet College, died Jan. 15, 2004. When he retired from Unistrut (now Verizon Wireless), he formed the GeoBionics Corp., for the purpose of conducting independent scientific research. His work led him to an association with Olivet College, where he taught a course in biomagnetics. He is survived by his wife, Fair, three sons and grandchildren.

Martin Clapp ’40 died March 17, 2004.

Fred Gruen, Ph.D., former chemistry professor for more than 40 years, died Nov. 16, 2003. Dr. Gruen was born in Fuerth, Germany, Feb. 4, 1915, and had been a resident of Olivet since 1951. In 1992 he retired from Olivet. He is survived by his daughters, Carol Gruen and Evelyn Cortesi and four grandchildren. His wife, Marian, preceded him in death April 24, 2003.

Camilla (Jennings) Adams ’47 died Nov. 19, 2003. She is survived by her husband, Robert, six children and grandchildren.

Rev. Philip Reikow ’50 died Dec. 3, 2003. He was the pastor of the South Congregational Church in Grand Rapids for 11 years and served 10 years as an executive with the Michigan Conference of the United Church of Christ in East Lansing after serving as minister of churches in Illinois and Michigan. He is survived by his wife, Jean, three children and grandchildren.

Tom Drewes ’52 died March 5, 2004. He is survived by his wife, Peggy, and three children.

32 SPRING 2004

Dr. Fred Gruen

Olivet College becomes new home for Nigerian freshmen

by Shannon Tiernan

Bordering the Gulf of Guinea in western Africa lies Nigeria, a country that has spent the past five years transitioning from military to civilian rule. With a religious climate split between Christianity and other beliefs, the conversion has been daunting.

But in the city of Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State, Nigeria, lives the family of Matthew and Eunice Oladele, siblings who are freshmen at Olivet College.

The Oladele family has looked past the political atmosphere to establish the Christ to the Village Mission, a National Association of Congregational Christian Churches (NACCC)sponsored program working to better the lives of many people.

Eunice and Matthew Oladele Matthew and Eunice’s father, the Rev. Solomon Oladele, leads Christ to the Village, a non-denominational ministry which caters to the needs of 16 churches, eight preaching stations and a ministry to an army barracks in central Nigeria. The mission also coordinates three schools for elementary through high school aged children.

While in Nigeria, Matthew and Eunice assisted the family in supporting the mission. Whether it was spreading the word of Christ or setting up electronic equipment in one of the schools, they found themselves busy with the day-to-day work in the life of a missionary.

In 2002, Matthew and Eunice decided they wanted to come to America for college. They chose to attend Olivet, but were originally denied visas by the American Embassy.

“Many 9/11 conspirators were in the United States under student visas, and Matthew and Eunice became wrapped up in this issue,” said Michael Fales, director of church relations and coadvisor for international students. “It’s hard to get students issued visas from countries considered ‘less stable’ like Nigeria. Their visas were originally denied.”

They both enrolled in a Nigerian college thinking their wish to graduate from an American institution would not be granted.

For a year the Oladeles worked with Fales, almost giving up, when the American government reconsidered their visas.

“At first I was very excited and I thanked God for making my dream come true,” said Matthew. “Then I began to wonder, am I really leaving home? It’s funny how those things are.”

The Oladeles arrived at Olivet College more than one month into the 2004 fall semester. But according to Eunice, her professors were available to answer her questions and help with her studies. “Olivet is a small college,” added Matthew. “My instructors all know me by name; I am close to them and they have been helpful in this new environment.”

Their first nine months at Olivet have been a whirlwind experience. Besides getting acclimated with a new culture, the Oladeles traveled with Fales to local churches and high schools talking about life in Nigeria, and prepared for a trip to California NACCC churches in support of the college and their family’s mission.

This brother and sister are taking their new life in stride.

“They don’t know this, but Matthew and Eunice are famous among the congregational churches,” said Fales. “The word is spreading and more people want to hear their story. It’s good for the college, and the education they are earning here will benefit their people and home country one day.”

Olivet College Bookstore Is your old college sweatshirt losing its spirit? Visit the Olivet College Bookstore for the latest apparel sporting those Comet colors! From hats to mugs and polo shirts to sweatshirts, the bookstore has everything you need to represent your alma mater.

To place an order, call (269) 749-7394 or e-mail bookstore@olivetcollege.edu.