74.2 OLVTNWNTR06 by Olivet Nazarene University

OLIVET NAZARENE UNIVERSITY, BOURBONNAIS, ILLINOIS VOL. 74, NO. 2

WINTER 2006

WWW.OLIVET.EDU

CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

Periodicals Postage Paid at Bourbonnais, Illinois 60914, and additional mailing ofямБces

LAUNCHED

The Olivetian

Winter 2006

THE OLIVETIAN (USPS 407-880) (ISSN 0891-9712)

Editor Heather (Quimby) Day ’02 Design and Editorial Consult George Andrew Wolff ’93 Contributing Writers Dr. Michael Benson Gary Grifﬁn ’81 Dr. Edward H. Heck ’75 Seth Hurd ’06 Kate Morgan Marc Shaner ’00/’02 M.A.T. David Caudle ’79 Designer Donnie Johnson Additional Design Matthew Moore ’96 Monique (Cartier) Perry ’03 Class News Editor Christine (Mazzella) Howell ’05

p To commemorate the launch of the Centennial Celebration, students, faculty, staﬀ and alumni released hundreds

Editorial Advisers Brian Parker ’93 Susan (Hendley) Wolff ’94

of balloons following the Homecoming chapel service. (For more on Homecoming 2006, turn to page 4)

Editorial Consultant Rev. Gordon C. Wickersham ’47 Photography Image Group Photography, or as credited

SCOT T SARGENT

Sports Editor Gary Grifﬁn ’05

Olivet Nazarene University

p Rev. Nina Gunter, the ﬁrst female general superintendent

President Dr. John C. Bowling ’71/’72 M.A.

p U.S. Congressman Jerry Weller visited the

of the Church of the Nazarene, received Olivet’s Maggie Sloan Crawford Award during the October 5 chapel service. In her response, Gunter challenged the ONU community to allow God to use them to make a diﬀerence for eternity, as Maggie Sloan Crawford had done.

campus of Olivet to tour the Reed Hall of Science and speak with students about issues close to them. Last fall, Weller announced a $300,000 federal grant* for Olivet Nazarene University’s science departments.

Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Gary W. Streit Vice President for Student Development Rev. Walter “Woody” Webb ’86/ ’89 M.A.R. Vice President for Institutional Advancement Dr. Brian Allen ’82/’05 Litt.D. Vice President for Finance Dr. Douglas E. Perry ’68/ ’95 M.B.A., Litt.D.

The Olivetian is published quarterly by the Ofﬁce of Marketing Communications under the direction of the Vice President for Institutional Advancement. Reproduction of material without written permission is strictly prohibited.

DE NTO N HIRD ’ 07

p Olivet students, under the direction of Jerry Cohagan, presented Arthur Miller’s classic The Crucible to sell-out crowds

November 16–18. Pictured, from left: Joshua Carman ’09 (Thomas Putnam), Melanie Carroll ’09 (Tituba), Tristan Riddell ’08 (Reverend Hale), Amanda Gossage ’07 (Ann Putnam) and Kenneth Delaney ’09 (Reverend Paris).

*Acknowledgement: This material is based upon work supported by the Department of Energy [National Nuclear Security Administration] under Award Number 06CH11385.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Editor The Olivetian Olivet Nazarene University One University Ave. Bourbonnais, IL 60914-2345

Winter 2006

By Dr. John C. Bowling ’71/’72 M.A., University President

The Olivetian

‘O, Lord, give us a school’

One of the items Sara showed us during our visit was a copy of the original charter from the State of Illinois for Olivet, originally called Illinois Holiness University. I held it in my hands. Three individuals had signed it. The ﬁrst name listed was Francis Edward Richards; the second was Orla Nesbitt. The third man to sign the document was Mr. J.F. McCoy, an architect from Danville, Ill., who had been enlisted by the others to help design the campus. Mary Nesbitt

Naomi Larsen

Walter Larsen

During the course of the first few years of the University, Edward and Minnie Richards contributed thousands of dollars and countless hours to Olivet. On occasion, he would be heard at family prayer time praying, “O Lord, give us a school if it takes the roof from over our heads.” Interestingly, that is just what happened, for through an unfortunate set of circumstances, F.E. Richards lost everything he had in a material way. He lost his farm, having mortgaged it for the school; he lost his house, and he lost what money he had left. It was a devastating turn of events, which has left its mark across generations. It was all gone; and yet, he left a legacy. He left a heritage of faith and faithfulness to his children and grandchildren, and he left this University. Olivet Nazarene University didn’t just happen. It came into being through great purpose, vision and sacrifice. In the end, it cost Edward Richards nearly everything he had. In the months since my visit with Sara, I wondered what it would be like if Mr. and Mrs. Richards could walk the campus today … if they could slip into a chapel service, or, somehow, stand at the back of a classroom as a professor opens his or her class with prayer … if they could be here for graduation and see the hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of graduates and their families. I don’t know, of course, but I like to think, if that were possible, that Mr. Richards would turn to his wife Minnie and say, “God has been faithful to our sacrifice. As hard as it was, in the end, it was worth it all.”

Edward and Minnie Richards

Chuck Ide

E.O. Chalfant

Edwin Burke

The University founded by Edward Richards, Orla Nesbitt and others has been passed down generation to generation. Olivet is a tapestry of interwoven strands of inﬂuence, sacriﬁce and leadership — stitched together with threads of purple and gold, across the past century. Carl McClain

Lucille and A.L. Parrott

Dwight Strickler

At its center, the Olivet story is the story of people investing themselves in lives of service, creating a legacy that is passed along one class of students following the other and one group of faculty and staff members to the next. It is the account of men and women who have poured their lives, their talents, and their resources into this great endeavor — men and women now remembered in brick and mortar, stone and steel. They are gone, and yet, they are not gone. They are still here as a “cloud of witnesses” — individuals with names such as Mary Nesbitt, the ﬁrst teacher at Olivet; Walter and Naomi Larsen, Carl McClain, Dr. and Mrs. A.L. Parrott, Dwight Strickler, Charles Gibson, Chuck Ide, E.O. Chalfant, Dr. Edwin Burke, A.M. Hills, Dr. Harold Reed, Dr. Selden Kelley, Dr. Lawrence Howe, Dr. S.T. Ludwig and many, many others.

A.M. Hills

Harold Reed

Those of us who are part of Olivet today are inheritors of their dreams, the benefactors of their labors. We are indeed stewards of a great treasure. We drink from wells we did not dig and eat from vines we did not plant.

Selden Kelley

Charles Gibson

Lawrence Howe

S.T. Ludwig Canaan Hall girl’s dormitory and Administration Building at Olivet, Illinois ca. 1937

PHOT O O F EDWA R D AN D MIN N IE R ICH A R DS COU R TE SY O F S AR A R ICHA R DS FR A NK . A LL OTH ER PHOTOS PROVIDED BY OLIVET’S ARCHIVES.

Orla Nesbitt

ast June, Jill and I drove to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to visit a wonderful lady named Sara Richards Frank. Sara is the youngest child of the oldest son of Edward and Minnie Richards. It was Sara’s grandfather, Francis Edward Richards, along with his brothers and their friend, Orla Nesbitt, who founded Olivet in the fall of 1907. At the time, Ed Richards was a prosperous and devout farmer in Vermilion County, Ill.

The Olivetian

Winter 2006

t ALL-STARS: The 2006 Olivet All-Stars were recognized for their participation in intramural athletics before intercollegiate sports began at the University. This year’s honorees were: sitting, left to right: Norma (Blochberger) Mills ’56 (softball, basketball, track & field), Barb (Strong) Gardner ’56 (basketball, softball, track & field); standing: Vernon Fischer ’57 (softball, basketball, football), Wendy Parsons ’56 (track & field, basketball), Rosella (Scott) Fischer ’57 (softball, basketball), Jim Smith ’57 (softball, basketball, baseball, track & field), Bev (Hickler) Carlson ’56 (basketball, softball), John Hanson ’57 (softball, baseball, basketball), David Brown ’56 (softball, basketball, track & field, baseball); not pictured: Jim Mitchell ’56 (softball, basketball, baseball).

t CORONATION: Erin Hall ’07, an elementary education major from Plainﬁeld, Ind., was crowned Olivet’s 2006 Homecoming queen during the annual coronation ceremony. Gary Bishir ’07 escorted her. Other members of the court included: Lindsey Bailey ’07, escorted by Christian Sanchez ’07; Sarah McDevitt ’07, escorted by Chris Sanders ’07; Dana Scheller ’07, escorted by Jason Athialy ’07; and Katie Zurcher ’07, escorted by McCartha McKenzie ’07.

Erin Hall ’07 and Gary Bishir ’07

u FOOTBALL HALF-TIME PRESENTATION: Members of the 1976 Olivet football team, the University’s first, honored former head coach and Olivet’s first athletic director Butch Ward during halftime of the Homecoming football game. During the ceremony, former coach Ken Richardson presented Mrs. Lil Ward ’72, the widow of Butch Ward with a signed football from the members of the inaugural team. Current coach Gary Newsome presented a signed football helmet from current team members; and Athletic Director Jeff Schimmelpfennig ’86/’91 M.B.A. presented a scholarship plaque commemorating the establishment of the C.W. “Butch” Ward Scholarship.

Frank Wright, Mrs. Lil Ward ’72 and Larry Ward

t u “O” AWARDS: Dr. Mark Quanstrom ’77, president of the alumni association, and President John C. Bowling presented Les ’84 and Leslie (Young) ’84 Parrott and Rev. Robert Collins ’57/’69 M.A. with the 2006 “O” Awards.

REV. GORDON C. WICKERSHAM ’47

Frances and Rev. Robert Collins ’57/’69 M.A.

Les ’84 and Leslie (Young) ’84 Parrott

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Winter 2006

The Olivetian

onu Insider SCOTT SARGENT ’08

Olivet recognized for community support: Olivet Nazarene University is the recipient of the Pledge for Life Partnership’s first-ever Community Collaboration Award. The award was created this year to recognize businesses and organizations that have provided generous support to the Partnership’s programs and initiatives. Olivet has hosted the Partnership’s annual Family Fun-a-thon for 11 years at the Leslie Parrott Center involving activities like cheerleading clinics, basketball tournaments, talent showcases and more. “The staff is exceptional to work with, and ONU truly has reached outside its institution to embrace a local program,” says Deb Baron, director of the Partnership. “They are making a positive difference to children and families in the community.”

Bowlings receive honorary degrees

ONUStudents in the News Conservation Internship: Robert Hegna ’07 was selected by the Student Conservation Association to participate in a summer internship at Canaveral National Park. During the term, his main responsibilities included nest protection and management for the various types of sea turtles that nest along the coastline. He also developed and initiated usage of GIS technology to track the turtles and had the unique opportunity to observe a Kemp’s Ridley — one of the world’s rarest sea turtles — in its natural habitat.

REV. GORDON C. WICKERSHAM ’47

Lobbying for peace: Fifteen Olivet students (Lindsey Bailey ’07, Elizabeth Brown ’10, Andy Carretto ’10, Laura Feldman ’09, Melissa Harper ’07, Loren Hoekstra ’09, Sara Horvath ’09, Elizabeth Marriett ’09, Maggie Martin ’09, Alex McGrath ’10, Megan McGrath ’07, Christie Moreland ’07, Jenna Prejna ’08, Keri Shay ’07, and Conrad Wineland ’09) traveled to Washington, D.C. during their fall break to attend Peace Within Reach, the ﬁrst Northern Uganda Lobby Day and Symposium. The event was to coincide with peace talks taking place between representatives from the Ugandan government and the Lord’s Resistance Army. The war between the two has devastated the people of Uganda, but has been almost unnoticed for nearly 20 years. Students spoke with representatives from the ofﬁces of Sens. Barack Obama and Dick Durbin and Rep. Jerry Weller. Not only did they lobby for the U.S. to support peace talks, but also to increase humanitarian aid for the hundreds of thousands who have been forced from their homes into internally displaced persons camps.

Pictured, from left: Dr. Gary W. Streit, Dr. John C. Bowling ’71/’72 M.A., Mrs. Jill (Cheeseman) Bowling ’70, and Dr. Ted R. Lee ’68.

Top singing at state: The Olivet Department of Music had one of its finest showings at this year’s Illinois State Student Auditions for the National Association of Teachers of Singing, held this year on Olivet’s campus. Ashlie McIntire ’10 and Jerrod Covert ’08 received honorable mention recognition in their divisions. Jenna Dickey ’10 and Reuben Lillie ’10 advanced to the division finals, while Jasper Taylor ’10, Kathryn Hendrix ’09 and Stephen Dalton ’09 advanced to the division semifinals.

n a surprise ceremony during the 2006 Homecoming concert, Olivet Nazarene University presented President John C. Bowling ’71/’72 M.A. and Mrs. Jill (Cheeseman) Bowling ’70 with honorary degrees. “The Board of Trustees wanted to do something significant to honor Dr. and Mrs. Bowling to begin Olivet’s Centennial Celebration,” says Dr. Ted Lee ’68, chairman of the Board of Trustees. “During our annual meeting of the Board of Trustees in October, we voted unanimously to confer honorary degrees upon both — the Doctor of Divinity to President Bowling and the Doctor of Letters to Mrs. Bowling.” During his 16-year tenure at Olivet, Bowling’s accomplishments have included 10-straight years of record student enrollments, successful capital campaigns, expanded academic programs, campus upgrades and improvements, and increased community support of and involvement with the University. In 2007, under President Bowling’s leadership, Olivet will begin its first doctoral program, the Doctor of Education degree in ethical leadership, and start construction of a new 3,000-seat chapel. Also an active civic leader, President Bowling currently serves as vice chairman of the Riverside Health System Board in Kankakee, trustee of Rush University Medical Center in Chicago and board member of Kankakee’s Peoples Bank. The University recognized Mrs. Bowling for her tireless efforts on behalf of the University. “You can’t walk across campus without seeing the imprint of Jill,” says Rev. John Seaman ’69, featured Homecoming speaker and superintendent of the Michigan District. She has accepted major responsibilities for the renovation of several buildings including Ludwig Center, Common Grounds Coffee Shop, the Red Room and the Harlow E. Hopkins Alumni Center. She also superintends numerous campus events, including the annual President’s Dinner for faculty and staff, Board of Trustee meetings, Christmas Gathering for faculty and staff and the ONU Ladies Day. “John and Jill Bowling have invested their lives in Olivet since the time they were students,” says Seaman. “As we start our second century, what better way to honor their commitment and passion for Olivet than to confer on them the highest honor the University offers?”

Among Ivy Leaguers: Christopher Allison ’06 received an honorable mention award in the Elie Wiesel Prize in Ethics Essay Contest 2006. Allison submitted his piece titled “The Ethical Role of History: Towards a Proper Understanding of the Role of History in Human Life,” during his senior year at Olivet. The competition received more than 500 essays, with awards handed out to the top ﬁve essayists. Dr. Kevin Lowery, Allison’s faculty sponsor says the competition “draws a lot of participation from Ivy League schools; and I was told personally by one of the contest organizers that the 2006 entries were the best to date in the contest overall. This is truly a great honor for Chris, for me and for Olivet.”

For more on these and other ONU news stories, go to www.olivet.edu and click on “News & Events.”

The Olivetian

Winter 2006

Second time around By Kate Morgan

fter Greg ’88 and Tina (Collings) Bruner ’90 adopted daughter Lily from China, they believed they were done having children. “I got off the plane and said, ‘Whew, that’s over,’” Tina remembers with a laugh. With three children and jobs at Olivet — Greg as director of financial aid and Tina as secretary to the Reed Hall of Science — neither believed they had the energy for another child. But one Sunday in church, while Greg was away on business, Tina felt the presence of the Lord surround her. “I swear someone said, ‘Adoption: I want you to adopt,’” she says. Later that evening, Tina spoke with Greg on the phone. She asked if he ever thought of adopting another baby. “It’s so odd that she would even ask me,” Greg says. “Adopting again had been weighing heavy on my heart for a couple of months.” Although thrilled by the possibility, doubts plagued the family. Tina especially remembers grappling with what to do. “Adopting Lily has been an awesome experience, but will we have the energy and drive needed for another baby? I kept praying, ‘Lord, no. Please don’t ask me to do this,” she recalls, her voice cracking. She struggled to believe God could use her in this way. “But one day [assistant biology professor] Aggie Posthumus said to me, ‘Maybe you should change your prayer. Instead of praying to take this away, pray that God will change your heart.’” With that prayer, God began to show the Bruners they needed this yet unknown daughter as much as she needed them, and an excitement began to grow. Greg and Tina realized the love they could give another daughter and the joy she would bring to the family, and a peace settled their hearts. In April 2006, they began the process to adopt another baby girl from China. Financially, the burden was great. They had to start from scratch again, raising $20,000– 23,000. But to Greg and Tina’s amazement, the Olivet community rallied around them. This past summer, science professors offered to hold a science camp to raise money. Faculty and staff members have also collected cell phones and ink cartridges for funds; and the yard sale for which they donated goods raised about $1,000. “You feel so ridiculously unworthy,” says Greg. “Unworthy to even ask — but people just really want to help.” Future fundraisers could include an auction and a benefit concert. For now, as the Bruners look forward to the day they meet their daughter, they can envision no other path for lives. “God has a way. You think it is going to be straight,” Tina reflects. “And then there is a fork in the road: my way or His way. It is such an awesome, awesome feeling to go His way.”

CHAPLAIN’S NOTEBOOK Seeking fresh spiritual inspiration and biblical insight? University Chaplain Michael Benson, noted author and evangelist, has a regular blog on Olivet’s Web site. Go to www.olivet.edu and select “Chaplain’s Notebook” from the drop-down menu. FEATURED POSTING:

“Quenching Your Thirst: Confession”

(Nov. 30, 2006) In this posting, Dr. Benson concludes the “Quenching Your Thirst” series with some practical notes about the spiritual discipline of confession: “Yes, confession is, in part, a very private matter between you and God. Yet, confession is a corporate discipline, for we are a fellowship of sinners before we are a fellowship of saints. We are not alone in our sin. It is only pride that keeps us from acknowledging our need. In mutual confession, we release the power that heals.”

PODCASTS Free, downloadable broadcasts of weekly chapel services and other ONU events are now available online. Go to www.olivet.edu and select “Podcasts — Listen Now!” from the drop down menu. FEATURED PODCASTS:

“Give Your Life Away” (Oct. 18, 2006) Paul Borthwick, Development Associates International Borthwick tells students if they make themselves available to God, determine what they have to oﬀer and expand their global prayers, they can be prepared to give their lives away.

ONU Prime Time Tours

Nashville

“Does still water really run deep?”

(Nov. 1, 2006) Dr. Michael Benson, University Chaplain Speaking about the spiritual disciplines of silence and solitude, Benson asks, “Are you quiet enough in your daily living to hear the still small voice of God?”

Gatlinburg

Join Prime Time friends from all over the U.S. for an exciting trip to two of the most popular entertainment destinations in the country.

MAY 7–12, 2007

“What about God moves you to worship?” (Nov. 15, 2006) Dr. Henry Blackaby, Blackaby Ministries

Join us!

Blackaby describes the biblical understanding of worship as a transforming encounter with God.

Pastor Appreciation Days 2006 (Oct. 16 & 17, 2006)

Six-part series featuring Dr. Frank Moore, noted author and speaker Additional Podcasts include chapel addresses by n Dr. Ron Sider of Palmer Theological Seminary and author of Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger n Dr. Nina Gunter, General Superintendent, Church of the Nazarene n Dr. Robert Mulholland, Asbury Theological Seminary n Dr. Carl Leth, Dean of the School of Theology and Christian Education n Dr. John C. Bowling, University President

to Welcomeennessee! g,T Gatlinbur

CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION At the turn of twentieth century, a small group of Illinois men and women had a big dream: Christian education for their children. They had little, save some farm land and a vision. But they gave all they had, and 100 years later, Olivet Nazarene University stands as a tangible reminder of God’s faithfulness to their sacrifice. The road has not been easy. Our history is filled with trials and heartache: bankruptcy, fire, tornado and the tragic loss of a few friends along the way. But outshining all the losses are the countless stories of joy, triumph and lives forever changed. Today Olivet Nazarene University has a reach that literally spans the globe. Thousands of ONU students and alumni live out the Olivet experience in their homes, their jobs, their churches. We’ve come a long way, but we’ve never forsaken that original dream: “Education With a Christian Purpose.”

DONNIE JOHNSON

Join us in celebrating the Centennial anniversary of Olivet Nazarene University. In the next few pages, we will reﬂect on where God has taken us, and dream of the possibilities yet to come. >>>

OLIVET N

HISTORICAL TIMELINE OF August 1900 — Orla Nesbitt attends campmeeting in Danville, Ill., where E.F. Walker speaks passionately about the need for Christian education.

1926 — Board of Trustees declares bankruptcy; Dr. T.W. Willingham bids on school and that same night is elected president. 1938 – Dr. A.L. Parrott elected president

1908 — School moves to new site, later named “Olivet” for the mount where Christ ascended to heaven.

k November 19, 1939 — Devastating ﬁre destroys administration building containing chapel, library, science labs, administration ofﬁces and classrooms

1909 — First board of trustees receives charter from the State of Illinois as “Illinois Holiness University;” Dr. A.M. Hills named ﬁrst president

1940 — Olivet College acquires the school formerly known as St. Viator’s College, then ofﬁcially makes the move to Bourbonnais, Ill.

1915 — Trustees vote to change name to “Olivet University”

1907

1917

1927

. 1949 — Dr. Harold W. Reed elected president

1954 —College Church of the Nazarene

1939 — Olivet receives formal recognition and accreditation by the University of Illinois

1912 — Board of trustees transfers ownership to the Church of the Nazarene

k 1947 — College’s radio station WONC (later to be renamed WONU) has ﬁrst broadcast

UNIVERSITY ARCHIVES

k September 1907 — Convinced by her brother Orla, Mary Nesbitt opens private Christian grade school in Georgetown, Ill.

UNIVERSITY ARCHIVES

1939 — Student Byron Carmony composes “Alma Mater, Olivet”

1956 — Olivet obtains regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Universities 1959 — Nesbitt Hall

1937

1947

195

1962 — Hills Hall

k 1940 — Name changed to “Olivet Nazarene College”

k 1923 — Name again changed to “Olivet College”

— Tornado sweeps through campus, leveling “Trailerville,” destroying Walker Hall, ﬂattening the fourth ﬂoor of Burke and severely damaging “Ol’ Smokey”

UNIVERSITY ARCHIVES

. April 16, 1963

1963 — Chalfant Hall

In a recent e-mail to ONU students and alumni, we asked you, “What events or moments occurred during your time at Olivet that stand out as particularly meaningful or significant?” Here’s how some of you responded:

“In an instant, everything was quiet and still. I looked up and there was Ted Lemke ’64 folded up beside me under the table. We quickly got up and ran out of the building and

looked around. … There were trees knocked down all over, especially on top of a car in front of the library. … I thanked God for an answer to my prayer: to take my life in His hands and do as He saw ﬁt. He spared my life that day, as well as every other student on campus. There were no casualties and very few injuries. … It sure made us all do some serious thinking for the next few days and beyond how we serve such a wonderful Heavenly Father who has promised to never ‘leave us nor forsake us.’” UNIVERSITY ARCHIVES

áá “In May 1963, I was coming out of the chemistry department, housed over the boiler plant … I noticed the sky was all brown and someone hollered that a tornado was coming. I immediately ran for the basement of Chapman Hall, dove under a table, covered my head and prayed. … The next thing I could hear sounded like a train going through the building, and everything just shook.

TORNADO, MAY 1963

there was an altar call. The professor was probably 20 to 30 minutes late getting to class because he was helping a student at the altar. That really made an impression on me to think that a professor would take the time with a student to make sure he was right with the Lord when he knew he had a class full of students waiting for him.” — BARB (BAKER) JONES ’87 áá “Those of us who were here in 1966 can never forget the excitement of the approval of intercollegiate sports.” — CAROL (MOORE) WATSON ’66 áá “I remember the giant snowfall during the

áá “I went to class after

spring revival of 1967 that led to the cancellation of classes for a day and allowed students to jump out from windows on fourth ﬂoor Hills Hall into deep drifts.”

a morning chapel where

— GEORGE LYONS ’70

— LARRY LOOMIS ’65

áá “During the chapel service before our fall

1994 revival … a student named Cory walked down the side aisle, up the stairs, stood on stage near Chaplain Bray and waited. … Chaplain Bray ﬁnished his thought, turned and asked Cory if he had something he needed to say. I honestly don’t remember the words Cory spoke. But I do remember his sincerity, and that whatever he said opened the ﬂoodgates to a time of great repentance, prayer, testimonies, praise, forgiveness and grace being freely offered. Dr. Bowling announced that we would be excused from classes for the day, and that chapel service continued for eight hours!” — CINDY KING ’96 áá “I was studying in my room in 1998. All of

a sudden, I heard what sounded like elephants stampeding past McLain Hall. I even felt the dorm shaking. I looked out my window and

AZARENE UNIVERSITY

k 1982 — Larsen Fine Arts Center, Hardy C. Powers President’s House, Snowbarger Athletic Park and Ward Field

1967 — McClain, Howe and Gibson residence halls

1983 — Decker Quadrangle

k 1991 — Dr. John C. Bowling elected president 1996 — Renovation of Milby Clock Tower

1984 — Mary Scott House for Missionaries

1969 — Brodien Power Plant

1985 — Warming House

1970 — A.L. Parrott Residence Hall

1986 — Board of Trustees unanimously votes to change name to “Olivet Nazarene University” UNIVERSITY ARCHIVES

1971 — Wisner Hall for Nursing Education 1972 — Milby Clock Tower

. 1975 — Dr. Leslie Parrott elected president

1986 — WONU radio tower and new transmitter built 1987 — Gibson-Ide Athletic Service Center 1988 — Marquart House, Purinton House and Tripp Maintenance Center

1977

k 2001 — Weber Center

1987

k 1975 — Benner Library and Resource Center September 11, 1976 — First intercollegiate football game

2007

1997

REV. GORDON C. WICKERSHAM ’47

1967

1980 — Kelley Prayer Chapel

REV. GORDON C. WICKERSHAM ’47

k 1966 — Strickler Planetarium, Ludwig Center and Reed Hall of Science

UNIVERSITY ARCHIVES

1966 — First intercollegiate sports team, basketball, established

k 1990 — Leslie Parrott Convocation Center and McHie Arena

2003 — Acquisition of the Provena Fortin Villa property

. 2004 — Olivet

establishes the Broadcast/ Learning Center, home of Shine.fm, WONU 2005 — Renovation of the top three ﬂoors of Burke Summer 2007 — Launch of ﬁrst doctoral degree program: The Doctor of Education in ethical leadership

Do yo u have a s p e c i al memor y o f O live t? We ’d love to he ar from yo u. E-m ail u s at alumni@olive t .e du.

GOAL POST IN THE QUAD, 1998

saw a mass of people swarming past McLain and into the quad. They were carrying the yellow goal post! Our football team had won the game that would take us to the NAIA national championship and the tree of knowledge was getting decorated as the fans rushed to place the goal post up against it. It has always stuck with me.” — SHEILA V. (MILLER) RICE ’01 áá “I’ll never forget 9/11. I was a junior that year and an R.A. in Williams. … What a sensation to walk into a freshman girls’ dorm and hear nothing but the same station playing on

every TV available. What a job to comfort and ease worry for so many girls away from home for the first time in their lives for such a milestone in history. We prayed and cried and then … went to Chalfant for prayer with the larger community. While there, we got word of a bus that would be taking students to the blood drive at the hospital. Fourth floor South went en mass to offer blood, but more to offer a sense of action in a tangible way … I think we all learned a lot about life that day.” — MINDY SPENCER ’03 áá “At the 2005 General Assembly in Indianapolis, Dr. Bowling had [to decide] if he would accept [the position of general superintendent] or if he would continue his presidency at Olivet. I was with Orpheus … for a special luncheon for Olivet’s staff and alumni. Dr. Bowling was seated at the very first table right in front. There were many songs that we sang that day, but our last song, ‘May the Lord Bless You and Keep You,’ has never meant the same since. … Dr. Bowling had tears rolling down his face. After

we ﬁnished, he got up to speak, but words were unable to come from his mouth. ... Those may have been tears of joy for God revealing His path for Dr. Bowling and his wife.” — EMILY FELGENHAUR ’07 áá “I certainly feel both blessed and honored

to have been able to be one of the first on-air personalities … to broadcast after the power increase. … The radio station [went] from 420 watts to 35,000 [and] … from using 33s and 45s and reel-to-reel audio tape … to all digital compact disc! [This] has opened a lot of opportunities for ministry both for their listeners and student workers!” — STEVE KRAMPITZ ’89 áá “Our first marching band performance was an experience I’ll never forget. We marched out to the field, stepping smartly, the cadence of the drums pulsing excitement through our veins. … [The crowd’s] applause at each number in our pre-game show thundered with enthusiasm. We had a surprise for them as well,

and before we left the ﬁeld … President Bowling [ran] out from between the ranks of swirling purple and gold capes [to] blow a few notes from his baritone. Nerves mounted as halftime approached. … Finally that moment arrived when we once again marched to our positions on the ﬁeld. ... What a road we had taken — through summer camps and late DR. BOWLING, FALL 2004 evening rehearsals, rigorous training and grueling sectional practice. But as we snapped our horns down and lifted our eyes to the stands, banners waving proudly in the afternoon breeze, I knew exaltation — it had been worth it all.” — HAHNAH JACKSON ’08

CENTENNIAL INITIATIVES o Strengthen the University’s ability to provide strong scholarship support by increasing the ONU Foundation to $30 million o Establish a Research and Writing Endowment for Faculty Development o The Center for Student Success: The Center seeks to provide programs and practices that will enhance student achievement throughout one’s college career, beginning with the Freshman Year Experience o The renovation of Reed Hall of Science o The construction of a new Centennial Chapel so that once again, the Olivet community may worship together in one setting. The chapel experience will be used to transform the lives of Olivet students, and their spouses, and their children, and their workplace, and their churches, and their community, and the long reach of all the places they have touched. o Launching of the Doctor of Education program in ethical leadership this summer

Watch your mail for information on a new book commemorating the Centennial, To Alma Mater, Olivet. A collection of historical pictures and essays written by ONU staﬀ and alumni, this book is sure to be a special keepsake for you and your family.

REV. GORDON C. WICKERSHAM ’47

o The ONU China Initiative: The University’s ﬁrst graduate program in Hong Kong began fall 2006 and a group of undergraduate Chinese students is being recruited to study on the Bourbonnais campus

Winter 2006

Class Notes Kenneth Southerland ’74 has been hired as Mid-America Christian University’s vice president for university advancement. He has served for several years as the director of development at Travecca Nazarene University in Nashville, Tenn. Steve Butler ’75 was selected for an executive position with the Department of Defense as director of ﬁnancial reporting and analysis. There was a formal ceremony in the Pentagon. Brenda (McCorkle) Nixon ’76 is published at CBN.com. Her article, “Am I a ‘Normal’ Parent?” appears at www.cbn.com/family/parenting/NixonNormal.aspx. Also, every weekend in November, excerpts of her interview on understanding childhood temperament and personality aired on Focus on the Family’s “Weekend Magazine” radio program. It can also be heard online at www.oneplace. com/ministries/Weekend_Magazine. Moya (Sheirbon) Peterson ’76 completed her Ph.D. in nursing from the University of Kansas. Moya is married to Larry ’75 and they have two children, Brandon and Amanda. Moya is an assistant clinical professor in the Schools of Medicine and Nursing at the University of Kansas Medical Center and also is a practitioner in the Family Medicine Clinic and teaches in the family nurse practitioner graduate program. Ed Jordan ’77 received the Department Life Saving Award from the Indianapolis International Airport Police after resuscitating an infant girl. While on duty, a motorist ﬂagged him down, and he immediately began life-saving CPR.

Cyndi Frame ’84 has released her second CD project entitled “Waiting for Christmas.” This jazzy rendition of the season’s most popular tunes are available online at www.cyndiframe.com. She and her husband Tony ’84 reside in Centreville, Va.

C. Christopher Jones ’91 recently became the senior pastor of Arnold Church of the Nazarene in Arnold, Mo., along with his wife Denise and children Brannon, 12, Brianna, 6 and Braleigh, 3. Jennifer (Lebert) ’93 and Brad Ayers: A boy, Luke Lorence, May 24, 2006. He joins sister Vivienne Rose, 3. Brad is a ﬁlm director/producer and Jennifer is a writer and a stay-at-home mom. They reside in Palisades, Calif. Kimberly (Balsley) ’93 and David Starkey ’93: A girl, Anna Joy, Jan. 18, 2006. Kim is a ﬁrst-grade teacher, and David is a software developer in University Park, Ill. They reside in Bourbonnais.

Anna Starkey

Aaron ’93 and Beth Glass: Twins, a girl, Meghan Elizabeth, and a boy, Max David, born April 20, 2006. They join big brother Caleb Thomas. Aaron is the weekday mid-day on-air personality at 97.5 WAMZ and also the Web content manager for Clear Channel Louisville. Beth is an RN at Norton Suburban Hospital. They reside in LouMeghan and Max Glass isville, Ky. Kerry Robinson ’94 received the Master of Arts degree in Christian leadership in April 2006 from Indiana Wesleyan University. He currently pastors the First Church of the Nazarene in Lowell, Ind. He and his wife Hope and their three children, Benjamin, Kristen and Jonathan reside in Lowell.

Mat t ’95 a n d Beth (Hammond) Foor ’97: A girl, Noelle Kaylee, Sept. 16, 2006. She joins br ot her Nat han. Matt works in the accounting departNathan and Noelle Foor ment at Olivet, and they reside in Bourbonnais.

From the Director… Dear Friends, Homecoming 2006 witnessed the ofﬁcial launch of ONU’s Centennial Celebration. What a wonderful year we have ahead of us!

Darrell ’96 and Paula (Walter) Krohe ’97: A girl, Leah Ruth, Oct. 15, 2006. She joins brother Warren, 6, and sister Lana, 3. Darrell is a Streator, Ill., police ofﬁcer, and Paula is a nurse at St. Mary’s Hospital in Streator. They reside in Streator.

Following Homecoming, I was on the receiving end of many kind words regarding the event. Here are two examples that I share with the permission of the ladies who wrote them:

Amy (McQuilling) ’97 and Jason Graves: A girl, Kady Jo, March 24, 2006. She joins brother Garrett, 4. Jason is an auditor for DaimlerChrysler and a cattle farmer. Amy is a stay-at-home mom. They reside in Kokomo, Ind.

Garrett and Kady Graves

The Olivetian

We had such a nice time at the 1956 class reunion yesterday. Everything worked out so well. The room looked beautiful; the food was very good; it was great to have Dr. Bowling start the reunion with his warm greetings. The President’s Breakfast today was so inspiring. Dr. Bowling is a super president. I am so proud of Olivet.

Jim ’97 and Emily Pilat: A girl, Allison Emma, born March 26, 2006. They reside in Novi, Mich.

Ruth (Peters) Wegforth ’56 Palos Park, Illinois

Marci (Foor) ’97 and Adam Reynolds ’98: A girl, Addison Lynn, Oct. 1, 2006. She joins brother Trey. Adam serves as ONU’s assistant golf coach, and they reside in Bourbonnais.

I was privileged to be at Olivet for this past Homecoming event a couple weeks ago. It was my ﬁrst time to return to our campus after I left forty years ago. So much has changed; it was hard to get my bearings. Olivet has truly become a beautiful place. As we walked around, many old memories began to surface.

Allison Pilat

Paul ’98 and Jamilee (Cook) Green ’00: A girl, Joanna Kathleen, Aug. 27, 2006. She joins sister Jennifer, 19 months. Jamilee is an OR nurse at Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma, Wash. Paul is a computer engineer for the Department of Defense and is involved with the aircraft systems developed by Boeing in Seattle, Wash. They reside in Seattle.

I brought my youngest daughter with my husband so I could show her my alma mater. She was impressed with Olivet. This was truly a family event for us as it was also my uncle’s 45th reunion and my cousin’s 25th reunion. We all had a wonderful time getting together there for the weekend. The ballgame was fun and the concert was incredible! I doubt that I will have the opportunity in the future to return, as this was a “once in a lifetime event,” but one never knows. Thank you kindly. I am proud to be an alumna of Olivet.

Dawn (Murphy) ’01 and Rene Vega: A boy, Timoteo Rafael was born May 24, 2005 in Esteli, Nicaragua and adopted July 3, 2006. Dawn is a stay-at-home mom, and Rene works at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo, Mich. They reside in Portage, Mich. Erika (Willis) ’01 and Garrett West: A boy, Matthew Garrett, on August 2, 2006. Erika is a mother/baby nurse, and Garrett is technical director at Shellpoint Village Church. They currently reside near Fort Myers, Fla.

Marilyn (Ochs) Sweeney ’66 Nampa, Idaho

Heather (Quimby) ’02 and Robert Day ’10: A girl, Emma Danielle, October 12, 2006. Heather serves in the Ofﬁce of Marketing Communications at Olivet. Robert works for Lowe’s Home Improvement store while working toward his bachelor’s in business through ONU’s School of Graduate and Continuing Studies. They reside in Emma Day Momence, Ill.

Two very important things come to mind as I read these. First, ONU Homecomings are the events they are because of the good work done by so many dedicated Olivet staff. Second, good things happen when alumni and friends stay connected and reconnect with Olivet. Let’s do just that throughout this centennial year!

Allyssa (Cleveland) ’02 and Greg Monroe: A boy, Matthew Allen, March 12, 2006. Allyssa is a paramedic for Manatee County EMS, and Greg is a commercial inspections coordinator. They reside in Ellenton, Fla.

Sincerely,

David W. Caudle ’79 Director of Alumni Relations

Matthew Monroe

O F F I C E

Olivet Open • Bourbonnais, Ill.

Fourth Annual

Winter Golf Outing

R E L AT I O N S

APRIL 27, 2007

FEBRUARY 15–18, 2007 Orlando, Fla. • Marriott’s Hawk’s Landing • Disney’s Palm and Magnolia • Celebration

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The Olivetian

Winter 2006

Amanda (Metz) ’02 and Scott Pittman ’02: A girl, Isabella Rose, June 2, 2005. Scott is the youth pastor at Indianapolis First Church of the Nazarene, and Amanda is a stay-at-home mom. They reside in Indianapolis, Ind. Dan Rodriguez Schlorff ’02 appeared on Illinois’ statewide ballot as the Green Party’s candidate for State Treasurer. Schlorff is the first Asian to appear on Illinois’ statewide ballot and the first Green Party candidate for this office. Michelle (Chapman) ’02 and Ted St. Clair: A boy, Theodore William, Sept. 29, 2006. Ted and Michelle both work as property managers and reside in Lowell, Mich. Rachel (Lewandowski) ’03 and Nicholas Cunningham ’04: A girl, Kylee Nichol, Sept. 20 2006. Rachel is the worship arts ministries assistant at Kankakee (Ill.) First Church of the Nazarene, and Nicholas is employed by UPS. They reside in Bourbonnais. Kylee Cunningham Jenna Hunt ’03 and Ra Kaun were married on April 7, 2006 in Columbus, Ohio. Jenna works as an esthetician at A Spirit’s Touch Spa and Wellness Center, and Ra works as a financial analyst for Limited Brands. They reside in Columbus. Michele Williams ’04 and Ryan Blanch were married on June 10, 2006 in Townsend, Tenn. Ryan works as a pastoral administrator, and Michele works as a children’s minister for Church of the Cove. They reside in Townsend, Tenn. Raechel (Pennington) ’05 and Ryan Myers ’05: A boy, Oliver William, born Oct. 15, 2006. Raechel is a stay-at-home mom, and Ryan is an art director at Gish, Sherwood & Friends in Nashville. They reside in Franklin, Tenn.

Oliver Myers

Travis ’04 and Sarah (Kring) Wasson ’05: A boy, Wyatt Owen, Sept. 11, 2006.

In Memoriam Doris (Sparrow) McCoy ’37 passed away Aug. 7, 2006. Doris was born August 11, 1917, in Snyder, Colo., the daughter of Orville and Hazel P. (Morrison) Sparrow. She attended Olivet and on Aug. 22, 1937, married Kenneth P. MCoy. She was a member of the United Methodist Church in which she belonged to various women’s organizations. She was also a member of the P.E.O. Chapter CX, the Half Hour Club and the Cedar Crest Country Club. Doris and her husband were the owners of the Columbus Canning Company from 1940–1962. She and Kenneth enjoyed traveling with the Avion Travel Club, and she especially enjoyed sports and following the Iowa Hawkeyes. In 1982, the McCoys established the Kenneth and Doris McCoy

cal Seminary in Kansas City, Mo. His pastorates included Twin Falls and Buhl, Idaho; Ojai, Calif.; and Dallas, Milwaukee, and Estacada, Ore. He served for many years on the Board of Ministry on the Oregon Paciﬁc District and in several interim pastorates since retiring in 2001. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Sandra; daughter Jeanne and Jim Curty; son Kenton and Debbie Stiles; and four grandchildren.

Scholarship for worthy and needy pre-med and nursing students. Doris will be dearly missed by her son, William David McCoy and his wife Dale of Palm City, Fla., seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Kenneth on Dec. 6, 1996; her daughter Margy Kay Smith; two brothers (one in infancy); and two sisters in infancy.

Russell Dickinson ’42 passed away on Aug. 7, 2006 in Cadillac Mich. He was 98. He is survived by his wife Ruth (Noffsinger) Dickinson ’40 and four children: Paul Dickinson, David and Sharon Dickinson, Stephen Dickinson, and Dorcas (Dickinson) and Nathan Murrell. He pastored churches in Michigan, Indiana, and Illinois from 1942 until retirement in 1973, which included starting three churches.

James “Jim” O. Kesler ’60, age 70, passed away Oct. 30, 2006. Jim was born Aug. 24, 1936. After graduating from Olivet, he became an ordained elder of the Church of the Nazarene in 1962. He married Marilyn E. Morehead on June 2, 1962. Jim and Marilyn successfully pastored churches at Ora, Knox, Portage, West Lebanon and State Line, Ind. congregations, giving pastoral care and support to everyone with whom they came in contact. “Dad and Mom Kesler” parented 14 foster children and two biological children. He worked as a truant officer and substitute teacher for Attica and Seeger schools for 20 years. He was past president of Indiana Attendance Officers Association. He was also a volunteer on the Potawatomi Board for many years, a member of the Covington Church of the Nazarene where he had been pastor for six years, and served on the NMS District Council. Jim received the distinguished service award for the Nazarene for Church Mission Society and Parish Ministry and the Attendance Officer of the Year Award from the Indiana State Teachers Association. Surviving are his wife; two daughters, Janice Kesler and Denise Routzahn (husband: Troy); son Phil Jackson (wife: Amy); five grandchildren; and a

Violet (Philebaum) Wells-Maxwell ’49 passed away Sept. 21, 2006. When Violet was six years old, she heard an Olivet quartet and always dreamed of attending the University. She came to Kankakee, Ill. in 1945, met and married Paul Wells in 1947 and graduated in 1949. The Wells were deeply committed to Christian higher education, ﬁrst at Eastern Nazarene College 1955–1969, and then establishing the business department at Mount Vernon Nazarene University in 1970. With her unique artistic vision, Violet created many beautiful works of art. Known as “Grandma Vi,” she was devoted to children and taught them the joys of painting and drawing. She will be remembered for her free spirit, her generosity and her loving heart. She was preceded in death by her husband in 1975. She is survived by daughters, Carol Parrott and Joy Wells; son Randy Wells; and grandsons, Andrew and Justin Parrott.

John Dennis ’52, minister and retired superintendent of the West Virginia North District, passed away Oct. 28, 2006, in his home in Mount Vernon, Ohio. Dennis was born Nov. 6, 1930, in Shelbyville, Ind. He graduated from Olivet Nazarene College and Nazarene Theological Seminary. Dennis was awarded a doctor of divinity from Mount Vernon Nazarene College in 1989 where he had served as a member of the board of trustees from 1979 to 1997. Dennis served as pastor of Nazarene churches in Gibsonburg, Ohio; Belpre, Ohio; Circleville, Ohio; Weirton, W.V.; and Ashland, Ky. In 1983 he was elected to be the ﬁrst superintendent of the newly formed West Virginia North District where he served from 14 years. Following his ofﬁcial retirement in 1997, Dennis served several churches as interim pastor. He is survived by his wife Dorothy; son, John Dennis (Brenda Anderson); son, James Kevin Dennis (Deborah Houston); and four grandchildren.

large extended family. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; son James O. Kesler I; one brother; and one sister. Phillip Eibe Wilken ’65 recently passed away. He was born June 29, 1941 in Milwaukee, Wis., the son of Eibe Switters and Phyllis Margaret Lauermann Wilken. He had been employed by MidWest Agriculture, Chicago; was overseas division product line manager for International Harvester Company, Chicago; general manager at Channel Master Corporation, Taipei, Taiwan; manager at Midland International Corporation, Seoul, Korea and Taipei; professor at Sung Kyun Kwan University; and accountant for Trans-Asia Engineering is Saigon, Vietnam. He held a top-secret security clearance for the U.S. Army and was awarded a certiﬁcate of achievement for distinguished service. He was a reserved commissioned ofﬁcer in the U.S. Army and a Veteran of Foreign Wars, a member of the University of Illinois Alumni Association, the Kankakee County Farm Bureau, Delta Phi Epsilon National Professional, Sigma Iota Epsilon and Delta Sigma Pi. Surviving are his mother of Kankakee; one sister, Susan Louise Wilken of Rochester Hills, Mich.; two nieces and one nephew. Sharon (VanSchoick) Spires ’66 passed away Oct. 25, 2006, after a long battle with liver failure. Sharon is survived by her husband of over forty years; three sons, Jeffery, Christopher, Derrick; parents, Franklin and Juanita.

WE’D LOVE TO HEAR

from you!

Send us your news and pictures. Please submit alumni news, less than one year old, in the format printed in this section. Be sure to include all information, including class year. Due to space constraints, not all pictures will be used, and content may be edited. Pictures will be accepted only via e-mail to TheOlivetian@olivet.edu. News should be sent via e-mail or through the mail to The Olivetian, Olivet Nazarene University, One University Avenue, Bourbonnais, IL 60914-2345.

Fred Stiles ’59 passed away Sept. 30, 2006, following a heart attack. He was 71. He transferred from Eastern Nazarene College in 1957 and graduated from Olivet in 1959 with a Bachelor of Theology degree. In 1964, he graduated with a Master of Divinity degree from Nazarene Theologi-

úúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúú Your generosity makes “Education With a Christian Purpose” possible! úúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúú Students featured in this issue of The Olivetian are recipients of the following scholarships: úúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúú Robert Hegna Laura Feldman Derek Diehl McCartha McKenzie úúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúú Erin Hall Jason Athialy úúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúú Sarah Horvath Lindsey Bailey úúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúú Jenna Dickey Christian Sanchez Katie Zurcher úúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúú úúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúúú Robert Paul Meyer Scholarship, William D. and Florence I. Meyer Scholarship

JASON JONES PHOTOGRAPHY

The Rev. Dr. Victor Eugene Dillman Scholarship, Joseph F. and Esther J. Nielson Schoalrship

Alumni Scholarship, Professor Harvey Humble Scholarship

Donald and Faith Bell Family Scholarship

Orpheus Memorial Scholarship

ONU Foundation Board of Directors Scholarship

Indianapolis, Ind. Westside Church Scholarship

Detroit, Mich. First Church of the Nazarene Scholarship

Jesse Brantson and Mary Hazel Pitts Scholarship

Kokomo, Ind. First Church of the Nazarene Scholarship

To establish a student scholarship, or to contribute to an existing foundation scholarship, e-mail the Ofﬁce of Development at development@olivet.edu or call 815-939-5171.

Winter 2006

The Olivetian

BASKETBALL

VOLLEYBALL

Tiger basketball pressing forward By Gary Grifﬁn ’81

he men’s basketball team is once again defying odds as they have posted an 8-6 record, most recently beating nationally ranked Union University (Jackson, Tenn.), 88-71. Union is ranked fifth in NAIA Division I. Olivet has won four of its last five, after a 0-3 start. It’s not so much the upset of a nationally ranked team such as Union, as much as it is rallying from losing five players, three of which were starters, since the KELLIE MULLIN ’07 end of August. Two of the missing, 6-7 center Phil French ’08 is just returning from a knee injury while backup point guard Dustin Rennewanz ’10 is still two weeks away from coming back off a severe ankle sprain. Meanwhile, the Olivet women’s basketball team finished the first semester portion of their schedule with a 6-7 record. The women set an Olivet record for scoring when they posted a 145-52 decision over Calumet College of St. Joseph (Ind.) on November 28. Coach Porter’s Tigers continue to lead the nation in scoring with 98.4 points a game.

NAIA Region VII championship volleyball team after their Nov. 18 victory over St. Ambrose University (Iowa)

Women’s volleyball advances to nationals By Gary Grifﬁn ’81

he Olivet Nazarene University volleyball team capped an outstanding season by qualifying for the NAIA national tournament. The Tigers finish the season with a 30-16 overall record. They went 8-1 in conference play, winning their sixth CCAC Regular Season Championship in seven years. It took three tightly played games to defeat St. Ambrose University (Iowa) 3-0 (30-26, 30-27, 31-29) in the NAIA Region VII Final to advance to the NAIA National Tournament, which took place Nov. 29–Dec. 2, in Columbia, Mo. It was Olivet’s third NAIA Region VII Tournament Championship, but first since 2003. However, this was Olivet’s fifth national playoff birth in the University’s history, having hosted the event twice, as well. Riding the momentum of a 10-match winning streak, the Tigers fell in their opening match of National Tournament play, losing 30-23, 30-23, 30-11 to Houston Baptist University (Texas). Olivet went on to lose its next two matches, 3-1 to Concordia University (Calif.) and 3-0 to Hastings College (Neb.). Megan Gullickson ’07 (Bourbonnais, Ill.) dished out 89 assists in the three national tournament games, setting an Olivet career record of 2,353 assists. “We were just very proud of the team and how they hung together,” said head coach Brenda Williams. “After starting the season 1-7 and having some major injuries, this team could have folded, but instead they stuck by each other and just kept working toward their goals. Great chemistry and perseverance pulled us through. They were just a great group of young women athletes to work with.”

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GA ME ONE

ONU Men’s Basketball vs. Illinois Tech 2 p.m. EST G A M E T WO

Indiana Pacers vs. New York Knicks 7 p.m. EST Special appearance by

Allison Durham Speer Gospel music recording artist, singing the National Anthem and providing a patriotic concert at halftime of both games.

The Olivetian

Winter 2006

FIND THE LATEST NEWS, STATS AND SCORES AT www.olivet.edu

Leadership on and off the ﬁeld

first met Derek Diehl ’08 when he arrived on the campus of Olivet Nazarene University for his very first year, on a cold Sunday in January, transferring from a division one football program in the state of Kansas. It was the start of the spring semester and, like the start of every semester, I was excited to see the students return to campus. One of Derek’s very first visits to Kankakee First Church was “Vision Sunday,” a critically important service designed to expose the visionary heart of a pastor for the future ministry of his congregation. I was profoundly aware that this particular service was probably not going to be

By Dr. Edward H. Heck ’75, senior pastor, Kankakee First Church of the Nazarene

vice, and following the service made sure to greet me and introduce himself to me. I was impressed, but it is what happened next that forever endeared this wonderful young man in my heart. Derek told me of his journey and how he had just arrived at Olivet to play football the following fall. Then, in what I will forever remember as one of those cherished moments of afﬁrmation a pastor will minister an entire lifetime to experience, Derek held out his hand to shake mine. I felt something in my hand, and when I opened my hand I saw a one hundred dollar bill! With a smile on his face, Derek spoke to me words that I will always remember: “Someone gave this to me as a gift, and I want to give it to you tonight just to say I believe in what you are trying to do at First Church.” Are you kidding me? Talk about a serendipity of grace! Now maybe you will have a better idea of why I have nothing but highest regard for this young man. Over the last couple of years I’ve watched with keen interest the way God is using his life, and just smiled. I know God has called Derek and his lovely wife Ketly to ministry, and I know the future is indeed bright for them. God is going to use them, I know. However, God is already using Derek! Whether as a quarterback leader on Olivet’s football team, a husband, or a member of my wife’s Sunday school class, Derek Diehl is a winner in my book — ﬁrst in class!

the most appealing service for our student constituency. Nevertheless, one of the things I feel most purposeful in is creating a mission that includes and embraces our university students, but at the same time, models the importance of reaching far beyond them to those with whom we share our community life. With all the activities planned that day, the service ended nearly twenty minutes later than the customary time. At the normal dismissal time, students gradually started slipping out of the sanctuary, and by the end, only a handful of students had persevered. Derek Diehl was one of those students who stayed. Derek returned to our Sunday evening ser-

—Compiled by Marc Shaner ’00/’02 M.A.T., Sports Information Director

Sports Shorts

Football Team Sets NAIA the NAIA Region VII ChampionRecord: The Olivet football ship. They finished with 20 points team set a national record in the region meet, paced by by not being shutout since NAIA Region VII Runner of the the 1988 season. The previYear Bethany McCoy ’08. McCoy ous record of 187 was held then led the Tigers to an eighthby Pacific Lutheran Univerplace finish at the NAIA National sity. The Tigers finished the Meet. After a two-year absence, year with 192 straight games the men’s cross country qualified BETHANY MCCOY since they were last shutout. for the NAIA National Meet. They The last time that the Tigers failed to get in qualified after winning the NAIA Region the end zone was the finale of the 1988 seaVII Meet for the first time since 2003. son, when they were lost 7-0 to Wheaton Sixteen fall athletes named NAIA College (Ill.). All-America Scholar-Athletes: Olivet Men’s and Women’s Soccer Post Winning Nazarene University had 16* of its stuSeasons: After a 1-3 start, the men’s socdent-athletes named NAIA All-America cer team finished the season with a 9-7-1 Scholar-Athletes: Kacey Carr ’07, Kerri record and a 5-3-1 mark in the Chicagoland Cramer ’08, Paul Dawson ’07, Jenny Ellis Collegiate Athletic Conference. The wom’07, Carmin Green ’07, Alison Gremar ’08, en’s soccer team wound up their season at Cheri Hoffmann ’08, Chad Houseman ’08, 10-7-2 record and 5-3-1 in the CCAC, where Katie Huffman ’08, Bethany McCoy ’08, they advanced to the CCAC Tournament Amber McKean ’08, Megan Mosher ’08, Semifinals. Simone Mulieri ’06/’08 M.A, Chris Walker Both Cross Country Teams Qualify for ’08, Andrea Wulff ’07 and Summer Zell ’07. Nationals: The second ranked women’s (*At press time, the NAIA had not released cross country team qualified for their fifth the football scholar-athletes.) straight NAIA National Meet, by winning

Gullickson Named Player of the Year: ONU volleyball star, Megan Gullickson ’07, was named the CCAC and NAIA Region VII Player of the Year for the second straight year. Gullickson is a three-time first team all-confer ence performer. MEGAN GULLICKSON (No. 9)

CROSS

COUNTRY

FOOTBALL

SOCCER

VOLLEYBALL

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Winter 2006

The Olivetian

QUESTIONS

With

Phillip Howell ’07 General Studies — Sports Ministry

1. What led you, a resident of Maryland, to study at Olivet Nazarene University?

Bourbonnais, Illinois

7. In June 2005, you married Christine Mazzella ’05. Tell us a little bit about her.

I was looking for a Christian university with a strong academic program and a good basketball team. Since there were not any schools like that in Maryland, I had to search out of state. My girlfriend (now my wife), Christine, saw Olivet in a Christian magazine, and she told me about the school. I made a visit, and Olivet seemed like the best ﬁt for me. (It didn’t hurt that Christine was going to transfer to Olivet my freshman year!)

Each day I thank God for Christine. She is clearly an intelligent, beautiful and amazing woman. I love that we seem to ﬁt so well together because of the way we balance each other out. Most importantly, I have grown closer to God during my marriage than any other time in my life. It is no doubt that she is the woman for me.

8. And now you have a baby girl on the way. What do you look forward to most about being a parent?

2. You played basketball for ONU for the last three years. How have your coaches helped shape who you are

The challenge of being a dad. Many people have told me that my life will never be the same again. For me, that is great news, because I always want to be changing, growing and learning. I look forward to the challenge of being a parent because I want to see where it will take me and my family.

on and off the court? The thing that I will probably never forget is that if you want to get stronger, you have to push yourself further than you did before. My coaches pushed me every day in practice, on game day, on the track and in the weight room. Every year, we played the toughest teams, practiced hard, long and often. Coach often said, “If it were easy, than everyone would be doing it.” The same is true with our lives, and especially with our Christian lives. If I want to get stronger in my faith or have a stronger marriage, than I need to push myself and do the things that most people don’t want to do. It is easy to go with the ﬂow and be a follower; ‘but small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only few will ﬁnd it.’ (Matthew 7:14).

9.RightWhatnowdothere you like to do in your spare time? is not a lot of that. But if I had a free day I would play basketball or go for a run, spend a few hours relaxing with a good book or listening to a sermon. Then I would spend the rest of the day with my family doing anything.

10. What’s your favorite verse? Galatians 5:14 because it sums up the entire Bible. It makes being a

3. Tell us a little bit about the camaraderie that you’ve experienced with your teammates.

Christian a little easier for me because if I just love God and love others, I will be following every command in the Bible. Each day, I try to ask myself, “What is the most loving thing I can do today?”

Being on a team is one of the greatest experiences that I’ve ever had. As a freshman, one of my teammates was not a Christian and was only interested in playing basketball. For more than three years, my coaches and teammates prayed for him to put his faith in the Lord, and ﬁnally, in the spring of 2006, our prayers were answered. I cannot think of any greater camaraderie than a bunch of guys who pray for each other and care about the eternal destiny of their teammates.

4. This year, you made the difﬁcult decision to leave basketball behind. Tell us about that.

This summer, I took a job as a student ministries pastor at Calvary Bible Church. When I took that job, I felt that God was leading me to full-time Christian service for the rest of my life. Honestly, it would have been harder for me to play basketball and say no to youth ministry. Leaving my teammates was the really hard part. I try to stay connected with the team and stop by for practices and games. I also lead a small group Bible study with the team once a week. As for leaving basketball, it was a decision I knew I had to make. I want to be a doer of God’s Word. I want my life and my speech to reﬂect Christ. I believe that we all must surrender our lives to Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, and follow Him wherever He takes us. It is a matter of trust, and I wholeheartedly believe God will give me a full and abundant life when I choose Him (John 10:10).

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As for leaving basketball, it was a decision I knew I had to make. I want to be a doer of God’s Word.

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PHILLIP HOWELL ’07

5. What’s been the most rewarding part about being a youth minister?

God is the most rewarding part about youth ministry. I am convinced that experiencing God and having an intimate relationship with Him is what I was made for. It is the reason I wake up each day, it is my single greatest passion, and it is the greatest reward for doing youth ministry. When a student’s life is changed, I get to see God. When I’m teaching, I usually learn more about God than my students. Even when I go to a junior high basketball game, I can experience God because He is always with me.

6. Your dad is a pastor, as well. What’s the most important thing

you’ve learned from his ministry? To live the way you are preaching. To this day, one of my favorite things to do is to talk with my dad about what God is teaching me. I love his passion to grow and the way he depends upon God daily. I do not know if I would be a Christian if my dad did not walk his talk. He loves me a lot, but he really loves Jesus.

“It’s what happens after class, too. My friends and I not only kick back to talk about dating, music and politics — we debate class topics, too.” Zachary | Class of 2009 | Elida, Ohio Mass Communications and Christian Education

Th e co l l e g e e xp e r i e n c e i s a b o ut m o r e t h a n j u st c l as s r o oms a n d b o o ks. I n a d d it i o n to a st r o n g ac a d e m i c p r o g r am , O l ive t N a za r e n e U n ive r s it y o f f e r s co u nt l e s s o p p o rtu n it i e s f o r s p i r itua l a n d p e r s o n a l g r o w t h . Wh e t h e r it ’s t h r o u g h p l a n n e d eve nts o r day- to - day l ivi n g , O l ive t i a n s a r e e xp e r i e n c i n g l i f e to t h e fu l l e st a n d b u i l d i n g m e m o r i e s to l ast a l i f e t i m e .

upcoming events for high school seniors and their parents: Purple & Gold Days on Feb 23–24 and March 23–24.

JASON JONES PHOTOGRAPHY

Growing Together