Table of Content s INTRODUCTION
John C. Bowling, University President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
T O A L M A M AT E R , O L I V E T A Historical Sketch of the University Gary W. Streit, University Provost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
WE LIFT OUR VOICE IN PRAISE Praise through Music Harlow E. Hopkins, Class of 1953 and Harriet (Boughhan) Hopkins, Class of 1953 . . . . . . . . . . . .25
N O B L E S TA N D A R D S W H I C H W E ’ L L H O L D T I L L E N D I N G O F O U R D AY S Academic Excellence Gregg Chenoweth, Class of 1990 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
T I M E W E S P E N T W I T H I N T H E S E WA L L S The Olivet Experience Susan (Myers) Williams, Class of 1969 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63
FOR HERE WE LEARNED TO KNOW OF TRUTH Education With a Christian Purpose Leora (Windoffer) Legacy, Class of 1968 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83
M Y O L I V E T, O U R O L I V E T School Spirit through Athletics Heather (Kinzinger) Shaner, Class of 1998 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .109
EPILOGUE John C. Bowling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .136
just south and west of the main campus,
for Excellence was the development
and now home to ROTC classes and
of an electronic campus to enhance
intramural sports fields. The School
instructional presentation and delivery
of Graduate and Continuing Studies
and to ensure technological literacy.
established a Chicago Regional Center
Today, Olivet provides wireless access
in Rolling Meadows, Illinois, and
throughout the campus, including all
moved their administrative offices in
classrooms and residence hall rooms;
Bourbonnais to greatly expand facilities
a fully computerized library and
at Heritage Place.
learning resource center; a distance
When Dr. John C. Bowling became president of Olivet in July 1991, he was intent on building on the solid
learning classroom; 80 smart classrooms; and over 25 computer labs. Shine.fm (89.7 WONU), a 24-hour
foundation laid by those who had
35,000 watt radio station licensed by the
preceded him, but at the same time
FCC as a non-commercial educational
he realized the fast-approaching 21st
FM station, is an educational and public
century required a new vision and
relations arm of the University. Radio
progressive changes, especially in the
broadcast training began with Professor
area of information technology. So one
George Snyder in 1946 with a campus-
of his priorities set forth in his Agenda
only broadcast station known as WONC
WONC radio studios on the fourth floor of Burke Administration Building, 1946–1953.
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To Alma Mater, Olivet
Tornado of April 17, 1963 strikes hard at this northwest corner of Burke Administration Building. Many windows were blown out.
Two graduates at Burke Administration Building preparing for commencement ceremonies.
that transmitted through electrical
1988 for the new 35,000 watt station.
lines on campus to individual radios.
In 2003, WONU-FM and broadcasting
In 1967, Professor Ray H. Moore set
classes moved from the north wing of
up WKOC-fm radio studios in Ludwig
Benner Library to a retrofitted building
Center with 10 watts of power. Power
next to the Admissions Center on
was raised to 421 watts in 1983. The
Main Street, and the Department of
studios moved to Benner Library in
Communication and Digital Media
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Dean Carl S. McClain proudly displays his memoirs, I Remember — my fifty-seven years at Olivet Nazarene College, 1983.
offices and classes moved into that
funding the construction of the
vacated space, including new television,
Centennial Chapel. This impressive
graphic arts and photography studios.
facility will give to the Olivet community
In 2004, President Bowling introduced to the Olivet family the theme “Promises to Keep” as the focal point for the next major capital campaign, focused on
a permanent home for both her public worship as well as cultural events. In 2005, the North Central Association reaffirmed Olivet’s
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accreditation for the maximum period
At this Centennial moment, Olivet
of ten years with no stipulations.
rests on the shoulders of 100 years
A major reorganization of academic
of dreams and determination —
divisions, departments and schools was
of tears and triumph — of reversals
implemented that same year, resulting
and revival — of fear and faithfulness.
in the creation of the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Education,
2007 ▪ A dream ▪ A campus of
the School of Professional Studies,
250 acres with 40 buildings ▪ 422
the School of Theology and Christian Ministry, and the School of Graduate
faculty and staff ▪ 4,500 students
and Continuing Studies. Each school is
▪ a new beginning ▪ a University
led by a dean who, in turn, works closely
thrives!
with the newly designated provost. Selden Kelley Jr. stands beside a portrait of his father Selden D. Kelley Sr., Olivet president 1948–49, and Selden Dee Kelley III at right, who graduated from Olivet in May 1978.
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To Alma Mater, Olivet
THE “O” CLUB from the early ’40s
Men’s “O” Club.
Women’s “O” Club.
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To Alma Mater, Olivet
CAMPUS BUILDINGS Gymnasium — Walker Hall
Constructed by St. Viator College, the Olivet Gymnasium covered 5/8 of an acre.
In 1941, Walker Hall was used as faculty apartments.
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CAMPUS BUILDINGS Burke Administration Building — Chapman Hall
West view of Burke Administration Building, built in 1906 as MarsileAlumni Hall by St. Viator College.
West view in 1940 of Chapman Hall, originally built in 1906 as Roy Memorial Hall by St. Viator College.
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To Alma Mater, Olivet
APRIL 16, 1963 Olivet Campus — Trailerville
Effects of the 1963 tornado that swept across the campus which demolished Trailerville, housing for married students, along with damaging effects to several buildings.
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Walter B. and Naomi Larsen in 1941. They led Olivet’s Department of Music from 1932 to 1972.
itself,” expressed President John C.
1933. Thus, the partnership was
Bowling in the 75th Anniversary
formed that began a deeply spiritual
Concert Band Homecoming program
and dedication-to-quality “crescendo”
in 1991.
that continues to this day.
In the early years, music was indeed a vital part of the life of Olivet through
Margaret (Flint) Woodruff ’42
the pioneering efforts of Rev. DeCamp,
recalled:
Olin Waltz, Claude Dent, J. Glenn Gould, Professor Peake, his daughter
The Larsens, though receiving
Mrs. Irene Price, and others.
inadequate and unpredictable salaries,
But a significant new era began in
nevertheless regularly traveled by train
1932 when Walter Burdick Larsen
to Chicago to study with the renowned
arrived to teach. He met senior student
faculty of the American Conservatory
Naomi Tripp, and they married in
of Music. We students who were paying
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To Alma Mater, Olivet
The Orpheus Choir was established and conducted by Dr. Walter B. Larsen in 1932. This photo of the choir was taken in the Burke Administration Building lobby in 1941.
Olivet’s modest tuitions were
A significant portion of the Larsen
receiving the conservatory’s excellence
legacy resides in the choral tradition
“once removed.” It is not possible
that was established in 1932 with
to exaggerate the Larsens’ investment
the founding of Orpheus Choir by
of money, talent, discipline and energy.
Dr. Larsen, its first conductor. Upon
Sacrifice was the trademark of all
his untimely death in 1957, Mrs. Larsen
Olivet’s early faculty, but no department
became the choir’s conductor, followed
was more the beneficiary of faculty
by Dr. D. George Dunbar ’58 in 1972,
commitment than was music!
and Dr. Jeffrey Bell ’81 in 1999. During the 1950s, Orpheus Choir sang Handel’s
The naming of Larsen Fine Arts
Messiah each December and toured for
Center in their memory in 1982 affirmed
ten days on the educational region each
the musical influence their dedicated
spring. In addition to the many campus
lives had on Olivet and her students.
appearances each year, the Dunbar era
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“Praise Song — The Piano and Orchestra of Ovid Young,” 1972.
have served God through their musical
professor in piano from 1965–75, then
gifts and talents as professors, teachers,
as an adjunct lecturer in music from
artists, performers, church musicians,
1975–78. Since 1976, Olivet’s president
band and orchestra members, and choir
has commissioned Young to arrange
members around the world. Notable
a specially selected hymn to be sung
are Roger McMurrin ’61, conductor
by Orpheus Choir at the annual
of the Kiev Symphony Orchestra and
baccalaureate service. Because of his
Chorus, and renowned duo pianists
exemplary service to Olivet and his
Nielson and Young. Pianist and
witness around the world, Olivet
composer Stephen Nielson served at
conferred the honorary Doctor of
Olivet as an artist in residence from
Letters on Young in 1985.
1971–78; pianist, organist, composer,
Olivet’s instrumental music history
conductor Ovid Young ’62 served at
began with string and orchestral
Olivet as an instructor and assistant
ensembles. In the late 1940s, orchestra
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To Alma Mater, Olivet
“The Comforter Has Come — A Decade of Inspiration,” 1985.
conductors included Eldon Basney,
leadership of A. Harold Fitzgerrel
Don Hustad, Lowell Burroughs, Walter
’41, the band was “born again,” and
Larsen, Kenneth Bade ’49 and Harlow
instrumental music was introduced as a
Hopkins ’53. Neal Woodruff ’91
part of the college curriculum. In 1991,
serves as the current orchestra
Fitzgerrel returned to conduct the band
conductor.
at the 75th anniversary concert.
A band began at Olivet in 1910–11.
Harlow E. Hopkins served as
In 1933, Walter Larsen brought the
director of bands from 1957-96.
band back into existence, after an
Touring began in 1963 — the day
absence of six years, under the direction
after the April 17 tornado. Dean Willis
of J. Richard Sullivan. The tragic fire
Snowbarger said, “The concert band
in 1939 destroyed the meager collection
should go ahead with its plans —
of music and the few college-owned
we’ll have 35 fewer mouths to feed.”
instruments. In 1940–41, under the
The band’s first General Assembly
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“1967 Homecoming Concert — Recorded Live,” Harlow Hopkins, Conductor and Ovid Young, Orchestral Arrangements.
The Olivetians, 1964.
The Olivetians, 1970.
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To Alma Mater, Olivet
appearance took place in 1968 in
“Let all the people praise thee,
Kansas City. During the Hopkins era,
Let all the people praise thee,
several nationally known conductors
Let all the people praise thy name
occupied the podium including
Forever and forevermore.”
Frederick C. Ebbs, Mark H. Hindsley, Ray E. Cramer, Mark S. Kelley and
Praise. Visit a chapel service at Olivet
John P. Paynter.
and you will see and hear the praises
Concert Band remains strong today
of the Olivet family lift to God. Then
under the leadership of Dr. Neal
you will know that the prayers and
McMullian. With necessary and gratifying
praises of those early founders have
support from the administration, the
been honored; moreover, their prayers
marching band returned in 2004 for the
and praises continue through the
first football game with 85 members and
prayers and praises of today’s Olivet
a one-time guest appearance by a fully
family. And these “hearts lifted in
uniformed euphonium player named
praise” have a lasting impact:
John Bowling.
Aeolian Singers: Fonda Bearinger, Virginia Trent, Kathryn Zook, Mabel Grubb, Leah Voigt and Lois Carpenter, 1941.
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Whenever I hear an orchestra tuning,
penned. That song ranks as one of my
I am taken back to Chalfant Hall.
favorites because of its powerful lyrics
I am on the choir risers waiting for
and the fondness I have for hearing
a rehearsal or concert to begin. …The
a thousand people sing in harmony.
memories most dear to me, however, are
It is an experience that has lived with
of Harlow Hopkins or Naomi Larsen as
me from my Olivet days until now.
they conducted with tears spilling down
May it ever remain!
their cheeks. The music touched them,
— Duane Romey ’90
and it touched us as well. I remember fighting back tears as I sang Messiah for the last time. The Scripture was so meaningful and the music so inspiring. — Patricia Wright ’75 I was thinking recently about how many churches today have moved away from singing hymns in worship services and how I miss them. My thoughts go back to Olivet’s chapel, and the times when Dr. Hopkins would lead us in singing from the hymnal. In particular, I enjoyed “Wonderful Grace of Jesus” each semester. The hymn was written by Haldor Lillenas in 1918, and the
I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever.
message embodied in the song is as
Every day I will praise you and extol
true today as it was when it was
your name for ever and ever. Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts…. My mouth will speak in praise of the Lord. Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever. — Psalm 145:1-4, 21 NIV
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To Alma Mater, Olivet
The Sound Foundation, 1970s.
Byron Carmony and Ray H. Moore record many of Carmony’s songs about Olivet on campus in 1987.
The Collegians Men’s Quartet, 1967.
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