THE MAGAZINE

APRIL 2015

A LIFEWELLLIVED

DIVING IN HEART FIRSTThe ONU men’s and women’s swim teams together are the NAIA’s swimming and diving Champions of Character for 2015. The award is presented annually to a single school at the national swimming and diving championships, held this year in March in Oklahoma City. ONU’s student-athletes were recognized for living the core values of the program and for their outreach projects. Tiger swimmers have volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, distributed food through Illinois Food Bank and Monee Free Methodist Church, helped residents in economically depressed communities in central Illinois, and raised money for Team World Vision’s Water 4 Water project to provide clean water in rural African communities.

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“The unexamined life is not worth living.”

That’s a rather bold declaration, even for Socrates. But with this thought, not surprisingly, the master teacher illuminates a fundamental aspect of the human condition. On this journey and in the quiet moments of life, we all grapple with the big questions at one point or another: What is my purpose here? What does it mean to live a significant life? What will my legacy be? And does any of this even matter?

Viktor E. Frankl, Holocaust survivor and author of “Manʼs Search for Meaning,” determined that a life well lived is singularly and ultimately only about love. He wrote: “For the first time in my life I saw the truth as it is set into song by so many poets, proclaimed as the final wisdom by so many thinkers. The truth — that love is the ultimate and highest goal to which man can aspire. Then I grasped the meaning of the greatest secret that human poetry and human thought and belief have to impart: The salvation of man is through love and in love.”

And now each of us must answer for ourselves.

Amidst the relief from winter, the newness of springtime and the wonder of the resurrection season, we have chosen to engage one of life's great questions in the pages that follow. In classic Socratic style, we endeavor to answer the query, ‘What are the central tenets of a life well lived?’

May our minds be renewed, may our spirits be lifted, may our hearts be strangely warmed and may our souls expand as we sit with this question.

Blessings!The Editorial Board

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DEAR FRIENDS,

CONTENTS

NEWS ANDEVENTS

Headlines fromthe Olivet communities

around the globe

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ON THE COVERFaces and places throughout the Olivet community reflect the spirit that nurtures lives well lived.

OLIVET: THE MAGAZINEis published quarterly by

the Office of Marketingand Engagement under the

direction of the Vice President for Institutional Advancement.

Reproduction of material without written permission prohibited.

EDITORIAL BOARDDr. Brian Allen ’82/’05 Litt.D.

Remington J. Anksorus ’05Dr. Brian W. Parker ’93/ ’11 Ed.D.

George Wolff ’93

ART DIRECTIONGeorge Wolff ’93

GRAPHIC DESIGNMatthew Moore ’96Monique Perry ’03

Donnie Johnson

PHOTOGRAPHYAs credited

PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPORTJordan Hansen ’13Paul Matthews ’15Cymone Wilder ’15

Wes Taylor ’15Joe Mantarian ’16

EDITORIAL SUPPORTSheryl Feminis

Luke Olney ’10/’12 M.O.L.Laura Wasson Warfel

Christine Case ’05A.E. Sarver ’15

Katharyn Schrader ’14Renee Gerstenberger

VOLUME 83 ISSUE 2(USPS 407-880) (ISSN 2325-7334)Copyright © 2015Olivet Nazarene UniversityOne University AvenueBourbonnais, IL 60914-2345

PRESIDENTDr. John C. Bowling ’71/’72 M.A./’06 D.Div., Ed.D., D.Min.

VICE PRESIDENT FOR FINANCEDr. Douglas E. Perry ’68/’95 Litt.D., M.B.A.

VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT DEVELOPMENTDr. Walter “Woody” Webb ’86/’89 M.A.R./’08 D.Div.

VICE PRESIDENT FOR INSTITUTIONALADVANCEMENTDr. Brian Allen ’82/’05 Litt.D.

VICE PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRSDr. Dennis Crocker ’75,M.M., D.M.A.

VICE PRESIDENT FOR STRATEGIC EXPANSIONDr. Ryan Spittal ’99/’04 M.B.A., D.B.A.

Periodicals postage paid at the Bourbonnais, IllinoisPost Office and at additional mailing offices.

Postmaster, send address changes to:Editor, Olivet: The MagazineOlivet Nazarene University

One University Ave.Bourbonnais, IL 60914-2345

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A LIFE OFOVERCOMING

Dr. Carol Maxson’s storyof transforming indifference

into inspiration

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EVERYDAYHEROESOlivet students pay

tribute to professorswho impact their lives

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A lifewell livedA collection of fresh thoughts and essays on what defines a life of significance.

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Professional accomplishments, weddings,

births and adoptions

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Dr. John C. Bowling serves as the 12th president of Olivet Nazarene University. An Olivet alumnus and Harvard University Fellow with two master’s and two earned doctoral degrees, he is a best-selling author, a prominent national speaker and is internationally recognized as an outstanding leader in higher education and the Church. His most recent book, “Revision,” from Beacon Hill Press, provides “Thirteen Strategies to Renew Your Work, Your Organization and Your Life.”

His name was Don, and he showed up at my office unannounced one summer afternoon. I greeted him, we talked for about 40 minutes and then we parted – both of us having a better understanding of a life well lived.

Don told me he was 35 years old and that he had worked as an appliance repairman for the past 15 years. “I like what I do, and I am good at it,” he said. “I make good money and have some wonderful friends at work. I have a great wife and two young children. We are getting along okay, and I’m very happy at home. But I think I ought to go to college. I have gone about as far in this work as I can go. If I am going to get ahead, I think I need a college degree.”

“What do you mean by ‘get ahead’?” I asked.

“You know,” he replied.

I nodded. “What would you like to do, if you could do something else?”

“I am not sure,” he said.

“What do you want most in life?” I probed.

“What I really want in life is a happy family, enough money to live on, some good friends and a job I like.” As he finished that sentence, we both smiled. He already had what was most important in life. He had just lost sight of it for a time.

“Don,” I said, “you’re already a success.”

We talked a little longer, and I suggested that he take a course or two from time to time — just for the joy of learning.

Many people seem to labor under a false idea of what constitutes a well-lived life. As a result, they never find it. Or if they do gain what they have sought, it becomes an empty reality. A life well lived transcends success at work or any other single aspect of life. The most fulfilled people are those who love what they do, do it well, and love those with whom they live and work. They live not just for themselves, but for God and the good of others.

HIS NAME WAS DON, AND HE SHOWED UP AT MY OFFICE UNANNOUNCED ONE SUMMER AFTERNOON. I GREETED HIM, WE TALKED FOR ABOUT 40 MINUTES AND THEN WE PARTED – BOTH OF US HAVING A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF A LIFE WELL LIVED.

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“I was confident the opportunities that lay before me as a student at Olivet would allow me to fulfill that destiny.”

Dr. Robert L. Taylor,President, Indiana Association of Public School SuperintendentsI truly believe I was one of the lucky ones when I arrived on the campus of Olivet Nazarene College back in August 1973. As the son and grandson of Indiana public school superintendents, I always knew my professional destiny, and I was confident the opportunities that lay before me as an Olivet student would allow me to fulfill that destiny. My confidence in the academic preparation and the life-defining opportunities I experienced in my years at Olivet became the foundation of my professional development and, more important, solidified the core values of my very being.

Based on 38 years of what many would deem a successful career in educational administration in the United States and overseas, I am the first to declare that my degree from Olivet prepared me well for my chosen profession. But it was not the degree alone.

There is no question that the academic preparation I received at Olivet prepared me to be a lifelong learner. Throughout my career, I’ve reflected on the professors and staff at Olivet who provided the knowledge I needed to grow and prosper professionally, and I thankfully acknowledge their contributions. Without question, Olivet provided me with a solid academic program.

But truth be told, a number of other outstanding colleges and universities throughout the nation do a good job providing a solid academic program for professional preparation. No other, however, can provide “the Olivet experience.”

At the same time I was being prepared academically to become a professional educator, I was being prepared through my Olivet experience to become an individual of faith, honor, dedication and commitment. I was being prepared to become a learned professional and honorable man of God.

The Olivet experience could be difficult to define. I’m sure students in each generation of Olivet alumni understand the concept. They might refer to it by a different name, but they all come to realize the life-transforming collective effect of their time at Olivet. We come to appreciate it for the way it defines who we are and clarifies what we are meant to do. There is no set curriculum, no overpriced text book, no online course that can give us the Olivet experience. The very spirit of that phenomenon lies within the people of Olivet — the students, staff, professors, alumni — everyone who helps define us through daily example and lifelong connection. The Olivet experience makes each of us one of the lucky ones.

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Dr. Robert L. Taylor ’77 is a third-generation public school educator who has served at the high school, middle school and elementary school levels in the U.S. and Germany, where he oversaw Department of Defense education activity. He is the current president of the Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents. His career includes experience as a teacher, coach, assistant principal and principal. His master’s in education-school administration and his doctor of education in leadership and policy are from Indiana University. He and his wife, Jackie — also an educator — have two sons, Matthew and Cole.

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Micah Gerhart ’12, alumnus of Olivet’s athletic training program, is now an assistant athletic trainer with the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League. Born and bred a fan of his hometown Eagles, Micah moved into the full-time position after serving an internship. While he was still in Bourbonnais, Micah also worked as an intern with the athletic training staff of the Chicago Bears.

Doubling the number of registrants who responded to the 2014 appeal for bone marrow donors, 272 Olivet students registered in March for “Be the Match®”, operated by the National Marrow Donor Program®. Dr. Mike Pyle, Biological Sciences professor, spearheaded the registry drive. By registering, students declared their willingness to provide life-saving treatment to someone in need anywhere in the world.

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Sean German ’96 is president of the 5,000-member Illinois Principals Association for 2015. He serves as principal of Argenta-Oreana High School in Argenta, Illinois. One of German’s objectives is to “take back the story of education” in Illinois. “We hear about deficiencies, about lagging test scores, and we don't do enough talking about the great things that are being achieved in our schools,” he said in an interview with the Decatur Herald & Review. German is looking forward to mentoring new principals as he leads educators across the state.

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During a historic March weekend at the NAIA Indoor National Championships, the Tiger men’s track and field team earned the first top 10 finish in program history by scoring 34 points and placing seventh in the field of 53 teams. The Tigers finished with three national runners-up and seven All-Americans.

For the women’s track and field team, Amy Blucker (junior, Galesburg, Ill.) inked her name in the Olivet record book by becoming the first thrower in school history to win an NAIA National Championship. She entered the preliminaries as the top seed in the shot put and broke her own school record with a toss of 15.51m (50 feet, 10 ¾ inches). Olivet’s two relay teams each earned All-American honors. The Tigers finished the three-day competition in 13th place in the field of 47 teams.

TIGERS IN TOP 10AT TRACK NATIONALS

Olivet and GatheringPoint Church of the Nazarene will again co-host a live broadcast site at the church for the Global Leadership Summit, the world-class leadership event facilitated annually by Willow Creek Association. The 2015 summit takes place Thursday and Friday, August 6 and 7, at Willow Creek near Chicago. The event features a line-up of business and religious leaders sharing vision, inspiration and practical skills.

The Olivet/GatheringPoint site is one of 375 locations to broadcast the event in North America to 260,000 people. Beginning in the fall, the event will be translated in 52 languages in 150 countries. For information, visit www.willowcreek.com/events/leadership or email summit@olivet.edu.

WILLOW CREEKCOMES TO ONU

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Olivet Nazarene University is leading the way in nursing education, with 1,323 students currently enrolled in undergraduate and graduate nursing programs across the region.

Olivet’s traditional undergraduate nursing program has doubled over the past decade to 408 majors for the 2014-15 school year. Half of that growth has come in recent years as the University began to purposefully grow the program to meet current and future demand. This growth was escalating as the U.S. Department of Labor projected 528,600 new nursing jobs would be created between 2012 and 2022.

As the demand for health care professionals accelerates, Olivet continues to implement a strategic plan to equip and empower men and women to lead the nursing profession. The School of Nursing & Health Sciences provides a traditional on-campus undergraduate nursing program, while the School of Graduate and Continuing Studies (SGCS) offers several undergraduate and graduate nursing programs on Olivet's main campus, on campuses located in suburban Chicago and Indianapolis, as well as online.

The SGCS offers a variety of education opportunities for those already working in the field of nursing and for those looking to enter the field. Degree programs include bachelor of science in nursing (RN to BSN), family nurse practitioner certification (FNPC), master of science in nursing (MSN) and master of science in nursing - family nurse practitioner (MSNF). Also available is an accelerated bachelor of science in nursing (ABSN) that is perfectly tailored to someone looking for a career change.

Offering a variety of nursing education opportunities, Olivet will continue a strategic multi-state expansion and bolster the traditional undergraduate program with a 10,000 square-foot expansion to Wisner Hall of Nursing in the near future. Intensive academic programs, world-class facilities and strategic growth will ensure that Olivet Nazarene University continues to equip health care professionals and lead the way in nursing education.

Information about nursing opportunities is available at www.olivet.edu or 1.800.648.1463.

ONU NURSING PROGRAM:GROWING with HEAlTH CARE OPPORTUNITIES

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In February, the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) reauthorized Olivet’s institutional accreditation, recognizing the University’s strong academic programs, solid financial footing, significant mission focus, and realistic goals and planning processes. This affirmed accreditation came after the extensive self-study process the University undertakes every 10 years. The University has earned accreditation from the HLC continuously since 1965.

“This accreditation continues to justify the trust that our students, prospective students and their families have in our University,” said Dr. John C. Bowling, University president. “The comprehensive review process allowed the Higher Learning Commission to affirm our vision and the progress that has taken place at the University over the past decade.”

HLC AGAINACCREDITS ONU

In her first year with the ONU Tigers, point guard Abbey Hengesbach (junior, Westphalia, Mich.) was named to the CCAC First Team All-Conference. In NAIA Division II, she was in the top 10 in seven statistical categories while playing an average of just 18.3 minutes per game. Her team-leading 674 points ranked her fourth nationally in scoring, and she was second in assists and second in steals nationally. In March, she was named to the 2015 NAIA Division II Women’s Basketball All-America Teams, making her the first Tiger to be named Second Team All-American. Hengesbach led the Tigers this year in points, total rebounds, assists and steals, averaging 22.5 points per game.

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Student leaders Joy Jenen (senior, Oak Forest, Ill.), Shanynn Santos (sophomore, Manteno, Ill.), Derick Brown (junior, Urbana, Ill.) and Andrew Ramirez (freshman, Flint, Mich.) attended the National Character and Leadership Symposium in February. The students were accompanied by Dr. Jay Martinson, chair of the Communications department.

Based on their strong character and leadership abilities, the students were nominated by faculty and staff members to attend the symposium. The three-day event took place at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where hundreds of student leaders from across the country received insight from military and civilian leaders.

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Dr. Stephen Case ’05 of Olivet’s Department of Chemistry and Geoscience is the winner of the 2014 Annals of Science prize for his essay, “Land-marks of the Universe: John Herschel Against the Background of Positional Astronomy.” The essay is based on a chapter from his doctoral dissertation. Dr. Case earned his doctorate in the history and philosophy of science from the University of Notre Dame in 2014. In addition to his faculty and teaching responsibilities, he is the director of Olivet’s Strickler Planetarium.

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The Olivet School of Engineering continues expanding its academic offerings with new concentrations in architectural engineering, chemical engineering and civil engineering. The new concentrations, available for fall semester 2015, enhance the program offering that already includes computer engineering, electrical engineering, geological engineering and mechanical engineering.

The school has also added a co-op program as well as a master’s in engineering management 4+1, a degree program that allows admitted students to begin taking grad courses in their senior undergrad year.

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Hundreds of Olivet fans celebrated as the buzzer sounded and Head Coach Ralph Hodge ’75/’96 MAE and the Tiger men's basketball team won the 2015 CCAC Tournament on February 28. The Tigers cut down the nets in McHie Arena after a 90-80 win over No. 18 Cardinal Stritch University.

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In their third year of outstanding competition in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), Tiger swim teams under Head Coach Scott Teeters continued winning national recognition and setting school records at the 2015 NAIA National Championship.

For the second consecutive year, the men’s team earned national runner-up honors with a second-place finish behind Oklahoma Baptist University. Frank Tapia (sophomore, Clearwater, Fla.) is the national champion in the 200 butterfly event. Tapia is a member of the 800 free relay team that finished second at nationals. His teammates are Jake Anderson (junior, Clifton, Ill.); Josh Lercel (senior, Mishawaka, Ind.); and Simon Pheasant (senior, Alexandria, South Africa). Also, among schools represented on the list of 2015 Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athletes in men’s swimming, Olivet has more students than any other school. Five of the 27 student achievers are ONU Tigers.

For the women’s team, Tia Schrader (senior, St. Joe, Ind.) was named a Daktronics-Scholar Athlete. The team finished in sixth place at nationals. Receiving the NAIA All-American honor in national competition were: Eugenia Sebastiani (freshman, Caracas, Venezuela); the 200 medley relay team of Sebastiani and Mackenzie Anderson (senior, Clifton, Ill.); Kelsey Weener (junior, Holland, Mich.); and Whitney Whitehead (sophomore, Grand Blanc, Mich.); and the 200 freestyle relay team of Sebastiani; Weener; Holly Risinger (sophomore, Tremont, Ill.); and Deirdre Gerke (freshman, South Lyon, Mich.).

TIGER SWIMMING:EXCELLENCE AT NAIA NATIONALS

What does it mean to live a significant life? Ralph Waldo Emerson answered this question when he wrote,“The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.”

Nearly 150 years later, in his epic text, Loving God, Charles Colson addressed this same enduring question: “It is not what we do that matters, but what a sovereign God chooses to do through us. God doesn't want our success; He wants us. He doesn't demand our achievements. He demands our obedience. The Kingdom of God is a kingdom of paradox, where through the ugly defeat of a cross, a holy God is utterly glorified. Victory comes through defeat; healing through brokenness; finding self through losing self.”

And now the question is ours to consider: How then shall we live? We reached out to six of our friends from the Olivet community and the result is a fresh collection of thoughts and essays. May we all be startled and inspired by the great animating Spirit of the Almighty God as we endeavor to live the abundant life. Well lived, indeed.

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I was privileged to work alongside Pastor Paul Cunningham for 23 years at College Church in Olathe, Kansas. He became my mentor, confidante, spiritual guide and lifelong friend. I’ve often been asked to identify the key to the significant growth at College Church Olathe under Dr. Cunningham’s leadership.

First, it happened because God used a man totally committed to Him. Second, Pastor Cunningham did not take a step without prayerfully seeking God’s will and blessing. Third, he always had a vision for the work of the global Church as well as that of his local congregation. Paul Cunningham is a man who puts God first. He embodies this quote from George Mueller: “A servant of God has but one master!”

– Hardy Weathers, former president, Nazarene Publishing House

From the beginning, Jesus had always been especially interested in people who were willing to dare the impossible. Peter was willing to dare the impossible, and Jesus seemed to like that. As Jesus was walking on the sea, Peter said, “I want to do that. I want to walk on the water, too.” Jesus replied, “Come to me, and share in my miracle.”

Jesus still calls out to those who dare to dream the impossible. He still invites people to be a part of the miraculous. Our response to Christ’s invitation to participate in miracles should be like that of Peter’s: eager to accept.

I imagine the scene from Matthew 14 in my own mind. They were already in great danger in the boat. High waves and wind hardly make for a time to go swimming, let alone walk on the water. But in spite of this, Peter had the courage to get

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out of the boat — even in the storm — and start walking. All he needed was the invitation from Jesus. With that invitation in his heart, Peter’s eyes must have glowed with great faith as he stepped out of the boat into the water.

He started to walk, but soon he began to sink. What happened? Why was he sinking? Had he lost interest in the venture? Was the task too difficult? Clovis Chappell believes Peter "was getting on beautifully until he started to make a survey of the wind. He walked victoriously until he started to tabulate his problems. When he got out his calculator, he started to sink. When he started taking inventory of the waves (‘There’s one, there’s two … I see another! There’s three, four … ‘), he began to sink. He became so wind-conscious that he forgot to be Christ-conscious."

Many of us have heard the illustration of the 15-foot wooden plank. We could walk across the plank when it’s lying flat on the ground. But if that same plank made a bridge across two 30-story skyscrapers, it would be difficult finding volunteers to walk it. Has the plank changed? No. We’ve just become more aware of our problems.

To know our problems is good, but to be possessed by them becomes our point of weakness.

Peter began to sink because he filled his horizon with problems until he lost sight of his solution — Jesus, the one who had given him the invitation to participate in the miraculous.

Instead of focusing on our own needs, we must focus on The One who is able to supply our needs. When that happens, we find Jesus reaching out His hand and lifting us up. Are you participating in the miraculous, or are you staying in the safety of the boat? I’d rather be walking on the turbulent waves with Jesus than sitting in the boat without Him.

We must be willing to accept Jesus’ invitation to dare, to risk adventure and to do great things with the God who said, “I’m not going to let you sink. I’ll be there to hold you up. I invite you to participate with me in the miraculous.”

DR. PAUL G. CUNNINGHAM ’60 is a premier thought leader in the Wesleyan Holiness tradition. He pastored College Church of the Nazarene in Olathe, Kansas, for 29 years, and he served two terms as president of the General Board of the International Church. Beginning in 1993, he served 16 years as general superintendent, the highest elected office in the Church of the Nazarene. Pastor Cunningham graduated from Olivet Nazarene University and Nazarene Theological Seminary, and he earned his doctor of divinity from MidAmerica Nazarene University. He has worked alongside his wife, Connie, to grow the church and instill values of holiness among congregations around the world.

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Hear the audio of Pastor Cunningham’s sermon at

olivetthemagazine.com

INSPIRATION &THE CREATIVE LIFE

J.S. Bach began his music manuscripts with “JJ” for “Jesu Juva” or “Help me, Jesus.” He ended them with “SDG” for “To God alone the glory.” In the margin of his biblical commentary next to 2 Chronicles 5:13-14, the composer wrote: “Where there is devotional music, God is always at hand with his gracious presence.”

All things in the Bach household began with religion, said C.P.E. Bach (the composer’s son), and all was done in the name of Jesus. What a powerful example of artistry and inspiration — born of God’s spirit — that still has the power to touch people’s lives after two centuries.

Like all true artistry, music is born of natural ability, hard work and passion. It is an expression of the soul. Without it, human existence is barren. Music can stimulate or diminish brain function, cause a

state of relaxation or hypertension and influence behavior. It is a powerful tool. Presented with profound passion, music resonates with audiences who identify with what they are hearing. People need and want to feel.

I believe this to be the innermost yearning of mankind for the Creator God. True creativity is cathartic, allowing the observer to feel what the composer or artist intended. Is it any wonder that the arts have amazing power to influence society — for good or bad? God’s very essence is one of life and creativity. He is constantly creating and re-creating each of us and the wondrous world we live in. For the believer in Christ, artistry — whether it is music, dance or the visual arts — is the evidence and expression of God’s presence in our lives.

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My mission as a professor at Olivet is to shape powerful and productive musicians who can be competitive and successful in the music market. Although building technique, skill, understanding and artistry are absolute priorities in my teaching, my mission extends much farther. I sincerely believe that society is influenced by music. Opening the soul through a passionate performance or a powerful composition creates a channel through which God can speak. Most times, audiences are unaware they have been visited by the Supreme Creator Himself when they hear stirring and uplifting music. They know only that they felt something deeper than superficial entertainment and that the experience left its mark, softening the heart and refreshing the mind.

Human contact in music class or private lesson is important for the teacher who sees his or her

position as one of ministry, bringing healing to students with broken lives or families. Many times, the music and the passion associated with it can stir the soul more effectively than mere words. In today’s world of de-personalization, this contact is crucial for our future generations. As young teachers enter the work force, it is my sincere prayer that they see beyond the subject matter to the limitless possibilities God has for them as ambassadors of Christ to heal a tormented world. I am blessed to work at a university where this mission is encouraged and lived out daily by the administration, faculty and students. It is an environment that encourages creativity and growth and provides the skills to achieve. Our world is immense. May we daily live by the words of J.S. Bach: “To God alone the glory.”

DR. KAREN BALL is an accomplished performer and composer who teaches and inspires Olivet student-musicians. A consummate musician, she specializes in piano performance, piano repertoire, piano pedagogy, improvisation and composition. She earned her doctor of musical arts degree from the University of Illinois in 1999. Dr. Ball is a member of the Illinois State Music Teachers Association, the American College of Musicians and the Society of Composers. She has recorded original piano music for Trans World Radio broadcasts, and her concert venues include Swaziland and South Africa.

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It seems you have spent a lot of your adult life at Olivet. What do you recall about your first visit?When I was in the third grade, my mom took me to an Olivet Homecoming. I remember staying in a room in Williams Hall. Most distinctly, I remember sitting in the bleachers in Birchard Gymnasium, watching the Homecoming court being presented at half-time of the basketball game. My eight-year-old mind was thinking, “Are you kidding me?! This school has princesses in long white dresses?!” I was hooked.

How did your undergrad years at Olivet help shape your philosophy of life?Many things come to mind, but one stands out particularly because it happened early in my freshman year. I signed up to babysit for an ONU staff member and his wife. On the wall of their living room was a plaque that read, “Only one life, it will soon be passed. Only what’s done for Christ will last.” At 18, I’d hardly given a lot of thought to a major much less the end of my life. Those words made a big impact.

Over the years, there must be a number of campus locales that you’ve called ‘home.’ Would you mention a few?I have lived in Williams Hall, Nesbitt Hall, McClain Hall, Mary Scott Missionary House, Hopkins Alumni House, the former president’s home that is now the David L. Elwood Center for Student Success, the Reedy President’s Home and, for a number of weekends, the chemistry labs of Reed Hall of Science.

JILL BOWLING REFLECTS ONOLIVET’S ROLE IN A LIFE WELL LIVED

Jill (Cheeseman) Bowling ’70 became the first lady of Olivet in 1991, when her husband, Dr. John C. Bowling ’71, was appointed University president. She established her bond with the University much earlier, however.

Jill earned her bachelor’s degree in Zoology at Olivet before she went on to the University of Texas, where she earned her master’s in environmental science. She then worked as an environmental specialist for a Fortune 500 company in Dallas, Texas, and later as an environmentalist for the State of Colorado. While her husband was the senior pastor of College Church at Olivet (1983-1991), Jill entered the University’s first MBA class, graduating in 1988. Meanwhile, she served as administrative assistant to Dr. A. Leslie Parrott, University president. During Olivet’s centennial celebration in 2007, Jill was awarded the distinction of honorary doctor of letters.

Jill is a consistent presence in countless University programs, events and initiatives that further develop the quality of University life. “It seems as though I have always been a part of Olivet,” Jill confides. Indeed, her imprint is permanent, thanks to her impact on the lives of thousands of students, families, faculty and staff.

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QuestionsWhat is the best part of your life at Olivet? What brings you the greatest joy?The students — by far! Oh my, they are so smart, so clever, so hilarious and so compassionate for the disenfranchised. Did I mention friendly? In a survey of 55,000 college students and recent grads — published in The Huffington Post and other publications — Olivet placed 13th in the nation for friendliest campuses in the U.S. Also, our students are incredibly respectful. I could go on and on, so I will. I feel as though every one of the ONU students is mine. I get to watch “my kids” succeed in recitals, art shows, plays and musicals, academic contests, sports, studies abroad and at locations around the United States such as the L.A. Film Studies program, Washington, D.C. internships, summer music classes on Martha’s Vineyard and in dozens of other programs through Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. What fun it is to watch the women’s basketball team score over 100 points in a game — and they do that often! I should have to pay someone for the privilege of getting to do all of this.

How does Olivet prepare students for a life well lived?In my opinion, that is what ONU does best. The years from 18 to 22 are irretrievable. I suppose that could be said about any four-year period, but these years are crucial to the trajectory of students’ lives. A person could go to grad

school or change vocations at 23 or 43. However, a person has only about a two-year window to be a freshman in a dorm with everyone — beginning with the resident assistant to the faculty to the administration — looking out for her or his best interests. These four years are the days that you can’t get back. I’m writing a song with that title. This is an overwhelming time in the lives of this age group. Everything is possible. Hundreds of carrots are dangling from hundreds of sticks. A student could stay home and get a degree, but getting a degree is not all that prepares one for life. The environment at Olivet is conducive to helping students make the right choices at what can be a very confusing time in their lives.

What would be your advice to parents and students choosing a university? First, plan a campus visit to Olivet! Then I would suggest that parents of soon-to-be college students — or eight-year-olds — read “The Defining Decade” by Meg Jay, Ph.D. Scary.In your estimation, who is a great example of an individual who embodies a life well lived?The first person that comes to mind is my mother, Doris Cheeseman. She was born in a log cabin on a farm in rural Ohio during the Great Depression. Pretty much the only way to go was up! At a time when few women worked outside the home, she went to college and became a school teacher. My parents were very giving people — even when

there was very little to give. My dad was — and my mom still is — a great example of generosity and integrity.

On some personal notes … do you have a favorite book or movie?I love to read biographies and memoirs. I enjoy learning what others have done with their lives, the choices they have made and the consequences. My favorite movie is “Chariots of Fire.” It is the true story of Eric Liddell, son of Presbyterian missionaries to China in the early 1900s. Although this premise may not sound like a compelling story, it is! The movie won best picture at the Academy Awards in 1982, along with best costume design, best original score and best writing for a screenplay. I’ve watched it so many times that I talk along with the dialogue. For that reason, John will no longer watch it with me.

If you could have lived at a different time and been a different person, who would that have been?I would like to have been a Desert Father. I think I’m a monk at heart. However, my personal calling in life is fulfilled every day at ONU.

What is your personal philosophy of life and living?Proverbs 3:5-6 — “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.” Could we ask for anything more than the creator of the universe to personally direct our paths?!

MAJESTY& GLORY

As a high school student, I responded to the Holy Spirit through faith in Jesus Christ. Since then, I have focused on fulfilling God’s dream for my life. The seed of that dream was planted much earlier. I feel there is a divine purpose for each of us, whether we recognize it or not. Faith allows that purpose to germinate and grow.

My fascination with the Earth began on my grandparents’ farm in Kansas. Construction of a pond unearthed a rich concentration of fossils. I avidly collected these and made them into a science fair project. With time and study, my desire to understand the Earth increased. I made my first attempt to merge faith with a love for my home planet through a paper in a senior English class.

College at a state university required rethinking how to relate my studies with the church’s statements of belief. Simplistic approaches failed to provide a good merger. But in my senior year, a marvelous idea came to me. It provided stability and allowed me to move forward academically and spiritually.

I came to understand that all of life and learning are part of God’s revelation through the natural universe and that all must relate to the great doctrines of the church in a meaningful manner. This understanding took away fear of what science might discover! Every new discovery was an opportunity to see the great hand of God revealing purpose and creativity in nature. What a relief it was to allow the Spirit to instruct and enlarge my thinking. I became open to all God had to reveal through nature and the Word.

This same approach molds how I instruct college students in science today. Students come from diverse backgrounds. Some are fearful of science. I delight in removing that limiting crust from their thoughts. It is a joy to express the enormously creative nature of God through study of the Earth and the universe. God, the powerful and loving Creator revealed in scripture, is also visible in the amazing Earth and starry sky.

Instead of a cosmic wizard, the Creator is a grand planner working with the matter He has made to fulfill His purposes. We are the result of this plan. To participate fully as objects of His love, we must have faith in His son.

I am exhilarated that God grants me the privilege of studying the Earth. With humility, I help unlock the amazing knowledge enshrined in the matter we walk on every day. I sit in awe of the hand of God that I see in the tiniest microfossil. That same awe is present when I study the great plates of rock that move about on our planet. It is exciting to open these treasures to students who have never thought about the great gifts God gives us on Planet Earth. God is not a small god who lives in the limitations of our minds. He is responsible for the entire universe and keeps it working through His creative genius and plan.

It is a blessing to see others embrace the scope of God’s creativity and develop a wonder for His magnificence. Appreciating these gifts along with my wonderful family and ministry opportunities, I believe my life is well lived.

THE FINGERPRINTS OF GOD

MAX REAMS

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DR. MAX REAMS is a stalwart academician, having served on Olivet’s faculty since 1967. Dr. Reams started the University’s geology program and chairs the Department of Chemistry and Geoscience. He earned two bachelor’s degrees and his master’s at the University of Kansas and his doctorate from Washington University. With his wife, Carol, Dr. Reams earned a master’s in pastoral counseling from Olivet in 2000. He is a fellow in the Geological Society of America and Sigma Xi, the honor Scientific Research Society. During his tenure at Olivet, Dr. Reams has been named Faculty Member of the Year and received the Richard M. Jones Award for Teaching Excellence.

A LIFEWELLLIVED

JASON ROBERTSON is lead professor for courses in Christian formation, Christian ministry and Christian worship in the School of Theology and Christian Ministry at Olivet. He also teaches courses in church leadership and faith and culture. He challenges students to think critically and seek new perspectives on increasing the church’s engagement with society. Prof. Robertson is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Pretoria, South Africa. He earned a bachelor’s degree in religion/religious studies at Mt. Vernon Nazarene University in 1999, and a master’s in ministry leadership from George Fox Evangelical Seminary in 2011.

LOVING GODAND LOVING EACH OTHER

My intrigue with Don Quixote began when I was a little boy. I knew nothing of him as a literary figure, but my grandmother had an ornate (and somewhat creepy) wooden carving of Don Quixote that she had brought back from a trip to Spain. Each time I walked by the end table on which he sat, I wondered what he was all about.

In college I became more familiar with this knight errant who dared to — as the familiar refrain goes — dream the impossible dream. Don Quixote saw things that others didn’t, which is why he was generally considered a madman. But this is precisely what I came to love about him. He had a gift of seeing past what is to what could be. My favorite quote from Don Quixote hangs on the wall of my office: “Sanity may be madness, but maddest of all is to see life as it is and not as it should be.”

When the apostle Paul laid out the three essentials of life — faith, hope and love —he was not speaking as a hopeless romantic. Paul was a revolutionary who understood that a life well lived is the one radically committed to these three core values, with the greatest of the three being love. But it’s a love that changes things. We might say it’s a love that refuses to settle for what is and imagines what could be.

I’m grateful to be a product of this kind of love shown to me by many in the Christian community. I had a professor in college who invested in me with this kind of transformative love. At a critical time in my life when I was willing to settle for reality as I knew it, he invited me to see beyond the false reality to what could be. He challenged his students to dream impossible dreams by living a life radically committed to loving God and loving neighbor.

A LIFEWELLLIVED

JASON ROBERTSON

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Five years ago I came to Olivet to teach in the School of Theology and Christian Ministry. Since then, I have developed deep gratitude for a culture that teaches students that life is about much more than making a living. I’ve witnessed engineering students who have, in the interest of loving God and loving neighbor, employed their skills to see past what is to what could be. I’ve seen education, biology, and theology majors do the same.

This is the uniqueness of education for a Christian purpose, rooted in a commitment to equip students with the skills they need to be the best in their fields while fostering in them a radical commitment to change the world through a life of love. After all, as the apostle Paul also says, without love we have nothing.

As for my grandmother’s Don Quixote sculpture, he now sits on my desk. He’s still creepy, but he carries much more meaning for me today than when I was a little boy. He serves as a reminder that the real realities, those that God sees, aren’t always the ones that are most apparent to me.

If the cross and resurrection are anything, they’re God’s decisive act of love that refuses to leave things as they are, as well as an invitation to re-imagine ourselves and our world. What a privilege it is to be a part of a community — faculty, staff and students — that accepts this invitation in tangible ways, seeking significance by embodying a life of love for God and love for neighbor.

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DR. DIANE RICHARDSON chairs the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences in Olivet’s School of Professional Studies. Her infectious enthusiasm, combined with her experience and expertise, provides students with the highest quality resources and assistance to enter the workforce. She earned her master of arts in education from Olivet in 1985, and her doctor of education from Nova Southeastern University in 2000. Dr. Richardson is a member of the American Society of Interior Designers, National Kitchen & Bath Association, American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences, Association for Career and Technical Education and National Association of Teachers of Family and Consumer Sciences.

A LIFEWELLLIVED

GENEROSITYOF SPIRIT

When I think of hospitality, I think of relationships.

Whether sitting around a campfire sharing stories or around the table sharing a meal, hospitality is about bringing people together. It really isn’t so much about the party atmosphere or a perfectly set table as it is about lifting up one another and having fellowship. All we have to do is reflect on the biblical story of Mary and Martha to gain insight into what is most important.

Students in my Professional Image and Dress class would say I make a big deal about how the table is set and which fork to use at which part of the meal. But I do that because I want my students to fit in when they meet and dine with professionals in the fields they hope to enter, not because I value the placement of silverware over the conversation that will happen at the table.

I want students to know the responsibilities of being a host or hostess and to be gracious regardless of their role as host or guest. Hospitality is about making people feel welcome and a part of the group. It is taking time to make introductions and to engage people in conversation, even when we feel a little uncomfortable ourselves.

It is true that hospitality sometimes requires extra effort. After all, even Jesus went around and invited people to eat with him. The trick is not to confuse entertaining with hospitality. Hospitality doesn’t have to be difficult. It is simply making a guest feel valued, respected and cared for.

I often use a devotional in class written by Mary Beth Jones that discusses how Christ took on the role of host when He turned water into wine at the wedding feast in Cana. He saw a need and cared enough to supply what was needed. Isn’t that true hospitality? Christ met an unexpected need with an act of kindness. One could hardly

be hospitable without the virtue of kindness, for kindness indicates care for others.

The parables provide many examples of how people showed kindness by housing weary travelers, preparing meals for the hungry, and including those who might seem unworthy or not quite the right social fit. So I have to ask: In a society of fast food and little family time, who mimics the hospitality of Christ? When I think of modern-day examples, I think of my mom. We tease her because she enjoys eating in the dining room and setting a fine table of china and silver, even though most of us are more the pottery-and-kitchen-table type.

But here’s the thing: When we eat in the dining room, we tend to linger longer and eat a little slower. For sure, we feel special. The hostess hasn’t just prepared food. She has created an atmosphere conducive to conversation. She is inquisitive and genuine. At my mom’s house, we never know who will be at the table. It might be the new couple who came to church for the first time last week, or the recently widowed lady, or the older couple who recently moved into a senior living facility. The guests might be encouraged to chop the lettuce for salad or to sit and relax. But they will be included. The meal could be pot roast and potatoes or tacos on the good china. No one goes away hungry, and all leave feeling inspired and better about themselves.

Christ treated strangers with warmth and generosity. He often invited others to join Him, to get to know Him while sharing a meal. He wasn’t exclusive in who He invited to spend time with Him. He invited sinners and saints, strangers and friends. To achieve a life well lived, should I do any less?

HOSPITALITY AND KINDNESS

DIANE RICHARDSON

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RESEARCH & INNOVATION

Each year, Olivet senior engineering majors complete a year-long research and designcapstone. These projects partner the skills

and knowledge learned in the classroom with businesses and non-profits around the world.

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John SmthProfessor,Western Studies

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CALLED TO SERVE

A life well lived embraces service. Each year during spring break and in the summer, Olivet students shift focus from the classroom to areas of the world where God has called for big hearts and helping hands. This past March, Olivet Missions in Action sent 115 students and 14 team leaders around the world, cultivating a significant aspect of a life well lived and improving the lives of others. ONU athletic teams also paused their seasons and training regimens to reach out in service.

Students and staff spread the love of Christ to people of need in Mexico, Honduras (photo at right), Haiti (photo at left) and the Dominican Republic. Others served closer to home, in Chicago, Indianapolis and Denver.

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.

— Mark 10:45

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ANGELS OF MERCY

Future engineers and nurses from ONU teamed up to bring clean water and health care to Haitians, who are still reconstructing their towns and struggling with adequate health care after the devastating earthquakeof 2010.

Our nursing team treated nearly 700 patients in seven days while our engineers installed 13 water catchment systems in remote areas so residents could have clean, sustainable water supplies.

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Declare His glory amongthe nations, His marvelous

works among all the peoples!

— 1 Chronicles 16:24

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MOMENTS OF HOPE AND JOY

Youth ministries, medical clinics, urban ministries, churches and orphanages around the globe have captured the hearts of the Olivet community. Spring break experiences enriched the lives of our students even as they worked to make life better for people in need.

Haitian children, above, beam at the caring attention of their new friends. At right, Olivet students are as gleeful as their Honduran playmates.

For more information about missionsat Olivet, visit olivet.edu

He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the

gospel to all creation.”

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CAROL MAXSONA LIFE of OVERCOMING

Mom on a Mission

“I thought college was just Big Ten football,” admits Dr. Carol (Snyder) Maxson ’88/’90, who grew up in what she calls a “dysfunctional Christian home” in Canton, Ohio. There was never talk of young Carol going to college, nor did her parents foster any dreams about what she would grow up to be.

Not until her junior year of high school, when her best friend invited her to visit Olivet Nazarene College, did Carol consider the possibility of higher education. On that trip — her first and only college visit — she says God planted in her a vision of attending Olivet. She became excited at new possibilities.

Back at home, her parents derided the new dream. “My mother made fun of me,” Dr. Maxson recalls. “She laughed and told me my bubble was going to burst.”

Determined, Carol marched herself to the local convenience store, landed a job for $1.25 per hour and began saving every penny for college. When Carol applied to Olivet in July 1969, her mother refused to fill out financial aid papers. Carol’s hard-earned but meager savings were not enough to pay for school.

“OK, God,” she said, relinquishing control. “I’ve done everything humanly possible. You’re going to have to make this happen.” Two weeks later, she received a grant and a loan — renewable each year. The impossible had happened, and she set off for her first year at Olivet.

Change in Plans

Carol’s college years were short-lived. After a year at Olivet, she got married with the understanding that she and her husband would complete their degrees. Her husband finished, but she did not.

Twelve years later, Carol found herself back in Canton with no college degree, a job in local daycare, three young sons (ages 6, 7 and 9) and a pending divorce.

“What will I do the rest of my life?” she wondered. She was at a crossroad: continue working for minimum wage, or try to finish her college degree.

“At that time, I had no comprehension about my gifts or who I was,” she admits. “But in the darkest time of my life, God replanted the vision of going to Olivet.”

So she packed up her boys, moved to Bourbonnais and started college again, this time with 37 credit hours. Her biggest dream was getting that degree.

New Experiences

Life as a single mom meant food stamps, public aid, and working day and night to go to school and raise her children. It also meant creating family experiences she didn’t have during childhood.

“We had study halls around the table together,” explains son Chip ’03, general manager of the Sacramento River Cats, the Triple A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants. “We would be doing our homework, and Mom was right there doing hers alongside us.”

Dr. Maxson recalls celebrating Father’s Day with her boys to remind them that God is their father. “We relied on God’s strength,” she affirms. “They tested that and saw it every day.”

Dr. Maxson’s decision to return to Olivet to finish her degree changed the course of her family’s future. “Education literally created a vision in my boys’ lives that I never had growing up,” she said. “My sons were raised on a college campus, in a wonderful academic environment.”

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The example she set by earning her degree — and eventually a master’s and doctorate — was the greatest gift she could have given her sons, each of whom went to Olivet.

Jayson ’01 is a senior software development engineer at Microsoft Headquarters in Redmond, Washington, where he has worked for 14 years. “It’s hard to say where I would be today if my mom hadn’t decided to return to Olivet,” Jayson said. “That decision was vital for all of us. I can’t imagine I would be where I am, and it’s hard to imagine there would be a better place.”

In 2007, after earning three degrees and serving in various roles on Olivet’s staff and faculty, Dr. Maxson became associate provost and dean of academic affairs at another Nazarene institution. In 2014, her journey came full-circle as she once again returned to Olivet.

The young girl who was never encouraged to go to college grew up to help her own children and thousands of other students realize their dreams. Today, as a teaching professor and associate vice president for Academic Support at Olivet, Dr. Maxson exemplifies a life well lived, rich in family and career fulfillment and destined to influence countless futures.

Carol Maxson’s sons said she raised them tovalue family, Christian faith and education.Pictured (top to bottom) are Chip ’03 at Raley Field in Sacramento, California; Jayson ’01 at Microsoft Headquarters in Redmond, Washington; andChad ’98 at Olivet.

LITTLE CHAPEL,BIG DECISIONS

Dr. Carol Maxson often wonders what would have happened had she not said ‘yes’ to God after that high school visit to Olivet.

“What if I had listened to my mother’s discouragement instead? I look back at everything that’s happened, and it’s truly amazing.”

“Everything” includes two return trips to Olivet, each at a critical point in her life. Each time, prayer played a pivotal role. When she came back to resume work on her bachelor’s degree, she was drawn to Kelley Prayer Chapel, where she prayed a “Prayer of Faith” — a phrase written on the chapel's wall.

Years later, Olivet beckoned once more. As a doctor of education on faculty at a university 400 miles and two states away, Dr. Maxson was asked to consider taking a position back at Olivet — associate vice president for Academic Support.

Back on campus for an interview, she once again retired to that little chapel, praying for guidance. “This time, the mountains seemed as big as before,” she remembers. Although she wanted nothing more than to move back to Olivet, Carol couldn’t face re-locating so far from son Chad ’98 and his family — wife Aubry and their twins, Carter and Casey. Chad was also on staff at the sister school, directing academic affairs and online learning.

And then, the impossible happened once again: When Dr. Maxson explained her reason for declining the job, she was told Olivet also needed an associate dean of online strategies for the graduate school. Months later, mother and son — with Aubry and the twins — again came home to Olivet.

ELEVATINGthe INNERDIALOGUE

11 GREAT BOOKSEVERY STUDENT SHOULD READ

BEFORE EMBARKING ON THECOLLEGE ADVENTURE

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DAVID VAN HEEMST RECOMMENDS:

Inside Outby Larry Crabb

Imagine the best version of yourself — healthy and thriving. You are ready to walk through whichever doors God opens for you! This terrific spiritual transformation book hinges on the idea that real change is possible if you’re willing to work from the inside out. “Inside Out” describes not only spiritual transformation, it gives many practical ways to go about spiritual change. If there’s one book that can help you max out who you’re called to be in Christ so you can live life with an infectious passion, this is the one.

Good News About Injusticeby Gary Haugen

Life takes on meaning when you give yourself over to a cause larger than yourself. Imagine if you could begin developing a kingdom-sized vision for life! Gary Haugen’s book addresses the challenging issue of human trafficking, taking the reader to some of the darkest places in the world. Through the work of the International Justice Mission, he shows that God is neither aloof nor disengaged.Instead, God is actively bringing healing and reconciliation to places of great despair. What if you began to discover the clues to becoming part of God’s right-making work in teaching, business, engineering or nursing?

REBECCA BELCHER-RANKIN RECOMMENDS:

The Scarlet Letterby Nathaniel Hawthorne

Its plot contains material that the junior high student might not want to grapple with, but the underlying theme of the necessity of repentance and forgiveness is one that all readers can benefit from. In addition to an important theme concerning the human condition, the book is a great example of American Gothic Romanticism, with its shadows, symbols and sinister plot.

KENT OLNEY RECOMMENDS:

Unprotectedby Miriam Grossman

Grossman, writing from her years of experience as the campus psychiatrist at UCLA, warns that political correctness is endangering students by withholding vital information about sex and health. This frank account tells the tragic stories of too many college students misled to think their behavioral choices have no consequences. Protecting our youth is the purpose of this wake-up call.

The Case for Christby Lee Strobel Strobel, a former atheist and former legal editor for the Chicago Tribune, uses his investigative experience to point readers to the biblical evidence for Christ. Most chapters begin with a gripping news story that enhances the book’s readability. This faith-strengthening book, which also comes in a youth edition, provides historical fact and logic for why Christians believe.

Do Hard Thingsby Alex and Brett Harris Written by teenage twin brothers, this book challenges youth to raise their expectations and aim for lofty goals. The authors include multiple illustrations of young people who have made a difference because they dared to “do hard things.” This book has the power to change one’s vision and motivation at the outset of the college years.

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ELEVATINGthe INNERDIALOGUE11 GREAT BOOKS

Oedipus Rex: A Classic Greek Dramaby Sophocles

This should be included in the “great books” list because it reveals the worst of the universal human condition — rebellion against God. Perhaps not as accessible to all readers because of its verse form and its antique structure, it is still one of those “must-reads” because it shows so clearly a man who brings about his own tragedy and who learns to accept the consequences of his actions. Beyond its thematic importance, it is the premier Greek tragedy from which to teach structures of plot, symbol and characterization.

PAUL KOCH RECOMMENDS:

A First Step into a Much Larger World The Christian University and Beyondby John W. Hawthorne

This book emphasizes the idea that learning is an expression of faith as well as the importance of community in the educational process. The overall theme is how the undergraduate experience can serve as a platform for lifetime cultural engagement.

Making the Most of CollegeStudents Speak Their Mindsby Richard J. Light

This volume emphasizes the factors that make the most significant contribution to student learning, such as engagement with faculty members and other students, as well as involvement in extracurricular activities. It also stresses the importance of campus culture and the role students can play in bringing about an environment where the entire campus community is engaged in the learning process.

SUSAN WOLFF RECOMMENDS:

Mere Christianityby C.S. Lewis

The most popular of C. S. Lewisʼ works of nonfiction, “Mere Christianity” brings together Lewis ̓legendary broadcast talks of the war years, when he set out to “explain and defend the belief that has been common to nearly all Christians at all times.” Rejecting the boundaries that divide Christianity's many denominations, Lewis finds a common ground on which all Christians can stand together, and he provides an unequaled opportunity for believers and nonbelievers alike to hear a powerful, rational case for their faith.

The Power of Habitby Charles Duhigg

Pulitzer Prize–winning business reporter Charles Duhigg takes us to the thrilling edge of scientific discoveries that explain why habits exist and how they can be changed. Distilling vast amounts of information into engrossing narratives that take us from the board rooms of Procter & Gamble to sidelines of the NFL to front lines of the civil rights movement, Duhigg presents a whole new understanding of human nature and its potential. At its core, “The Power of Habit” contains an exhilarating argument: The key to exercising regularly, losing weight, being more productive and achieving success is understanding how habits work.

Special thanks to these faculty members:Dr. David Van Heemst, College of Arts and Sciences-History and Political Science; Dr. Rebecca Belcher-Rankin, College of Arts and Sciences-English and Modern Languages; Dr. Kent Olney, College of Arts and Sciences-Behavioral Sciences; Dr. Paul Koch, School of Professional Studies-Business; Susan Wolff, Dean of Undergraduate Enrollment.

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Jeff DeRuiterFamily Advocate and Enrollment Advisor

“I love being in the Office of Admissions each day. Here, I get to see the thousands of students who visit campus from around the world as their eyes are opened to all Olivet has to offer them.”

Teresa GarnerLead Professor, Youth Ministry and Christian Ministry

“I am impressed with the depth and passion for ministry that these students have. The future of the church is secure.”

Christopher TudorCoach, Men’s and Women’s Tennis

“I love the spirit of Olivet. You see it everywhere. The students, faculty and staff really embody an infectious spirit.”

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Matthew StrattonDirector of Athletic Bands, Associate Professor of Music

“The campus is scenic no matter what time I’m here, and I’m here all the time. Olivet is like a family. We’re all in the light here, and the students and faculty really take care of each other in this little slice of what God has given us”

Amber ResidoriChair, Social Workand Criminal JusticeDepartment

“The students are the best part of this job. You can get busy with a lot of things, but the students are the best part. My favorite thing is walking the campus at night. It is a sleeping giant, and the students really breathe life into this campus."

Jorge BonillaRetention Coordinator

“I love meeting with students and sharing my story, and hearing their stories. When they leave my office with a smile and enthusiasm for life—that makes my day.”

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Olivet faculty and staff respond to the question: “What makes Olivet so special?”

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Photos byWes Taylor

DRESS REHEARSAL FOR LIFETheater professor sets stage for student success

Setting: A small classroom in Larsen Fine Arts Center on the Bourbonnais campus of Olivet Nazarene University.

Cast of characters: One self-assured professor and a group of nervous students fighting for a role in the spring musical.

It’s an experience many theatre students recognize as callbacks.

Little did I know that day — as a freshman — that my involvement in auditions and the musical would change my views on theater, teach me unexpected lessons and allow me to work with a professor who would make a lasting impression on my life.

Prof. Jerry Cohagan makes the theater experience at Olivet more than a performance. He makes it a way to explore and convey truth through storytelling.

When Dr. Jay Martinson, chair of the Communications department, called Mr. Cohagan in 2002 asking if his friend could recommend a new theater professor for the University, Jerry Cohagan had no intention of becoming that professor. He had enjoyed notoriety as half of the Christian comedy duo Hicks and Cohagan, traveling North America to perform at churches, colleges and conventions. But in the ultimate plot twist, Mr. Cohagan entered the world of academia.

He began teaching theater classes, bringing to the classroom and the stage more than 25 years of experience as comedian, performer, humorist and broadcaster. It’s his belief in the power and gift of theater that drives his classroom and the stage. “I think it’s one of the greatest gifts God gives us to communicate,” Prof. Cohagan said. In the classroom, we learn the technical, the theory and the life of performing arts. On stage, we learn from a great director. From rehearsals to set-building to finalizing costumes and seeing the show come to life, Prof. Cohagan’s dedication to the show and his desire to see his students succeed is inspiring.

“I learn so much more than I teach,” Prof. Cohagan said. “I think it’s really important to remember that. And this is just a jumping-off place. This is just a beginning. I think I’m more pleased when I see the success of the students.”

Living Their Dreams

His students are in Los Angeles, Chicago, New York and other points on the globe, pursuing their dreams because he believed in them. “Through my years at Olivet and in the years after, Cohagan has invested in me as a person, not just a student,” said videographer and producer Zarah Miller ’12. “He cares so much about his students, and that is incredibly evident.”

“I learned how to think more deeply about the work we were creating and in turn about the work I would create some day,” said Jenny Ward ’14. “I’m now headed to New York City to continue acting, and I feel like I have a firm identity in what I want to create. Professor ‘C’ was a big part of helping me find that.”

Theater is more than just definitions, terms and analyzing text. There is profound truth in telling a story on the stage. Prof. Cohagan emphasizes the beauty, the gift and the importance of that truth.

Nick Allen (senior, Kankakee, Ill.), interning at a talent management firm in Los Angeles, said: “I know that my work ethic as a student and an actor has been deeply influenced by Professor ‘C.’ I received the greatest advice from him when it came to pursuing acting as a career. He asked, ‘Do you want to live with ‘what ifs?’”

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“Dr. Johnson and Dr. Finkenbinder are not your typical professors,” says Jessica Higer (senior, Kuna, Idaho). “In the classroom, they teach as if they’re in the field. In the field, they are right at home.”

Jessica speaks from experience. In addition to her double major in biology and science education, plus a minor in zoology, she has already traveled on three field study trips with these two professors.

Motivated by the desire to “get our students there,” Dr. Leo Finkenbinder and Dr. Randy Johnson of Olivet’s Department of Biological Sciences have opened the door to many adventures for their students — and for each other.

Together, they’ve redefined field study trips for nearly 25 years.

From the Kankakee River to Costa Rica to Ecuador to Alaska and beyond, they have introduced Olivet students, staff and faculty to the zoological, botanical and ecological wonders of the earth.

“Each student has a unique personality that provides daily fun,” says Dr. Johnson. “Their enthusiasm for what we’re teaching and for hiking makes the days great.”

Jessica recalls the 2013 trip to Alaska, hiking and being in God’s creation with the group. “As we were going up a mountain, there would be breaks in the trees,” she says. “We would stop and look at the valley below. When we reached the top, I could see for miles.”

“I think that’s like our Christian walk,” she adds. “We see glimpses of heaven and, in the end, heaven will be so much better than what we see along the way.”

Each trip that Dr. Johnson and Dr. Finkenbinder lead together has three constants. Number one is starting and ending each day with devotions and prayers. “Within our groups on trips and within our department at Olivet, our faith is what binds us together,” Dr. Johnson says.

Learning is number two. “Because of studying with Dr. Johnson and Dr. Finkenbinder, I can look at a red-tailed hawk and say its scientific name,” Jessica says. “We don’t just learn what our textbooks say. We go outside, process the information and apply it in the real world. They challenge their students and make science real for us.”

“Randy has taught me about tenacity,” Dr. Finkenbinder says. “He’s also taught me a lot about developing relationships with our students. He’s a great colleague — steadfast and wanting to do what is right in all aspects of life.”

“No matter what, Leo is upbeat and positive,” Dr. Johnson says. “He cares for everyone — students, families, our faculty and me. He’s good for our students, and good for me both personally and professionally.”

What’s constant number three? Eating banana splits together during each trip. “That began on our first trip with students,” Dr. Finkenbinder says. “Randy and I were sitting under a steel roof at a restaurant and eating banana splits. It was raining so hard, we could barely hear one another as we talked about plans for the next day.”

Dr. Finkenbinder adds, “When you put it all together, we’ve experienced a lot out there.”

BIRDS, BIOLOGY, BANANA SPLITS AND MOREScience professors mark quarter-century of guiding field study around the globe

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Photos submitted byThe Department ofBiological Sciences

Visit olivetthemagazine.com for additional stories of Everyday HeroesDr. Stephen Case and Dr. Catherine Anstrom of the Olivet faculty.

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HOMECOMING &FAMILY WEEKEND

2015OCTOBER 23-25

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FRIENDS Shine.FM CONCERT PRESIDENTS PRAYER BREAKFAST TIGER BASKETBALL POWDER PUFF FOOTBALL homecoming concert CORONATION LADY TIGERS CLASS OF 1965 LADY TIGER BASKETBALL FOOD FAMILY FUN CLASS REUNIONS CLASS OF 1970 THE RED ROOM LUDWIG CENTER CHAPMAN HALL TIGER FOOTBALL MCCLAIN HALL HOWE HALL CLASS OF 1975 GOLDEN GRADS TOBY THE TIGER BURKE TIGER ATHLETICS WENDY PARSONS 5K CLASS OF 1980 ORPHEUS CHOIR O AWARD CLASS OF 1985 CHOIR STRICKLER PLANETARIUM CLASS OF 1990 FAMILY ONU MARCHING BAND CLASS OF 1995 THE QUAD MILBY CLOCK TOWER WILLIAMS UNIVERSTY PLACE ALUMNI RECEPTION CLASS OF 2000 BRONZE HANDBELL CHOIR ONU TIGER HALL OF FAME UNIVERISTY ORCHESTRA CLASS OF 2005 PARROTT HALL GOSPEL CHOIR INTRAMURALS CHEERLEADING ALUMNI SOCCER CLASS OF 2010

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“Our kids had educational instructors as well as spiritual mentors at Olivet,” says Mark Fleschner Sr., pastor of Terre Haute First Church of the Nazarene. “That’s what makes a difference for us as parents.”

His wife, Debbie, agrees; “As parents so many miles away from our children, we’ve always appreciated knowing there are people at Olivet who care about each of them as a person.”

With all three of their children attending Olivet, you could say the Fleschners are big fans of the University.

“According to the University president, we are the only family that has had three children in The Olivetians,” laughs Pastor Fleschner. The youngest, Mark, is a junior, and he follows sisters Stephanie Frame ’09 and Laura Stewart ’12 as a member of the historic singing group — one that Dr. Bowling himself was in as a student.

The Fleschners are grateful for their children’s experiences in and outside the classroom. “You really can’t place a value on what Olivet has to offer,” says Pastor Fleschner. “It’s an experience you won’t find anywhere else.”

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SUMMERLEADERSHIPINSTITUTEFOR HIGH SCHOOL JUNIORS

July 9-11, 2015

The Summer Leadership Institute is an on-campus opportunity for high school juniors to attain advanced leadership skills and college credit in the summer before senior year.

The Institute is designed to equip young leaders to be visionaries, live lives of integrity, and gain experience in team development, motivation and persuasion.

800.648.1463olivet.edu

Summer Leadership Institute isan initiative of the Dr. David L. ElwoodLeadership Program, made possiblethrough the generosity of his family.

Higher Education.Higher Purpose.

Friends of Olivet Annual Giving • Planned Giving • Life Income Gifts • Endowments

Your financial support empowers the next generation to impact homes, churches and communities. Learn more about how you can further your financial planning while supporting Olivet’s mission.

815-939-5171 ● development@olivet.edu

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FROM THEARCHIVES

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Have photos from your college years? Email archives@olivet.edu

to share your memories.

PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS, WEDDINGS, BIRTHS & ADOPTIONS

1945B Rev. James Holman ’45 is set to retire one more time. His first retirement came when he was 65, although he did still preach when a church needed someone to fill in. That first retirement lasted 25 years until, at age 90, Rev. Holman was called back to the pulpit and accepted an offer to be the minister at Hamby United Methodist Church in Hamby, Texas. There he delivered his last sermon — the story of Jesus’ birth — on December 28, 2014. While Rev. Holman is retiring again, he is still open to filling in on Sundays or serving in any other capacity where God leads him. He believes that “every ending has the possibility of a new beginning.”

1961C Idella Pearl (Liskey) Edwards ’61 recently published a new Christian devotional book, “Don’t Hang Your Harps on the Willow Tree: Devotions for Keeping Hope Alive” (available on amazon.com). In her latest book, Mrs. Edwards uses devotions, personal stories, original poetry, 170 full-color photos and God’s word to share insight on Christian living. The author’s inspiration comes from Psalm 137:2, recounting that when their captors demanded songs of the children of Israel, the children hung their harps on the willow tree because they had lost hope.

1962D Dr. David Halverson ’62, Pastor of Worship Music and Creative Arts at Rolling Hills Covenant Church in Rolling Hills Estates, California, played an instrumental role in the church’s annual Easter-season Pageant of Our Lord. The event uses living art, drama, dance and music to tell the story of Jesus Christ. More than 250,000 people have seen the pageant in its 29 years. This year, the pageant will be presented 17 times to approximately 12,000 people.

1964E Kendall Blanchard ’64 retired January 1, 2015, as president of Georgia Southwestern Statue University. He and his wife, Connie, are living in Lenexa, Kansas, and are planning to do consulting and public speaking while they adjust to retirement.

1977F David R. ’77, ’81 and Vicki (Reno) ’77, ’82 Plunkett are proud grandparents of Benjamin David Plunkett, born November 27, 2014. Benjamin, the son of David W. ’03 and Holly Plunkett of Columbus, Ohio, weighed in at 6 pounds, 10 ounces and was 23 inches long. He is welcomed by 10-year-old cousin Kayden David Plunkett, son of Stephen and Mandy Burkey of Westerville, Ohio. Grandparents David and Vicki reside in Noblesville, Indiana, where David is staff chaplain at the Indianapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Vicki is a retired teacher.

1979Kathleen (Welsh) Dyer ’79 was recently appointed chair of the Criminal Justice department at Southwestern Oregon Community College. Kathleen earned a law degree in 1985 from Golden Gate University in San Francisco, California, and a master of divinity degree in 1993 from San Francisco Theological Seminary. Kathleen has practiced criminal law for most of her legal career, serving as a prosecutor, defense attorney and judge. Kathleen and her husband, John, live in Coos Bay, Oregon.

1981Michael Wiese ’81 received the Christian Business Faculty Association Teaching Award at the association’s 2014 conference in Nashville, Tennessee. Michael is a professor of marketing and the director of undergraduate studies in the Falls School of Business at Anderson (Indiana) University. He and his wife, Gayle (Zurcher) ’82, reside in Anderson.

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1983G David Fanning ’83 recently authored the book, “Winning the Christian Race in Your Workplace,” a nonfiction work based on his experience as an air traffic controller and pastor. The author says, “This book is a training guide for Christians who want to be salt and light in a secular workplace.” The book is available through Winters Publishing Group, Barnesandnoble.com and amazon.com.

1984H Dr. Jonathan Matson ’84 will soon begin long-term service in Kijabe, Kenya, as a missionary doctor in the Casualty (Emergency) Department at Kijabe Hospital. Dr. Matson graduated from Olivet with a double major in Zoology and Chemistry and a minor in Business Administration. He went to Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science and served in the U.S. Navy for nearly 25 years before

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being called to missions. Dr. Matson’s wife, Nadia, plans to teach at Rift Valley Academy, a mission school in the area. The couple’s three children — Sophia Nichole, 9; Jonathan Henry, 7; and Esther Anna, 6 — will relocate to Kijabe with their parents. During mission service, the family welcomes email from Olivet friends at JNMatson@AIMInt.org.

1996Sean German ’96 is president of the 5,000-member Illinois Principals Association for 2015. He has advocated for his students with U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis and U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin in Washington, D.C. Sean is in his 14th year as principal of Argenta-Oreana High School in Argenta, Illinois. He says one of his big objectives is to “take back the story of education” and to put more focus on the positives being achieved in schools. Sean and his wife, Cara (Carpenter), reside in Monticello, Illinois, with their children, Emmie, 11; and Kelton, 8.

1997Aaron J. Thompson ’97 recently earned his doctorate in educational lLeadership from Argosy University in Fullerton, California. Aaron is an assistant professor in the Exercise and Sports Science Department at Olivet Nazarene University. He and his wife, Dawn, live in Bradley, Illinois, with their three daughters.

2003I Rev. Aaron Rieder ’03 and Kristen (Case) Rieder ’04 announce the birth of their first child, Samuel Aaron Rieder, on January 23, 2015. Aaron is the pastor of the First Congregational Church of Cheboygan in Cheboygan, Michigan. Kristen is the boarding, grooming and training manager at Little Traverse Bay Humane Society. The family resides in Petoskey, Michigan.

Kevin J. Kaluf, MA ’03 recently earned his doctorate in engineering/technology education and a master’s degree in building administration from Purdue

University, West Lafayette, Indiana. Kevin was a high school engineering teacher for 12 years prior to his work at Purdue. Early this year, he was on a post-doctoral fellowship with the dean of Purdue’s College of Technology. He and his fiancé, Bekah, reside in Demotte, Indiana.

2005Stephen Case ’05 is the 2014 winner of the Annals of Science Prize for his paper on “Landmarks of the Universe: John Herschel Against the Background of Positional Astronomy.” The paper is based on a chapter from Dr. Case’s doctoral dissertation in the History and Philosophy of Science Graduate Program at the University of Notre Dame. Dr. Case is the director of Olivet’s Strickler Planetarium and teaches classes in the university’s Department of Chemistry and Geoscience.

2006Katie Smith ’06, owner of four Culver’s restaurants in Illinois and Indiana, recently accepted the award recognizing her Bourbonnais, Illinois, restaurant staff as the winner of the 2014 Culver’s Crew Challenge.

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The Watson-DeRuiter Wedding Party (L-R): Jen Kershaw (’11), Tayler Peachey (’11), Jeremy North (’10), Jared Short (’10),

Nina Trisilla (’10), Kelsey Watson (’13),Paige (Watson) DeRuiter (’11, ’13), Jeff DeRuiter

(’10, ’12), Bill DeRuiter, Becky DeRuiter (’16), Travis Greene (’10), Zack Harvey (’10),

Jenny DeRuiter, John Short (’10)

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The year-long contest included all of the 500+ Culver’s restaurants in 22 states and used customer surveys, judges’ site visits and unscheduled evaluations to assess each restaurant’s performance against the Culver’s mission and operational standards. In addition to national recognition, Katie’s Bourbonnais crew members share the $50,000 grand prize.

2007J Rusty Funk ’07 was a finalist in a contest to be the subject of the December 2014 cover story in Runner’s World magazine. Rusty, a Chicago resident, is a fundraising chapter director for Team World Vision, a non-profit organization that funds clean water for Africa. He has recruited thousands of new runners for the cause and is passionate about helping new runners cross their first finish line. His many events include four finishes in the Comrades Ultra Marathon, a historic annual event known for its challenging course through the hills of South Africa.

1) Billy ’08 and Lauren (Jackson) Heller ’07 welcomed their first child, Liam Jacob, on

September 9, 2014. Billy is a patrol officer with the Louisville Metro Police Department and Lauren is an HR Specialist at the Christian Academy of Indiana. They reside in Pekin, Indiana.

2009Jeremy Howell ’10 and Kaitlin Cook ’09 were married August 23, 2014, in Bloomington, Illinois. Jeremy works for Advocate Health Care, and Katie works for Lutheran Social Services of Illinois. They reside in Oak Park, Illinois.

20101! Paige (Watson) ’11/’13 and Jeff DeRuiter ’10/’12 were married August 9, 2014, in Indianapolis, Indiana. The bride and groom are Olivet staff members. Jeff is a family advocate and enrollment advisor in the Office of Admissions. Paige is an assistant resident director in the University Place apartments and also works in the Foundation Office at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee, Illinois.

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Edric Drell Allen ’44 passed away January 11, 2015. His wife of 75 years, Geraldine May (Hinkson) Allen passed away January 28, 2015. Dr. Allen was 97 and Geraldine was 94. Dr. Allen was born October 12, 1917, in South Fork, Pennsylvania, and was raised in Detroit, Michigan. He received his Bachelor of Theology in 1944 from Olivet Nazarene University, his Master of Divinity in 1949 from Nazarene Theological Seminary, and his Doctor of Ministry in 1976 from Vanderbilt University. He was a pastor for 20 years in Michigan, Missouri, Minnesota and at Canadian Nazarene College. Dr. Allen retired from Trevecca Nazarene University after working as an administrator, professor emeritus for 20 years. After retiring, Dr. and Mrs. Allen served in short-term teaching at European Nazarene College in Germany and at Caribbean Theological College in Trinidad. Dr. Allen also served 28 years as colonel chaplain in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict and in the U.S. Army Reserves. Mrs. Allen was born July 2, 1920, in Manistique, Michigan, and raised in Detroit, where she met and married Dr. Allen. Being wife to a man who served as a pastor, college professor and chaplain, Mrs. Allen became adept at setting up her household in various locations in the United States, Canada, Europe and Trinidad. Her faithfulness to the Lord and her love for her husband and family were always the focus in her life. The couple is survived by sons David D. ’65 (Sandra) Allen and Marshall D. (Jo Ann) Allen; grandson Tom (Wendy) Allen; and great-granddaughter Riley Allen.

Evelyn J. (Lindberg) Beals ’49 passed away February 5, 2015, at the age of 87. She was born in Olivet, Illinois, on March 11, 1927. Her passions in her life were serving God and helping others. As a pastor’s wife, her ministry included VBS, church music, teaching Sunday school and visiting the sick. When her husband, Dr. Ivan A. Beals, became editor of the Herald of Holiness (New Holiness Today), Mrs. Beals edited the Church of the Nazarene Sunday School children’s curriculum, serving in that role for 17 years. Following retirement, she actively worked with the True Light Family Resource Center women’s shelter and enjoyed activities at the Paul Henson YMCA. Evelyn is survived by two daughters, Evangeline (Lawrence) Dubay and Verna ’74 (Herb) Heavner; four grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Her husband passed away in 1997.

Raymond A. Brodien ’51 of Hudsonville, Michigan, went to be with his Lord on May 9, 2014, at age 84. He was born to Edward and Elaine (Swanson) Brodien on June 28, 1929, in Chicago, Illinois. Mr. Brodien proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Talladega during the Korean War. He enjoyed landscaping, woodworking and singing for his Lord. His memory will be cherished by his wife of 57 years, Joyce (Hamell) ’54; sons, Mark and Jeff Brodien; daughter Susan ’83 (Don) Barr; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

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Barbara (Strong) Gardner ’56 of Fairfield, Ohio, went to be with her Lord and Savior November 12, 2014, at the age of 80. She was born July 27, 1934, in Hamilton, Ohio, to Ruben and Edna Strong. As an Olivet student, Mrs. Gardner was active in track, softball and basketball. She began her teaching career at Fairfield West Elementary, where she spent most of her time working with second grade classes. She is survived by her children, Andrew Scott Gardner, Peter (Judy) Gardner and Robert (Rica) Gardner; and five grandchildren.

Harry Dadian ’59 of Centerville, Ohio, passed away October 31, 2014, at the age of 80, taking up residence in heaven with his Savior. He was born in Israel on April 2, 1934. Nazarene missionaries in Israel helped his family, allowing the Dadian children to attend a small Nazarene school. The missionaries helped Mr. Dadian and his twin brother to immigrate to America, where they joined a Nazarene church in Cincinnati, Ohio. Mr. Dadian graduated from Olivet College and the Nazarene Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri. He is survived by Betty, his wife of 52 years; twin daughters Carol (Roger) Davidson and Mary (George) Spears; and granddaughter Nicole Brown.

Gerald Roat ’64 passed away on January 20, 2015, in Middletown, Ohio. He was born November 26, 1940, in Havana, Illinois. He married Katie Leigh ’63 on June 20, 1969. Mr. Roat taught biology for 30 years at Forman High School in Manito, Illinois. He was a member of the Havana Church of the Nazarene and served in many positions at the local and district levels. He also served as a member of the Havana School Board and Mason County Board of Directors. Mr. Roat loved children and was known as “Uncle Quarter” by his nieces, nephews and children at church. Mr. Roat is survived by his wife, Katie; daughter Julia Roat-Abla ’97; son-in-law Evan Abla ’00; and grandchildren Heaven, Faith, Danielle and Annie.

Lawrence Blight ’68 passed away peacefully January 18, 2015. He is survived by his wife, Janet; daughters Brooke ’96 (Michael) Amash, Mandee Blight ’99 and Jennifer Blight; and granddaughters, Keira, Olivia and Ellie. The Blight family would like your favorite memories and/or funny stories about Mr. Blight. Please submit these to StoriesaboutLarry@charter.net.

Rev. Leon Adams Jr. ’75 of Manteno, Illinois, passed away at the age of 78. He was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on March 22, 1936, to Leon Sr. and Naomi Duncan Adams. He married Grace Appleby on September 20, 1958. Rev. Adams proudly served in the U.S. Air Force from 1955-59 in Okinawa, Japan. In 1970, he entered Olivet to study ministry. Rev. Adams, who held a doctor of divinity degree, pastored at Mendota Church of the Nazarene, Church of the Nazarene in Kennett, Missouri, and Carlinville Church of the Nazarene. In 1979, Rev. Adams became an ordained elder in the Church of the Nazarene. For 19 years, he worked as a chaplain for the State of Illinois. He was recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International. He is survived by his wife, Grace; his daughter, LeAn ’83 (Harry Jr.) Taylor; three grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

SUBMIT PHOTOS AND OBITUARY NOTICES AT OLIVETTHEMAGAZINE.COM

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Linda (Meissner) Shattuck ’84 of Mason, Michigan, passed away November 21, 2013, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born November 12, 1961, to Stuart and Barbara Meissner. She graduated with honors from Olivet with a degree in biology. She married Scott Shattuck ’84 on August 10, 1985. For 30 years, Mrs. Shattuck worked as an office/accounting manager for Lansing Endodontic Specialists. She was a board member at Mason First Church of the Nazarene, where she supervised the Children’s Ministry, was a choir member and received the Distinguished Service Award for her contributions as a Sunday school and Bible school teacher. Survivors include her husband, Scott; daughter Cassie (Shattuck) Short ’12 and son-in-law Jared Short ’11; Stuart, an Olivet senior; and Spencer, an Olivet freshman.

Thelma Louise Haufler Collins of Bradenton, Florida, a former assistant librarian at Olivet, went to be with the Lord on January 12, 2015. She was 86. Mrs. Collins was born February 14, 1928, to Raymond and Pearl Haufler and grew up in Gainesville. There she attended First Nazarene Church, where she met her husband, Harvey Arnold Collins Jr. During their 63 years of marriage, she enjoyed traveling with Mr. Collins while he lectured in Europe and the Middle East. In addition to her husband, survivors include son Marc Alan Collins; daughters Cheryl ’74 (Harold ’74) Graves and Patty ’76 (Virgil ’76/’88) Mills; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Dr. John Q. Dickey Sr. went to be with his Heavenly Father on September 1, 2014. He was born March 14, 1929, in Qulin, Missouri, to Othar and Docia Dickey. He was a student at Brosley High School where he played basketball alongside his brothers, Quincy and Quentin. He entered Washington University in St. Louis as a pre-med student, eventually graduating with high honors before he continued his studies at the University of Health Sciences and Medicine in Kansas City. His “temporary” move to Michigan turned into a 60-year stay devoted to his family and his practice. Dr. Dickey served on the General Board of the Church of the Nazarene. He served on church committees and enjoyed sharing the gospel with anyone willing to listen. Dr. Dickey is survived by Doris, his wife of 60 years; daughter Tina ’79 (Stephen ’79) Moore; son Dr. J. Quen ’81 (Denise Stiles ‘82) Dickey; and five grandchildren.

Grace D. (Horner) Hodges-Dillman ’43 of Bloomington, Illinois, passed away March 7, 2015, at age 93. After college, she taught school in the Kankakee area until 1960. In 1962, she earned her master’s degree in counseling from Illinois State University and began work as a guidance counselor at Chiddix Junior High School in Normal, Illinois. She retired in 1984. Mrs. Hodges-Dillman served as a Sunday school teacher, board member, choir member and soloist at Bloomington First Church of the Nazarene, where she was a member for more than 50 years. She was born July 11, 1921, in Racine, Wisconsin, to Howard and Mary Jensen Horner. She is survived by her husband, Dr. Beryl Dillman ’49; son Jim (Susan) Hodges; son-in-law, Norm (Sally) Nierstheimer; stepdaughters Caroline (Jan) Pence and Ruth (Carl) Sturges; four grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death in 1995 by her first husband, John Wesley Hodges ’49; and in 2005 by her daughter, Susan Hodges Nierstheimer.

CONNECTIONSOpportunities abound for students to connect,

interact and energize around Olivetʼs maincampus, acknowledged as one of the friendliest

college environments in the United States.

ACADEMICS More than 120 areas of study organized into four schools and one college. Bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees are offered. Students have the opportunity to study in locations such as Australia, China, Costa Rica, Ecuador, England, Egypt, Romania, Japan, Uganda, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles.

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

STUDENTSMore than 4,800 (2,900 undergraduate) students from more than 40 states and several world areas, representing more than 40 religious denominations.

ATHLETICSAt Olivet Nazarene University, champions are born each season within 21 intercollegiate teams, with a commitment to provide competitive athletic awards and scholarships for qualifying candidates. Varsity teams for men include basketball, baseball, cheerleading, cross country, football, golf, soccer, swimming, tennis, and track and field. Varsity women compete in basketball, cheerleading, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, track and field, and volleyball. In addition to varsity sports, more than half of the student body participates in Olivet’s thriving intramural and club sports programs.

CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONSStudents participate in more than 90 clubs and organizations representing

diverse interests, including campus newspaper, yearbook and literary magazine, ROTC, Radio Broadcasting (Shine.FM), numerous choral and instrumental ensembles (including marching band and the University orchestra), drama and musical theatre performances, intramural athletics, as well as community volunteer and spiritual life organizations.

ALUMNI Olivet Nazarene University has graduated many notable alumni who have

given back to the University, the Olivet region, the Church and the world in so many ways. There are more than 37,000 alumni living around the world.

ADMISSIONS Olivet admits qualified students based on high school records (or college transcripts for transfer students) and ACT score. The average ACT score for incoming freshmen is 24.

CAMPUS The beautiful, park-like campus includes 31 major buildings on 250 acres. We are located in the Village of Bourbonnais, Ill., just 50 miles south of Chicago’s Loop, with additional School of Graduate and Continuing Studies locations in Rolling Meadows and Oak Brook, Ill.; Indianapolis, Ind.; Grand Ledge and Grand Rapids, Mich.; and Hong Kong.

ACCREDITATION Includes the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (www.ncahlc.org), the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education, the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, the American Dietetics Association, the Council on Social Work Education, the National Association of Schools of Music, the National Council for Accreditation ofTeacher Education, and the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.

GRADUATE STUDIES AND PROGRAMSBusiness: Bachelor of Business Administration,+ Master of Organizational Leadership, Master of Business Administration

Counseling: Master of Arts in Professional Counseling, Master of Arts in School Counseling

Education: Safety and Driver Education Endorsement, English as a Second Language Endorsement, Middle School Endorsement, Reading Endorsement, Teacher Leader Endorsement,* Master of Arts in Education: Curriculum and Instruction,+ Master of Arts in Education: Library Information Specialist, Master of Arts in Education: Reading Specialist,+ Master of Arts in Teaching, Doctor of Education: Ethical Leadership – Interdisciplinary

Engineering: Master of Engineering Management

History: Master of Arts: Philosophy of History or Political Theory

Nursing: Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing,* Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN), Master of Science in Nursing,* Masters of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner Certification

Ministry: Master of Arts: Biblical Literature, Master of Arts: Christian Ministry, Master of Arts: Family Ministry, Master of Arts: Pastoral Ministry, Master of Arts in Religion, Master of Arts: Pastoral Leadership,* Master of Arts: Christian Thought, Master of Ministry, Master of Ministry in Spanish, Master of Divinity, Master of Arts: Youth Ministry, Bachelor of Practical Ministry, Master of Practical Ministry, Master of Arts: Urban Pastor Leadership

* online + classroom and online

OLIVET NAZARENE UNIVERSITY AT A GLANCE

olivet.edu

olivet.edu 32

AccountingActuarial ScienceArtArt EducationAthletic CoachingAthletic TrainingBiblical LanguagesBiblical StudiesBiochemistryBiologyBroadcast JournalismBusiness AdministrationBusiness Administration - Not-for-Profit MgmntBusiness Information SystemsChemistryChild DevelopmentChildren’s MinistryChristian EducationCommercial Graphics/ MarketingCommunication StudiesComputer ScienceCorporate CommunicationCriminal JusticeDieteticsDigital Media: GraphicsDigital Media: PhotographyDrawing & IllustrationEarly Childhood EducationEarth & Space Science TeachingEconomics & FinanceElementary EducationEngineering - ArchitecturalEngineering - Chemical Engineering - Civil Engineering - Computer Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Geological Engineering - Mechanical EnglishEnglish as a Second LanguageEnglish EducationEnvironmental ScienceExercise ScienceFamily & Consumer SciencesFamily & Consumer Sciences EducationFamily StudiesFashion MerchandisingFilm StudiesFinanceForensic ChemistryFrenchGeneral StudiesGeographyGeological SciencesGreekHealth EducationHebrewHistoryHistory TeachingHospitalityInformation SystemsInformation TechnologyIntercultural StudiesInterior Design

International BusinessInternational MarketingLeadership StudiesLegal StudiesLiteratureManagementMarketingMarketing ManagementMass CommunicationMathematicsMathematics EducationMedia ProductionMilitary AffairsMilitary ScienceMinisterial MissionsMissions & Intercultural StudiesMultimedia StudiesMusicMusic CompositionMusic EducationMusic MinistryMusic PerformanceMusical TheatreNursingPaintingPastoral MinistryPhilosophy & ReligionPhysical Education & Health TeachingPhysical SciencePolitical SciencePre-Art TherapyPre-DentalPre-LawPre-MedicinePre-OptometryPre-PharmacyPre-Physical TherapyPre-Physician’s AssistantPre-SeminaryPre-VeterinaryPrint & Online JournalismPsychologyPublic PolicyPublic RelationsRadio BroadcastingRecreation, Sports & FitnessReligionReligious StudiesScience EducationSecondary EducationSocial ScienceSocial Science EducationSocial WorkSociologySpanishSpanish EducationSpecial EducationSport ManagementTelevision & Video ProductionTheatreWritingYouth MinistryZoology

a National Recognition Olivet is recognized as one of America’s “Best Colleges & Universities” by U.S. News and World Report for the 10th consecutive year, as well as one of the nation’s Colleges of Distinction for 2014-2015.

Engineering the Future b Olivet opens 30,000 sq. ft. of additional and renovated engineering space, equipped with innovative 3D printers and high-tech lab space.This ABET- accredited program has doubled enrollment over the last two years.

Pass rate forIllinois Teaching

Certification

Graduates secured a job or enrolled

in graduate school within 6 months of

graduation

100%92%

Study Abroad Opportunities

Olivet students receive financial aid

92%Engineering students

passed the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam

(national average: 76%)

Men’s and women’s intercollegiate athletic teams

* data compiled 2013-2014

Total financial aid awarded to ONU students$80,964,678.06 99.55%

21

Areas ofstudy

120+

18

Nursing studentspassed state boards

(5-year average)

90%

17:1 Student to faculty ratio2,926

Undergraduatestudents 4,877

Total number ofstudents

BY THE NUMBERS*

AREAS OF STUDYIncluding majors, minors and concentrations

THEbenedictionA

MEN

Take my life and let it beconsecrated, Lord, to thee.

Take my moments and my days;let them flow in endless praise,

Take my hands and let them moveat the impulse of thy love.

Take my feet and let them beswift and beautiful for thee,

Take my voice and let me singalways, only, for my King.

Take my lips and let them befilled with messages from thee,

Take my silver and my gold;not a mite would I withhold.

Take my intellect and useevery power as thou shalt choose,

Take my will and make it thine;it shall be no longer mine.

Take my heart, it is thine own;it shall be thy royal throne,

Take my love; my Lord, I pourat thy feet its treasure store.

Take myself, and I will beever, only, all for thee,

“Take My Life and Let It Be”by Frances R. Havergal (1874)

SPRINGIN'Olivet’s 250-acre campus is bursting with color as

spring arrives in full bloom. The season is a reflectionof continued growth and progress of the University,as evidenced by record enrollment, ever-expanding

academic programs, and new buildingprojects and renovations.

ONE UNIVERSITY AVENUEBOURBONNAIS, IL 60914-2345

olivet.edu

WE BELIEVETEAMWORK &

INTEGRITYARE CRITICAL INEVERY MOMENT