Celebrating the Class of 2018 was top priority at Olivet Nazarene University during the week of May 1. From senior week activities to the Baccalaureate service on Friday evening to the Commencement ceremony on Saturday morning, campus was buzzing with special events and thousands of visitors.
After finals were done, seniors enjoyed some time for relaxing and remembering together — Chicago Day, Final Fiesta, Lantern Festival, Worship Night — as well as lots of photos and reminiscing on campus.
Baccalaureate on Friday evening was a time set aside for worshiping together as a campus community with family members present. Special music by the University Orchestra, Orpheus Choir and School of Music faculty plus a message from University President John C. Bowling inspired the graduates.
Personal testimonies from graduates Danielle Maranion, a psychology and sociology double major, and Jonathan Hentschel, a sport management and Spanish double major, expressed thoughts and feelings that many in their class shared with them.
“I pray that the lessons learned here at Olivet will serve you well in the years to come,” said President Bowling in his Charge to the Class of 2018. “You are the heart and soul of a new generation. The world needs you. I encourage you to go forth with confidence, hope and joy.”
Commencement ceremony on Saturday morning marked the academic achievements of this class with 629 bachelor’s degrees conferred. Micah Forshee and Emily Raduns — both Honors Program graduates — received the awards for outstanding male and female graduates. Micah majored in biology, and Emily majored in social work. Honorary Doctor of Divinity degree recipients were University Chaplain Mark Holcomb ’81 and Rev. Kevin Donley.
Additional highlights of the 2018 graduation week:
Commencement Concert, presented by the School of Music and featuring student soloists
Dedication of The Kevin and Judith Sims Educational Center (formerly known as Robert Frost School), West Campus — This will be the new home of the Department of Art and Digital Media and rehearsal space for the theatre program.
Dedication of the commissioned portrait of Dr. John and Dr. Jill Bowling in the Jill and John Bowling Admissions Center.
Social Work Pinning Ceremony, honoring the 29 Bachelor of Social Work degree graduates. Jeslyn Roat received the Spirit of Social Work Award.
Senior Pinning Ceremony, welcoming 50 new nurses into the nursing profession.
Military Commissioning Ceremony for four new U.S. Army Second Lieutenants: Mary Kate Cowen (nursing major), Caleb Guio (criminal justice major), Joel Martin (criminal justice major) and Katie Rummery (Spanish and communication studies double major).
Reception honoring the 11 Honors Program graduates.
Teaching Excellence Award to Dr. Diane Richardson ’73/’85 M.A.E., professor and chair of the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences.
Scholarly Excellence Award to Dr. Dale Smith ’01, professor in the Department of Behavioral Sciences.
School of Graduate and Continuing Studies (SGCS) Commencement ceremony, awarding 137 adult studies bachelor’s degrees, 686 master’s degrees and 26 doctorate degrees. Rob Simpson, SGCS dean, reported that the oldest in this group is 65, and the youngest is 23 with 84 percent females. Graduates represent 23 different states.
SGCS Teaching Excellence Award to Dr. Emmanuel Reinbold ’15 Ed.D., adjunct professor who teaches religion courses in the general education program.
SGCS Student Award of Excellence to Shailaja Ravola, who received her Master of Business Administration degree and is an employee of CSL Behring.
“Wherever you go, you will carry the light of Christ and the marks of Olivet with you.” — University President John C. Bowling
To learn more about Olivet’s undergraduate and graduate degree programs, contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@olivet.edu or 800-648-1463.
Published: 5/8/2018
