Deck the halls and celebrate the season with Olivet Nazarene University’s newest collectable Christmas ornament. Manufactured by the creators of the Annual White House Christmas Ornament, this year’s piece beautifully features the Olivet Seal and is the fourth piece in the Olivet ornament collection.
The current University Seal was created in 1986 by art professor Dr. Donald Royal (1949-2022) and was unveiled during the visit of U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Elizabeth Hanford Dole, in December of that year. The original version of the seal was in use from 1940-1986 and was created by student Paul Hubbart ’47.
Etched on the seal for over 83 years are three symbols representing the mission of Olivet:
The dove symbolizes the presence of the Holy Spirit.
The lamp represents Olivet’s commitment to lifelong learning.
The open Bible is a reminder of the pursuit of truth.
This season’s ornament serves as a reminder to sense the work of the Holy Spirit, grow in knowledge and understanding, and always seek the truth.
Not only will each of these ornaments add a touch of Olivet to traditional holiday décor, but they also serve as a token of generosity. A portion of the funds from the purchase of each year’s ornament contributes to support student scholarships through the Olivet Fund.
“I am so pleased that thousands of people from the Olivet community support student scholarships by ordering from the Olivet annual Christmas ornament collection,” says executive director of alumni, church & constituent relations, Erinn Proehl ’13/’19 MBA. “It is a unique way to sponsor hope this holiday season.”
To purchase your 2023 Christmas ornament or pieces from the last three years, please visit Olivet.edu/ornament or call 815.939.5258.
