Olivet Nazarene University celebrated tradition, athletic competitions, honors, great food and fellowship during Homecoming and Family Weekend 2024, held Oct. 25–27. Throughout the weekend, guests participated in more than 50 unique events organized by the Office of Alumni and University Relations, led by senior director Erika Moeschke ’12/’19 MBA.
The weekend’s festivities kicked off on Thursday night with the Alumni Board serving a late-night breakfast treat to the student body in Ludwig Center at the Throwback Thursday Student Pancake Feed.
On Friday morning, the greater Olivet community gathered for a time of worship during Homecoming Chapel. During the service, Young Alumni Award recipients Julie (Pilaczynski) Gulledge ’15, J.D., and Camilo Giraldo ’13 were recognized and gave testimony to the role of their faith in their professional careers.
Following the service, guests were greeted by nearly 6,000 purple and gold flags on the Hawkins Centennial Chapel lawn. The purple flags, creating the letters ONU, represented the Olivet student population. Surrounding them were over 3,000 gold flags representing alumni, family and friends who made a gift in support of athletics, scholarships or academics. In total, there was one gift for every student.
That evening, following the men’s and women’s basketball games, Olivet hosted a new Homecoming event, the 5th Quarter Fair. This event, filled with games; pizza from local vendors like Chicago Dough, Monical’s and Aurelio’s; and Olivet’s first-ever 50-foot ice cream bar, provided late-night fun for all ages.
On Saturday the classes of 2019, 2014, 2009, 2004, 1999, 1994, 1989, 1984, 1979, 1974 and Purple & Gold grads (graduates prior to 1974) gathered to celebrate their undergraduate reunions.
The afternoon included an outdoor family fun zone and food trucks before the Tiger football game against Saint Xavier. The Tigers took home a 21-6 win at Ward Field, in front of packed, enthusiastic crowd.
Saturday evening, Olivet’s School of Music proudly presented Messiah: The Reunion Concert. This year’s production welcomed back alumni School of Music ensemble members to join student musicians and vocalists for a memorable performance. Also, throughout the weekend, there were several opportunities to take in other athletic events, shows at the Strickler Planetarium and the fall play, 33 Variations.
The weekend’s festivities concluded on Sunday morning with the President’s Prayer Breakfast. Guests in attendance enjoyed a time of worship and had the opportunity to hear from the Lay “O” Award recipient Anthony Hoovler, ’88, M.D., and Ministerial “O” Award recipient Lt. Col. Ben Kayser ’02/’04 MBA as they gave testimony to how Olivet shaped their respective careers.
To conclude the event, First Lady Tammy (Slayer) Chenoweth ’89 hosted a time of prayer and thanksgiving for the campus community of Olivet Nazarene University.
For more information about campus events, visit olivet.edu/events.
