Not long after the Summer 2024 issue of Olivet the Magazine hit mailboxes, our editors were inundated with questions about the cover photo. The story is not to be missed. Our Laura Warfel reached out to the dynamic young man and discussed the moment.
Meet Jake Ozartun ’24
When he achieved his goal of graduating from Olivet Nazarene University, Jake Ozartun ’24 was one of 846 graduates receiving degrees that day. Photographer Skyler Blanton ’23 captured this photo of Jake celebrating that success. But behind this photo — and standing behind Jake during his six years as a student — are the encouragers and educators who helped him stay the course and reach his goal.
One of triplets and half Armenian, Jake came to ONU from his hometown of Belvidere, Illinois, as a freshman. He was on his own for the first time in his life.
“The people are what made ONU home for me,” Jake says. “My family was scattered, but I was grounded in a community where people cared about me.”
While going to school, Jake was juggling work, financial challenges and a difficult family situation. He was also separated from his brother, Sevan, and sister, Natalie, because they were living in different cities.
“I had a lot of crises piling on top of each other,” he says. “I hit my lowest points ever while I was at ONU, but I also experienced some high points, too.”
According to the American College Health Association, in 2023, 76% of college students experienced moderate to serious psychological distress, 36% of students were diagnosed with anxiety, and 28% suffered from depression.
Jake appreciates the many close friends, staff and faculty members who encouraged him, would not let him give up, and helped him learn how to succeed, especially:
- His friends Jude, Gabe and Drew, who did life with him on campus
- His counselor in ONU’s THRIVE Center, who met with him weekly for Christian counseling
- Dr. Rachel Guimond, his academic advisor, who helped him decide on a major and make a graduation plan
- Jonathan Fightmaster ’15, one of Jake’s math professors, who often talked with him and listened to him over lunch
- Dr. Aram Agajanian, associate engineering professor in the Walker School of STEM, who met with him regularly for accountability sessions. He and Jake also share their Armenian heritage.
“I spent one-quarter of my life so far at ONU,” Jake says. “ONU provided me with a backbone for my life as well as structure, challenges, work to do and so much fun along the way. My advice to college students is to be willing to search for what fits you. Get out of your comfort zone and find that fit.”
From Olivet The Magazine, The God Who Sees Us – Winter 2025. Read the full issue here.
