Olivet The Magazine | It All Begins with Thanks – The Conways

“We now have the privilege to lead Athletic advancement and other student support initiatives and projects for ONU and the Department of Athletics.”
Laura Warfel headshot

LW Warfel

June 17, 2024 Giving, Olivet The Magazine

Men and women who are called to work as faculty and staff members for Olivet Nazarene University live a life on mission. They sink their roots deep into the soil that anchors what is already growing. They join a highly connected community of students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends of Olivet. They step into their place in Olivet’s history and longevity.

When many people think of Olivet, they may think of iconic buildings or memorable moments. But what they think of most often are the people they encountered while studying, learning, growing and working at Olivet.

“We are thankful for those who invest so much of their lives in the mission and work of Olivet,” says Dr. Brian Allen ’82/’05 D.Litt., vice president for institutional advancement. “Some, as they transition from one phase of life to another, still have a desire to contribute to helping Olivet continue to thrive. That is the case for three outstanding couples who have recently joined our Development team.”


MIKE AND BETH CONWAY

Director of Athletic Advancement

“We first met at Olivet as students. After graduating, we went our separate ways until God brought us back together, and now He has directed us full circle back to ONU to humbly serve. Our desire is to make an impact for the Kingdom of God through supporting Olivet’s deep-rooted mission of ‘Education With a Christian Purpose.’

“Our mission in Athletics is to provide an opportunity for ministry while striving to honor God on and off the field/court. We now have the privilege to lead Athletic advancement and other student support initiatives and projects for ONU and the Department of Athletics, which consists of 22 sports and more than 700 student-athletes. Relationships and resources will help take Tiger Athletics to the next level, and we are committed to developing new and creative ways to include alumni and friends of ONU Athletics from many different eras in helping support our students and to advance our athletic programs into the future.”

Mike and Beth remain committed to the mission of Olivet and its students. Tiger Athletics continues to be an opportunity for ministry and has formed the foundation for so many alumni. Their challenge is to find new, creative ways to advance Athletics with resources, time and advocacy by developing relationships and reconnecting former athletes and alumni. Mike ’84 is transitioning from his roles as director of athletics and head football coach and stepping into a new assignment as director of athletic advancement and the Tiger Champions Club. Beth (Moore) ’85 serves as the director of Pacific Rim Student Services.

The Conways are invested deeply in developing and maintaining relationships. They are passionate about Olivet students and the quality of the student experience and have formed a growing network of connections with alumni and friends of the University. They join together with faculty and staff to help make sure needs are met, growth continues and the mission of Olivet thrives.

Today, the Conways join Olivet’s Office of Development to fund excellence in all areas of the University for future generations of students. Olivet is committed to attract the best and brightest students and to send them out for significant contributions to the world.

From Olivet The Magazine, Compassion & Conviction – Spring 2024. Read the full issue here.

Laura Warfel headshot

LW Warfel

Laura Wasson Warfel is a story gatherer, writer, editor, and follower of Jesus Christ. A good listener, she distills details into meaningful communications. Her greatest joy is to bring others along with her on her faith journey. In 2015, she launched More Than A Widow, a ministry to help widows live beyond the label and find their more.

Student on main campus wearing pink sweater and holding water bottle.

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