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

“We are thankful for all the opportunities we’ve had and all the wonderful people we’ve worked with. Most of all, we are thankful for the blessings we’ve had in seeing students’ success in and enjoyment of music.”
Laura Warfel headshot

LW Warfel

June 19, 2024 Alumni & Friends, 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.”


DR. DON AND DR. DENA REDDICK

Friends of the Fine Arts

“Olivet changed our lives, first as students and then professionally. We are thankful for all the opportunities we’ve had and all the wonderful people we’ve worked with. Most of all, we are thankful for the blessings we’ve had in seeing students’ success in and enjoyment of music. As we work with the ONU Development team, we are helping to create an avenue of giving that targets what wouldn’t otherwise be possible for the School of Music. We’re making connections with alumni who were part of Olivet’s music program in the past and yet have never given to Olivet. We want to be the ones who get to talk with them about giving.”

Don and Dena have established community and encouraged excellence in the lives of thousands of students who have participated in the University’s music and performing arts programs — representing almost every major the University offers. Dr. Reddick ’79 recently stepped out of his full-time role as dean of the School of Music, following many years of unprecedented growth and expansion of music and fine arts education at Olivet. He now serves as director of Friends of the Fine Arts. He wants to ensure that the School of Music reaches new levels of excellence.

The Reddicks 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 Reddicks 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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