The word good has connotations of wholeness and completeness — take Genesis 1:31, for example. Good can also demonstrate a sense of kindness, morality or that which commands respect. In fact, some estimates show more than 650 uses of the word good in the Bible. So, as an institution whose mission is to provide an “Education With a Christian Purpose,” it should come as no surprise that doing good is a core focus for people at Olivet Nazarene University.
Faculty and staff seek to provide good environments in which young adults can grow, learn and thrive; in return, students are encouraged to contribute in good ways as they impact their peers, families and the greater community. The hope is that thousands of Olivet alumni that go forth from Olivet will engage their spheres of influence to perpetuate a cycle of goodness.
Whether they choose to focus their work in the local area or on the other side of the world, Olivetians pour into other people with love and compassion. From coffee and intentional chats on campus to baking and breaking bread in local neighborhoods; from cultural sensitivity research to life-changing equine therapy; and from a friendly hello at local elementary school to outfitting refugee apartments on the other side of the world, here are just a few stories of change-agent individuals who work to bring more good to the people they interact with every day.
Transferring from community college in southern Florida to full-time college life in Bourbonnais, Illinois, was not easy for Matea Johnson during her junior year, but she found a strong support system through residential life activities.
“Living on campus opens the door to being in community with people that are at the same stage of life as you,” Matea reflects. “You can build community right in your living space without trying to seek out places to find more community. My resident assistants made me feel comfortable and included, which was something I was worried about. Their kindness and love for me made me feel like I truly belonged at ONU.” When she was given the chance to become a resident assistant, Matea jumped at the opportunity to pay that kindness forward.
“I wanted to be a friend and someone that girls could come to, especially if they have nobody,” she says. “From being a listening ear, a coffee date and a friend, I have loved seeing these girls grow through this semester. Conversations that I’ve had range from fun and innocent to deep and extremely intentional. I love to be there for my girls, but it is mentally challenging sometimes. I am so blessed to have such a great resident director, Cheryl, who refills my cup after those really hard conversations. Having such a strong support system makes the hard parts of my job much easier.”
From Olivet The Magazine, The God Who Sees Us – Winter 2025. Read the full issue here.
