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.
Tiffany (Dietrich) DeRocco ’12 found career success in both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors and was on track to continue climbing the corporate ladder when the abrupt closing of her tech startup employer forced her to pause and consider the direction of her career path. Around the same time, a new pandemic-era hobby of baking sourdough bread reminded Tiffany of a dormant business idea to open a coffee shop and bakery in her hometown. The plans rolled into place, and she soon opened The Mill in St. Anne, Illinois.
“I’ve always been drawn to opportunities in which I can contribute to building stronger communities,” Tiffany says. “I was actually rebuilding myself a bit as I built The Mill. It was awesome to see that when I opened up about my struggles, people showed up and really surprised me through their support.”
For Tiffany, baking bread, scones, biscuits and gravy, muffins and cinnamon rolls is more than just a weekly task; it’s an opportunity for her to slow down and engage her own senses. But she also loves that the products she bakes will eventually nourish other people through food and fellowship.
“I always saw this as more than just a coffee shop,” Tiffany says of the mission behind The Mill. “I wanted this to be the heart of the community, where people build connections. My team is now a regular part of the lives of our customers. We get to hold space for their celebrations and their tough stuff. I count it as an honor and privilege when customers take time to reconnect with themselves and their loved ones in our shop.”
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From Olivet The Magazine, The God Who Sees Us – Winter 2025. Read the full issue here.
