From meeting room to exhibit hall to ballroom, Olivet Nazarene University’s global reach is evident in Indianapolis, Indiana, this month. Connecting with alumni and friends of the University through a variety of special events is a top priority.
More than 1,000 attendees enjoyed the music and messages at the Alumni and Friends Breakfast, hosted by Olivet on Saturday, June 24. Time for catching up on Olivet news, as well as with old friends, made this a memorable event for all. Special guests included Olivet alumni Dr. Leah Marangu ’65, vice chancellor, and Dr. Rodney Reed ’84/’86, deputy vice chancellor for academic affairs, of Africa Nazarene University, Nairobi, Kenya.
“At Olivet, our goal is wisdom, not just knowledge,” said Dr. John C. Bowling, University president, as he addressed the gathering. “It is transformation as well as education. You see, Olivet Nazarene University does not belong to me. I belong to it, as do each of you who are part of the life and legacy of Olivet. “
Dr. David Roland, chairman of Olivet’s Board of Trustees, honored Dr. Bowling and his wife, Jill, for their many years of service to the University. In August 2017, Dr. Bowling will begin his 27th year as president and become the longest serving president in Olivet history.
Olivet’s School of Music added touches of spiritual beauty to the program with Dr. Don Reddick ’79, dean of the School of Music, directing. Professor Freddie Franken, guitarist and a native of Aruba, set the tone for the relaxing mealtime. Orpheus Choir, directed by Dr. Jeff Bell ’81, and a student/alumni vocal ensemble underscored Olivet’s mission of “Education with a Christian Purpose” with their selections. An alumni orchestra of brass and strings, formed especially for this event, accompanied them.
Alumni Luke Olney ’10/’13 M.O.L., Amber (Leffel) Olney ’14 and Wesley Taylor ’16 — performing as The Playlist — thrilled the audience with their rendition of “What A Friend We Have In Jesus.” Amber and Wesley also sang with Orpheus Choir and the orchestra for “Giving My Best.”
A get-together for young alumni at Calvin Fletcher’s Coffee Company on Thursday evening, June 22, brought more than 100 classmates together for fun and conversation. This Indianapolis not-for-profit coffee roasting and retail venture is managed by Olivet alumnus Jeff Litsey ’07. Coffee from Mexico, Peru and Uganda pleased even the most discerning guest.
Also in Indianapolis, Olivet welcomed attendees at its exhibit for the 29th General Assembly and Conventions for the Church of the Nazarene. This international gathering takes place only once every four years. Olivet staff — including the ever popular mascot, Toby the Tiger — shared news and facts about great days for the University. Today 3,000 undergraduate students come from more than 20 countries and more than 40 U.S. states to attend Olivet. The academic structure now includes the College of Arts and Sciences plus six schools: Walker School of Engineering, School of Business, School of Music, School of Theology and Christian Ministry, School of Education and the School of Life and Health Sciences. With more than 140 areas of study offered, nursing continues to be the most popular major, followed closely by engineering.
As Addison Newell ’15, who will soon be serving as a missionary in South Africa, expressed so well when giving his personal testimony at the Saturday morning breakfast: “I saw a joy I wanted in my life, and I chased that joy to Olivet Nazarene University. That’s where I met Jesus, met my fiancée and found my calling to bring Jesus to the world.”
For more information about Olivet’s areas of study, contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@olivet.edu or 800-648-1463.
