Two Olivet Nazarene University graduates walked onto the stage twice during Commencement for the Class of 2018: Micah Forshee and Emily Raduns. They received their degrees, and they received recognition as the outstanding male and female graduates on May 5. Both are also Honors Program graduates.
Micah Forshee majored in biology and earned a B.S. degree. While at Olivet, he competed in the Mr. ONU contest, served as a class representative on the Associated Student Council, was president of the Honors Student Council and on the Biophilic Council, and played intramural sports.
During summer 2017, he completed an intensive, eight-week research experience at Robert Lurie Research Medical Center in Chicago. Also, he served with a group of physicians and physician assistants in the Appalachian Mountain region of Tennessee, caring for individuals living in poverty there.
As part of Olivet’s Scholar Week 2018, he presented his Honors Program research project, “The Effects of Inulin and Galactooligosaccharides on the Production of Reuterin by Lactobacillus Reuteri.”
He is entering a Ph.D. program in medical research at Baylor College of Medicine. Micah is the son of James ’79 and Brenda (Starner) ’82 Forshee.
“Olivet’s Honors Program has molded me intellectually, spiritually and personally — more than I know,” Micah says. “I’m a stronger Christian, a more astute scholar and a more well-rounded person. I wouldn’t have done research or worked with Dr. Teresa Woodruff at Robert Lurie without the Honors Program. I owe my current career path to this challenging experience.”
Emily Raduns majored in social work and psychology and received her B.S.W. degree. She completed her required social work field placement at World Relief, working with refugees in the intensive case management program.
While at Olivet, she served the local community through Olivet’s Urban Children’s Ministry and volunteering with Presence Heritage Village and Kennedy Middle Grade School. On campus, she was a member of the Honors Student Council and Social Justice Club, as well as being employed as an admissions processing lead, social work research assistant and operator at Strickler Planetarium.
During summer 2016, she was part of the Romanian Studies Program in Romania and Greece. As part of Olivet’s Scholar Week 2017, she presented her Honors Program research project, “Empirical Correlates of Mental Health Stigma.”
This summer, she is working as a site director for YouthWorks in Portland, Oregon. Emily is the daughter of Gary and Cheryl Raduns.
“My education at Olivet shaped my worldview and provided a background for effective service,” Emily says. “I had incredible opportunities to meet God’s people in vulnerable places, see Him at work and learn how I can be a part of His work.”
To learn more about Olivet’s Honors Program, contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@olivet.edu or 800-648-1463.
Published: 5/9/2018
