Tell Your Story

Kimora: U0 – Fostering Community and Fulfilling Dreams

The University of Olivet is not merely a place of academics; it is a place where dreams take root, aspirations find wings and friendships that last a lifetime are forged. Within the confines of these walls, generations of students have sought knowledge, wisdom, and enlightenment.

As I reflect on the journey that has brought me here, I am reminded of the unique essence of our small town. Our town is not just a location on a map; it is a close-knit community where neighbors are friends and friends are family. Our school stands as a beacon of hope, a source of inspiration, and a catalyst for positive change.

At the university, clubs unite like-minded individuals, creating connections and networking opportunities. The clubs foster community, belonging, and the pursuit of passions, skills, and experience. Combining them with academic studies cultivates discipline and time management. Joshua Gillespie, the advisor for HASSA, has played a pivotal role in my introduction to the organization. From the beginning, he has stood out as someone who warmly embraces newcomers and actively extends invitations to join his initiative. His welcoming arms and genuine enthusiasm create a sense of belonging and eagerness. Dr. Todd Long is the advisor for the Black Student Union. His approachability, openness to new ideas, and willingness to listen have created an environment where I always have a place. Both advisors go beyond their titles; they embody a spirit of leadership, mentorship, and inclusivity. Their initial gesture of extending a welcoming hand has impacted my journey within the Olivet community and set the tone for how I plan to live the rest of my life.

This institution has always aimed to provide a well-rounded education beyond books and classrooms. The University believes in nurturing academic excellence and engraving values that shape responsible and compassionate individuals. Here, students are encouraged to think critically and embrace diversity in all its forms.

As we move forward, we do so with purpose and determination. Our small-town university may be modest in size, but it boasts an abundance of passion, talent, and potential. Together, we will continue to build a future where knowledge knows no bounds, innovation flourishes, and our graduates become ambassadors of positive change in our town and beyond.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has contributed to the success of The University of Olivet. I hope students embrace the opportunities ahead, united in their pursuit of knowledge and community. Together, we shall make our small-town university a shining example of academic excellence and a nurturing space where dreams come to completion!

John: Emily Byrens, Mentor for LIFE

I was fortunate enough to be a student of Emily Byrens. She was my music theory teacher and choral conductor. As a brand new freshman music education major, having her music theory class at 8:00 a.m. and never having had theory before, I had an exceptionally difficult time at the beginning of my first semester. After my first two arduous weeks, I spoke with her after class and shared my difficulty with her. In her matter of fact and profoundly meaningful way, she shared the following advice… “Pay closer attention in class, stay out of your own way, and ask immediately when you have a question.” I took this advice, and within a semester I became the theory tutor! She had an incredible impact on me on how I teach my current students.

Dom: Minor Setback To A Major Comeback

At the beginning of 2012, my senior year of High School, I was lost and unsure of my hopes of playing college football. I had the academics to attend any school, but I also had hopes of playing college football. Olivet was the only school that gave me a chance to fulfill my hopes and dreams!
On October 5th, 2013, my sophomore year, I ruptured my Achilles during a football game against Alma College while playing wide receiver. My dad lost his job the week before this tragic incident happened, so I had no insurance covering my medical expenses. Ryan Shockey was the Head Athletic Trainer at the time of this event, and this was his first year as our head trainer. On October 7th, Ryan called me to his office to set up my insurance so he could set an appointment for my MRI test to confirm the tear in my Achilles. My insurance was declined due to my father’s release from his job. I left the office depressed, but Ryan told me everything would be okay. My father and my mother called me later that day, and they both prayed for me over the phone and told me to believe that God will make a way. On October 8th, Ryan called me and told me to come to his office for some good news. Ryan told me that Olivet’s Secondary Insurance Program would help pay for my medical expenses so I could complete the MRI testing and surgery. When he told me the news, I praised God for that moment and looked forward to getting my Achilles repaired!
Not only was I rehabbing my Achilles, but I was also rehabbing my spiritual and mental relationship with God. My faith and my patience with God became stronger after this tragic event. Olivet was the place that allowed me to be someone great and fulfill my dreams when other schools counted me out. Nine months after I rehabbed my Achilles, I was cleared to fully participate in all football activities. I came back my junior year and won 2nd team All-Conference, 1st team All-Conference my Senior year, and the 2015 MIAA Championship my senior year. It’s almost as if the injury made me a better person and football player after my comeback. But I couldn’t have done it without God, my family, Ryan Shockey, my coaches, my teammates believing in me, and Olivet College for giving me a chance! That is my Olivet story.

Valerie: Being part of the Olivet College community

Being part of the Olivet College community has impacted my life by proving a safe place for connecting with individuals who support educational and professional growth. As I reflect on my undergraduate year’s, I have created and maintained several relationships with individuals from different societies who have been a blessing with job leads and continuing education recommendations. To me this is the best part of being part of a great community, building relationships and networking .
I first became involved with the Olivet College community by working a work-study at the “KC”. This place, back in 2010, was the place to be. Alot of human connection took place at the bottom of the “KC” for social and educational purposes.
My hopes for future the future students is that they contribute to the community by being kind to one another and lending a helping hand in the community when needed.

Tom: Relationships that Last a Lifetime

I was rewarded a BA in English by Olivet College in 1970. I still remember English classes taught by Leo Hendrick and William Buchanan in my years there. I earned a Master’s in English at Western Washington University in 1976. I worked full-time as an English teacher at Milwaukee Area Technical College starting in 1996. My classes were full from that point until I retired in 2013.
Twenty-three years after graduating from Olivet, I still have several friends from those years that I communicate with regularly. I even visit some of them fairly regularly!
My years at Olivet were special. My years after my years at Olivet College have been enhanced by the relationships I formed at Olivet.

Elizabeth: Thankful for the connections!

Olivet College has impacted my life in many positive ways, but it all comes down to the connections I have made through this institution. My parents knew about OC somehow and encouraged me to take a tour the summer before my senior year of high school. I was honestly pretty reluctant because of the size and location, but I decided to go. I’m so glad I did because I knew right away that Olivet College was going to be the place where I would be seen and where I could succeed. I’ve made so many lifelong friends and professional connections through my time at OC, as a student and alum, and expanded on those connections while serving briefly as the college’s Alumni Director. Although I ultimately decided that higher education was not the career path for me, OC will always have a very special place in my heart, and I am forever grateful for the relationships I have made and continue to make. I hope that future students still see value in a liberal arts education, one that brings a diversity of perspectives and experiences into their life, and I hope that future students continue to support Olivet’s mission of being a college for all.

Walter: Passing It On

In the Fall of 1953, I met Frank Ham, a local businessman who was a loyal and dedicated alum of Olivet College. He introduced me to Olivet, and in September 1954, I arrived on campus. I was embraced by the college and the community and thus began an extraordinary journey, which is now approaching seventy years! My family’s size and limited financial resources made attending college less than probable; however, Olivet College and the Olivet community made it possible for me to attend and embark on a life I dared not dream of as a high school student.
My four years at OC led to a master’s degree at Michigan State University, continued study at Loyola University in Chicago, and a thirty-four-year career in teaching, guidance, and administration in Chicago Public Schools. During my career, Olivet became the gift that kept on giving. I referred students, including my daughter and granddaughter, who shared a common bond of inadequate funds. Somehow, Olivet College was able to help those students clear that hurdle, and nearly all of them earned degrees.
The little school on the hill that gave me my opportunity has made it a continuing honor and privilege to keep trying to assist in any way I can. Recently a niece, who teaches at Truman Community College in Chicago, was visiting us and said, “I am going to wear this Olivet College sweatshirt because OC impacted your life, which means that it impacted mine.” I couldn’t have been prouder.
Somewhere out there is another Walt Parker who just needs an opportunity! Virtually everyone who extended me a helping hand said, “You owe me nothing, just pass it on.” To do anything less would be a betrayal of everyone who ever helped me!

Vernon: City Boy – County Man what the OC has done for me?!

I arrived on the Olivet College campus in 2007 as a transfer from Tiffin University. I transferred to play football and majored in Education. My hope for future students is that they reach out to our alumni network. There are a lot of us doing wonderful things!

The Olivet College community helped me with life structure which is greatly needed in life.

Kate: Individual & Social Responsibility

OC instilled in me the values of individual and social responsibility; I was even on their commercial saying the line “I am responsible for treating all people with respect.” It wasn’t just a line; I was determined to live out those words in everything I do. I was held accountable for my actions (of course I screwed up from time to time) and learned to be a responsible adult while attending OC. Service Day promoted community service, which is still a big part of my life. I spent 8 years helping run an organization in Haiti, and currently serve on my church’s special needs Equine therapy team, am a greeter at church, and volunteer at Hannah’s Home for homeless and teen mothers. Since attending Olivet, I’ve been involved in serving in at least one organization. This is rewarding in itself, but knowing that a small selfless act can impact the greater community is something that I will never forget from my days at Olivet. I hope that future students find family and community while attending OC, and that they go into the world as responsible young adults and productive members of society.

Melissa: Small town, big world.

Each year as the leaves begin to change, as promised by Dr. Homer, I think of my OC home under the tall oak trees that protect its diversity beneath. The town of Olivet is tiny but my experience in its giant world changed me, improved me, educated me, and created a future for me to explore with new, wide open, eyes. My hope for future students is that they embrace the countless opportunities, rarely available on larger campuses, see them and use them to grow into the people they are meant to be. Then, as they sit in their empty rooms during the final move out lost in the memories made, I hope they keep them and the friends who have become family in their heart. Keep them close, let them guide your future.

Randall: A Good Decision

I had the choice between several large universities and Olivet College. After making visits the several schools, the more personal atmosphere and smaller class sizes at Olivet made a huge difference to me. I’ve never looked back.

Becoming part of the Greek system resulted in a number of lifetime friends, and the relationships I was able to build with the professors were special. I came to Olivet with the intention to major in Physics, but as part of the All College Curriculum, I was exposed to other subjects that fascinated me. Dr. Art Stevens, in particular, was notable in this regard. He had a way of making the Political Science subject matter fascinating, and more importantly, challenged you to think and form your own conclusions. Dr. James Moyer did much the same in the field of Economics. It’s a skill that’s served me well for a lifetime.

The ability to have personal relationships with the faculty, at least for me, greatly enhanced the learning experience.

Long story short, despite my initial intent, I ended up with majors in Economics and Political Science, and a minor in Business (technically, I had enough hours for a Business major too, but couldn’t share elective credits between Economics and Business), which were perfect fits for my ultimate career. I worked at State Farm Insurance for 35 years before retiring in 2013, the last eleven as a Vice President in their Corporate Headquarters in Bloomington, IL. I was heavily involved not only with the insurance side of the business but spent a number of years working on legislative issues as well. During this time, I was also a member of the Economic Club of Phoenix.

All three of my principal subjects of study served me well during my career.

Another plus was the opportunity to participate on the baseball team during my time at Olivet, become a member of organizations such as Omicron Delta Kappa and Alpha Chi, and serve in leadership positions as a member of Kappa Sigma Alpha.

I hope the kinds of experiences afforded me by Dr. Stevens, Dr. Moyer, and others remain for future students. They created an atmosphere where critical thinking was encouraged, open discussion was the rule, and students were allowed to form their own conclusions. It’s a great way to learn.

Victoria: My Story Begins With Music

Olivet College gave me opportunities I had never had before. In high school, I was reserved and distant from most students seeing as how I felt lost in a sea of too many people. I had a couple of instances where I tried to “put myself out there,” but it was not enough and it certainly did not last long. Compared to Olivet where it did not take me long to get along with a few people and more importantly, more people just knew me in general. My involvement in Olivet’s music program immensely helped with these connections since a marching band regularly requires communication and corroboration. Soon I was finally being recognized and even sought after because we started acting more like a family than just friends. The band program opened new doors for me socially and ultimately made me feel better about myself. I became more confident and have made lasting friendships. While I was not involved with much else on campus, there were always other musicians around, and eventually, those friends would introduce me to their friends causing my friend group to expand exponentially by my sophomore year.
Besides the opportunity to become part of a community at Olivet College, I was given performance opportunities which are very important to any artist trying to perfect their craft. I was trusted in the various ensembles I participated in and I was offered a few opportunities to play for campus-wide ceremonies towards the end of my senior year. These instances meant a lot to me and taught me about real-world performing outside of a practice room. This was not the case at my high school because I could not compete with all of the other musicians who found ways to grab our director’s attention more than I could. These opportunities have made me grow more as a person and find some self-confidence along the way. Now, if nothing else, I feel ready to try new things because that is all college ever was for me, and I thoroughly loved every second of it.
As for addressing future students, I say that you must make a pledge to yourself before you get involved in anything. The pledge is, “be comfortable with the uncomfortable,” said by our own Olivet College president, Steven Corey. This made me realize that leaving my comfort zone is something I need to do for myself as well as understanding that life is usually more enjoyable when I do. It also justifies the situations when you feel unsure of yourself and have trouble finding some confidence to try something new. This pledge to yourself will force you to keep pushing to be your best self and will slowly build your trust within. Take it from someone who was too afraid to try anything but still did, and never regretted a moment of it after all. I wish you all the best of luck finding that confidence and inspiration within yourself because Olivet College is the perfect place to help you do that, if you let it.

Audrey: OC is the Reason I am in my Career

OC has changed the trajectory of my life in all the best ways. From moving across the country to Utah for a summer internship to creating an event with with guest speaker Trevor Noah for the University of Michigan, OC has given me the confidence to take opportunities I never thought I would take. I remember attending my first OC Alumni event last year in Detroit, and this event was transformative. As someone getting my MA in Higher Education, Student Affairs, attending an Alumni event confirmed that Alumni Relations was where I wanted to be within my career. I loved the relationship building and personal connection of this event, thus, the OC community has supported my decisions in many aspects of my life without even knowing. I recently accepted a job at Wayne State working in Alumni Relations, therefore OC’s impact on my life has been everlasting. I am beyond thankful for my experience.

Stephanie: Lasting Impressions

The moment I toured the campus, I felt so welcomed. Olivet College was like a great big family. Professors & Coaches had become a huge impact in my life throughout my 4 years and even after I graduated. I first got involved when I came to play women’s golf & majored in Insurance & Risk Management. Whether it was on the course or in the classroom, the culture was top notch. To the Future Students of OC- Follow your dreams. Get involved in activities. Get to know your professors on a personal level. Everyone wants you to succeed!

Tom: I Wouldn’t Change A Thing!

I’m sure there isn’t enough space to encompass my Olivet College experience fully! My journey started in high school when I attempted to select a college to attend. I was hopeful that I would receive a football or track scholarship. Michigan Tech, CMU, and FSU all voiced interest. However, my mind was made up when Barry Larkin, track coach at Olivet College, drove three hours to Hale to spend the night visiting my home and then drove an additional two hours to see me run the next day. Olivet couldn’t provide me with a scholarship, but they demonstrated how much they cared about students and the lengths they would go to see students succeed.

While I have no outstanding football or track stories to share, I can say how grateful I am to have been able to play both sports during my freshman year. I made so many friends during that time! I also chose to pledge Phi Alpha Pi. The pledging process was no joke, but looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing. Shortly after joining, our frat house burned down, and we immediately came together to help rebuild. Our brotherhood was so unique, even during highly competitive pledge games. The relationships I made have lasted. I have so many fun memories, including intramural sports, frat parties, frequent trips to MSU, and sharing typewriters. We even managed to make it to class because it was important (we also had to keep our parents off our backs, ha!).

I’m eternally grateful for my years at Olivet and am blessed to have made that selection. I could write for hours about my adventures and life experiences. Oh, the stories I could tell! If there’s one message I would share with future students, it would be to come to Olivet College! You won’t be lost among a million! Olivet will become your family.

Mauricio: The city of big shoulders comes to a small campus!

I fell in love with Olivet College’s campus. From the time I sent that little information card back to the college to the first time I visited and after my graduation, the faculty and staff made it a point to stay connected with me. Coming from my hometown of Chicago where three million people live, it was so nice to experience the true small-town feeling. At first, I actually felt awkward when people said hello on campus, but I thought it was so nice and so different from Chicago.

After graduating from Olivet in 2007 I wanted to stay connected in various ways. Marty Jennings reached out to me back in 2017 and proposed that I join the Alumni Council. This opportunity presented itself at the right time in my life since it allowed me to stay connected to the college after graduation. I was also able to bring my professional experience to the table. I have interviewed students for scholarships, spoken on an alumni panel, and even spoken to students in a seminar on what challenges they might face after graduation in the professional world.

My hope for Olivet’s future students is that they come to explore what the college can offer. Really immerse yourself in your studies but also in extracurricular activities such as student groups, student jobs, or sports. Take risks and think outside of the box. The world is a big place and we need innovators and most importantly kind and authentic people.

Barron: ‘Liberal Arts’ opened my imagination – and my opportunities.

Finding a ‘liberal arts’ college wasn’t my first criteria … but choosing a small college (in contrast to my large H.S.) absolutely was! What I didn’t expect to find over the ensuing years was the multitude of options — and opportunities — that would be made available to me. From academics, field trips, and campus organizations — to being part of the first male pledge class to Alpha E and tapping my potential during a Professional Semester in Washington D.C. — the Olivet experience both opened my eyes and expanded my horizons. That mindset of discovery and lifelong learning still inspires me today.

Jerome: Thanks, Olivet College!

I started my career in higher education at Olivet College, where I received a strong foundation in understanding servant leadership. Because of the excellent mentors who taught me the concepts of individual and social responsibility, I was able to progress in my career, work with a passion for serving students, and retire as a community college president. Who would have thought that being given the opportunity to serve as an RA at Olivet College would have made such a difference! I am eternally grateful for my time at Olivet, and for all of the faculty, staff, and administrators who impacted my life. My hope is that all students at Olivet can be as lucky and fortunate as I have been. Go Comets!

Mickey: Olivet College Gave Me So Much

I graduated from Olivet College in 2003 with a degree in business and received a finance certification from the Association of Finance and Insurance Professionals in 2018. I attribute much of my success to what I learned from Olivet in and out of the classroom and on and off the soccer field. Olivet shaped me. It molded me. It grounded me. I’m incredibly proud of Olivet College and the time I spent there as a student. I’m grateful for the professors who invested in me and taught me more than what was printed in the textbooks.

Following my time at Olivet College, I became a certified personal trainer, a salesman at my family’s auto dealership, and eventually worked myself into my current role as President of Seelye Auto Group.

Seelye Auto Group has received numerous prestigious accolades, including being named among the Best and Brightest Companies to Work For in the Nation (2022), the Best and Brightest Companies to Work For in Western Michigan (2022 and 2021) and the Top 101 Companies to Work For in the Nation (2021). The business received the Torch Award for Ethics from the Better Business Bureau of Western Michigan and multiple Edmunds Premier Five Star Dealer Awards, Edmunds Five Star Dealer Awards, and Top Rated Dealer Awards. For me, these awards speak volumes about the quality of the group’s services, and most importantly, how our employees are treated.

I feel it is a great privilege to be able to give back to my community. I am deeply involved in activities with local military veteran organizations as a tribute to my grandfather who served in the U.S. Marine Corps. I also run an internship program that affords students experience in automotive services. Additionally, I serve as a youth leader at my church, serve on the board of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Michigan, and have volunteered as basketball and soccer coach within my local community.

One of my most important commitments is ForeverStrong, an organization that strives to honor the victim and survivors of mass tragedies through family and community events and the development of a memorial. The cause is particularly meaningful to me because my dealership was one of the sites of the deadly Kalamazoo shootings of February 20, 2016; tragically, two victims, Richard and Tyler Smith, lost their lives there.

My greatest victory came in 2006 when I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal savior. My purpose was revealed, and it set me on a path to leadership that positively affected my growth spiritually, personally, and professionally. I was supported by my parents, wife and kids, and coaches whose positive influence benefitted me tremendously.

: Kevin Martin ’77

Reflecting on my time at Olivet College, I’m reminded of so much – the casual and intimate-sized campus, friendships made with other students from all walks of life, and the one-to-one relationships developed with my professors. Combined with a challenging curriculum in a small class atmosphere, these things helped shape my professional and personal character. All of this sits at the foundation of an Olivet College educational experience. I am who I am because of my time spent on that small campus in rural Michigan.

I grew up in a suburban Detroit blue-collar town. With little or no desire to attend a large university, the transition from high school to Olivet College was a smooth one. I was looking for a personalized education that offered community, support, and growth – a place that I could call my own; a place to thrive athletically and academically; a campus with a strong reputation for accepting a diverse population. And that’s exactly what I found at Olivet College.

A proud Olivet College graduate, I’m grateful for what it has done to shape my life. I understand what it’s like to come from a large family in a small town with little financial support available to follow your academic dreams. Fortunately, the emotional and personal support was abundant! With the help of good grades, performance grants and financial aid, I was afforded the opportunity of not only a higher education at Olivet, but to play a sport I loved (football), become a member of a great fraternity (Phi Alpha Pi), and even experience a professional semester my senior year in Washington D.C. My English major has served me well in my professional life as a marketing employee, manager, and agency owner.

In owning a small business-to-business marketing agency specializing in the highly competitive and fast changing high-tech market, I often think back to those times at Olivet – the educational and personal lessons learned, the struggles I overcame, the opportunities provided. From a young man from a small town with hopes of playing football, getting a strong education, and tapping into my passions to successfully running my own business – I owe a great deal to Olivet College and my experiences gained.

It begs the question: How can I give back to a place that gave me so much?

I choose to support Olivet College each year and have established a legacy gift to help future students accomplish their goals. My hope is to give to others the opportunities allotted to so few. My financial support is not a testimony to me but rather a testament to Olivet College and the education and life skills it offers. The real question is this: If alumni like us don’t offer financial assistance and support to current and prospective students at Olivet, who will?

Throughout our lives, our individual character and resolve is sure to be tested – especially with today’s cultural and socioeconomic divide. As alumni, we can provide financial stability to Olivet College – the same place that taught us values and instilled in us the role(s) we play as socially responsible adults and as citizens of a great country. We have the chance to pay it forward. May we continue to live the Olivet motto. May we be more and do good for our future Comets. Let’s make a difference. Support OUR college and its mission.

Join me in providing future generations with the opportunities that we, too, were once given. I encourage you to support Olivet College through annual gifts and consider making a planned gift to help our future Comets thrive in the years and decades ahead.