You’re part of something significant — for the students at Olivet Nazarene University! Year 2 of the Campaign for Olivet marks inspiring progress toward the multiple goals and priorities of our University’s mission.
Dr. Gregg Chenoweth, president, says, “This report is encouraging, and it is personal. Accompanied by every progress update are stories of impact. They illustrate the biggest idea of all when organizing around priorities: people!” Here is a summary of the good you accomplished.
Today, Olivet has our highest-ever number of students meeting with persistence coaches and tutors and using the Writing Center. More undecided students declared a major, and a record number of students experienced help through learning disability accommodations. Over the past year, we’ve increased freshman retention by 3 percent; increased retention of Black students by 11 percent; and increased retention of Pacific Rim students by 4 percent.
Impact — Maria, a first-generation student, was performing at a borderline level in most classes and seemed to be declining. A coach discovered she was purposefully working sub-par and avoiding people to “prove” to family and friends that college wasn’t for her. Coaching helped her win the battles in her mind and find purpose. She now has passing grades, enthusiasm and a list of student clubs she’d like to join.
Your generosity — plus Federal, state and foundation grants — allows 4 in 10 traditional undergraduates to be tuition-free. You help Olivet extend a record amount of scholarship support to high-need students. In addition, 66 percent of senior students voluntarily participate in a seminar to eliminate school debt in five years.
Impact — Matea, Class of 2027, dreamed of attending a Christian college. The Hope Scholarship fulfilled that wish. “It gives me breathing room,” she says. “I feel much less stressed and pressured. Thank you for making my transfer possible. I’m overwhelmed with gratitude!”
Student Sunday worship attendance has increased by 11 percent this past year, and spiritual life service opportunities draw many student participants. Ongoing discipleship initiatives show that the number of seniors sharing their faith increased by 8 percent over the number as freshmen. Through mental health programs, the waiting list for counseling decreased from 100 to 3 per week. And 30 percent of Student Development leaders are students of color.
Impact — Michael, Class of 2025, grappled with feelings of belonging and whether he had a supportive community at Olivet. He considered leaving. But Dr. Cynthia Taylor, Dean of Multiethnic Student Services, checked in regularly for discussions and support. Michael was so moved, he stayed and began volunteering as a Minority Peer Mentor.
Deferred maintenance is now 3 years until replacement instead of 7. Information Technology reduced nearly all software redundancies, saving $5 million over 5 years. And the campus has reduced energy consumption by 3 percent in one year. Multiple boiler upgrades will save Olivet $300,000 in energy over 5 years.
Impact — Olivet is progressing to pay off the largest amount of debt in the shortest time in our history: $25 million over 5 years. The University paid $10.4M last year ($14.2M over 2 years), thanks to donor generosity.
We continue to celebrate the largest-ever freshman class in Olivet’s history. And Enrollment Admissions has recorded a record number of prospective student/family visits. Olivet’s residential student count is at its highest over the past 5 years. The Early Scholars program (high schoolers taking ONU courses) now numbers 100 — increasing by 40 over 2 years. The number of majors in the School of Theology and Christian Ministry increased by 68 percent over 2 years.
Impact — J.W. was a high schooler dealing with family trauma and financial setbacks. But an Olivet message offered hope and what appeared to be the only lifeline to fulfill his calling as a missionary: an ONU scholarship. When he arrived, he said to himself, “I’m home!” His current address is Chapman Hall but he’s only passing through to a life of service to God and humanity.
Let’s do something good together
The president, cabinet, faculty and staff work to implement the University’s discerned priorities. Still, Olivet Nazarene University looks to you to fuel the mission, fund excellence and secure the future. We’re deeply grateful for your commitment to empower and equip students through Strength & Hope!
To learn more about donating to Olivet Nazarene University, contact the Office of Development at firstname.lastname@example.org or 815-939-5171.