Community Commitment Scholarship
The University of Olivet Community Commitment Scholarship provides staff and dependents of Olivet Community Schools (OCS) and the City of Olivet with scholarships equivalent to 75 percent of tuition at The University of Olivet. Established in June 2017, the scholarship began benefiting students in the fall 2018 semester. In the scholarship’s first year, eight recipients have received over $20,000 each.
Community Investment Grant to Impact Olivet for Third Year
Last year, the Community Investment Grant awarded 12 grants to organizations in the city of Olivet, totaling $14,984. The program is aimed at strengthening the local Olivet community by benefiting organizations in a variety of ways. This includes contributing to student success, community connections, families in need, local events and more that demonstrate a commitment to the Olivet community and its future leaders, educators and trailblazers. Since 2017, The University of Olivet has awarded 22 grants totaling nearly $30,000. In addition, the College will award a third set of grants in August 2019.
Comets Travel the Globe
During the Intensive Learning Term, two groups of students traveled to Italy and one group of students traveled to Japan for transformative, eye-opening experiences. Just a few examples of Olivet’s many unique travel experiences, the trips offered students educational, enjoyable adventures. The trip to Italy for five art students was fully subsidized by the Justus W. Cohoe and Evelyn Gray Anderson Memorial Workshop and Travel Scholarship.
Gruen Chemistry Society Recognized Nationally
The Gruen Chemistry Society, OC’s chapter of the American Chemical Society (ACS), was honored with the Outstanding Student Chapter award, the highest award presented to a chapter. In addition, Professor of Chemistry Susanne Lewis, Ph.D., and nine chemistry students attended the organization’s national conference, including Taylor Elley, Amanda Gruszka, Nicholas Guerra, Cady La Point, Jordyn Osterland, Brooke Sturgeon, Shelby Verlinde, Bronson Warren and Isaac York.
Insurance and Risk Management Students are Best of the Best
Three Comets were named 2019 Spencer Scholars by Spencer, an organization that promotes the next generation of insurance and risk management leaders by awarding scholarships and more. Melanie Keusch and Andrew Todd each received a $7,500 scholarship as two of the top five highest ranking students considered for awards at first and fifth, respectively. Stewart Manges also earned the Robert and John Gallagher Memorial Scholarship, valued at $5,000.
Financial Planning Students Represent OC Nationally
Two financial planning students hit the national scene at TD Ameritrade Institutional’s annual investment adviser conference, National LINC 2019. Andrew Todd and Maia Greer attended the three-day conference in San Diego, connected with industry experts from across the nation and explored job opportunities.
Criminal Justice Honor Society Dedicated to Doing Good
The Criminal Justice Honor Society hosted a fundraiser and supply drive for the Great Lakes Burn Camp for the second time. The Great Lakes Burn Camp is a program of the University of Michigan’s Burn Trauma Center, providing a safe space for burn victims ages 6 to 17 to meet, heal, grow and support each other. Students collected summer and winter clothing essentials, hygiene items, camping supplies, sporting equipment and monetary donations. In addition, the drive helped child victims learn that they can always trust and count on law enforcement officials.
President’s Leadership Institute Celebrated Seventh Graduating Class
The University of Olivet recognized 17 students as graduates of the seventh President’s Leadership Institute (PLI) class. Launched in 2013, PLI was established to develop top leadership skills in Olivet’s students as well as enable them to become the principle professional and community leaders of the future. The College collaborated with experienced professionals that specialize in business coaching and professional development to design a program catered specifically to Comets. Students with exemplary leadership potential are nominated for the program by the campus community.
Eight Students Named to the Michigan Intercollegiate Honor Band
Eight The University of Olivet students were named to the 2019 Michigan Intercollegiate Honor Band (MIHB), including Hannah Haugsby, Victoria Herson, Tori John, Jon Johnson, Samantha Lewis, Makennah Rousseau, Emma Schut and Abigale Smith. The MIHB offers outstanding young musicians the opportunity to participate in a day of rehearsals, culminating in an evening concert.
Two Comets Break Into Lansing Art Scene
Artwork by two students was selected for competition and display in the 2019 Michigan Collegiate Art Exhibition at the Lansing Art Gallery and Education Center. Work by Mark Smith and Reiker Dean was chosen out of more than 200 pieces submitted.
High-Achieving Comets Awarded
This spring, the College proudly honored 79 students with Multicultural Awards, 277 students on the spring 2019 Dean’s List and 88 students on the spring 2019 President’s List for outstanding academic performance. Additionally, many students were recognized at the 2019 Honors Convocation and Student Life Awards.
Olivet Gives Campaign a Success
This year on Valentine’s Day, alumni and friends from around the country showed their love of OC by making a gift during the second annual Olivet Gives online giving day! The day also featured the Class Spirit Challenge. The decade with the highest percentage of alumni who made a gift that day earned bragging rights for the rest of the year. Although the 1980s were in the lead for most of the day, a late-night surge put the 2000s at the top. Congratulations to the alumni of the 2000s, and thank you to all the day’s donors!
Rally your classmates and save the date for the third annual Olivet Gives on Feb. 14, 2020. But look out for more ways to give and get involved in the weeks and days leading up to the event.