Every fall, Homecoming brings The University of Olivet community back together to reconnect with classmates, revisit favorite campus traditions and celebrate the people who continue to make an impact long after graduation.
One of the highlights of this year’s Homecoming celebration is the annual Distinguished Alumni Awards & Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner, where the university will recognize alumni whose professional accomplishments, service and leadership reflect Olivet’s mission of individual and social responsibility. The evening celebration will also honor this year’s Athletic Hall of Fame inductees, who have brought distinction to themselves and to the university through their achievements in athletics.
Hosted by President Steven M. Corey, Ph.D., and members of the Alumni Council, the celebration and dinner will take place on Friday, Oct. 2, beginning at 5 p.m. with a Happy Hour. The dinner and celebration will take place from 6-8:30 p.m. Advance registration is required. Tickets for the event can be purchased online.
Join us in congratulating this year’s Distinguished Alumni Award and Athletic Hall of Fame recipients:
Distinguished Alumni Award
Mickey Seelye ’03
Mickey Seelye graduated from Olivet College in 2003 and earned a bachelor’s degree in business with a concentration in marketing.
For Mickey, life after college included marrying Lindsey (Murphy) Seelye ’00. They were blessed with two beautiful children, Lexy and Drake Seelye, who are now adults. Their family includes two English Bull Terriers named Rocket and Bingo.
After graduating, Mickey immediately began working in his family’s business, Seelye Auto Group. His roles have included salesperson, New Kia Sales Manager, New Ford Sales Manager, General Manager, Vice-President of Operations, and President of Seelye Auto Group. In 2018, he completed the training required to become a Certified Professional in Financial Services through The Association of Finance & Insurance Professionals. He is currently serving his second year of a two-year term as a member of the Kia Regional Dealer Board, which represents the 13-state Midwest Region.
Since becoming President of Seelye Auto Group, in a team effort, the company has been recognized as a Best and Brightest Company to Work for in the Nation six times from 2021 through 2026. Cars.com has also recognized Seelye Ford as the 2026 Ford Dealer of the Year in the Nation and Seelye Kia of Kalamazoo as the 2026 Kia Dealer of the Year in the Nation for customer satisfaction metrics measured through customer reviews.
On August 6, 2006, he and his wife were baptized together and accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, which he considers the best decision he has ever made in his life. From 2008 to 2024, he served as a youth group leader at Connections Community Church in Schoolcraft, Michigan. During this time, he served as an adult leader on several mission trips, including work in Honduras and Haiti. He completed the process of becoming an Ordained Minister in the states of Nebraska and Michigan and officiated three weddings between 2012 and 2014. He also served as a youth soccer and basketball coach in the Mattawan Public School system and completed certification as a coach through the youth soccer organization AYSO.
Young Alumni Award
Abigale Smith ’20
Since graduating from The University of Olivet with a degree in business management, Abigale has built a career centered on public service, leadership, and improving the lives of others. She currently serves as Constituent Relations Director in the Michigan Senate, where she helps residents navigate state government, resolve complex issues, and connect with critical resources while playing an integral role in the day-to-day operations of the Capitol office and ensuring responsive, people-centered service.
Abigale’s commitment to service extends well beyond her professional career. She served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Fiji, supported Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s Futures for Frontliners and Michigan Reconnect initiatives through AmeriCorps, and has led community fundraising efforts for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, including serving as Chair of the Grand Rapids Out of the Darkness Walk. Most recently, she was competitively selected by Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to participate in the Mosaic Taiwan Fellowship, a prestigious international leadership program that brought together emerging leaders from across the United States and Canada through a rigorous selection process to strengthen cross-cultural understanding and explore Taiwan’s democracy, economy, culture, and global partnerships.
While at Olivet, Abigale served as Drum Major of the marching band, participated in the President’s Leadership Institute and Athena Women’s Leadership Institute, graduated as the top graduate of her class, and was recognized as Business Management Student of the Year. Outside of her professional and volunteer work, she enjoys traveling, discovering local coffee shops, baking, and spending time with her rescue dog, Hamilton, whom she adopted while serving in Fiji.
1844 Award
Randolph “Ponch” Wildman
Randolph “Ponch” Wildman exemplified a lifelong commitment to service, mentorship, and community engagement. Ponch carried a deep connection to The University of Olivet throughout his life – once as a student, then as a coach. He found one of his greatest opportunities to serve through coaching and mentoring The University of Olivet Clay Target Team.
As the head coach, Ponch devoted countless hours to developing student-athletes, building a strong team culture and creating opportunities for young people to grow as competitors and leaders. He believed that clay target sports could teach discipline, integrity, perseverance, teamwork and confidence – lessons that extend far beyond the fields. His impact was measured not only in victories, but in the relationships he built and the young people he encouraged.
Under Ponch’s leadership, The University of Olivet Clay Target Team achieved a historic milestone, winning the ACUI Division 2 Classic All-Around National Championship, the first national team championship in the history of the University. The accomplishment was a testament to the dedication of the athletes and to Ponch’s vision, leadership and unwavering belief in their potential.
Beyond The University of Olivet, Ponch dedicated himself to supporting youth, families, outdoor recreation communities, and the skilled trades throughout Michigan. He volunteered extensively with shooting sports organizations, conservation groups, and youth development programs, introducing countless young people to competitive shooting, outdoor recreation, and skilled trades. He regularly assisted with fundraising, events, and community initiatives, always willing to share his time, knowledge, and resources.
Ponch’s legacy lives through the people he mentored, the communities he strengthened, and the lives he made better because he chose to invest in others. Ponch embodied the values of The University of Olivet and the spirit of the 1844 Award.
Athletic Hall of Fame
Ryan Armstrong `16
Prior to attending Olivet College, Ryan attended Leslie Public Schools, where he participated in football, basketball, wrestling, and track. Ryan began his time at Olivet as a summer student through the O2 Program and went on to complete all four years as a member of the varsity football team. During his senior year, Ryan had the honor of serving as a team captain. He also wrestled during his senior year.
He graduated from Olivet College in 2015 with a bachelor’s degree, concentrating in Law Enforcement and Corrections. During his freshman year of college, Ryan met his significant other, Jessica Duell. Together, they have built a family that includes their two dogs, Aspen and Willow, whom they adopted in 2021, and their son, Elijah, who was born in 2022. They currently live in the Potterville area.
In 2016, Ryan began his career with the State of Michigan, where he continues working to this day. Outside of his professional career, Ryan enjoys spending time and traveling with his family. He’s also remained active in arena football, playing for the West Michigan Ironmen. Ryan have been a member of the team since its founding in 2015, giving him 11 years with the organization. During that time, Ryan has helped lead the team to four championships.
Ryan’s experiences in athletics, education, public service, and family life have all played an important role in shaping who he is today. Ryan is proud of the relationships and accomplishments he’s built throughout his life and looks forward to continuing to support his family and compete with the West Michigan Ironmen.
Olivet has been an important part of every stage of Ryan’s life. From beginning his college experience through the O2 Program, to competing as a varsity athlete and serving as a team captain, to earning his degree and building lifelong relationships, the lessons and experiences he gained at Olivet has continued to shape him.
Bill Maas `89
Bill is a proud Olivet College graduate whose connection to the institution has continued well beyond his years as a student. As the men’s and women’s golf coach, Coach Maas dedicated himself to developing student-athletes both on and off the course.
His coaching was about much more than the game of golf. He challenged his players to work hard, compete with integrity, believe in themselves, and represent Olivet with pride. Over his 23 years, his women’s teams were a true reflection of the D3 ideals of excellence in the classroom as well as on the golf course. Through his leadership, mentorship, and genuine investment in his athletes, he helped create experiences and memories that would stay with his players long after their college careers ended.
Coach Maas’s impact in all of that is a reflection of his deep love for the college and the people who made it special. As an alum, coach, mentor, and leader, he has given back to the institution that helped shape him.
Away from the course, Coach Maas’s greatest pride is his family; he and his wife, Amy, of 19 years are the proud parents of seven children and are blessed with three grandchildren. His family is his greatest accomplishment and a source of tremendous joy and pride, the same dedication, love and commitment he has shown throughout his coaching career are qualities he brings to his role as husband, father, and grandfather. Coach Maas also continues to stay active in the community, as part of the Eaton Area EMS ambulance team and as the Assistant Fire Chief for the Olivet Fire Department.
Adrienne Plourde `14
Adrienne Plourde is proud to return to The University of Olivet as an inductee into the Athletic Hall of Fame, an honor that celebrates not only her accomplishments as a student-athlete, but also the foundation Olivet provided for the person she would become.
Following her time at Olivet, Adrienne continued her passion for golf at the professional level, competing professionally for three years. Her experience as a student-athlete taught her the discipline, perseverance, competitiveness, and resilience that have continued to shape her life and career.
Today, Adrienne works in the logistics and transportation industry at E.L. Hollingsworth & Co. as a Chief Operating Officer, where she leads operations and helps drive the growth and success of her organization. While her career has taken her well beyond the golf course, the lessons she learned through athletics continue to influence her leadership and approach to every challenge.
Outside of work, Adrienne enjoys traveling and creating new adventures with her partner, Chelsea. She is grateful for the experiences, relationships, and opportunities that have shaped her journey, and especially for the role Olivet played in helping begin that journey.
Being inducted into the Olivet Athletic Hall of Fame is a deeply meaningful honor and a reminder of just how special it is to be part of the Olivet community.
Michael Terranova `10
Mike Terranova is a proud graduate of The University of Olivet, where he earned a degree in Insurance and Risk Management while excelling both academically and athletically. During his time as a defensive back for the Comets football team, Mike helped lead Olivet to its first MIAA Championship in more than 30 years and the program’s first NCAA playoff appearance.
Individually, Mike earned Second Team All-MIAA honors in 2006, followed by First Team All-MIAA and First Team All-North Region recognition in 2007. That season, he also became the first NCAA Football All-American in Olivet history. In 2008, he was named a Preseason All-American and again earned First Team All-MIAA and Third Team All-North Region honors. His commitment to excellence extended beyond the football field, where he maintained a 3.4 cumulative GPA and received ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America Honorable Mention recognition.
Following graduation, Mike combined his education with his entrepreneurial spirit to build several successful businesses, including All Seasons Insurance Agency, Nova Terra Energy, and Nova Terra Properties.
Mike and his wife, Katie, his college sweetheart from Olivet, live in Laingsburg, Michigan, with their two children, Ava (10) and Luke (7). He also spent 13 years coaching football at Lansing Catholic High School, giving back to the game that helped shape his character and leadership.
Mike considers this Hall of Fame induction a reflection of the incredible support he has received from his family, coaches, teammates, and mentors. He is deeply grateful to each of them, knowing this honor would not have been possible without their encouragement, guidance, and belief in him. He is truly humbled and honored to receive this award. Go Comets!
2006-07 Women’s Golf Team
The 2006-07 women’s golf team won the 2006 MIAA Championship by 50 strokes and earned the conference’s automatic bid to the 2007 NCAA Division III Championships after a dominant three-round playoff performance in the spring season. At the NCAA Championships, Olivet finished ninth. The team featured four All-MIAA First Team selections (Kristy Latimer, Trisha McKim, Stephanie Nicolai and Lindsay Pipkin) and one All-MIAA Second Team selection (Amanda Sanders), underscoring its depth and excellence. A sixth golfer on the team (Megan Rimmel) had the MIAA’s low scoring average. The Comets finished first in 12 of the 16 regular-season tournaments in which they competed. The remaining members of the team were Jennifer Lambarth, Katie Misko and Amanda London.
Check out all of the events taking place during Homecoming 2026.