On Friday, May 19, The University of Olivet celebrated the generous donors who made the Dole Hall renovations and Welcome Center possible. As part of the transformation, private conference rooms were designed to allow students and admissions representatives a space to get to know one another. In addition, a comfortable seating area, refreshment bar and functional work spaces were incorporated.
President Steven M. Corey, Ph.D., emphasized the importance of the Dole Hall Welcome Center by saying, “It is essential to our students that we facilitate a quality learning experience, and that we match the quality of our environment to our academics. Dole Hall has served students since the 1930s, and these updates ensure that this space will continue to do so.”
Around the corner from the Welcome Center is a refreshed conference room that is instrumental to college leadership. The popular meeting space comes complete with a display from the The University of Olivet Archives.
Thomas E. Kolassa ’69, The University of Olivet Board of Trustees Chair shared, “The University of Olivet helped me become a better leader, and the skills I learned here benefited me throughout my entire career. It’s important we take the time to celebrate the work of individuals who play a role in creating success for the students of The University of Olivet.”
The University of Olivet is grateful to the following individuals and families whose support and leadership of the Responsible Learners – Responsible Leaders: The University of Olivet 2020 and Beyond campaign play a vital role in educating and preparing tomorrow’s leaders.
Thomas E. Kolassa ’69
Tom was actively engaged in academic and student life as a student of The University of Olivet, including Phi Alpha Pi and the men’s tennis team. After graduation, Tom enjoyed a long and successful career in the insurance industry, and has served in countless volunteer capacities – always supporting his communities and living OC’s vision of Education for Individual and Social Responsibility.
Tom, a Distinguished Alumni Award recipient, has supported the mission of The University of Olivet as a devoted alumnus for decades, including his distinguished service as a member of the Board of Trustees since 1995. Tom continues his support of The University of Olivet through his leadership as Chair of the Board of Trustees and his foundational support of the Responsible Learners – Responsible Leaders: The University of Olivet 2020 and Beyond campaign.
Rod ’81 and Amy Hathaway
Rod, who graduated in 1981, was a passionate student-athlete during his time at The University of Olivet. His love for Olivet grew through his active involvement on campus, including Kappa Sigma Alpha and the men’s basketball team. His contributions to athletics – and to The University of Olivet overall – led to Rod’s induction into the OC Athletic Hall of Fame. Rod has continued to provide leadership to The University of Olivet as a member of the Board of Trustees since 2006.
Rod has enjoyed a successful career in the insurance industry as an entrepreneur and business owner. Amy, a graduate of Northern Michigan University, has spent her lifetime helping others. From her career in the insurance industry and service to The University of Olivet as a member of its Insurance Program Advisory Council, to caring for animals and mentoring young people, Amy has a passion for service. Both Rod and Amy exemplify the founders’ wishes when they determined to “teach students the divine art and science of doing good to others.”
Rod and Amy have faithfully supported The University of Olivet throughout their life and are foundational benefactors for the Responsible Learners – Responsible Leaders: The University of Olivet 2020 and Beyond campaign.
Jeff and Beth ’90 Wildern
Beth, a 1990 graduate of The University of Olivet, and Jeff live out the OC vision of Education for Individual and Social Responsibility. Through decades of leadership, volunteerism, service, and community support, they truly understand what the founders intended when they determined to “teach students the divine art and science of doing good to others.”
Jeff has furthered the mission of The University of Olivet as a member of the Board of Trustees since 2010. Together, Jeff and Beth have supported The University of Olivet for decades, including their foundational gift to the Responsible Learners – Responsible Leaders: The University of Olivet 2020 and Beyond campaign.
Richard ’68 and Reva ’68 Parrella
Richard and Reva were both active in campus life and developed a passion for – and love of – The University of Olivet. Richard has a particular passion for the OC football program, having played under the famous Stu Parsell.
Throughout their life, Richard and Reva have been faithful supporters of the football program, as well as countless other initiatives like institutional development, Greek life, Alumni Council, athletics, and scholarships. Furthermore, they are foundational benefactors for the Responsible Learners – Responsible Leaders: The University of Olivet 2020 and Beyond campaign.
Richard, a Distinguished Alumni Award recipient and member of the Athletic Hall of Fame, and Reva exemplify The University of Olivet’s vision of Education for Individual and Social Responsibility.
Bill ’67 and Anne Telling
As a The University of Olivet student, Bill was actively engaged on campus and as a student-athlete. Bill stood out from the beginning as a leader, serving as captain of the men’s golf team and starting the first-ever OC wrestling team. In addition to athletics, Bill’s interests included English and business, and through his friendships and experiences on campus, he developed a passion for international business. Bill and Anne have enjoyed a lifetime of rich experiences, working and traveling internationally and making a positive impact on the world.
Bill and Anne have been lifelong supporters of The University of Olivet, and are foundational benefactors for the Responsible Learners – Responsible Leaders: The University of Olivet 2020 and Beyond campaign. The life of Bill and Anne exemplifies what the founders hoped for in “teaching the divine art and science of doing good to others.”