The University of Olivet is preparing for a very special Homecoming, Sept. 28-30. This year’s celebration not only welcomes alumni home to connect and reconnect, but also marks the start of OC’s 175th anniversary.
Many unique events have been planned to make the week memorable, including the iconic Alumni Awards Celebration, the OC President’s Panel and a block party for all alumni, hosted by Soronian, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary.
Registration for all events is open now.
Comet Football
Among many new traditions and old favorites, the annual The University of Olivet Homecoming football game holds its spot as the pinnacle event of the weekend. This year, the Comets face Finlandia University, kicking off Saturday, Sept. 29 at 2 p.m. For many young men and the coaches who lead the team, this game is more than just an opportunity to play the sport they love. It’s a chance to continue building upon the foundation and tradition of Comet football.
“Homecoming at The University of Olivet is the staple event of the year for our alumni to come back to campus and immerse themselves in this special place and culture. It is exactly what it means – our men are coming home,” said head football coach Dan “Moose” Musielewicz. “Olivet was their home for four years. They built lasting relationships and memories here, and it is a great day to spend with their OC family.”
For Coach Moose, it’s the family aspect that makes The University of Olivet unique, especially the brotherly relationships built through the football program. Homecoming is a family affair, bringing generations of the team’s alumni together to reflect on the foundation and tradition, and most importantly, continuing that mission. The team thrives under the W1N culture, aiming to reach goals by focusing on one step at a time. This philosophy guides young men in their practice and performance on the field and in the weight room, as well as in the classroom and in life.
Alumni Serve as Foundation of Team
It’s alumni who have helped solidify this culture. Year after year, seasoned players introduce new teammates to the value of hard work and encourage them to pursue personal growth. A strong foundation on these beliefs is upheld, and Homecoming is the perfect time to witness it firsthand.
“We tell our alumni all the time that they are the foundation,” Coach Moose explained. “We rebuild our program each year upon the foundation that they built while they were here. Their values of hard work and commitment to excellence – socially, spiritually, athletically and academically – are the bricks in our The University of Olivet football foundation. Our alumni know exactly who we are and our process. We do not change our culture or standard for others or circumstances. Our men love to come back and spend time with the program and culture that they love and helped create.”
Braden Black ’17, who played quarterback during his college journey, echoed Coach Moose, “We’re a brotherhood, and the team uses the motto ‘Band of Brothers.’ I don’t think there’s a better way to depict what we are as a unit than that. The University of Olivet is where I grew up, where I learned how to become a man in society. I know for a fact that I’m not the only one who has experienced those kind of feelings as a part of Olivet athletics. Coming back is really easy and it’s a fun thing to do.”
Plan your trip home to The University of Olivet to experience the foundation you helped create, and continue to be part of Comet football tradition. “The University of Olivet is a special and unique place,” Coach Moose said. “It is a place where men can come to learn, grow and support one another at any age.”
Learn more about 2018 Homecoming and OC’s 175th anniversary celebration, and register for events now. Check out the Alumni Awards Celebration Friday, Sept. 28., when Vern Hazard ’83, former defensive end and team captain, will be inducted into the OC Athletic Hall of Fame. In addition, Mike Fales ’75, Lou Diaz ’59 and Breanna (Bath) O’Keefe ’08 will be honored for their commitment to The University of Olivet, and Laura Fiorino ’02, Chris Gumper ’96, David Millward ’97 and Kathy (Hughes) Roche-Wallace ’00 will be inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame.
Contact Samantha Pearl ’00, director of alumni engagement, at 269.749.7644 or alumnirelations@uolivet.edu for questions.