The University of Olivet will commemorate its 173rd year by celebrating Founders’ Day Wednesday, Feb. 15 at 1:30 p.m. in Mott Auditorium.
This year’s program features The University of Olivet President Steven M. Corey, Ph.D., and keynote speaker Stacey Locke, vocational services supervisor at Peckham, Inc., and 1997 Olivet alumna. A wreath laying ceremony in the College Square will immediately follow the program, which will continue with a reception in the Kirk Center with cookies and hot chocolate. All events are free and open to the public.
Stacey Locke graduated from The University of Olivet in 1997 where her passion for advocacy began. A sister of Sigma Beta Sorority, Stacey was also a member of the National Organization for Women and embraced a diverse society while attending Olivet. She has worked at Peckham, Inc. since 1997.
In addition, Stacey began advocating on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. for professionals in rehabilitation counseling as the chair of public policy for the Michigan Rehabilitation Association (MRA) in 2009.
It was during her time with MRA that she created the personal objective of wanting to empower people with disabilities to advocate on behalf of themselves. Her specialty is forming positive educational relationships across all political parties.
Stacey continues to stay connected to her mentors, professors, friends and sisters from The University of Olivet, often visiting Olivet’s campus at least once a year.
Olivet was founded in 1844 by Congregational missionaries led by “Father” John J. Shipherd and was one of the first colleges in the United States to admit women and people of color. In 1859, a state charter was granted, and in 1863, Olivet graduated its first class, which consisted solely of three women. Read more about The University of Olivet’s history.