Throwback Thursday - 1997

We're always proud of our students -- perhaps never more so than when they volunteer their time to serve others abroad and domestically. Opportunities to serve have long been a part of the Olivet experience -- we recently sent teams out to Argentina and Thailand. In this picture, Jodi Dennis assists with an operation at the Raleigh Fitkin Memorial Hospital in Manzini, Swaziland.

(Photo from The Olivetian, Vol. 65, No. 1.)

Throwback Thursday - 1980

If you follow us on facebook or twitter, you know we try and spif up the campus every spring and summer for the upcoming new school year. In the spring of 1980, the University put the final touches on the Kelley Prayer Chapel. Above, art professor Jim Thompson assembles the stained-glass window that's now displayed above the entrance of the chapel. Kelley Prayer Chapel was dedicated as part of the 1980 ONC Commencement activities.

(Photo from The Olivet Collegian, Volume 48, Number 5)

Throwback Thursday - 1943

Like other colleges and universities of the time, Olivet saw many of its brightest students leave to serve the country during World War II. But letters to professors and University staff kept the community connected. Above, troopers Harold Stinehelfer and Warren Davidson, who were classmates at Olivet, were stationed together in 1943 as part of the Army Air Force Band. They wrote:

"We are enjoying the wonders of God and full salvation. We are inspired this lovely Sabbath day to write this message to the students at Olivet. We want to praise and glorify God for the way He has led the lives of these two Christian soldiers. God has been with us since we left the halls of dear old Olivet. He has kept us together as two workers in the field serving the Lord as well as Uncle Sam. ... Our testimony has been spread throughout the band. We are letting our lives shine to the Glory of God."

(Photo and text from The Olivet Collegian, Volume XV)

Throwback Thursday - 1995

We find it difficult to believe that it's once again graduation time on campus. But the bleachers have been put up and the lawn has been marked up and - it has to be said - the campus looks absolutely beautiful as we prepare to celebrate the Class of 2010.

While finalizing plans for this 97th Olivet Commencement, we take a look back at the ceremony of 1995. Above, President John C. Bowling and General Superintendent Paul Cunningham enjoy a moment of quiet before leading the processional.

Congrats to the Class of 2010! Today's graduates are tomorrow's Throwback Thursday participants!

(Photo from The Olivetian, Vol. 62, No. 5)

Throwback Thursday - 1973

As this year's Tiger softball team continues to dominate the diamond, we take a look back at life pre-intercollegiate softball. While the gear and uniforms might make it seem a little casual, the play was certainly competitive during the intramural competitions. Here, Fran Reed takes a big swing at an incoming pitch.

(Photo from the 1973 Aurora.)

Throwback Thursday - 1984

Sisters Cheryl and Kandra Dilts look like they're ready for the April showers that are heading our way this weekend. The two partnered together for the Parent Weekend Variety Show that featured acts from the Orpheus Variety Show and the Vikings-Treble Clef Variety Show. The weekend also included brunch with Dr. Bowling, donkey basketball, a planetarium show and a concert by the Department of Music.

(Photo from the 1985 Aurora)

Throwback Thursday - 1974

Mark Stout and Mark Sarver take a little break from paddling as they canoe down the Kankakee River. The canoe trip was an annual event for Men's Residence Association, a time to bond with dormmates and nature. While these two managed to stay dry for the photo, canoe tippings ended up being as much a part of the tradition as anything.


(Photo from the 1975 Aurora.)
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We want to see your memories! Have an Olivet photo you'd like to share for Throwback Thursday? Send the pic and a brief description to us at askus@olivet.edu for possible placement on the blog.

Throwback Thursday - 1946

While some couldn't wait to get away for the Junior Sneak, Wayne Welton practically had to be dragged onto the bus. Although, upon further inspection, it doesn't look like he minded too much. Keeping the annual tradition alive, the Class of 47 tried to sneak away from campus for a day of fun in Chicago. Although their plans were found out, they still managed to escape to visit Merchandise Mart, Marshall Field's and the Museum of Science and Industry.

(Photo from the 1946 Aurora)

Throwback Thursday: 1968

With the weather approaching 80 degrees, and on the verge of a four day weekend, everyone at Olivet Nazarene University has spring fever!

This photo, taken in 1968, shows just how beautiful our campus can be in the spring.

Throwback Thursday - 1997

Working late into the night to meet a deadline, GlimmerGlass editor Matt Grills and Andrew Hall finish one last story. While students had been getting work done on computers at Olivet for several years, the 1996-1997 school year did usher in a new era of technology. For the first time, Internet access was available in all rooms. Now 13 years later we're still trying to figure out if Internet access helps students become more productive - or just helps them polish their Facebook status updating skills.

Throwback Thursday: 1939

This week we're digging deep into the archives and traveling back to the old campus. This photo of a car entering the Olivet, Ill., campus was taken just a year before a fire devastated the University. In November of 1939, the main building on Olivet's campus burned down and the school relocated to its current location in 1940.

Byron Carmony, author of Olivet's Alma Mater, penned the song "Back Again in Olivet" in 1939.

"Old Olivet,we're back again once more within your halls
We love to know tho far we go that oft your spirit calls
To those who spent their student days inside your welcome door
To Olivet our voices raise, 'We're here again,' once more"

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Thanks to all who participated in last week's caption contest! Congratulations to Chadwick Oring Anderson for his winning caption:

"After 10 semesters of nothing, ONC officially stopped offering the 'Rapture Watch' course, much to students' disappointment."

Send your address to askus@olivet.edu, Wick, and we'll send you your Olivet prize.

Throwback Thursday: 1962

It seems, dear readers, that our inspiration has momentarily run low at the blog. So that means it's up to you to come up with a caption for this photo. Yes, that's right, we're sponsoring another caption contest! Give us your best caption for this picture. And we'll give one lucky commenter some great Olivet merchandise.

And perhaps next Thursday we'll be back to our normal, witty selves. Perhaps.

Throwback Thursday: 2000

Since both the men's and women's basketball teams are gearing up for CCAC Tournament semifinal action tonight, March Madness has officially set in on campus.

With dozens of conference championships and NAIA Tournament appearances between the men's and women's teams, longtime basketball fans have a difficult time picking favorite Tiger moments. For many, the men's 2000 season stands out, as they marched all the way to the NAIA Final Four.

Above, Zach Freeman, a key player in Olivet's 2000 run and the Tigers' all-time leading point-tallier, plays above the rim during practice.

Throwback Thursday: 1986

Yes, folks, it's the time of year when we all start wondering why we don't live in Florida. But instead of complaining about the snow that just keeps falling, students in 1986 decided to turn Chalfant Hall into the Florida coast. Complete with volleyball games, sandboxes and giant beach balls, these beach bums knew how to warm up a winter's night.

OK, OK, let's bring on the limbo.

(Photo from the 1986 Aurora.)

Throwback Thursday: 1943

Call it the place to see and be seen. The Nook, which served as a dining room to 200 students by day, turned into the hottest place on campus after 9 p.m. Whether taking in a Coke at the counter or ordering a round of burgers for the table, students gathered to eat, drink and catch up on all the day's events.

(Photo from the 1943 Aurora.)

Throwback Thursday: 1973

With Valentine's Day quickly approaching, we're thinking about all of the lifelong romances that began at Olivet. Here, Mike Morgan '73 and Jill Welton '75 announce their engagement at the "Precious and Few" Valentine's Banquet of 1973.

These two have survived 35 years of marriage, two kids - including, ahem, one dear old writer of ye old blog - and, yes, the mutton chops.

Did you meet your sweetheart at Olivet? Share your love story with us in the comments.

(Photo from the 1973 Aurora.)

Throwback Thursday: 2005

Remember when Olivet still offered a surfing major, with courses at the local beach? Man, those were the days.

Actually, Rachel Kring and Abby Hay taveled half-way around the globe for this fun photo opp.

They, along with the rest of the women's soccer team, went to Australia over the summer for an action-packed mission trip. When they weren't hard at work offering soccer camps for local kids, they managed to squeeze in a little beach time.

Photo taken from the 2005 Aurora.

Throwback Thursday: 1929

As we dig deep into the archives this week, we thought we'd use Naomi Akers' original description for this photo:

"With the growth of the modern attitude toward education during the last few years, we are beginning to realize the necessity of a course of study which will enable a student to go out into life prepared to cope with the problems that will confront him. No longer is education considered purely ornamental. Of course, it contributes to a person's culture, but it must do more than that. It must prepare him for life.

"This year the commercial department has offered courses in typewriting and shorthand. These two courses have a very practical value. Shorthand is often an avenue to the highest form of culture, and it's immediate advantages are the development of memory, accuracy, poise, precision, and self-control. ...

"Typewriting is too often thought of as purely mechanical, but it involves attractiveness in appearance and arrangement of letters, accurate spelling, correct punctuation, grammar, and structure; and the instantaneous co-ordination between eye and hand. Commercial subjects are of practical and lasting value, and are of use to any student."

Couldn't have said it better ourselves.

(Photo from the 1929 Aurora.)

Throwback Thursday - 1955

Well, folks, it's not exactly a lovely winter's day around these parts. With a mixture of ice, rain and freezing rain, we're slipping and sliding all across campus.

That's why we're loving this 1955 shot of Burke, a quintessential winter scene. Fresh-fallen snow? Check. No fresh-fallen people? Perfection. Yes, sometimes winter gets it just right.

(Photo from the 1955 Aurora.)

Throwback Thursday - 1969

Who's up for a rousing game of Flickerball? Anyone? The game - a cross between football and basketball - replaced football in the men's intramural program in 1969. We think it's just about time to bring this classic game back.

If you've ever played or you know the rules, let us know!

(Photo courtesy of the 1969 Aurora.)