Student Features

First-generation college student Logan Allen is not afraid to take charge. Whether it's in the sports she plays, her on-campus jobs or the various programs she's a part of, Logan loves to lead. "I have always been a leader. Whether I've had a specific titled role or not, that's just who I am as a…

This semester, Professor of Biology Leah Knapp, D.V.M., took her ornithology class to Kino Bay, Mexico, in partnership with Prescott College. Ornithology is a biology course focusing on the study of birds. One of the course objectives is an extensive field study of birds.   Kino Bay is on the Gulf of California on the west…

Zac Zuk is a member of Olivet College’s Criminal Justice Professional (CJP) degree program and is expected to graduate in May 2023. His path into the criminal justice field was unexpected. Growing up, he planned to play golf at a university and pursue golf management, but after an internship in the field, he decided that…

Alexis McDonald is a senior studying psychology. Growing up in Union, Michigan, Alexis had the opportunity to dual enroll at a community college while she was in high school. After graduating from Constantine High School in 2020, she completed her associate's degree in criminal justice through the community college. She knew her education was not…

Olivet College senior Samuel Vondra is one of two insurance and risk management students nationwide to have been awarded the J.H Blades Scholars London Experience through the highly competitive Wholesale & Specialty Insurance Association (WSIA) internship program. The J.H Blades Scholars London Experience gives Vondra the opportunity to work at Lloyd’s, the birthplace of modern…

For senior Daniel Ballagh, college has been a time of growth. “My experience at OC has played a huge part in me becoming who I am today. When I arrived on campus, I was nervous, reserved, and not extremely confident in who I was. After being here for three full years, I can tell anyone…

Olivet College is home to undergraduate and graduate students alike. Our MBA program is designed for adult learners who wish to continue their education while taking advantage of a 100% online program. Emily Lash is one such student. Graduating in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in marketing communications and advertising, Emily knew she would someday…

One benefit of attending a small college is that it enables students to get to know each other and the staff and faculty well. If you want to get to know people, you will. One unique way students connect is through overnight service trips. Each semester students have an opportunity to volunteer on several service…

Olivet College has one of the country’s top insurance and risk management programs. The expertise of the director of the program Tom Humphreys, CPCU, CLU, ChFC, CIC, assistant professor of insurance and risk management, is what allows this program to flourish. One of the classes offered in the major is a global-learning trip during Olivet…

  Rising junior Benjamin Porter is a media production and communication major from Kalkaska, Michigan. He’s a member of the football team and a recent graduate of the President’s Leadership Institute. Olivet College’s similarity to his hometown gave Ben the confidence to thrive at college. As he continues to grow and develop during his college career,…

Olivet College campus in the summer is peaceful and calm. Our beloved squirrels run wild, the trees grace the square with shade and flowers abound. It’s quiet. It’s beautiful. Despite the quiet, a lively student population remains on campus throughout the summer.   Rising senior Destinee Hawkins is one such student. “Campus is nice in the…

Rising sophomore Liberty Tetzlaff is a sports psychology major from Middleville, Michigan. Fueled by passion, community, and close relationships with others, Liberty has been able to find her home at Olivet College. When she discovered Olivet College, it was as close to home as she had seen. “Olivet College has an environment where everyone knows…

Not all college experiences are linear and smooth. Sometimes it takes a little bit to find a fit that works for you. This is what Julia Mellinger, who is studying media production and communication and fitness management, discovered when she started college at a large university. It did not feel like the right place for…

After graduating top of her high school class, London Eldridge completed her first year at Olivet College as a biology major with a minor in biochemistry.  London first heard about Olivet College through a friend and decided to check it out. It turned out to be a perfect fit. She was drawn to Olivet’s size…

Olivet College tends to be pretty quiet in the summer, but senior Sarah Lafoe, hailing from Southern California, is one student who enjoys the peace and calm. With the current prices of travel, Sarah thought it best to stay close to campus. The decision to stay was made easier by her many friends who are…

It is no secret that one of Olivet College’s greatest charms is its small, close-knit community, and this is what drew Chase Mendham to the college. Growing up in Coopersville, a small town north of Grand Rapids, Chase felt right at home in Olivet. He is now an insurance and risk management major going into…

Jill Post is a graduating senior studying visual art. Growing up in a small town, Jill was ready for the small size of Olivet. Although she is an art student, the music program is what stole her heart when she first discovered Olivet College. In 2017, she had a visit with the honors band. Before this,…

Kaylee Richardson ’22 is a born and raised Olivetian. Olivet College was a clear choice for her because of its accounting program and the opportunity to continue in athletics. Her proximity to the school made the decision even easier, and she commuted her first two years as a student. However, by the time her junior…

  Here at Olivet College, there is no cookie-cutter path to graduation. Everyone’s journey is a little different and customizable to their interests and goals. Kennedy Ellis discovered this early in her time with Olivet College when she decided on an independent major in sustainable agriculture. She has a specific career goal in mind. “After graduating…

Senior Chad Enwright is a business administration major with a double concentration in management and marketing, and he is from Melbourne, Ontario. Chad is a part of many things on Olivet’s campus, including Residence Life, Student Engagement, Phi Beta Lambda, Mu Omega Pi, service learning, the President’s Leadership Institute, the Global Center for Entrepreneurs and…