Student Features

For the Mitchell family at Olivet College, it’s very much a family affair. In May 2023, dad Russ and daughters Hannah and Mary walked across the stage at Commencement to receive their bachelor’s degrees. Daughter Emily will return in the fall as a junior. Having three sisters and their father attending the same college at…

Senior Chloe Williams started her college career full of nerves and uncertainty. But by the end of her first year, she cracked the code of having a successful college experience. Chloe took President Corey’s advice he gives to all students: “Get comfortable with being uncomfortable.”   So that’s what Chloe did. In doing that, Chloe…

Chloe Williams, a senior from Lake Orion, is graduating from Olivet College on May 20 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. To Professor Weglarz, Professor Oyster and Professor Humphreys, thank you for always leaving your door open and being the key people I could always go to whenever I needed help or to talk about something; You…

The Olivet College Gospel Choir enjoyed traveling to Detroit on a high school recruitment tour over spring break. The choir traveled to several schools across the Metro Detroit area, including Cass Technical High School, Martin Luther King Jr. Senior High School, Mercy High School and North Farmington High School. This tour was meant to be…

Meet Sarah Cook! Sarah is a junior at Olivet College who majors in music. After graduation, Sarah aspires to be a music educator, as music is her primary passion. “Music is so impactful. It is healing, fun, and a great way to build relationships with others. I would love nothing more than to share that…

Congratulations to Carter Cappon and Chase Mendham for placing second in the Captive Insurance Solutions for Today’s Risk Management Challenges essay contest! For the contest, two-person student teams were asked to write an essay describing how and why a captive insurance company could be used as a cost-effective alternative means of alternative risk financing for…

During Olivet College’s celebration of its 179th Founders’ Day on Feb. 15, 2023, Chase Hath was one of three students to share their reflections on the past, present and future of Olivet College. "When I first arrived at Olivet, I had no knowledge on the inclusive history of the school, however it quickly became one…

During Olivet College’s celebration of its 179th Founders’ Day on Feb. 15, 2023, Anthony Brown was one of three students to share their reflections on the past, present and future of Olivet College. "It’s kind of funny how I ended up at Olivet. I knew nothing of this school, but somehow, I found my way…

During Olivet College's celebration of its 179th Founders' Day on Feb. 15, 2023, Chloe Williams was one of three students to share their reflections on the past, present and future of Olivet College. “Olivet College was founded with the vision of inclusion of all people, despite their race, gender and cultural background, and it has…

College can be hard for anyone. It’s a new, challenging experience that can leave a student feeling out of their comfort zone. On top of that, some students may be trying to manage with a learning disability; like first-year student Kelsee Lawson, but she isn’t letting that stop her from having a successful college career.…

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,…