Department News
A New Chapter: Sabbatical for Professor Dustin J. Byrd, Ph.D.
Dustin J. Byrd, Ph.D., serves as associate professor of humanities at Olivet College. He especially enjoys teaching courses in philosophy, religion and Arabic and leading students on travel learning courses across the globe. This fall, he’ll be turning his focus to...
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A Song in Her Heart: Samantha McPherson’s Raising Her Voice
Rising junior Samantha McPherson has been singing since words could come out of her mouth. She started her music career as a member of her church choir, and today, she’s belting out songs in the Gospel Choir and Chamber Singers. “Music is in my veins and I wouldn’t...
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Ciao, Italia: Olivet Students Immerse Themselves in Italian Culture
This spring, two groups of students traveled to Italy for transformative, eye-opening experiences. One of Olivet’s many unique travel experiences, the trips to Italy offered students educational, enjoyable adventures. Popes, Saints and Sinners Dustin Byrd, Ph.D.,...
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Finding What Makes You Tick: Reiker Dean’s Path to Self-Discovery
As a young boy, rising senior Reiker Dean sprawled out on the floor with paper and watercolors next to his mother as she brushed oil paint onto a canvas. It was the beginning of a lifetime appreciation for art and a strong relationship with his mom, Amy (Gardner) Dean...
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Class of 2019 Top Five Earn Donald A. Morris Academic Excellence Award
On May 18, the top five graduating seniors will be honored at a reception prior to Commencement. Each student will receive the Donald A. Morris Academic Excellence Award. Professors, chosen by the students as most influential, will also be honored. The Class of 2019...
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No Goal is Too Big for Sophomore Crystal Lettinga
As sophomores, most students are still adjusting to college life. They might join a club or a team, but many students wait until their senior year to tackle their biggest goals. That’s not the case for sophomore Crystal Lettinga. Crystal is a journalism and mass...
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Five Minutes with Timothy Flynn, Ph.D., Professor of Music
Timothy Flynn, Ph.D., serves as professor of music at Olivet College. Professor Flynn’s passion for music developed early in his childhood, and he even held the position of organist-choirmaster for a church at just 15-years-old. He has continued to hold similar roles...
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Pull Out Your Paintbrush … Or Not: OC’s Visual Arts Program Offers Customizable Paths for Students
Being an artist doesn’t just involve a paintbrush and a palette anymore. Art takes many forms, and Olivet College is catering to that notion with its visual arts program. Graduates of the OC visual arts program go on to become studio artists, art therapists, medical...
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More Than Just Rock ‘n’ Roll: Senior Guitarist Justin Hatt Brings Classical Music to Life
Senior guitarist Justin Hatt is aware that most people associate guitar as a pop, jazz or rock instrument. While he’s appreciative of the stereotypical genres, he’s chosen a lesser-known genre of the guitar: classical. He may not be rocking out to heavy metal or...
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Olivet College to Host Vocal Arts Day April 16
Olivet College is hosting Vocal Arts Day Tuesday, April 16 from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on campus, 320 S. Main St., Olivet, Michigan. The event is free and welcomes any high school student interested in learning more about vocal arts opportunities as either a major of...
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