Olivet Nazarene University - Aurora Yearbook (Bourbonnais, IL)

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A 75th anniversary of any institution is a year of thank yous and commendations to every founder in some way or another. Dedication of AURORA has always stood for appreciation of a particular outstanding person that year. This year we ' d like to wrap up seventy five years in a book and present it to the past presidents and their families. A. M. Hills 1909-10 Educated at Oberlin and Yale, A. M. Hills was considered a philosopher and theologian. An interview with a committee appointed by Olivet founders made A. M. Hills the first president of Olivet. His scholarly talents as author and speaker made him a great teacher of ministerial students. E. F. Walker 1912-15 The presidency and person of E. F. Walker was summed up in the dedication of the first issue of the AURORA to him: Our beloved president whose cheerful self-denial and devotion to the school and whose faith and holy life are worthy of emulation. B.F. Haynes 1916-17 B. F. Haynes was born and educated in Tennessee. Before his presidency at Olivet, Haynes was editor of various holiness publications, including the Herald of Holiness. After serving as a pastor for a number of years, B. F. Haynes was president of two colleges and served as Dean of the Theological Department of Peniel University.

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It ' s all over now, this 75th Anniversary Diamond Jubilee Year. nd it was all I had dreamed it would be. There was nostalgia. Looking back to the golden days of verybody ' s personal years at Olivet. Ray Moore and Byron Carmony sang about their days at old Dlivet. The honorary chairmen for the 75th Year — Carl S. IcClain, Dwight J. Strickler, and Naomi R. Larsen — were our acuity bridge from the village of Olivet to the village of Sourbonnais. And at the President ' s Dinner, Dr. Reed gave a full iccount of his years at Olivet. There were achievements to celebrate. The Larsen Fine rts Center was dedicated. More than fifteen hundred people isited the new Hardy C. Powers President ' s Home on campus. During the first Homecoming football game there were twin half- dedications of Ward Field and Snowbarger Athletic Park, etters of congratulations were received from such civic rganizations as the Bourbonnais village board and the loca istorical society on the continued beautification of the campus, specially Main Street. And there was a series of wonderful events to attend. The dramatic countdown during the October trustee dinner brought everyone to their feet as the Heritage Mural by Professor Collins was unveiled. The 75th Anniversary Convocation with the colorful academic march got a good response from students. And the 75th Anniversary Homecoming is a story all its own, closing with the great Sunday morning Festiva l of Worship in Chalfant Hall. But dreams are not enough. Nostalgia is only good to the degree it clarifies vision. There probably is more confidence in the future for Olivet now than ever before. These hard economic times will also pass. Enrollments will increase again. There will be more development projects such as the Decker Quad and the Les Parrott Physical Education Center. And someday Chalfant Hall will be replaced with a large, beautiful auditorium. But the most important vision for the year 2007 is an Olivet undiluted in spirit and still committed to its mission of Education with a Christian Purpose. i Lee Parrott, welcomed Mrs. Hardy C. Powers, along with President Parrott j opening of the Hardy C. Powers ' President ' s Home on campus. Dr. Harlow Hopkins, chairman of the Division of Fine Arts, shared a moment of joy with in cutting a piece of the ribbon to open the Larsen Fine Arts Center.

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J. E. L. Moore 1919-22 J. E. L. Moore served presidency at two colleges previous to Olivet. While president of Olivet he inaugurated a financial campaign to liquidate its financial obligations. This campaign inspired Olivet ' s whole movement with a great vision. Moore also brought about many advances in Olivet along educational and spiritual lines. N. W. Sanford 1919-26 The dedication of the decennial number of the AURORA described their president N. W. Sanford as at once a sincere friend, a faithful teacher, and an equitable administrator. After serving for sometime in the presidency, N. W. Sanford wrote ... there has been a clearness of purpose and a steadiness of execution conductive to the best results. T. W. Willingham 1926 -37 T. W. Willingham ' s presidency is noted most for his great ability as financier. Through his earnest labor and sacrifice Olivet survived a financial crisis. But allowing no pessimistic view to over-ride he wrote that through all of the hardships and struggles there has been victory and progress. Grover VanDuyn 1945 48 During the presidency of Grover VanDuyn the size of Olivet ' s campus was increased with the purchase of Goodwin Hall and additional acreage south of the original campus. He wrote of the students: Our students are motivated by an inner conviction for service. Selden D. Kelley 1948 -49 After 30 years of successful pastoral ministry Selden D. Kelley became Olivet ' s president. His service was shortened by a fatal heart attack in 1949, but his spiritual impact was strong. Harold W. Reed 1949 75 Harold Reed proved his belief in Olivet past, present and future through his many years of service. His years as president saw a growth of physical facilities and progress in academic excellence. A. L. Parrott 1937-45 During the presidency of A. L. Parrott, Olivet experienced a disastrous fire. However, A. L. Parrott was possessed of a contagious vision for Olivet. He moved the college to Kankakee and brought the college completely out of debt. Leslie Parrott 1975 The presidency of Les lie Parrott was marked by growth in campus facilities and the thrust in student enrollment. His strong spiritual leadership encouraged an atmosphere of Christian growth and maturity. Dedication □ 17