Olivet Nazarene University - Aurora Yearbook (Bourbonnais, IL)

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tudent life varied drastically here at Olivet Nazarene Col- lege, P.O. Box , Kankakee, IL 60901. Each individual M seemed to have their own inter- pretation of the words, Stu- dent Life. . J Chapel, an integral part of what we called student life, brought all students together to worship God — each in our own way. Required attendance three times weekly seemed unbearable sometimes, but it was rare that someone failed to comment about its worth to them in their Christian walk. That made it all worthwhile. Somehow, God managed to keep us all in line, working on us in His timing, in His way to teach us of Himself. Student Life varied into many different capacities, however, to include sports, academics and leisure pursuits — too many to name them all. The Red Room provided a conducive atmosphere for a challenging game of Rook or entertaining chats with friends. The Quad fostered lively socialization throughout the year in various forms, sometimes with stunning impact. Dorm liv- ing, classes, devotions, shared bathrooms, squished closets. Saga lines, security-issued park- ing tickets, and warnings from patient R.A. ' s for late night laughter disrupting the halls — all these developed connections to this place we ' ve called home. Social Committee, WRA, MRA and other aspects of social leadership worked to provide meaningful ac- tivities for students. Orpheus Variety Show, as well as those sponsored by Vikings and Treble Clef always brought smiles, as did late night mud fights in the rain. T.V. rooms, talk of Cubs in the World Series, National Elections with Reagan coming out ahead. Trick or Treating, with occasional kisses on the side, and banquets with Saga ' s finest always came to remind us that we were Thankful for so much. We were always glad to go home for breaks. They never came a day too late — or too soon. Pressures of homework and responsibilities helped encourage creative fun when getting home wasn ' t so easy. Witty letters to cheer up another ' s day, spying on a special someone through the bookshelves in Benner Library, telling foolish jokes just for a reason to laugh, or simply pranking a roommate often served these purposes. Discussions of theology and philosophy still existed, and provided students the chance to discover if their beliefs were really their own. — Many students discovered new, personal things about an old, con- sistent, loving God to carry with them. Student Life has been the valuable education that has occurred outside of the classroom as well as within. The educational experiences students have gained from ac- tivities such as these are never to be forgotten. They stand out within the minds of those lucky enough to have really experienced Student Life, having un- mistakably developed Inside Connections. ■J- ,s % I I I ' t ' Connectioni I J I Uvki 1 1 — Lll L Student Life 13

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12 Aurora

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1984 ratitiation The strains of Pomp and Circumstance filled the mid-morning air on May 14, 1984, in the Mid-Campus Hsplanade. The day, enhanced with blue skies and eighty degree temperatures, could not have been more beautiful. Once again families and friends assembled to witness the honored graduates as they received their long awaited degrees. The air was a mixture of anticipation and excite- ment, yet a sort of melancholy hung still and silent in the minds of those who were already feeling the absence of graduating relatives and friends. Years of studying were coming to a final climax, and in a few short hours they would have the keys to their futures in their hands. Commencement started with a prayer of invocation followed by a Scripture reading and a song played by the Concert Band. Preceding the dispens- ing of degrees, the Honorable George Ryan, Lieutenant Governor, State of Il- linois, gave an inspira- tional address to the guests. Finally, the time had come for the a- warding of degrees and diplomas — and they were indeed awards — regarding the faces of the proud onlookers as well as the graduates themselves. After all had been received their degrees, the special awards and recogni- . . . the door of life is opened and there are goals yet to accomplish . tions were revealed, among them Bill Slat- tery and Joni Larson named Most Out- standing Seniors. The sea of black then stood to the familiar song To Alma Mater, Olivet. The final prayer was of- fered up and the senior class of Olivet Naz- arene College, 1984, was officially ready to face their worlds with proof of at least one ac- complished goal in their possession. The experiences that Olivet has given to the graduates will, no doubt, prove to be in- valuable. All the late nights and early classes will forever be mem- ories treasured as well as forgotten. The day of graduation was happy — for the door of life w as opened and there were goals yet to accomplish, dreams yet to dream and endless opportunities to seek and fulfill. However, graduation was also sad, for the camaraderie would never be the same and friends would be separated — perhaps to be reunited only at Olivet Home- comings. But they were ready to leave and to test their skills in life. Although they are gone. Olivet will always be with them, and a little bit of Burke, Benner, Larsen, Reed, and Wisner taken to every part of our world. Professors and students Illinois Lieutenant Govern review last minute George Ryan delivers an i instructions. spirational message graduates and their familic 14 Aurora