Olivet Nazarene University Archives

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Olivet Nazarene University Archives

Know about our special events. See artifacts from our collection. Learn how we can assist in your research. Also important is local history.

University Archives focuses our collection on the history of our institution and Nazarene history.

06/12/2026

The Olivet Alumni Association has been recognizing distinguished Olivetians since 1957 with the annual O Award. These individuals are nominated & chosen because they represent the "ideals of the university". Of the lay persons that have been chosen during the first 25 years of the award there were 5 women, Mary Scott, Naomi Larsen, Ruth Gilley, Nona (Powers) Kelley, and Carolyn (Eckley) Lunn, awarded in 1959, 1960,1963, 1971, and 1981 respectfully. Perhaps you have special memories of one of these women you'd like to share.

06/05/2026

How many of you had the privilege of being in the President's Home when it was located on the Kankakee River at 925 Chicago Ave.? The historic home was purchased in 1960 and provided spacious accommodation for entertaining faculty and student groups, with Mrs. Maybelle Reed always the gracious hostess. It has been said that Dr. Reed liked the idea of living among the community that had been such an important part of Olivet’s growth. The home was used by Olivet's president for 20 years before the newly completed Powers Home, located on campus across the street from College Church, became the new president’s home.

05/29/2026

Having just celebrated Memorial Day, we remember
Flierman's Hall. It was built in 1946 by the federal government to provided classroom space for the inflex of veterans returning to civilian life and college after the war. The building was named for Carl Flierman, an Olivet student who lost his life in a plane crash during the war. The Glimmerglass article tells of his graduation from Air Corps Advanced Flying School early in the war. The structure was used for about 20 years until it was removed.

05/22/2026

The Milby Clock Tower, in the middle of Olivet’s campus, has undergone several renovations since it was originally built in 1972. The tower is named for Thomas Milby, son of Mr. & Mrs. Harlan Milby, who passed away from a sudden illness while a student at Olivet in 1956. A plaque at the base of the tower reads, “Tom walked these paths on his way to heaven.”
At the rededication of the structure, which was renovated in 1996, Dr. Bowling said, “It stands as a constant reminder that each of us is on a journey to eternity. It reminds us that life is short.”
In 2010 the clock tower was again remodeled to include a new face and dome

05/15/2026

"Olivet Nazarene College Foundation, so that Olivet will be ready for them when they are ready for Olivet" How many of these young people attended Olivet? This ONC sign was a gift from the Class of 1969, so this photo was taken after that year.

05/08/2026

Happy graduation weekend! Creative mortarboards from the past and one decorative one showing 50 years of graduations (just a few years missing)!

05/01/2026

These photos, from the early days on Olivet's Bourbonnais campus, show the fun students had during their annual "clean-up day". Can you spot the landmark buildings in the background and one photo with a proud Dr. Reed? The photos were taken by Dwight Strickler, campus photographer at the time.

04/24/2026

Here in University Archives, we’re reminded daily of all the people who’ve invested time, money, and prayers in supporting this university since its inception.
Today’s post shares photos from a remarkable day in Olivet’s history. In April of 1944, just 4 years after purchasing the property in Bourbonnais, Illinois from St. Viator’s, Olivet was able to pay off the mortgage in full!
Dr. A.L. Parrott was the college’s president at the time and head of the Debt Liquidating Campaign. Dr. J.F. Leist was Treasurer and Business Manager of the college. They are pictured here. E.O. Chalfant was Secretary of the Board of Trustees and is pictured on the far right in the group photo next to Dr. Charles Gibson, President of the Board of Trustees. Dr. R.T. Williams led the mortgage burning service.
Many individuals and churches gave generously to make this day happen because they believed so strongly in the mission of the school.
We have an amazing heritage!

04/23/2026

We’re sorry for the inconvenience—our Archives website (archives.olivet.edu) recently experienced an issue. The good news is that a backup site is now live and working, and archives.olivet.edu will automatically redirect you there. Thanks so much for your patience and understanding as our IT department works to resolve this issue.

Address

One University Avenue
Bourbonnais, IL
60914

Telephone

(815) 939-5148

Website

http://archives.olivet.edu/

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