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Each year, it has become a meaningful tradition for the graduating class to present a special gift to Olivet University — a token of their appreciation, and a way to leave behind a lasting legacy.
Olivet University marked a significant milestone with its 2025 Commencement Ceremony, held on June 24 at the Riverside campus. This year’s event was especially meaningful as it included the first cohort of second-generation students from the Olivet community. Among them was Sungil Bae, a Bachelor of Arts in Theology graduate, who also delivered the student address on behalf of the Class of 2025.
The Zinzendorf School of Doctoral Studies successfully concluded a week-long series of oral defense sessions for the Doctor of Ministry (DMin) Program, marking the culmination of the 2024–25 academic year.
By Jubilee College of Music Dean Dr. Merril Smoak
Last day to drop courses with fee
Last day of classes
Final exam period
Summer quarter ends
Grades due
Olivet Theological College & Seminary (OTCS) formally concludes the 2024–2025 academic year, a period widely regarded by faculty and staff as one of exceptional growth, academic advancement, and spiritual renewal. The seminary celebrates what many are calling its most fruitful and progressive year in recent memory.
Olivet University Vice President Dr. Peter W. Tzeng was recently featured in Christian Daily for his leadership in addressing artificial intelligence (AI) in the context of theological education. The article highlighted Dr. Tzeng’s role at the International Council for Evangelical Theological Education (ICETE) consultation, held in Tirana, Albania, where he led the AI subgroup within the Technology and Innovation Impact Team.
A group of Olivet University faculty members attended a special ethnobotany lecture this week, hosted by Knöppelåsen, an Aguanga-based nonprofit dedicated to regenerative agriculture and sustainable gardening. The event featured guest speaker William Pink of the Agua Caliente Tribe of Cupeno Indians, Pala, offering a rich exploration of edible and medicinal plants traditionally foraged and cultivated by local tribes.
Olivet University warmly welcomed the new students arriving for Spring Quarter with a barbecue fellowship, providing an opportunity for students to connect, share their personal journeys, and build meaningful relationships within the university community.
On March 13, 2025, faculty and students from OTCS Riverside (RS) attended the Los Angeles Theology Conference (LATC) at Biola University in La Mirada, California. This year’s conference focused on the theme “Receiving Redemption,” exploring how individuals and communities receive the blessings of salvation through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Olivet University representatives attended a local tree grafting event hosted by Knöppelåsen, a newly established nonprofit dedicated to promoting regenerative agriculture, permaculture, and the restoration of native plant life in chaparral and desert regions.
Olivet University’s Wednesday service welcomed guest preacher Pastor Jon Runnfeldt, who brought an uplifting message that resonated deeply with students, faculty, and staff. Pastor Runnfeldt, the head pastor of Valley Gospel Chapel for the past five years, was accompanied by his family and members of his church’s youth group, including their leaders.
Olivet University students joined local Anza Christian churches for a heartfelt evening of worship at the United Praise Night, held at the Anza Community Hall. The event showcased worship teams from Living Hope Christian Fellowship, Anza Valley Christian Fellowship, Anza Valley Gospel, and Olivet University, each leading the audience in a series of inspiring praise performances.
Olivet University St. Louis celebrated its Winter Convocation at the St. Ann Campus, bringing together students, faculty, staff, and friends in a spirit of unity and shared purpose. Notable guests, including the President of Brookes Bible College, the Mayor of St. Ann, a representative of Olivet Assembly, the general secretary of Jubilee World, and members of the St. Ann Police Department, joined the evening to show support.
Anza, CA — As part of an ongoing preaching series hosted at Olivet University, Pastor Matthew Nevills of Anza Baptist Church delivered a sermon titled "In Humility, Value Others Above Yourselves" to an audience of undergraduate and graduate students. Rooted in Philippians 2:3-5, his message emphasized the centrality of humility and unity within the Christian faith.
Contributed by A. Merril Smoak, Jr., Dean of Jubilee College of Music, Olivet University
Contributed by A. Merril Smoak, Jr., Dean of Jubilee College of Music, Olivet University
Contributed by Dr. A. Merril Smoak, Jr., Dean, Jubilee College of Music
Several times in the Psalms we find the admonition to "sing a new song." As worship leaders and church musicians this should immediately get our attention. We are always looking for a new song to learn and then teach to our congregations.
Jubilee College of Music San Francisco held its quarterly recital just before Christmas break. Thirteen students and their instructor Alice Kubo performed piano music by Beethoven, Chopin, Tchaikovsky, and other famous composers.
Christian musicians are always looking for scripture verses that mention music and singing. These verses guide us in our song selection and deepen our understanding of how to lead others in worship.
Students at Jubilee College of Music, JCM, recently held an online meeting with the dean of the school Dr. Merril Smoak. Though students were not able to take in-person classes for several quarters, the meeting united their hearts together once again as they came to share the word of God and receive encouragement.
The conducting class offered by Jubilee College of Music this Winter trains music students to be excellent choir directors.
The graduation concert is the most important requirement of the Master of Arts in Music program at Jubilee College of Music (JCM). Graduate students typically spend the very last three quarters of their study preparing for it. In the Fall quarter, senior student Joy Song will be ready to present her graduation concert.
Music students at Jubilee College of Music, JCM, gave a musical presentation on stage at Riverside campus to conclude the Spring quarter.
