Olivet University faculty, staff, students, trustees, and guests came together to celebrate the beginning of a new academic year at the University's Fall 2014 Convocation. Following the processional of Olivet's faculty and administrative leaders, Dr. Emily Ko, Associate Dean of the Jubilee College of Music, led worship officially the first time in her new position.

Dr. Tom Cowley, Director of Institute of Faith and Family, gave the invocation prayer followed by University President Dr. Tracy Davis' welcome and greeting remarks. A special choral performance by the Jubilee choir performed an original piece composed by Hyejin Jun, Director of the College's music programs.

Dr. Thomas Johnson, faculty of Zinzendorf School of Doctoral Studies, held the convocation address speaking about ways for evangelicals to address issues as poverty and culture.  The theme looked at Church's Complex Relation with Wealth and Need. Dr. Johnson, whom recently spoke at the Vatican where he represented the World Evangelical Alliance, holds positions as Research Vice President, Martin Bucer Seminary and Research Institutes, Academic Council member, International Institute for Religious Freedom, and Global Scholars Professor (www.global-scholars.org).

The convocation address was followed by a special conferring of degree to a Doctor of Philosophy in Global Theological Studies graduating candidate.  Both Dr. Thomas Johnson and Dr. Donald Tinder, Dean of Zinzendorf School of Doctoral Studies, hooded the graduating student while Dr. Tracy Davis conferred the degree with a proclamation.

Olivet University's 2014 Convocation concluded with Dr. Joseph Ray Tallman, Director of Olivet Branch Institute of Islamic Studies, delivering the benediction.  Guests convened at a special reception following the event’s festivities.