Olivet University Riverside Campus Opens 2025-2026 Academic Year with Convocation

September 25, 2025

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Olivet University marked the beginning of a new academic year 2025-2026 with a joyful convocation at the Riverside campus on Friday, September 19, dedicating the year to the Lord with prayer and worship. Uniting new and returning students along with faculty and leaders both onsite and online, the gathering sounded the trumpet for a new season. 

The ceremony opened with an invocation prayer led by Dr. Bethany Park, Director of Olivet Theological College and Seminary, and was presided over by faculty member Dr. Joseph Jung. Introductions were given to local faculty and those who serve in other campus locations, including online.  

In the Convocation address, President Dr. Jonathan Park reminded the university community of Olivet of its true identity — that it belongs to God. As co-workers with Him, faculty and students are called to build the University together through academics, ministry practice, fellowship, and perseverance. He urged all to hold fast to this identity, abiding in God’s love and truth, and to become the salt and light of the world.

Special remarks were given by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees Dr. Nathanael Tran as he congratulated the University and warmly welcomed all students. Using the analogy of a tadpole maturing into a frog, he illustrated spiritual growth in Christ. A tadpole begins without arms and legs, but gradually develops into a frog — reminding us that FROG stands for “Fully Rely On God.” As members of Christ’s body, called by Jesus the head of the Church, we are to mature, live boldly for Christ, and to proclaim His love through our lives and service, making our testimony loud and undeniable.

Student representative Chrystal Lee shared her special remarks by describing her  journey of overcoming struggles through faith. Entering Olivet University with dreams and excitement, she encountered spiritual battles that revealed the importance of grounding her life in God’s Word. Encouraging her peers, she called all students to put on the full armor of Christ, strive together, and support one another in growing into the fullness of Christ and sharing in the Kingdom vision.

With gratitude for the past and vision for what is to come, Olivet University steps forward into this academic year with hope and faith, trusting that God will bring forth growth and magnify His glory.

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