Illinois University to Honor Hoosier Entrepreneur
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowA college in northeast Illinois is naming a campus center after a prominent Indiana businessman. Olivet Nazarene University will recognize a gift from the chairman of Columbus-based Elwood Staffing Services Inc. this month by naming its Center for Student Success after David Elwood. October 14, 2014
News Release
COLUMBUS, Ind. and BOURBONNAIS, Ill. – Olivet Nazarene University recently received a significant gift to encourage success and leadership in the lives of its students. In recognition of the life and legacy of alumnus Dr. David L. Elwood, a longtime Columbus, Indiana resident, this gift – given by Dr. Elwood's family – is a direct investment in future generations of Olivetians. It is designated to expand and strengthen the programming of the Center for Student Success, as well as to coordinate and strengthen various leadership efforts in the new Elwood Leadership Program.
In further recognition, the University will rename the current Center and dedicate it as the David L. Elwood Center for Student Success on October 31, 2014, during Olivet's Homecoming and Family Weekend.
The Elwood family gift also honors the University where Dr. Elwood's faith and values were firmly established. “David Elwood represents what we celebrate as an Olivet community,” said Dr. John C. Bowling, University president, when announcing the gift to the campus community on October 1, 2014. “His life reminds us that success is not just about the bottom line. More importantly, it's about a life of service, faithfulness, family and achieving a higher purpose.”
Dr. Elwood graduated from Olivet in 1955 with a degree in psychology. There, he met and fell in love with his future wife, Ella (Jones). He and Ella married in 1956. Later, he earned advanced degrees from two other universities. He enjoyed a successful career as a psychologist, and she was a top performer in her real estate career. But that was just the beginning of their unfolding life of significance and success.
In 1980, he and his son, Mark, founded Elwood Staffing, and Dr. Elwood continues to serve as chairman of the board. Their company operates in 250 service locations across the United States and Canada, employs nearly 1,000 while serving more than 6,000 clients and putting tens of thousands of people to work every day.
About Elwood Staffing
Founded in 1980, Elwood Staffing is a leading provider of talent-based solutions. With offices that span the United States and extend into Canada, a broad service portfolio, and a seasoned staff, the privately owned corporation supports companies through the entire employment life cycle – from attraction to retention. Specialized divisions include Elwood Professional, Elwood Tradesmen and Elwood Academy. In 2014, the company was recognized as one of the largest staffing firms in the U.S. and named as a “best company to work for” in several markets.
About Olivet Nazarene University
Olivet Nazarene University is an accredited Christian, liberal arts university offering more than 100 areas of undergraduate and graduate study, including the Doctor of Education in ethical leadership. Olivet has one main campus in Bourbonnais, Illinois – just 50 miles south of Chicago – with additional sites in Rolling Meadows and Oak Brook, Illinois; Indianapolis, Indiana; Hong Kong; and more than 100 School of Graduate and Continuing Studies learning locations throughout Chicagoland and the Midwest. From Oxford to Tokyo, hundreds of Olivet students also experience the global classroom each year, whether through study abroad opportunities or worldwide mission trips.
Sources: Elwood Staffing Services Inc. and Olivet Nazarene University