This was going to be an article about Halie Kay Vermillion and her work and contribution to the Communication Department during her tenure at Olivet. Specifically, it was going to be about the things that she’s done and how the Comm Department is a better place because of all that she’s done.
But when I sat down with Halie, I realized that this article needs to be about something greater. Halie isn’t just good at what she does when it comes to communicating and her impact on Olivet’s community. This is about Halie’s love for the Lord and how she makes God and His presence a priority in her life. She is the true definition of walking by faith and not by sight.
Vermillion is from rural Iowa and comes from a closer than close knit family. There is a good chance you’ve seen her on campus, leading a group of people around. If not, maybe you’ve seen her in passing on campus – she almost always has a coffee in her hand. Vermillion, a senior double-majoring in Public Relations and Strategic Communication and Corporate Communication, prides herself on being a first generation college student. Earning her Bachelors is a top priory for her.
She’s A Woman of Many Hats
Vermillion’s resume could date back to her pre-teen and teenage years if she wanted it to. She was very active and tried her luck with a variety of different activities. While she played softball for eight years, she also played basketball and volleyball. Talk about multi-talented. When she got to high school, she switched gears and picked up tennis.
It wasn’t long before Vermillion learned how much she loved being on stage. She picked up theatre on top of tennis during high school. To make it even better, she landed leading roles in her school’s productions of major plays such as Okalahoma! And Newsies. Vermillion proved to be so exceptional that it landed her the opportunity to compete for the Triple Threat Award in New York. However, COVID-19 sent the world into lockdown and the competition was cancelled.
If you think this is a lot, just wait – there’s more! Vermillion also participated in National History Day state competitions, served on student council, was in choir and played the French Horn in band.
During her time at Olivet, she has served as a member of Associated Student Council (ASC), a resident assistant in Grand, and as a student ambassador for the Office of Admissions.
In the surrounding community, she has served with the youth group at Kankakee First Church of the Nazarene.
“This is a huge passion of mine – the youth. Our world throws so much crap into the lives of young teens that I always strive to put into their lives with truth when I can.”
Vermillion on why she serves with the youth
Vermillion Is Passion Driven
To truly understand the depths of a person, one must learn what drives their life. For Vermillion, it’s a multitude of things that interlace with one another. She has a strong call for mission work.
“I have felt a call into missions work,” she said, “So someday I can see myself working for a place like World Vision or Compassion International in their cross cultural missions department. Working in a corporate office but for the world of missions.”
There’s Room For Fun!
Vermillion prides herself on always making time for those closest to her. She enjoys being able spend quality time with her family, friends, and fiancé.
Vermillion and her posse are always out and about doing something fun that will harbor memories that will last a lifetime.
One of her favorite memories from her childhood was the family vacation. Vermillion’s family loves to travel and spend time with one another in a variety of places. The goal behind traveling wasn’t to show off, it was for her and her family to grow closer to one another.
“My favorite memory with Halie is watching her dance into her surprise engagement party at top golf after she said yes to marrying the love of her life and had no idea that her whole family and a bunch of friends were waiting to surprise her at top golf!”
Janie manningham, vermillion’s roommate and friend
Vermillion is an exceptional daughter, friend, fiancee, student and leader. Everything that she does embodies whom Jesus strives for us to be. It is very evident that she goes forth each day with impeccable grace and faith.
