Her How, When, and Why
The warm air and the uplifting spirit of Olivet surrounded Madison Zeldenrust left and right. She saw genuine love and care in the eyes of people on campus. Loving smiles, intentional tours, and God’s spirit at Olivet-it was like no other. She knew, this is where she wanted to be.
Just a couple more months, the countdown is on, and Zeldenrust will have completed her four years here at Olivet Nazarene University. She is a senior and will be graduating this December with her Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and Corporate Communications with a minor in Leadership.
Zeldenrust originally did not want to attend Olivet; she had a sister that has previously attended ONU, and she felt that she wanted something different. Towards the end of her high school journey, she toured many different colleges with the intention to play softball within hours of her home; however, when she finally visited ONU, she began to get the peace that this is where she was meant to be. Although originally, she wasn’t quite sure what she wanted to study, she soon found her spark. The moment she remembers sitting with Dr. Heather McLaughlin, Chair of Communication and Associate Professor at ONU, was when she realized she was interested in communication.
“She reviewed all the different communications majors, and dug out my strengths and weaknesses, and helped me come across public relations,” Zeldenrust said as she reminisced on the day she narrowed the direction of her career.
After asking the question, “What is your ‘why’ for choosing Olivet,” Zeldenrust shared,
“Having Dr. McLaughlin intentionally talk to me and care about me as a person in my interest. I just didn’t experience that anywhere else,” she said.
The conversation she had, the welcome she received, the peace of the Christian environment, and the love in all the little details on campus are why Zeldenrust chose Olivet Nazarene University.
“I could just feel God’s spirit here,” she said.
ONU Involvement and Community Footprint
Once she established her career path, Zeldenrust planted herself on the ONU campus in multiple ways. She works in Admissions, providing tour guides for potential students. She also works with Life at Olivet to diligently create atmospheres and events that ONU students would never forget. She is also a part of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), an organization that provides opportunities, a network, and professional development for students in Public Relations.
Her favorite memory of serving on campus was when she helped with the hospitality hub at the Creator Conference with a group of friends.
“We basically planned the layout, how to advertise, how to get people there….ordering desserts, refreshments, and such,” Madison said.
Another fun activity Zeldenrust likes to participate in on campus is intramurals. She is in a sport every season. Currently, she plays 4V4 volleyball, and recently finished sand volleyball.
When she’s finished working hard and being involved on campus, she goes home to her awesome roommate of 2.5 years, Emma Liebelt. They have played almost every intramural sport together over the past four years. From Liebelt’s observation, Zeldenrust is very friendly to everyone she comes across. Her personality is bubbly, she has a warm smile, and she has a way of being welcoming to everybody. Zeldenrust has also been an inspiration to Liebelt in their time of knowing one another.
“She has inspired me in her walk with the Lord,” Liebelt shared.
Dreams After College
Outside of campus life, Zeldenrust also worked at her home church over the summer doing a communications internship. She grew to truly enjoy it, and they have offered her a position as a design coordinator starting in a MONTH. She is excited, and in this position, she’ll be creating signage, invitation cards, slideshows, and different creative aspects needed. Her dream position would be to work in a Christian non-profit. She aspires to use the skills she has acquired to give back and help the less fortunate.
“My career goal is to work in a Christian nonprofit. I’ve always had a passion to do so, and a calling to help the helpless in any aspect that God leads,” Zeldenrust stated.
