Undergraduate education in the Christian liberal arts tradition is the primary task of Union University. The good news is that Union is not only focused on this high purpose, but has received several different national recognitions this year underscoring this commitment to Christ-centered excellence. These recognitions (described elsewhere in this issue) are a tribute to the tremendous quality of the Union faculty and staff. Union University is not an island, cut off from the realities of surrounding communities. As seen in the discussions elsewhere in this issue of the Unionite, we see how Union’s School of Education and Human Studies is impacting schools and educational systems in this area. These efforts are led by Dean Tom Rosebrough, who models excellence as an academic leader. Union students, staff and faculty are also invested in industry, business, health care, churches, and families. Innovative cooperation and collaboration must continue to expand in the coming decade. In recent days Union has been privileged to host some of this country’s premier leaders and speakers in various disciplines. Leading the way was the challenging address by General Colin Powell at this year’s scholarship banquet, which raised $285,000 for Union. Frederica Mathewes-Green, a Christian interpreter of modern culture and prolific author, Martin Marty, a widely published and highly respected church historian, and artists such as Stephen de Staebler represent those who are bringing the world to Union University. In addition chapel programs regularly provide top quality speakers. The spring line up of special lectures will include William Dembski, Michael Medved, Robert Novak, Les and Leslie Parrott among others. This year more than 200 Union students have been involved in missions work in this community, across this country and across the world, taking Union University to the world. More importantly, these students are taking the good news of Jesus Christ to those in need, the message that undergirds every aspect of the life and work of this university. Fall sports at Union in 1999 have been most exciting. Women’s Volleyball won the TranSouth Conference and Coach Brian Dunn was named Conference Coach of the Year. Men’s soccer, in their second season like volleyball, won the NCCAA Region where Coach Darin White was also named Coach of the Year. Women’s Cross Country in their first year finished second in the Conference and Gary Johnson was named Coach of the Year. These are all examples of Union’s commitment to excellence in athletics. The 1999 Freshman class includes 15 members of the West Tennessee All-Academic team, 67 students who scored over 30 on their ACT, 5 National Merit finalists, numerous students who were valedictorians or salutatorians in their high school class, and the National Beta Club Scholarship winner. These students characterize the excellence represented across our 2,400 member student body, which now represents about 40 states and over 25 foreign countries. As Union enters the second year of the public phase of the $35 million "Building a Future" Campaign, we are pleased to announce that over $26 million have already been given or committed. For this we indeed thank God for His blessings. Certainly, the campus will soon reflect the excellence that already characterizes the Union faculty and student body. There is certainly much for Union alumni and all members of the Union family to celebrate. The Trustees, following the leadership of Chairman Gary Taylor, have shaped a vision for Union’s future that is as exciting as it is challenging. But the marks of excellence identified above, which are merely representative of other things, point to a very bright future for Union University. In this issue you will find the annual roll call of donors. For every gift, for every prayer, for every indication of support and encouragement, for every person who has invested in the future of Union University we are indeed grateful. With confidence in the promise of God’s continued blessing we invite you to join us as we expectantly enter the new year to come, with a renewed commitment to Christ-centered excellence in every aspect of the life and work of this great institution.
David S. Dockery |
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