On Sunday, we graduated 98 members of the class of 2009. The day - Baccalaureate and Commencement - was incredible. Floyd Thompkins, class of 1984, preached at Baccalaureate and Vinton Cerf, chief internet evanglist with Google, spoke at Commencement. Both had powerful messages.
For me, the powerful messages of the day came in the form of a shot put, wrestling trunks, and a bear hug.
The day before Commencement, graduating senior "J Beck" won the shot put at the NAIA Outdoor Track & Field National Championships. "J Beck" is Bethany's first double national champion, having also won the shot put her junior year at the indoor nationals. Right before the Commencement ceremony, "J Beck" presented me with the shot put that she used to win the national championship.
Another member of the graduating class, Gabe, spent the last few years, off and on again, competing as a professional wrestler under the pseudonym "Payday Patterson." As Gabe crossed the stage to receive his diploma, he presented me with his trademark pink wrestling trunks appropriately framed.
Lastly, Fred, the first in his family to graduate from college and another one of the Sunday's 98 graduates, presented me with a bear hug - three feet off the ground.
Only at a college like Bethany, where presidents get to know the students personally, can you receive three such wonderful gifts from the graduating class.
Oh yes, each member of the graduating class also presented me with a Crayola crayon or marker when I presented them with their diploma. This is a long-standing Bethany tradition and one that adds a personal touch to Commencement, which culminates four years of Bethany's personal touch on her students.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Chapel Message: Peace. Be Still.
(Reading: Mark 4: 35-41)
(Hymn: LBW 377, “Lift High the Cross”)
A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped.
· Some 2.6 million Americans lost their jobs in 2008, the worst job loss since the end of World War II;
· The U.S. unemployment rate is forecasted to reach 8.9 percent by this summer;
· Industrial output plunged across Europe as the global economic crisis bit deeper;
· Toyota, the world's biggest automaker, saw its first ever operating loss due to a relentless global slide in car sales and a crippling rise in the yen;
· The U.S. budget deficit swelled to a record $1.2 trillion;
· The S&P 500 dropped 37.6 percent in 2008; the largest yearly decline since 1931;
· The bank bailouts, the US automakers’ bailout, and now a proposed $900 billion economic stimulus plan being debated in DC.
But (Jesus) was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?”
There is a Chinese proverb that states, “May you live in interesting times.” To state the obvious, “We are living in interesting times!” I don’t think I know anyone who has not been affected by the global economic meltdown.
We, as the Bethany community, declare we are a caring community in our promise statement. Furthermore, our core value of Hospitality describes Bethany as encompassing genuine care, grace, and generosity.
We all know the story of another great storm. This story can be found in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Genesis. Of course, I’m talking about the Great Flood and Noah.
Let me humbly remind all of us how that story ended:
(Noah) waited another seven days, and again he sent out the dove from the ark; 11and the dove came back to him in the evening, and there in its beak was a freshly plucked olive leaf; so Noah knew that the waters had subsided from the earth. 12Then he waited another seven days, and sent out the dove; and it did not return to him any more. (Genesis 8:10-12)
Yes, Noah sent a dove to see if the storm had ended and the waters had subsided. As we live in these interesting times – these stormy times – perhaps we at Bethany should remember Noah’s dove along with our dove. Our dove might also help us find dry land.
(Jesus) woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm.
How simple a solution! “Peace! Be still!” Or, perhaps this morning’s hymn might suggest an alternative solution: Lift high the cross!
Please don’t misunderstand me. I’m not trying to be Pollyanna. I understand the gravity of the world’s economic situation. But I also understand God’s grace and the strength to move through these times reassured by that grace. I hope that the Bethany community understands that grace as well. More importantly, I hope that the Bethany community understands the anchors we have in our community to ground us and to support us as we face these challenging times together.
Let me suggest that we all consider using Chapel as our home base. Let’s gather to re-center ourselves in God’s grace three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10:30-10:50. As the storm rages, we need a safe place to go like we needed a safe place, or home base, when we were kids playing tag. We need a place to catch our breath before we start running again.
Let me suggest that we open our hearts to support each other. For students, if you need someone to listen – and you may – seek out a friend, a professor, our campus pastor, or one of your Peer Ministers. For faculty and staff, you may need someone to listen also. Please seek them out.
(Jesus) said to them, “Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?”
You will be telling your children and grandchildren about these times. But when they ask, “How did you handle it,” what will your answer be?
While there is some debate, there is an interpretation that the Chinese word for crisis contains the character for opportunity. Whether true or not, I’ve always embraced that reality because it helps me to focus on what’s important. I choose not to be overwhelmed by a crisis, but rather choose to seek out the opportunities that can be found within a crisis.
I love whitewater rafting. The rush of rafting class IV and class V rapids is exhilarating. But, for me, the great lesson of whitewater rafting is that life is permanent whitewater. I’ve also learned, the hard way, that to successfully navigate a class IV or class V rapid is not to focus on where you are, but instead to focus on where you want to be.
Times like these present us with wonderful opportunities to focus on where we want to be. Most of all, we have the opportunity to demonstrate to ourselves and to others who we are as Bethany College. Do we walk our talk? Do we live our mission and values? Do we deliver on our promise? Do we continue to chase our vision? Or, do we throw it all aside because times got tough, the waters got rough?
Peace! Be still! Do not be afraid. Keep the faith.
Amen.
(Hymn: LBW 377, “Lift High the Cross”)
A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped.
· Some 2.6 million Americans lost their jobs in 2008, the worst job loss since the end of World War II;
· The U.S. unemployment rate is forecasted to reach 8.9 percent by this summer;
· Industrial output plunged across Europe as the global economic crisis bit deeper;
· Toyota, the world's biggest automaker, saw its first ever operating loss due to a relentless global slide in car sales and a crippling rise in the yen;
· The U.S. budget deficit swelled to a record $1.2 trillion;
· The S&P 500 dropped 37.6 percent in 2008; the largest yearly decline since 1931;
· The bank bailouts, the US automakers’ bailout, and now a proposed $900 billion economic stimulus plan being debated in DC.
But (Jesus) was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?”
There is a Chinese proverb that states, “May you live in interesting times.” To state the obvious, “We are living in interesting times!” I don’t think I know anyone who has not been affected by the global economic meltdown.
We, as the Bethany community, declare we are a caring community in our promise statement. Furthermore, our core value of Hospitality describes Bethany as encompassing genuine care, grace, and generosity.
We all know the story of another great storm. This story can be found in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Genesis. Of course, I’m talking about the Great Flood and Noah.
Let me humbly remind all of us how that story ended:
(Noah) waited another seven days, and again he sent out the dove from the ark; 11and the dove came back to him in the evening, and there in its beak was a freshly plucked olive leaf; so Noah knew that the waters had subsided from the earth. 12Then he waited another seven days, and sent out the dove; and it did not return to him any more. (Genesis 8:10-12)
Yes, Noah sent a dove to see if the storm had ended and the waters had subsided. As we live in these interesting times – these stormy times – perhaps we at Bethany should remember Noah’s dove along with our dove. Our dove might also help us find dry land.
(Jesus) woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm.
How simple a solution! “Peace! Be still!” Or, perhaps this morning’s hymn might suggest an alternative solution: Lift high the cross!
Please don’t misunderstand me. I’m not trying to be Pollyanna. I understand the gravity of the world’s economic situation. But I also understand God’s grace and the strength to move through these times reassured by that grace. I hope that the Bethany community understands that grace as well. More importantly, I hope that the Bethany community understands the anchors we have in our community to ground us and to support us as we face these challenging times together.
Let me suggest that we all consider using Chapel as our home base. Let’s gather to re-center ourselves in God’s grace three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10:30-10:50. As the storm rages, we need a safe place to go like we needed a safe place, or home base, when we were kids playing tag. We need a place to catch our breath before we start running again.
Let me suggest that we open our hearts to support each other. For students, if you need someone to listen – and you may – seek out a friend, a professor, our campus pastor, or one of your Peer Ministers. For faculty and staff, you may need someone to listen also. Please seek them out.
(Jesus) said to them, “Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?”
You will be telling your children and grandchildren about these times. But when they ask, “How did you handle it,” what will your answer be?
While there is some debate, there is an interpretation that the Chinese word for crisis contains the character for opportunity. Whether true or not, I’ve always embraced that reality because it helps me to focus on what’s important. I choose not to be overwhelmed by a crisis, but rather choose to seek out the opportunities that can be found within a crisis.
I love whitewater rafting. The rush of rafting class IV and class V rapids is exhilarating. But, for me, the great lesson of whitewater rafting is that life is permanent whitewater. I’ve also learned, the hard way, that to successfully navigate a class IV or class V rapid is not to focus on where you are, but instead to focus on where you want to be.
Times like these present us with wonderful opportunities to focus on where we want to be. Most of all, we have the opportunity to demonstrate to ourselves and to others who we are as Bethany College. Do we walk our talk? Do we live our mission and values? Do we deliver on our promise? Do we continue to chase our vision? Or, do we throw it all aside because times got tough, the waters got rough?
Peace! Be still! Do not be afraid. Keep the faith.
Amen.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
The new academic year ...
I received a polite email a week or so ago reminding me that it's been over a month since my last post. Wow! It sure has and a lot has happened. Here are the recaps of the last month:
- The apartments are done! We are waiting for the furniture to arrive before we can move the students in. (There is an open house on Thursday, September 25 from 10 am - 2 pm.)
- The new turf is down and the Stadium was re-dedicated the Philip Anderson Sports Complex and Stadium and the new field was dedicated the Clyde & Glen Lindstrom Field. With all the rain we've hate, the field has been a great addition. Unfortunately, we lost our home opener on the new field.
- The weight room / locker room and lab addition to Nelson Science have begun (I'll try to start posting pictures of both.). The weight room / locker room should be done for the second semester and the lab addition should be ready for the 2009-2010 academic year.
- The Board of Directors held their retreat in late August - a very productive day focusing on the future of Bethany - and then many helped move the new students in the next day.
- On the first day of classes, there were 598 students - 252 new students. That number will melt until the official 20th day. For comparison, last fall's enrollment total was 537. We are anticipating an almost 10% increase in one year.
- We invited Jason Opat '93 to give this year's address at the Opening Convocation. The feedback from around campus was this was a great idea and a great way to involve our successful young alumni.
- Volleyball, mens soccer, and womens soccer all have winning records. Football is 0-2, losing to McPherson and Southwest Baptist (an NCAA Division II school).
- The Alumni Council was on campus for the twice annual meeting. I visited with them for a short time in the morning. Several folks have commented that it was a good day.
I'm sure I've forgotten something. It's been a fast-paced and hectic 6 weeks. There is a good buzz on campus with the students, faculty, and staff. The new year is off to a great start!
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Anderson Stadium update - 5 August
What an amazing transformation this field has undergone this summer!!! This field, for football and soccer, must truly be one of the best, if not the best, in the Great Plains! And this is just the start ...
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Anderson Stadium update - 30 June
As you can see in these update pictures, the work at Anderson Stadium continues to go slow and behind schedule. Some good news is the exterior siding of the Press Box is getting a face lift. Instead of vinyl siding, we're using hardy plank. This should be a significant improvement!Apartment update - 30 June
As you can see, the apartment construction still is going well and on schedule. As you can see, they are nearing completion of the outside work, but still have a long way to go on the inside. So, don't get too excited. We're still several months away from occupancy.Sunday, June 15, 2008
Bethany Choir Tour – retrospective
How can I share our wonderful two weeks in Germany, Sweden, and Norway without droning on way too long? The Choir Tour was outstanding! Two weeks with Sheila and Quade was even more outstanding! Over the last year, we’ve been a split family as Sheila and Quade stayed in Ohio in a futile effort to sell our home while I’ve gone through my first year at Bethany College. To spend two weeks with both of them in close quarters was a wonderful “reunion.” To watch Quade interact with our choir members was even more fun. We have some wonderful students – but of course you already know that – and they were wonderful with Quade.
The first week was spent in Germany, actually what was East Germany prior to reunification. We arrived in Berlin, then our travels took us to Wittenberg, Leipzig, Eisleben, Erfurt, Eisenach, Bergen-Belsen concentration / POW camp, and finally to Rostock. From there, we took the ferry across the Baltic Sea to Sweden. In Sweden, we traveled to Kalmar, Kosta, Stockholm, Dalarö, and Munkfors. (We finished in Oslo where we flew back to the US.)
Our time in Germany was spent following many of Martin Luther’s footsteps: Wittenberg castle church where he posted the 95 theses, Wartburg Castle where he hid and translated the New Testament into German, Eisleben where he was born and died, and Erfurt where his early education took place.
The first week was spent in Germany, actually what was East Germany prior to reunification. We arrived in Berlin, then our travels took us to Wittenberg, Leipzig, Eisleben, Erfurt, Eisenach, Bergen-Belsen concentration / POW camp, and finally to Rostock. From there, we took the ferry across the Baltic Sea to Sweden. In Sweden, we traveled to Kalmar, Kosta, Stockholm, Dalarö, and Munkfors. (We finished in Oslo where we flew back to the US.)
Our time in Germany was spent following many of Martin Luther’s footsteps: Wittenberg castle church where he posted the 95 theses, Wartburg Castle where he hid and translated the New Testament into German, Eisleben where he was born and died, and Erfurt where his early education took place.
Quade standing at "the door" of Wittenberg castle church.
All of us at Wartburg Castle.
(Of course, we also traveled to Leizig and Eisenach in the footsteps of Johan Seabastian Bach.)
Our German travels also took us to Bergen-Belsen concentration / POW camp. This is where Anne Frank died of typhus in spring 1945. Sheila and I did our best to explain to Quade what took place here. I guess we’ll know in a few years when he reads the Diary of Anne Frank whether he remembers or not.
In Sweden, we hit many of the tourist highlights at the Kalmar Castle, Kosta-Botha glass works, and Stockholm. We then finished our tour of Sweden in Värmland, specifically Munkfors, Sunnemo, and Torsby. We visited the church and parsonage in Sunnemo where Olof Olsson was pastor when he and 200 others prayed and decided to leave Sweden and immigrate to central Kansas.
Our German travels also took us to Bergen-Belsen concentration / POW camp. This is where Anne Frank died of typhus in spring 1945. Sheila and I did our best to explain to Quade what took place here. I guess we’ll know in a few years when he reads the Diary of Anne Frank whether he remembers or not.
In Sweden, we hit many of the tourist highlights at the Kalmar Castle, Kosta-Botha glass works, and Stockholm. We then finished our tour of Sweden in Värmland, specifically Munkfors, Sunnemo, and Torsby. We visited the church and parsonage in Sunnemo where Olof Olsson was pastor when he and 200 others prayed and decided to leave Sweden and immigrate to central Kansas.
Of course, the highlight of the trip for Quade was Gröna Lund amusement park in Stockholm. It was Quade's first amusement park and he was tall enough to ride his first roller coster!
Anderson Stadium update - June 15
The progress on Anderson Stadium has had two set backs over the last three weeks. The first has been the weather. We've been in a rainy spell and the dirt is too wet to move forward. Not wanting to wait the 3-4 weeks it would take for the ground to dry naturally, we've added lime to the soil (at an additional cost of $20-30,000) to help speed up the drying and try to get back on schedule.
The second set back was we learned the natural gas pipeline that runs into Lindsborg and Marquette runs right under the football field. No one knew this and we had to call and get the pipe surveyed as to location and depth.
Apartment Update - June 15
It's been 3 weeks since my last update (I've been out of the country) and a lot has happened! The apartments are moving along nicely and the outside work should be done soon. Once they move inside, the weather is no longer a factor.Friday, May 30, 2008
Bethany Choir Tour to Germany & Sweden
From May 27 to June 10, Sheila, Quade, and I will be escorting the Bethany Choir on their tour of Germany and Sweden. To follow our trip, you can check out the Tour blog at http://bethanychoirtour.blogspot.com/. When the trip is over, I'll add some pictures and commentary.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Anderson Stadium update - May 26
Work began on Monday, May 19 and over the first week, they have demolished the track and football field. We're off and running ...
Apartment update - May 26
Wow! The construction is picking up speed and the company is trying to make up for lost ground from the stormy week we had a couple of weeks ago. As you can see, they have framed the first floor and most of the second floor.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Sunday, May 11, 2008
If This Is New York ...
Saturday, May 10 was a special day for me and Bethany College as one of our favorite sons was honored. Bruce Montgomery ’50 spent his entire career following graduation from Bethany working at the University of Pennsylvania. He spent 46 years as the director of the world-renowned Penn Glee Club. Saturday evening, Penn honored Bruce by renaming the studio theater in the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in his honor. I was honored to represent Bruce’s alma mater at the dedication of the Bruce Montgomery Theater. The dedication recital, which was 90 minutes of Bruce’s work, included two pieces Bruce composed while a student at Bethany.
The music tradition of Bethany now reaches to Philadelphia and one of America’s great universities.
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