Strong foundations. They are essential.
A building’s foundation must be strong to support its structure. Without a strong foundation, the building is inevitably vulnerable. Likewise, our lives must be built upon a firm foundation of principles, values and faith in order to weather the storms of life.
Our University’s foundation is built upon academic excellence and a commitment to the Great Commandment and Great Commission. Our mission as a distinctively Christian liberal arts university is to transform lives by equipping students to pursue academic excellence, integrate faith with all areas of knowledge, engage a diverse world, and live worthy of the high calling of God in Christ.
We are blessed at OBU by generations who came before us, who sacrificed to build such a strong foundation for our beloved University, and in this issue of OBU Magazine, you will read about some of our strong foundations.
As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of Shawnee Hall for example, you will read how this first permanent structure on Bison Hill came to be and the lasting impact it has made. You will read about the conception and implementation of the Western Civilization program at OBU. You will learn how alumni have influenced the world through music and motivational speaking.
Strong foundations prepare us for future success. You will learn from Robert Davenport, our director of athletics, about OBU’s second year of candidacy for NCAA Division II membership and how that future was built upon decades of success in the NAIA. You will likewise read an update from Dr. Will Smallwood, vice president for university advancement, about how the generosity and support of donors, alumni, faculty, staff and students has provided foundations and helped complete many exciting projects on campus.
We live in challenging times, but they are exciting days as believers. Because our lives–and our beloved University–are built upon a firm foundation, we of all people have an unshakable hope and optimism. As we celebrate the accomplishments and achievements shared in this issue, we give thanks to God for blessing us with such a storied past, and we pray for wisdom, discernment, and His provision as we prepare for an exciting future.
David Wesley Whitlock
OBU President