A Magazine for Taylor University Alumni and Friends (Spring 1997) Taylor University
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Taylor University Pillars at Taylor University The aT ylor Magazine Ringenberg Archives & Special Collections Spring 1997 Taylor: A Magazine for Taylor University Alumni and Friends (Spring 1997) Taylor University Follow this and additional works at: https://pillars.taylor.edu/tu_magazines Part of the Higher Education Commons Recommended Citation Taylor University, "Taylor: A Magazine for Taylor University Alumni and Friends (Spring 1997)" (1997). The Taylor Magazine. 88. https://pillars.taylor.edu/tu_magazines/88 This Book is brought to you for free and open access by the Ringenberg Archives & Special Collections at Pillars at Taylor University. It has been accepted for inclusion in The aT ylor Magazine by an authorized administrator of Pillars at Taylor University. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Taking the Next Step hy Dr. Jay Kesler '58 riic Taylor Tomorrow campaign is the nexl step in the long history of our attempt at obedience. There will be other steps and other challenges but for these next years my goal is to see the expressions in the eyes of all of us move from resolute acceptance of the challenge, through the "wait and see" stage to- ward personal sacrifice and involvement, into the sat- isfaction of shared effort, finally to that expression of joy that comes with reaching the goal, standing" on the summit bright eyed and surveying the next hori- zon. This issue of the Taylor Magazine proxides much detail and inspiration that makes all of the ef- fort so very worthwhile. Your prayers, encourage- ment, and personal involvement are an indispensa- ble pari 1)1 "'Ta\"lor Tomorrow." /•(« mme infiinmilion nn the cain/mivih mitl Jar keslrr's article im pni^e three. Dr. Darxl J«,s/, provost (I.) and l)i. Jar Kesler, president. UJ This issue contains: 1996 Honor Roll of Donors Taylor Barbara Dickey's "Prayerfor Taylor University'' Vol.89, No. 3 Spring 1997 features Taylor University (765) 998-2751 2 Taylor Tomorrow Capital campaign seeks to lav the foundation for the nc\t 150 rears at Taylor. President: Dr. Jay Kesler '58 5 Breaking (iroiuul for llie i 1 st (!eiitiuy Provost: Dr. Daryl Yost HA'96 Groundbreaking of the new Samuel Morris Hall begins a new phase of construction. Taylor: A Magazine for Taylor University 8 Tales of Aiiliqiiily and (Iharity Alumni and Friends (\SSN 1073-4376) is A unique literary collection, donated recently to Taylor, is noic on display. published quarterly by the Office of University Relations, 500 W. ReadeAve., Upland, IN 1 / Rieti mi k/os a Honduras I 46989. Copyright © 1997 Taylor University. A tradition of ministry in Honduras continues with a nezc generation of alumni. 1 2 Saving Grace for a Sinking Ship Vice Pres. for Development: Gene L. Rupp '58 // was a sunny day with a gentle breeze that gave no warning of the coming storm. Director of Univ. Relations: Donna J. Downs 1 i A Prayer for Taylor University Editor: Randy Dillinger '95 Barbara Dickey shares her heartfor the school she has servedfor more than 35 years. Alumni Notes Editor: Marty Songer '78 1 5 Mn Kappa: a Place to Call Home Photography Editor: Jim Garringer This f-llowship of missionary kids (.\Ihsl has enriched Taylor since 1986. Editorial Consultants: Betty Freese HA'83, Mary Ann McDaniels, Marty Songer '78 32 The Darkest Fniter of My Life Jacob Chan '63 shares hujaith in the midst of a struggle with Lou Celirig\ Disease. Contributing Writers: Jacob Chan '63, Jim Garringer, Rebecca Grandi '96, Dr. Jay Kesler '58, Gene Rupp '58 Student Writers: Abigail Reese '99, Amy Seefeldt '97 Additional assistance: Michele Shrieve Unsolicited manuscripts are welcome. Literary Collection, p. 8 Lady Trojans, p. 2 Social Work, fi 16 Alumni in Honduras, p. 10 Opinions expressed in Taylor are those of the individual authors, not necessarily of Taylor University. n w s Send address corrections to the Alumni 1 Academics: Social Work seniors experience week of homelessness. Office, 500 W. ReadeAve., Upland, IN 1 I Academics: In brief: Communication Arts department taps into technology. 46989, or call 1 (800) 882-3456, ext. 85115. 1 Fort Wayne : Justice Education offers diverse opportunities. Visit the Taylor homepage: http://www.tayloru.edu. 1 Campus: Holocaust course stirs emotions; Habitat builds a home in Upland. Address Correspondence to: L\) Athletics: Lady Trojans shoot their way to national tournament. University Editor, Taylor University L 1 Admissions: Freshman shares in herfamily's three-generation Taylor tradition. 500 W. Reade Ave., Upland, IN 46989. Zi Alumni: .\ews and .N'otes. email: [email protected] 1 882-3456, ext. phone: (800) 85197 On the cover: Chris Stover '98 takes a breakfrom his work during fax:(765)998-4910 Habitatfor Humanity's Blitz Day held in Upland on March 8, 1997. Anchored in the past... Focusei 2 wnofl/ Spring 1997 . by Dr. Jay Kesler /watched the audience with interest as vice president for dex'elopment, Gene Rupp, and campaign chairman, Dick Gygi, announced the goal for "Taylor Tomorrow." Our emotions were elevated by the evening's ac- tivities of superb music, colorful and meaningful pageantry, reminders of our heritage and visions for the future. It was a special time to celebrate 1 50 years of God's faithfulness and the contributions of our forbears in the Taylor saga; it was also intended to lift our vision for the future. As the goal of 75 million dollars was announced for the first phase of the cam- paign, most faces reflected a kind of determined resolution much like you see on the faces of Olympic weight lifters as they approach their ne.xt lift. It must be done but is there enough reserve left to do it? Some looked stunned and unbelie\'ing, yet seemingly willing to gi\'e it a shot. I was not surprised at the goal since it represented a long and often tedious process that began for me in 1 986 when the chairman of the North Central Accreditation team re\'iewed the findings of his committee at the exit interview oflered to college presidents before the report of the review coinmittee is made public. This courtesy is extended so that the president is not surprised or blind sided, and also to provide interpretation and nuance to the findings. In Tavlor's case there was no question as to extending accreditation, but as is the purpose of the process, weaknesses and areas of needed impro\ement are highlighted. The issue at the center of our discussion was the need for long-range planning. I was new at Taylor and frankl)- somewhat defensi\'e of my predeces- sors because I had ample evidence of much honest assessment and a lot of good solid planning on their part in inany areas of the institution. What we seemed to lack was a comprehensive, coordinated approach that was understood and owned by all of our constituencies. As a result of this ob- servation, we formed what has now become PCAP (President's Council for Assessment and Planning) under the gifted leadership of Dn Roger Jenkinson. The first task was that of collecting all of the work that had been done by departments, committees and task forces in the past, and, as I suspected, it was rather comprehensive. The ne.xt step was the elTort to do an environmental scan of all of the possible elements that impact the future and contribute to or inhibit our plans. We felt it appropriate that this process should begin inside the University since it is our task as adminis- trators, faculty, staff and students to provide leadership initiati\e. It would be my view that no group of indi\'iduals has ever worked harder, with greater diligence and focus, than PCAP has sustained o\'er these many years. They deserve a medal of excellence with a battle star for doggedness. continued next page n the future Spring 1997/ tayloh 3 When PCAP had e\-oh'ed to the tees, staff and a few trusted and faithful ///. That the word Chiistkm as used in place where we feh confident of where friends. Xow it was public knowledge. "Christian college" mean more, not less, to a we were in the process of planning, we When Chairman Gygi announced watching world. formed a standing committee of the that we had reached the 22-million- board of trustees for long-range plan- doUar le\'el in the "silent phase" before And our purposes are clearly stated; the announcement, some who had fears that the goal was unrealistic took new- To involve students in learning experi- courage and said, "WtU, maybe." I ences imbued with vital Christian interpreta- looked at the people on the platform tion of truth and life which fosters their spir- and knew as our eyes met that we were itual, intellectual, emotional, physical, voca- all aware that we were launched but the tional, and social development. work had just begun. To educate students to recognize tJiat all truth I have said thank you to e\ery per- is God's truth and that the Christianfaith should son who has made a commitment, yet it permeate all learning, leading to a consistent l^e of is impossible to truly express the grati- worship, service, stewardship, and world outreach. Jay Keslef and Gene Rupp present the board-approved tude we feel to each person who has To create specific experiences wherein the librari' / classroom expansion/or the Fort 1 Vaime campus. responded to the challenge. The board integrativefocus of a Christian liberal arts edu- is providing leadership by example in cation is clarified, personalized, and applied. ning. John Home and Carl Moellering, their sacrificial response of money, time Tofoster a biblical model of relationships both experienced business leaders, and effort.