Transcript of Video Message
Hello again, Biola University!
Here we are at the end of another school year. Can you believe it? This year was filled with unique challenges to the university, but I believe the Lord has had favor upon us and I can assure you Biola has emerged stronger and better prepared to face economic obstacles.
As usual, a lot is taking place on our busy campus. But something very significant did occur at the beginning of April.
On Saturday, April 4, Biola philosopher William Lane Craig and the popular anti-theist Christopher Hitchens debated the existence of God before a sold-out audience of over 4,000 on campus with thousands more watching "live" across the nation and internationally. This was Biola University at her best, engaging in the world of ideas without apology, nuance or cowardice. And as Dr. Craig in respectful tones invited those listening to consider following Jesus, this demonstrated the heart of Biola past, present and future.
We must be to the world more than an academy of intellectual acumen and biblical convictions. We must from this posture demonstrate that we are a community that cares about a broken world needing the transformation that comes only through the redemptive work of Christ. This debate was one of those highlights for me in my young role here at Biola and it lifted my sights of where we are and where we yet can go as a university.
Dr. Craig Hazen, Director of the M.A. in Apologetics program gave wonderful leadership to the evening, and I was so proud of our students for their initiative and for Eric Weaver as Associated Student President for believing Biola was more than capable of taking on the anti-theistic thought leaders of the day.
Another important event for our university is the Biola Media Conference which was held at the CBS Studio Center at the end of April. This conference is well-known throughout Hollywood and increasingly across the country and it's providing Christians in the industry with a time to network and encourage each other and discuss the challenges facing people of faith in the film industry.
One of our most prominent and notable alums came to campus to share about his journey from Biola student to state official. In January, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger appointed Dr. Glen W. Thomas as the Secretary of Education for the State of California. Dr. Thomas accepted this cabinet position at a time when California schools are facing very complex challenges, but he is dedicated to providing quality education for California's students. Surely Dr. Thomas can be encouraged that we here at Biola University will be praying for his leadership in this influential position.
And finally, a word to our students. It's been a tough year, but we've made it through together and we are ending strongly. I want to thank all of you for your patience, your understanding, your thoughts and discussions as the leadership of this university navigated Biola through some difficult economic waters that surround us nationally and globally. Your input has been so valuable and your devotion to your fellow students around you who are struggling financially has been an inspiration to all of us.
So, as you depart for your summer internships, for international travel, for jobs, for quality time with family and friends, remember to pray for Biola. We're going to be praying for you and we look forward to seeing you again in the fall.
Graduating students, as you prepare to leave Biola, don't be discouraged by the signs of trouble and panic in the world, but be encouraged to know that you will be a light in a dark place. And remember what you have learned here, to be servant leaders wherever you find yourself in life.
Parents, thank you for entrusting your students to us for their college education. I trust they emerge from their time here as mature and thoughtful young people who are passionate about Christ and ready to make a difference for his kingdom.
Congratulations class of 2009!