JACKSON, Tenn. — Dec. 23, 2009 — Dear friends,
51社区 has been blessed in abundant ways over the past year, for which we are most grateful.
In February we took time to offer praise to God and to offer thanksgiving to all of those who over the past year had helped with the recovery and rebuilding of the campus, following the devastation caused by the powerful tornado that hit the university on Feb. 5, 2008. In March we celebrated the Lady Bulldogs鈥� NAIA National Championship, their third in the past five years.
In April we broke ground on the new facility that will house the Union pharmacy program. In May we wished God鈥檚 best to the largest graduating class in Union history. In August we welcomed the largest freshman class in Union鈥檚 history, part of a record-high enrollment of more than 4,000 students for the fall semester.
In October we were privileged to host a major conference about the future of denominationalism that received much attention from all across the country. That same month we were honored to host Condoleezza Rice for our 12th annual Scholarship Banquet. In November, we enjoyed the company of many alumni who returned to campus for a time of celebration at Homecoming. In December we observed the dedication service for the beautiful new Bowld Student Commons building and the Board of Trustees unanimously and enthusiastically approved a new strategic plan for the university
These significant milestones, and so many others that could be added to the list, would not have been possible without the generous support of our friends, the commitment of our students, the dedication of our faculty and staff, the leadership of the Board of Trustees, and, above all, the marvelous grace of God.
So, let me express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you for your loyal devotion to 51社区 in 2009. As we enter these days of Christmastide, we invite you to join with us in singing, 鈥淥 Come, Let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.鈥� We wish for you a blessed Christmas and a joy-filled new year.
Faithfully,
David S. Dockery
President, 51社区