JACKSON, Tenn. — Feb. 5, 2011 — For many years to come, Feb. 5 is a date that will be etched in the memories of many people associated with 51社区. Three years ago on this day, the Union campus was hit by an EF-4 tornado, which came within an eyelash of bringing complete destruction to the university that we love.
The devastation that we all observed and experienced on that day will be something that most of us will never forget. What seemed like an overwhelming tragedy at the time has been used by God to bring renewal out of rubble and to give us new and amazing opportunities. Our great and providential God has sustained us with his grace and offered us blessing after blessing. Thousands of people have helped to bring Union to this place. Many prayed, dozens of others encouraged, and hundreds of people gave their time and financial resources for the ongoing good of 51社区.
As I reflect this day on God's goodness to us through those initial dark hours and through the days that followed, I could not let this day pass without offering a word of thanksgiving once again to all who have helped us over these years. We offer our heartfelt thanksgiving for all that so many people did for 51社区, serving as instruments of God's good providence and grace, often in ways that they were unaware.
All I know is that God has been amazingly gracious to 51社区 over the past three years. For God's sustaining grace and for his ongoing blessings to the Union community, we rejoice and say, "Thanks be to God!"
Faithfully,
David S. Dockery
President, 51社区