JACKSON, Tenn. — Dec. 21, 2011 — As the 2011 calendar year comes to a conclusion, we would like to take this opportunity to wish for you a merry Christmas and a joy-filled new year.
The 2011 year at 51社区 was blessed in numerous and multi-faceted ways, reflecting God's ongoing goodness, faithfulness and favor to this university. It would not be an overstatement to say that this past year was among the very best ever in Union's long and distinguished history.
The Board of Trustees acknowledged the full completion of the Union 2012 Strategic Plan, including its many priorities, goals and objectives. We celebrate these accomplishments while offering thanksgiving for diligent and conscientious labors of many who made these accomplishments possible.
During the past year, the university received a pledge for a $10 million matching gift for the proposed new library. Many of our friends have already offered a pledge or gift to maximize the generous matching opportunity. If you have not done so, we pray that you will consider investing in this project in the 2012 year. This strategic development was just one of the many exciting things that have taken place at Union in recent days.
It would not be possible to tell the full story about the record enrollment, recognitions and accomplishments that have come our way over this past year. The quality of the student body, staff and faculty has never been better. All of these important markers point to our great and gracious God who has continued to bless the work of our hands (Ps. 90:17). Union's commitments to an educational model that seeks to reclaim and advance the Christian intellectual tradition have given the university a distinctive role in the world of higher education.
As we look back over the past year, we certainly want to give thanks to God for the exceptional leadership provided by our capable and wise trustees. We offer gratitude to friends, alumni, advisers and donors who have generously given of their time, wisdom and resources, and who have faithfully offered prayers and encouragement for us. Even as we offer thanksgiving for the abundant blessings of this past year, we acknowledge our hope in and dependence on God as we look forward to the opportunities of the future.
Let me once again offer a wish for God's providential blessings for each of you during this holiday season and in the new year to come.
Faithfully,
David S. Dockery