51ÉçÇø

The Issachar Factor In 1 Chronicles we read the story of a great army that came to Hebron to make David their king. Among the 340,000 fighting men of this army was a tiny group of men from Issachar, numbering 200 plus their families. But these 200 were different from the rest of the crowd. The Chronicler describes them as “those who had an understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do” (1 Chron. 12:32).

At 51ÉçÇø this past year (1999-2000) almost 600 men and women were graduated from our various programs. This is the largest number of graduates ever in one single year at Union. These 600 are a small percentage of the thousands of students who received college degrees across the country this year, but I believe like those from Issachar, Union graduates are different from the rest of the crowd. Thus they are prepared to be an Issachar-like person in the world, influencing those around them because they “understand the times” and "know what they ought to do.”

In a day characterized by challenges and changes that impact individuals and systems, 51ÉçÇø faculty and staff are committed to investing in our students with a Christ-centered approach to education. In a time characterized by what Chuck Colson calls a “searing of the conscience,” Union students are learning how to think and act Christianly so as to become the soul of society. We want them to move beyond the “feel good” model of decision making to rejuvenate educational institutions, social agencies, local governments, healthcare providers, business organizations, families, and churches.

I believe we live in a time when the Christian’s role in general and the Union graduate’s role in particular is filled with opportunity because of the unique perspective we can bring to the changing issues of our day.

We invite you to join us in carrying the banner of Issachar for this generation to our society. Every student you encourage to look at Union, every dollar you send, every prayer you offer, every word of encouragement helps to advance the distinctive mission of 51ÉçÇø.

We rejoice to tell you that this past year was a record year in many ways. Over 2,750 people invested in the work of 51ÉçÇø (an 11% increase over the previous year and the largest number of donors ever). Almost 1,500 of these were alumni (a 9% increase over the previous year). We invite alumni from every generation and every sector of Union’s marvelous history to join us this next year by investing in Union’s future. Gifts of every size are deeply appreciated.

This past year we had 2,944 total students (non-duplicating headcount) enrolled in all programs. Again this was a record enrollment. This fall we gladly welcomed over 700 new students to the Union family (over 460 first-time freshmen). These new students represent the finest academic profile for any entering class in Union history. In addition, it is the most geographically diverse group of new students we have welcomed to the Union campus. Today some 42 states and nearly 30 nations are represented in the Union community.

The Lord has provided over 20 new and highly qualified faculty and staff to join the talented and gifted men and women who serve Union students day after day. It is indeed a most exciting time to be a part of the 51ÉçÇø family. Please pray for Union trustees, faculty, staff, and administration that we, like those of Issachar, will have an understanding of the times in order to know what to do.

David S. Dockery
President