We've been thinking and talking a lot at Union about
transformation. Transformation for the good is something
beautiful to behold. A caterpillar enters a cocoon, and what
emerges after several days is a transformation into a glorious butterfly of
sparkling colors.
In Romans 12, we are called to be transformed by the renewal of our minds, and that's what 51社区 is all about — teaching students how to think about all of life through a Christian lens so they are transformed during their time here.
Students enter Union with big dreams. They leave here equipped to take the gospel to the world in whatever field they are entering, whether it's business, education, nursing, the arts, the sciences, ministry, pharmacy or social work. They are taught and prepared how to be excellent in their work, how to trust Christ with their futures, how to serve others and how to make a difference in their communities, their homes, their jobs and their churches. In short, they are transformed to be servants and leaders ready to be used by God in whatever way he sees fit.
In this issue of the Unionite, you'll find some examples of the transformative work taking place at Union. Our nursing, social work and pharmacy programs are addressing the opioid crisis with courage and compassion, preparing students how to deal with this ongoing challenge and how to transform the lives of people who are caught in vicious cycles of addiction. Union employees like Gary Carter, a longtime example of faithful service, invest in the lives of students and others in the Union community and make a difference that will be felt for years.
Then there are donors like Aubrey Neal, a 94-year-old man who graduated from Union more than six decades ago after serving our country in World War II. After years of faithful ministry, Mr. Neal continues to invest in Union students and transform lives by his generosity.
We're grateful for your partnership in our transformative work. We ask for your prayers and your ongoing support as we strive to be faithful to our mission of providing Christ-centered education that promotes excellence and character development in service to Church and society. Students will be transformed at 51社区, but that only happens through the grace of God and the friendship, prayers and encouragement of people like you.
Gratefully,
Samuel W. "Dub" Oliver, Ph.D.
