Homecoming 2020: Remembering the past, honoring tradition, looking to the future
οƵ Alumnus of the Year Dr. Danny McCain (Photos by Kierston Smith)
By Alex Brickey and Joshua Ford
οƵ Student Writers
Homecoming is about memories — especially those involving former professors.
“I got to put a pie into Dr. (Bryan) Beyer's face,” said Heather Christensen remembering one of the more humorous moments of her time at Columbia International University.
Christensen was among those who returned to the οƵ campus to reminisce with former classmates at Homecoming 2020. She graduated from οƵ with a bachelor’s degree in Bible in 1993 and master’s degree in Educational Administration in 1997. As Christensen mingled with friends she noted that the campus has changed quite a bit, but the important things have not.
“I like that they're still emphasizing the same core values,” Christensen said. “I loved the Chapel (and) I liked hearing godly speakers come and share their lives with us. I really enjoyed my friendships with the professors that I had.”
οƵ alumni representing nearly 50 years of οƵ heritage came from various parts of the United States and beyond.
was honored as the Alumnus of the Year. McCain, from the Class of 1974, founded the world renowned International Institute for Christian Studies (now ), initiating Christian studies projects, and recruiting and equipping Christian academics in public universities internationally.
McCain noted the impact of the late professor and former president on his call to 30 years of mission work, mostly in Nigeria.
God has given me the greatest profession in the world because I get to learn and seek out truth!” McCain said emphatically, talking about his time teaching religious studies at Joss University and establishing Christian education programs in public schools in Africa.
He also described being almost killed three different times during home invasions and kicked in the face because of the gospel.
“If you want lots of success, you have to have a lot of losses,” McCain said.
major Will Beers, a senior, called McCain’s address “inspiring.”
“The fact that he stuck with his ministry after a lot of persecution and hardships must have been really challenging,” Beers said.
The Homecoming Weekend also included a Recent Alumni Recognition Chapel. Shirin Taber, Eli Fader, CareySchlieke, Anne Gallagher, Emily Hall and Matt Simmonswere the alumni honored this year for their success in their respective fields of work after graduating.
Hall, who graduated in 2010,and Simmons, who graduated in 2001,were present in Chapel andshared how they got to where they’re at and the lessons they learned along theway.
“I surrounded myself with mentors and people who were wise counselors in my life,” said Hall who is a writer for the missions organization. “I was just so thankful for wise counseling from somebody who took the time to listen to my questions and answer them with a lot of wisdom and discernment.”
Meanwhile, at the annual President’s Banquet, reviewed the many blessings of the past year, including a record enrollment. He then looked to the future as he discussed plans for a Nursing program.
“Around the world the #1 need in missions is medical,” said Smith. “We can train students who know Jesus Christ, take the Good News, and be a missionary while they are a nurse.”
The weekend also included a music showcase, a global networking event for alumni and students, a disc golf tournament, fireworks and the annual οƵ Bowl football game — a long established tradition. There was one completely new event. The Physical Plant employees marched in a Homecoming parade in front of the Administration Building decorating their equipment for the occasion.
-Bob Holmes contributed to this article
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