At the end of each academic year, I like to take a moment to reflect. Over the past twelve months, six particular highlights stand out:
1. Chapter Planting Cohort #1
By 2012, we hope to plant 100 new chapters on campuses around the country. In July, 2006, I greeted our first cohort of twelve chapter planters. I recall choking up a bit – the moment represented the high point of my presidency to date. Each of these risk-takers had accepted an assignment to launch a new ministry on a new campus.
Chapter planting is a two year process, so we did not expect significant growth after the first year. However, several of the new chapters surprised us, including:
- Wake Forest – 131 students (three graduate chapters)
- College of Charlestown (S. Carolina) – 40 students (undergraduate)
- U Texas at Pan American – 35 students (Latino chapter)
- Florida International – 30 students (Latino chapter)
- Towson State (Maryland) – 29 students (undergraduate)
- U Colorado – 25 students (graduate)
- U California Merced – 23 students (undergraduate)
- Youngstown State – 20 students (Black chapter)
Our second chapter planting cohort commences this month. I can hardly wait! Please be in prayer for the following campuses:
- Greek chapters at Clemson, Georgia, New Hampshire and Virginia
- Graduate/Faculty chapters at Emory, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Vanderbilt
- Undergraduate chapters at Bloomsburg (Maryland), Minnesota (West Bank) and the Columbia Art Institute (Chicago)
- Community College chapters at Fresno City College and Mesa Community College (San Diego)
2. Campus Access: Wisconsin and Georgetown
For over forty years, InterVarsity has had an active student group at the U of Wisconsin-Superior. In February, 2006, the university derecognized the chapter simply because student leaders are required to be Christians. After months of failed attempts to resolve the situation, the UW-Superior chapter filed suit in federal court.
While the Wisconsin case simmered in litigation, our ministry at Georgetown experienced its own trauma. In late summer, after thirty years on campus, we were one of five ministries derecognized by the Chaplain’s Office.
Thankfully, the year ended with both situations being resolved favorably. The University of Wisconsin regents adopted a new policy that permits religious and political groups to select student leaders based upon a particular viewpoint. The settlement included acceptance of our distinctives — in belief, conduct and character — as well as attorneys’ fees.
At Georgetown, a ten person task force recommended full re-recognition of our undergraduate and graduate chapters in late spring. I am extremely thankful for the maturity of our staff and student leaders as well as the role played by Georgetown VP Phil Boroughs, S.J.
3. Urbana 2006
In late 2004, I made the final decision to move the convention to St. Louis. After 55 years at the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana, this was no small matter. Thankfully, the convention was a roaring success with over 20,000 delegates participating.
Well attended curricular tracks included: Open for Business, International Students, Slum Communities, Arts and AIDS. In addition, 1,600 exhibitors, 1,200 pastors, and 400 special guests gave rave reviews to the event.
More significantly, over 3,500 students committed to serving in global or cross-cultural missions for at least one year. Historically, Urbana has had a huge influence on world missions, and this convention appears to continue that impact.
4. Vision Campaign
Over the course of our 66-year history, InterVarsity has never conducted a successful campaign. It is my prayer that this will be the first. This year, we conducted a Feasibility Study and presented a Case Statement to 35 key supporters. The Board recently gave a green light to proceed with a three-year campaign.
As we move to a more public phase this fall, I am thankful that roughly 30% of the current funding goal has already been committed and that another 10% is relatively firm. We are targeting four critical initiatives: (1) reaching more students, faculty and campuses; (2) evangelism; (3) leadership development; and (4) Urbana 2009.
5. Evangelism
Apart from 1982 — when Billy Graham led a student crusade at the University of North Carolina — InterVarsity has never experienced such a rich harvest of new believers. The past two years have been phenomenal with record numbers of students making first-time commitments. And, with 28% of our students as pre-Christians, we have an even greater opportunity to impact seekers.
6. New Staff
Every June in Madison, we host new staff for ten days of training. It is one of my favorite times of the entire year. This year’s class is our second largest ever. At 127 new staff, this represents an increase of 35 from the class of 2006. Their zeal of the Lord is palpable. Their love for students and faculty is contagious.
Glory be to God! He is alive and moving on campus.
