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Fall 2023 AU Magazine
Fall 2023 - Uncommon Unity
It should come as no surprise that in the final hours before allowing himself to be arrested, subjected to a sham trial and ultimately sent to his death, Jesus spent most of his time in prayer.
He prayed in the upper room and in the Garden of Gethsemane. And, of course, he prayed while hanging on the cross itself—his final “amen” a sigh of overwhelming relief and ultimate triumph: “It is finished.”
One of those prayers—delivered at the last supper—informed the theme of this edition of Anderson University Magazine. John, the Beloved, is the only disciple who recorded it for us; theologians have dubbed it “The High Priestly Prayer.” Turn your attention, if you will, to the last few sentences John records—the part in which Jesus doesn’t just pray for those select 11 men in the upper room, but for all believers then… and in the millennia to come:
The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one. I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one...
God the Father answered God the Son’s prayer.
How do we know? One way is by reflecting on the history of Anderson University. Look back over the years and you’ll find God’s favor written all over our shared story. One of the many reasons is that our campus community has intentionally embraced the unity for which Christ prayed. We’re not always perfect, of course. But we take seriously the idea that our Heavenly Father desires that we are unified.
We hope you’ll see that reflected in these stories. In our Q&A with new Trojan men’s basketball coach Jimmie Williams, you’ll see how he embraces unity as a core tenet of his program. Consider also the profile on Rev. Clayton King, whose long-standing relationship with Anderson University is likewise built on a shared purpose between his organization—Clayton King Ministries—and the University’s mission of educating the next generation of Christian thought-leaders. You’ll read about Sam and Tom Thrift, whose unified vision helped literally build Anderson University into one of the country’s best institutions of Christian higher education. And you’ll read about how Anderson University students are demonstrating that the love of Christ is the way to healing division among people with different backgrounds and experiences.
Thank you for taking the time to read these stories—and for joining us in embracing the kind of unity that only God can bring.
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Featured Stories
Meet Trojan Men's Basketball Coach Jimmie Williams
Coach Williams is preparing for his second season at AU, ready to build on what he’s learned about the University, his program—and himself.
Designing the Future
Gabrielle McKittrick knew she wanted to be an interior designer the minute she stepped foot on Anderson University’s campus.
Gospel-Centric Remembrance & Reconciliation
AU students in our College of Arts and Sciences spent last semester creating documentaries focused on the lives of five victims of racial violence in the city of Anderson. It was their contribution to the Equal Justice Initiative—but, more importantly, to “the cause of Christ in the world.”
Are You Ready for Trojan Football?
Campus does not look the same as it did just one year ago. Here is everything you need to know to get ready for September 2024—the first season of Anderson University Trojan Football.
Mindful Maintenance: AU's Approach to Spiritual & Mental Health
While higher education’s main goal is to enlighten students through academia, it’s also a vital time to develop habits of healthy living, both physically and emotionally.
Fabric of AU
Dr. Clayton King
What people learn from Clayton and Sharie King is Jesus. Why He came. What He did. Who He is. That, in a nutshell, is the purpose of Clayton King Ministries (CKM.)
Sam & Tom Thrift
Chances are, few Anderson University students know the names Sam and Tom Thrift. But campus wouldn't look the same without them.
In memoriam: Dr. Melvin Younts
A transformational giver, Dr. Younts will be celebrated, remembered and his legacy of giving felt for many years to come.
Jason’s Column
Anderson University was founded in 1911, but the institution’s rich future was set into motion long before that. There have been so many different people that have played roles in the formation of Anderson into the institution it is today, and those stories are what makes everything so special about this place.
Save the Date
Register now! Homecoming and Family Day will be right here in Anderson, SC on October 28, 2023.
Join us in starting new traditions as we have our very first black and gold football scrimmage in the history of AU. We will also have games for the kids, homecoming court, and some southern BBQ. Registration is now open. Reserve your wrist band below.
We can’t wait to see you!
New Cybersecurity Master's Program
The Anderson University Center for Cybersecurity has introduced a fully online master’s degree program to better prepare professionals to meet mounting challenges in the field of cybersecurity.
College of Engineering Appoints New Dean
The Anderson University College of Engineering has a new leader. Dr. Lisa Zidek, recently named dean of the College, comes to Anderson University with extensive experience in engineering education, most recently at Florida Gulf Coast University.
Philanthropy & Estate Planning
For information about giving to AU or setting up an estate gift, contact Associate VP of Philanthropy and Estate Planning Johnna Shirley at jshirley@andersonuniversity.edu or call her at 864-622-6079.
