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Fall 2024 AU Magazine
Conformity, Transformation and the Renewing of Our Minds
If we’re thinking about transformation as a merely physical process, one we can only see—like the caterpillar into a butterfly—then we’re missing the bigger picture. Transformation transcends the physical realm.
Look deeper, and you’ll understand that transformation is integral to personal development. Indeed, it’s absolutely necessary.
Think of the journey from ignorance to knowledge, from fear to courage, and from division to unity. Think of every challenge faced and overcome, every new skill acquired, and every relationship built or mended. They all contribute to the ongoing transformation of individuals and communities.
Transformation has happened at Anderson University. It is happening at Anderson University. It will continue happening at Anderson University.
And that’s beautiful.
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind...
-Romans 12:2
The Apostle Paul wrote about it in his letter to the Roman church when he encouraged new believers “do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)
Our students are taking that to heart. Just think about those who were among the first graduates of AU’s Doctor of Education program last spring. Or the University volunteers who saw a need to transform, in just a small way, how we care for our student-athletes. Or how Anderson University is transforming the nature of Trojan Athletics by adding, for the first time in university history, a football team that began its first season this fall.
Change is happening in incremental ways because Anderson University has always embraced transformation in major ways. It’s why, along with the blessings of God, AU is now the largest private university in South Carolina. It’s why we continue adding innovative, industry-driven academic programs every year. It’s why we started a College of Engineering.
And it’s among the reasons Anderson University is such a special and energetic place. We’re never content to rest on the successes of yesterday, or simply applaud what we’re accomplishing now.
We are like the Roman god, Janus. We are simultaneously looking backward and forward – backward to remember our humble founding and wisdom lessons of the past, and forward to see possibilities and play our role in creating the future. We’re always seeking ways to renew our minds so we can please God and embrace his will for this wonderful University.
What form will our transformation take next year? In five years? In 10 years? Who can say?
What we can say, with utmost confidence, is that our core mission of knowledge and faith will never change.
True transformation can only take place when the people of God embrace the journey he has set before us–then roll up our sleeves to make it happen.
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Featured Stories
Educators, Educated. Ed.D. Graduates First Class
Among the more than 1,000 new graduates participating in Commencement last spring, the Anderson University College of Education celebrated its inaugural Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) graduating class, and it was extra special.
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Last October, AU finalized its acquisition of a 47,000-square foot facility in downtown Anderson that will serve as home to the Anderson University College of Engineering.
Paving Country Roads with Gold
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Founders Day Alumni Awards
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Timken Foundation Grant
A charitable investment of $250,000 from the Timken Foundation is a big boost to the University’s renovations of the College of Engineering facility in downtown Anderson
Fabric of AU
Dr. Jim Fereira
Dr. Jim Fereira has a Simple Goal: Help Students Become the Best Version of Themselves.
The AU Curling Team
For the Unofficial AU Curing Team, Serving is About More Than Just Mopping Floors.
Alumni Focus
One of the things that I love about Anderson University is our commitment to excellence. There are many times in life as followers of Christ that we may feel like we are faced with a choice of a secular option or one with an intentionally Christian emphasis. We exceedingly find ourselves in a situation where we can bring ourselves down to the societal narrative that plays into this “less than” mentality.
Spotlights
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.
