See Asbury.edu for more details on Asbury’s transition to a university

WILMORE, Ky. -Special chapel services, new signage, 2,000 purple t-shirts, banners and a 1,500-person group photo are drawing attention and excitement in celebration of Asbury University day on March 5, 2010.

On Monday, March 1, Dr. Victor Hamilton, a retired Bible and Theology professor, addressed the Asbury community during Chapel. Deriving inspiration from the Old Testament story of Hagar’s interactions with an angel, Hamilton delivered a message that challenged the Asbury community to reflect on their individual journeys by pondering two questions: “Where have you come from?” and “Where are you going?”

Referencing several Old Testament figures, Hamilton also stated that every time someone is renamed, that person became hopeful, encouraged and inspired. Considering this week to be Asbury’s “Horizon Week,” Hamilton expressed his excitement for Asbury and its members with the name change. “Not only do I believe that the Lord has the world in His hand, but I believe He has this school in his hand, and I believe He has you in His hand,” he said.

Also, early in the week contractors replaced the Asbury College directional signage located across campus. Other familiar objects, like banners, business cards and printed documents, have also been updated to replicate the new name Asbury will officially begin bearing on Friday. Even Asbury Theological Seminary has joined in the celebrations by displaying a banner congratulating the College as it becomes a University.

On Wednesday, March 3, Dr. Sandra Gray, delivered a message during Chapel. Before speaking, Gray had the honor of bestowing the very first two Asbury University t-shirts by shooting them out of an air gun into the student body.

During her message, Gray conveyed her excitement by bringing the desires of a past president into present-day reality. In a written address to the Asbury community, Gray clearly states that a change in name provides an accurate reflection of Asbury. “We also recognize Asbury College began as Kentucky Holiness School but that name did not long reflect the broader nature of who she had become,” she said.

Now leading the way for the institution to receive its second change of name, Gray vowed that the commitment to academic excellence and spiritual vitality would remain the same as the institution’s motto. In her letter, Gray additionally wrote that we have been called to excellence by understanding and becoming more of who Christ really is. “This is more than a strategic direction; it is a spiritual mandate,” she stated. Read more of Gray’s letter to the Asbury community.

After Chapel, Gray met with students, faculty and staff interested in a Question and Answer Session over lunch in the cafeteria. Meanwhile, students, faculty and staff were all encouraged to pick up their free Asbury University t-shirt. The Admissions Office and the bookstore also sold old Asbury College t-shirts and other clothing attire at discounted prices to make way for the new Asbury University merchandise coming soon. All campus has been invited to wear their new t-shirts on Friday to help usher in and be a part of this historic change for the institution.

On Friday, March 5, Israel Gaither, a Board of Trustees member and a Salvation Army Commander, will address the Asbury community during a formal declaration when Asbury will be officially become a university. Faculty will be dressed in full regalia and Chapel will be conducted and organized in a traditional setting. During the Chapel service, the new Asbury University campus sign will also be unveiled to the community.

After Chapel, all students, faculty and staff who wear their new t-shirts will have a chance to gather on the steps of Hughes and smile for the camera for a group picture. Later in the day, from 3 to 4:30 p.m., Gray has invited all of campus to celebrate Asbury’s change to a University with a reception in the Student Center.

Learn more about how Asbury will now function as a university starting March 5.