Shaping the Future
This has been a very special year in the
life of Wayland Baptist University. We have
looked at our past to celebrate the ways in
which God has blessed us and provided for
this institution of higher learning.
Wayland's story is truly an epic in its scope
and impact. The school came very close to closing
on at least two occasions. But with our Lord’s
help and our friends’ support, dreams have
become reality again and again and again.
This year of remembering, however, has not
been an attempt to escape the complexities of
the present and/or the challenges of the future.
It has simply been a year of celebration and
reflection – a time of remembering who we are
and from Whom we have come.
And the simple truth is, we have already
begun the process of taking the first steps of
the Second Century at Wayland Baptist
University-and the journey is already exciting!
Thank you for walking with us. Your partnership
has not only blessed our past, it encourages
and empowers us for Wayland's future.
When Dr. James Henry Wayland helped
birth this school in 1908, he probably never
imagined the world-wide impact this little family
on the High Plains of Texas would have. If
he were in our midst today, I believe he would
be proud…and grateful. In reality, James
Henry lives on in our midst, because the
dreams he had for Wayland are still the
strong and sure foundation upon which the university
continues to be built.
Thanks again for your love for this university.
Your support makes Christ's ministry
through WBU possible. What a wonderful
future we have in God's Hands…
Dr. Paul Armes, President, Wayland Baptist University System
The Past is Prologue
Much of 2008 was spent preparing for and beginning Wayland’s Centennial Celebration. The special events have been enjoyable as we have reminisced with old friends. But they have also been humbling as we have learned so much about the great faithfulness of God to this university over the century and the ripple effect that one small West Texas school can have on the world.
Overall, 2008 was a blessed year both in commitments from our donors and accomplishments on our campuses. Here are just a few of the highlights:
- The Pete and Nelda Laney Student Activities Center opened in January for the students and has become a popular spot for socializing, fitness and recreation.
- The Wayland Mission Center hosted mission trips in Summer 2008 to Macedonia and Kenya to formalize its role in organizing missions experiences for students.
- Wayland’s International Choir and the Lubbock Christian University choir perform Mozart’s “Vesperae Solennes de Confessore K. 339” at both schools, the first such effort.
- Longtime science professors Dr. Harold Temple, Dr. Gerald Thompson and Dr. J. Hoyt Bowers were named Professors Emeritus after retiring.
- The first bachelor’s degrees were granted in Kenya, with eight earning the BA.
- Country singer Jimmy Dean and wife Donna jumpstarted the Capital Campaign with a $1 million gift to Wayland.
- The statue of founder Dr. James H. Wayland was dedicated outside Gates Hall in the James and Eva Mayer Foundation Heritage Plaza.
- Students and employees join forces to build a centennial Habitat for Humanity home on the WBU campus in three days.
(To read more about Wayland events, visit the News Pages for archived stories by month.)