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The Softer Side of David Brandt

By: James Tchalemian, Senior

Dr. David Brandt, the 11th president of George Fox University, is set to retire June 30 after nearly 40 years in Christian higher education. Since his arrival on campus in 1998, many positive changes have taken place. The campus has grown from a student population of 2,345 to 3,185. We have observed an academic restructuring that included the adoption of the position of provost and the dividing of the university into six schools. And we have watched as 11 undergraduate majors were added to the curriculum.

Under Brandt's leadership, George Fox also has expanded its campus borders and taken on several building projects, including the $7 million Stevens Center (2001), the Le Shana Residence Hall (2006), and the renovation of the Hoover Academic Building (2006). In addition, the university has expanded to new sites outside Newberg, including Clackamas County and Redmond, Ore.

The list of Brandt's accomplishments, accolades, and achievements - both to George Fox and Christian higher education as a whole - is extensive. His dedication to George Fox has never been understated and, while our campus will never be the same as a result of his presidential guidance, it isn't just these areas of academia for which he will be remembered.

There is yet another side to Dave that the "doctor" in him couldn't teach. Yes, he is highly educated with a doctorate in physics, but that isn't what makes him special to those who work with him or who study under the tutelage of his administration. It is a softer side of Dave that has made him a favorite to those who call George Fox University home.

Most recently during a chapel service on campus, in an introduction given by our president and vice president of ASC, Scott Mackey and Jeremy Snyder, Brandt was compared to Paul Bunyan, the Western American fable giant. While this may be an exaggerated illustration of his stature laced with the semblance of this tall tale's characteristic fearlessness, it may not be too far from the truth. Perceptually speaking, the students have seen a strong, courageous man whose actions and attitude resemble that of our plaid-wearing and axe-wielding hero. In fact, the person they have truly seen, through this servant's heart, is the example of God's only son, Jesus Christ.

What Dave may be remembered for most is the establishment of Serve Day, an annual event allowing all members of the university community to demonstrate the message of Jesus Christ through a full day of service to Newberg and the surrounding areas. Each year at the opening of the event, Dave is seen wearing his multi-colored, tie-dye shirt to kick off the day of service. This day could be seen as an opportunity to be noticed publicly or to raise awareness of our school's community contribution; however, I believe it is fueled by the love of Christ as well as the call to serve those in need.

So what is it that makes Dave so endearing? Maybe it is his great big smile that seems to illuminate even the gloomiest of days, or possibly it is his ridiculous bright tie-dye shirt that he dons faithfully each Serve Day. Whatever it may be, it is sure to be said that the unbridled love of Christ is purely evident in the spirit of Dr. David Brandt and is sure to leave an indelible mark long after he has gone.