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From the President
Students have chosen "Live Out Loud" as this year's theme to greet new students to George Fox University. When I saw the theme I wondered if we really need more noise in our world. On further reflection, I find I not only like the theme, but that it has a powerful message for all of us.
Our environment already has enough sound. A visit to a George Fox chapel program would demonstrate that even our worship is done with more sound these days than used to be. A visit to one of residence halls would show further that the intensity of sound goes with this generation of university students wherever they are. These students don't mind telling others who they are and what they think. Contemporary teaching methods are more geared toward group process - with student opinions and ideas being considered more strongly than when I was in school.
"Live Out Loud" is not about "loudness" or intensity of sound. It is about life. An important characteristic for our students is authenticity - are you real, does your life show who you are? This theme asks for action, not necessarily sound. It fits the George Fox student body well. It reminds me of the culture of service I find in our students. It reminds me of their willingness to be seen and heard appropriately. Even though I am from a past generation, I find it easy to interact with our students. They cross generations rather well.
The theme also leads me to ask myself whether I live out loud. It is common for me to be in places where it would be easier to blend into the picture rather than to make a statement for Christ and "stick out." Where are the times when I should act or speak and I choose not to because it wouldn't look right, or because it would not be considered "cool" in that particular setting? Followers of Jesus have always been challenged to be authentic, to be real, to "Live Out Loud."
It has never been more important for believers to let their lives live out loud than it is today. George Fox University students have chosen to challenge each other to be real, to be Jesus people in today's world. I intend to support this theme to the best of my ability, both with my statements and my behavior.
I am proud to be associated with George Fox students - your children. My commitment is to provide the highest quality of Christ-centered education, enabling them to "Live Out Loud" in today's society.
Dave Brandt
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