An essay written by Dr. John C. Stevens in the 1977 Prickly Pear yearbook.

"I believe sincerely that the spiritual reaffirmation effort on this campus is the most vital program of all."

- Dr. John C. Stevens, President of ACU

There is really no need for Abilene Christian University to exist without its spiritual commitment. But with such commitment on the part of trustees, faculty, staff and students, Abilene Christian University can serve in a greater way from this point forward than ever in its history.

A few years ago I was visiting with the chairman of the board of a great foundation. I had asked for a substantial gift for ACU. I was shocked when he told me, "We have just about decided not to make any more grants to colleges and universities." When I asked him why, he replied, "By the time students get to college, they have turned against God, parents, country, religion, and morality. Therefore, we are thinking of making grants primarily to preparatory schools that we can reach students earlier, before their attitudes have hardened."

I raised the question: "Where will you get your teachers for the preparatory schools? Won't they have to be college graduates?" Thereupon we entered into a discussion for several minutes in which I assured him that a great many college and university students have not turned against God, parents, country, religion, and morality. In fact, I assured him that institutions like Abilene Christian University seek out students who wish to commit themselves to service to God and their fellow man.

Following our discussion, he invited me to proceed with the application for a grant, and some months later I was informed that the grant was being made.

I think it is a plus factor in speaking to prospective donors as well as prospective students to let them know that we believe in educating for Christian service. It is a source of confidence to know that such statements are backed up by trustees, faculty, staff and students who would not have it any other way.

This is not to say that we are boastful of our "goodness." We are all too aware of our shortcomings; but we know what we believe in and we must continually strive to back that belief up with action and accomplishments.

The life that is committed to Jesus Christ is a life which is infinitely worth living. A university which is committed to striving to help people see how to live that kind of life is surely worth preserving.

We want to do our very best to be that type of university.