and the people who overcome them - McMurry University

From thePresidentDear McMurry Alumni and Friends:As I introduce this issue of the Chieftain, I am reminded ofa verse from the book of Isaiah:“Though the Lord gave you adversity for food andaffliction for drink, he will still be with you to teach you.You will see your teacher with yourown eyes, and you will hear a voicesay, “This is the way; turn aroundand walk here.” Isaiah 30:20-21(NLV)No person or institution willinglyseeks out adversity, but most wouldagree that our reaction to adversityhelps define our character andstrengthen our resolve to succeed.And as the verse from Isaiahpromises, we will not be alone.In this Chieftain, you willmeet three individuals—a McMurrystudent, a professor and a longtimecoach—who have faced adversityand come out stronger for theexperience. Whether their battlewas against a physical illness or a lifechanging problem, these individualspersevered through the storm and emerged stronger.We also will be introduced to Dr. David Blackburn, whohelped many of his students overcome difficulties whilehere and prepared them to succeed after moving on fromMcMurry. I think you will be inspired by their stories.The current world economic situation has causedmany individuals and institutions to deal with financialadversity and McMurry University is not exempt fromthese trying economic times.This is not the first time McMurry has faceddifficult trials. Pride of Our Western Prairies, the bookoutlining McMurry’s past, relates a number of instanceswhen McMurry faced difficult times—from the suddenpassing of our first president Dr. J.W. Hunt, to survivingthe Depression years and the loss of students duringWorld War II. But with the help of the McMurry family,the University has always come through the difficultiesstronger than before. McMurry will face and conquer thesetrying economic times as well andwe will come out on the other sidestronger and more prepared for thefuture.Despite the current economicturmoil, McMurry University mustcontinue to fulfill its role amongtoday’s colleges and universities byoffering a unique experience to itsstudents. We accept our challenge toenable McMurry to remain skilled inits mission of educating students andsincere in its passion for nurturing andshaping students.Our efforts today will prepare usas an institution for the 21st century.We will be offering more distinctiveeducational experiences that willprepare our students for a challengingworld. They will have the skills theyneed to gain and apply new knowledge throughout theirlifetimes. The progress that we are making today will havean impact that will span the entire century.I will close with a quote from Dr. Barbara de Angelis:We don’t develop courage by being happy every day. Wedevelop it by surviving difficult times and challengingadversity.With Warm Regards,John H. Russell, President