TORCH Winter 08.qxd - Lee University

90 Years ofPROGRESSDedication of a new $5 million structure accentuatesLee’s commitment to religious education.BY CAMERON FISHERON JANUARY 1, 1918—90 years ago—Lee University began as Bible TrainingSchool (BTS) with 12 studentsand one teacher enrolled for a threemonthterm of ministerial training.On November 7, 2008, the Lee University School ofReligion was officially dedicated with a celebrationincluding a prayer, litany, ribbon-cutting, and tributesto those who made the $5 million building possible.Lee’s evolution of ministerial, pastoral and religioustraining which began with BTS led to the establishmentof Bible Training School and College twentyyears later in 1938 when the school relocated toSevierville, Tenn. Upon returning back to Cleveland tothe current campus in 1947, BTS and College becamesimply Lee College. A Division of Religion was formedin 1968, while the establishment of the present daySchool of Religion became reality when Lee became auniversity in 1997. Commenting on Lee’s growth from12 students in 1918 to over 4,100, President Conn statedat the ceremony, “even though much has changed,the heart of Lee remains the same.”The November 7 dedication completed anotherchapter in the yet unfinished Press Toward the Markcapital campaign. Originally scheduled to raise $25million, the goal was upped to $30 million earlier thisyear. So far, the campaign has funded a renovation ofthe Walker Arena, construction of a new health clinicand Leonard Center, scholarships, a campus-wide computerinfrastructure upgrade, campus acquisitions suchas the former Mayfield Elementary School and theconstruction of the School of Religion. On the oppositeside of campus, construction is heavily underwayon the capstone project, a new science and math complex(see article this issue, page 12).Dr. John Nichols cuts the ceremonial ribbon at the dedicationof the new School of Religion building with President Connand his wife, Darlia. Behind is Board Chairman Darrell Rice.8 TORCH • Winter 2008