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TMU’s celebrated its milestone year during its first chapel service of the year on Aug. 17. (Photos courtesy TMU) -
TMU President Dr. Emir Caner address the crowd during the chapel service
by Jenny Gregory
Special to the News
Penning the Baptist Faith and Message, honoring alumni and savoring cupcakes were all part of Truett McConnell University’s 75th Anniversary celebration during the first chapel service of the fall semester on Aug. 17.
The momentous occasion commenced with new faculty signing the Baptist Faith and Message, a demonstration that began in the fall of 2011. The public signing demonstrated their individual and corporate commitment to, and belief in, the confession as adopted in 2000 by the Southern Baptist Convention.
Faculty members who penned the statement of faith were Marty Carnes, assistant professor of business, Kimberly Downs, assistant professor of business, coach Sheena Johnson, instructor in STEM, Dr. Phillip Nott, director of library services and associate professor of Christian studies, Macy Slate, assistant professor of nursing, and coach Matt Smith, instructor of business and men’s golf head coach.
75-year celebration
Following the public signing, TMU Director of Alumni and Church Relations Dr. David Drake addressed the crowd by recognizing alumni who graduated from Truett McConnell in the late 1940s through 2020. Many graduates stood as each decade was announced, including “pioneer” Virgil “Junior” Hunt from the class of 1949.
The chapel audience then heard from TMU President Dr. Emir Caner as he shared how the foundation of the institution, despite the turmoil that was going on in the world during that time, was prayer and true biblical rest.
Referencing Hebrews 4, Caner said, “You will never find rest if you try to find it in this world. True rest isn’t about the joys of this world but finding satisfaction in the God who created you in His image, for His purpose that you would know Him and then make Him known.”
Concluding with verse 11 and 12 of Hebrews 4, Caner explained that Israel fell from the promised joy of God because of the disobedience of unbelief.
Caner continued, “The only way to find rest is to be diligent and trust fully in God’s word.”
“That’s why we were founded,” Caner added. “That’s why we are here. By the way, that’s why you are here.”
As he closed, Caner said, “the greatest way to celebrate these 75 years, is to glorify the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, the only One who can give you rest.”
Following the service, Marty Carnes, associate vice president of advancement, addressed those in attendance with an opportunity to continue the legacy of Truett McConnell’s founders with a donation commemorating the 75th anniversary. To learn more about thegiving opportunity, visit: truett.edu/give75.