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Taylor: A Special Publication of the Upland and Fort Wayne Campuses: Reflections on Lives Well Lived: Capturing the Keslers PDF

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Preview Taylor: A Special Publication of the Upland and Fort Wayne Campuses: Reflections on Lives Well Lived: Capturing the Keslers

Reflections on lives well lived Special Edition August2000 duturfm tkt \Ktsltrs Of wit and wisdom When Jay is speaking, the chapel is guaranteed to be packed beyond capacity, with students and staff taking a spot on the floor when seats run out.This was true for Jay's last chapel speech as president. His speech was the epitome of Kesler wit and wisdom, framing the serious matters of life in laughable words and giving us a glimpse into his heart as he prepared to retire from the presidency. "As a little kid," he told the audience members,"I was always the kind of person who thought 'my sisters will have their birthday, but won't have mine because I something will happen.'Yet, here am 64, almost 65, and I I've never missed a birthday. ...Janie and I have been think- ing about retirement and this kind of thing, and think I both of us thought,'We'll get gypped. I'll up and go toes ^' upjust before we get to gyp the social security people.' And now it doesn't look like that's going to happen. I think will frame that first social security check." I Jay has officially made it to retirement from the presi- dency without going"toes up," and now many members of theTaylor community, still laughing from Jay's quips, are rushing to offer tribute to the Keslers.There have been 1)Jay lends his supportto students helping move books tothe new Zondervan library in 1986.2) Janie andJay day-long celebrations, specially produced videos and CDs in Upland's Labor Day Parade. 3)Jay'syearsatYFC made him an authoritative professorforayouth missions and an endless stream ofwell-wishes.This special edition course. 4) Students and staffalike stood in honorofJay ofTaylor's magazine is yet another attempt to offer our at hisfinal chapel as president. 5)Tony Campolowith Jay.6) Chuck Colson withJay. 7) Janie enjoyingsome thanks while we also recount our fondest memories and recreation on campuswith grandson Luke Collins.8) Janie,Jay and Betty Freese atthe annualseniorcream- the highlights of the Keslers' reign atTaylor. ing.9)A balloon launch marked the celebration ofthe merger between Summit Christian College andTaylor. 10) Jay and sculptor Ken Ryden examine models ofthe Samuel Morrisstatues. / Urcd wett ircf When Jay Kesler first took office in 1985, he was met at the door by Helen Jones, a long-time Taylor employee and part-owner in the local funeral home. In ceremonious fashion, Helen removed a tape measurefrom herpocketand began to take Jay's measurementSj?5MiBs*i want to ^^^Z u''^eddi."gdiy. That casket has long gone unused, than he did at home, and simultaneously Bubar's comments are especially andinstead.Jayhasspentthelast 13years held a preaching pastorate at an Illinois appropriate for this salt-of-the-earth breathing new hfe into a university that church while serving with YFC. This leader who stands humbly at the apex of was struggling for air when he assumed small-town Indiana boy quickly rose to evangelicalism. From his early days as a the presidency. Today, the University the forefront of evangelicalism, with no student leader and evangelist to his later is in better financial shape than ever semblance ofself-promotion. yearsasanauthorandthepresidentofone before, withhigherenrollments,asecond Jay, a 1958 Taylor grad, quickly of the nation's most esteemed Christian campus,anacademicallystrongerstudent earned first place in the hearts of the colleges.Jayhasheldfirmtohisfaithand body and an unwavering commitment student body and faculty, who were able hiscommitments.Andholdingfirmtohis to the mission of educating men and to see that underneath his occasionally hand has always been his wife Janie, a women for service in the kingdom. Jay unpolished surface lay a truly first-rate quietleaderandconstantexampleamong would be the first to attribute these mind and an even more committed heart. those she encounters. accomplishments to the hands of God Fourdecades in the public's eye have not MORNING KINDERGARTEN and the hard work of many individuals. smoothedtheroughspotsthatmakeJay's Spend a few minutes watching Jay Most ofthose individuals wouldjump to personality and character so appealing and Janie Kesler, and you won't have to attribute Taylor's growth to the hands of to the constituency he serves. As Dan look too hard to see that after 43 years God and the heartofher leader. Bubar '01 said atthe May 13 celebration of marriage, there is still a noticeable AssumingthepositionatTaylorwas marking Jay's retirement from the spark in their relationship. Jay has been the only career change Jay ever had; he presidency, "We like your moxie, your quoted as saying she gets more beautiful spent 30 years working with high school passionforlife. We think maybethere'sa as years go by, and not many onlookers students atYouth forChrist, including 12 21 year-oldlockedinsideyoustill.You're coulddisagree. Somehowhe seemsmore years as president. Always an evangelist, still a little rough around the edges, a grounded when she's at his side, and he he often spent more nights on the road little salty." creditsherfaithfulsupportandcaretaking 3<tjLfrs as aprimary sustaining force throughout years.) As a young believer. Jay felt a his graduation. Jay and Janie lived in the his ministry. burning desire to enter the ministry. His Swallow-RobinResidenceHallforayear Born and raised during their early parents discouraged this, and he instead as Jay served as the resident director. yearsinthesametown.JayandJaniecould attended Ball State University, where his CALLEDTO PREACH say it was the South Bend public school leadership skills developed as he served Jay had been active on a part-time system that prevented theirromance from as freshman class president. After two basis with YFC for several years when starting at a much younger age. They yearsatBSU,thecalltoministrybecame friendsbegantoencouragehimtoward full- were students in the same grade level too loud to ignore, and Kesler moved 30 time ministry. Family friend Jack Daniel from the onset, but Jay was enrolled in minutes up the road to Upland, where he recruited him for YFC, and, he says, "I morning kindergarten and Janie went in enrolled as ajunior the same year Janie succeededbeyondmywildestdreams.God the afternoon. Had either been in the Smith enrolled as a freshman. definitely hadhishand in this." other's class, the Keslers" romance may Intheearlystagesoftheirfriendship. A natural preacher, by the age of have gotten a much earlier start. Instead, Jay told Janie their relationship was 24, Jay was called upon to lead week- theyneverkneweachother.Lateringrade purely platonic - a word Janie still long revivals targeting youth and adults. school.Jay'sfamily movedtothe country remembers looking up in the dictionary. It was at one of these revivals that Jay andJanie's movedto Mishawaka, Ind. After their paths met again at Taylor, met Paul Robbins, a 1960 graduate of The youngest offourchildren. Janie however, the relationship was quickly Summit Christian College (now Taylor spent much of her childhood and early redefined as something more. More than Fort Wayne) and current chair of the adult years caring for her sister Elaine, 40 years later. Jay often entertains Taylor Board of Trustees. Jay had been whose disability prevented her from students in chapel with stories from his asked to speak at an evangelistic crusade walking. Elaine died in 1985. Even now, courtship, includingtalesofstolenkisses in Bluffton, Ind., and Robbins, who was Janie fondly remembers her sister and in the front seat of his car. "We always in charge of music for the Fort Wayne counts heras herbest friend. put the Word of God between us." Jay YFC, was asked to arrange the music. ThroughhighschoolJaniewasactive jokes, "but more often than not it ended That was the beginning of a life-long withYFC and used her musical talent to up on the dashboard." working partnership and friendship that sing with a trio called the Joy has moved through upper levels ofYFC administration to the highest ranking offices at Taylor University. Even in those early days, Robbins was able to identify something unique in Jay's character that suited him for outreach to students. "I grew up in a ministry family and by the time 1 first heard Jay 1 had heard a lot ofpreachers," Robbins recalls. "But when 1 heard Jay explain the Scriptures and relate them to everyday life, I found them fresh and stimulating; it was something 1 wanted to ponder. I knew this was a young man who had a very special preaching gift." Thatspecialgift,whichJayidentified as a calling early in his life, led him aroundtheworldashespokeatchurches, crusades, revivalsandyouthconferences. ZiixarlBMRol^'"^"^''-""" Enptrom SamWolger. His work with YFC in Indiana led to YFCpreside,nts:JUavyK>e^d<^e>'r'',' Ted a position at the national headquarters, JorreyJohnson. TheKeslersmarriedonJune7, 1957, then in Wheaton, 111. Both Jay and Bells. Jay first saw Janie when she was andJaycompletedhis secondsenioryear Robbins moved up the ranks of YFC singing at a YFC event. They later met at Taylor while Janie worked at a local leadership: Kesler working in domestic through mutual friends. bank. Always a leader. Jay was a class ministry; Robbins working with YFC's WhileJaniewasraisedinaChristian president and an active evangelist with international outreaches. home. Jay's parents did not know the local chapters ofYFC. Janie played the A classic over-achiever, as his Lord. (Both accepted Christ in theirlater trumpet with Taylor's band. Following children call him. Jay balanced his work WOO S^H^.Kit atYFC with a preaching pastorate at the First Baptist Church in Geneva, 111., a position he began in 1970 and continued until the Keslers moved to Indiana. Janie was also an active memberatthe church, serving as a suiTOgate daughter to the men and women in the seniors ministry. The involvement in the church gave the family some stability, bringing Jay home every weekend for his preaching role on Sunday morning. AIRPLANE FUELAND EXCITEMENT During those years in Illinois, the Keslers raised three children, Laurie, BruceandTeni,whiletheRobbinsraised twosons.WorkoftencarriedJayfarfrom home, averaging over 250 nights away from home each year in his early days of ministry. jijysdeciicdtionsfrvueivaiaamiKc'rit'ifonuion, ,isboardiiieiiiuencijdrgc'dJiiywith Robbins recalls frequent trips to theprayerfulleadershipofTaylor University. O'Hare Airport in Chicago to pick one anotherup.'"Ourwiveswerekindoftravel virtually every domestic office. He which works primarily with high school widows," he says. "They were raising followed two otherTaylor graduates into students,toTaylorwasanaturalnextstep youngchildrenandtiyingtomakesureour the position of president. Ted Engstrom forJay, says Robbins. "It was the logical clothes werereadyforthe next suitcase so '38 served as YFC president from 1957 extensionofhow hehadalready invested we could grab ourbags andrun." to 1963: Samuel Wolgemuth '38 served his life." Jay lists among his few regrets that YFC from 1965 to 1973. when Jay Jay was asked to become the 28"' he wasn't present at the birth of any of assumed the position of president. Jay presidentonthedayofTerri'sgraduation. his children. "I was so busy trying to be His election to the presidency at Taylor the Holy Spirit rather than follow him," "I give a lot of credit to may have come as a surprise for some. he reflects. Mom, who didn't make us Withnoearnedacademicdegreesbeyond Janie and Robbins" wife Mary were feel lil<e Cod was tailing his 1958 bachelor's from Taylor, his left to manage the homes. "I think Jay Dad away." resume was much better suited for an and I feel that while we have very good evangelist and non-profit leader than an relationships withourkids, theirmothers left YFC in 1985 as the organization's academician.Hewas,ashecalledhimself were the dominant influence in their longest sitting president. in his inaugural speech, a "high mileage lives as young children." Robbins says. Following in the footsteps ofYFC's clergyman youthworker." It was Janie and Mary's commitment first evangelist. Billy Graham, Jay used What made Jay a viable candidate to the ministry that kept them going his lay-person approach to ministry to for the presidency? His intellectual gifts through the many nights alone with the open doors in denominational and para- and Christian commitment, along with children. "They saw keeping things church settings alike. Robbins believes his tremendous ability to communicate. together at home as their contribution to oneofJay'sgreatestcontributionstoYFC "Hehasoneofthemostinquisitiveminds the kingdom." Robbins says. may be the connections he developed many of us have ever encountered." "I give a lot of credit to Mom. who between organizations like YFC and Robbins says. "What is unusual is that didn't make us feel like God was taking Inter-Varsity, churches, and Christian his very inquisitive mind is harnessed Dad away." says the Keslers" youngest. universities. "He strengthened the bond to a very articulate tongue, a dynamic Terri (Kesler '85) Collins. "I felt sorry betweenthose fourgroups and helped us combination." for people whose dads came home at understand the necessity oflinking arms Jay has been called one of the last five o'clock. For me. Dad smelled like withsisterChristianorganizationstohelp greatgeneralists.abletospeakintelligently airplanefuel, excitement and the world." youngpeoplefromtheirjuniorhighyears about almost any subjectput before him. INQUISITIVE MIND,ARTICULATE right up through their university years Thisabilityhasbeenfosteredthroughhis TONGUE and into adulthood," Robbins says. voracious appetite for reading; he often Jay's tenure atYFC led him through Moving from YFC, an organization devours several books in a single week. ^m CiijibinKcike^tsltn Faculty members have noted that Jay always seems to know the developing issuesandcurrentresearchintheirfields. He has an uncanny ability to retain knowledge and apply that knowledge in surprisingly relevant ways. Though his vitalacksanearneddoctorate,fewwould dispute the soundness ofhis intellect. FIVE SMOOTH STONES Jay assumed Taylor's presidency in 1985 and was inaugurated in 1986. He addressed concerns over his lack of degrees in his inaugural address, titled, "Five Smooth Stones." "Like David of old," he said, "I cannot wear another man's armor. Experience in education and academic preparation should, in most cases, be the prerequisites for such a task. There is no ProvostDdrylYostcallshisn'Litionship withJaylikethatofJinunhunandDavul. sensitivity or reluctance to acknowledge this forthrightly. Lacking these, 1 reach Even more than being spiritual role bits ofwisdom from their favorite sage. intothe streambedofexperience to share models.JayandJaniehaveprovidedmore Jay is not the only one who has withyoutheguidingprinciplesthatserve than 5,000 students with an example ofa compared himself to David. Taylor's as my 'five smooth stones' for the marriagepartnershipbuilton faithinGod, provost.Dr. DarylYost,alsotheexecutive challenge ahead." trust in each other and lots of laughter. vice president of the Taylor campus, Thoseguidingprinciples-confidence "What other president do you see riding often says their relationship is like that in God, commitment to Christ, support a tandem bike all over campus with his of David and Jonathan. Yost has taken of the liberal arts, encouragement of the wife, or wearing pajamas at a Chnstmas responsibility for much of the day to faculty and belief in the human need for day business of the University while "What other president do relationships-have served him well; but Jay has built the school's reputation and like David whoonly needed one stone to you see riding a tandem bike endowment. "They complement each kill Goliath, Jay's commitment to Christ all over campus with his other because they're interested m probably wouldhavebeenenoughtowin wife, or wearing pajamas at different aspects ofadministration." says the adoration ofthe student body. Yost's wife, Joenita. a Christmas party?" "We swelled with pride to call you "When the books are written about our president," said Karen Muselman party?" askedJames Kutnow '00. the KesiereraatTaylor,"Jay says, "Daryl Thomas '87, whowasasophomorewhen The Keslers' playful attitude has deserves at least half the credit." Jay Jay came to campus. At the May 13 served them well among their students, calls his Jonathan a "steel covered celebrationThomasrecalledanearlytalk who take great pride in calling the marshmallow,"portrayingagruffexterior Jaygaveincampus, wherehechallenged president and first lady by their first but possessing a tender heart. students to begin their days with a time names. But Jay and Janie don't sacrifice WithDaryl athisside.Jayconquered ofdevotion, and asked them to hold him serious concerns for humor. Both have ' many ofthe giants that were threatening accountable to doing the same. Not long worked closely with students to mentor Taylor'sstabilityinthemid-80s.Dr.Steve after, a student met Jay while he waited and disciple. Together they've met with Bedi.Taylor's associatevice presidentof for an early morning flight at O'Hare couples preparing for marriage, and Jay academic affairs, recalledJethro's advice Airport. The student asked if Jay had has presided over countless wedding to Mosesin Exodus 18. "Thisthing istoo spent time with God yet that morning ceremonies. Janie is a faithful supporter heavy foryou," Jethro said, advising that and Jay admitted he hadn't. He later ofTaylorwomen,servingasthehonorary Moses seek the assistance of qualified confessed to the entire student body. chairperson of the Women's Seminar helpers. Jay took the same path. "You'd "He impressedand humbledus with committee and sponsoring a tea for rather put 1,000 men to work than do his integrity and honesty," said Thomas. graduating seniors. Their home has long the work of 1,000 men." said Bedi. This Fourteen other graduating classes of been a site of planned and unplanned approach brought results. students would agree. visits from groups of students seeking In Jay's 15 years at Taylor, the m ^MKltZOOO University has seen the creation of a like they were old family friends. strategic plan, a more stable fiscal "Hejusthas awayofmakingpeople environmentandadramaticimprovement feel significant and special," Simmons in enrollment. The University has added says. a second campus in Fort Wayne and GODANDTRUTH is actively developing distance learning Regular chapel attendees know Jay opportunitiesfornon-traditionalstudents. has a few familiarlines that most clearly The endowment has gone from $5.7 express his worldview and the lessons million to $35 million; one capital he wants Taylor students to know as campaignhasbeencompletedandanother they graduate. At the forefront of these stands at nearly $60 million, just $15 is the maxim that "God and truth are million short of its goal. In 1985 synonymous."Jay firstpronouncedthose enrollment on the Upland campus stood words from the auditorium stage at his at 1460; today, the campus is home initialchapelappearanceaspresident.He to 1891 students, with retention rates hasrepeatedthemmanytimessince,with of between 94 and 96 percent and a the supporting statements: waitinglistofotherswhowanttostudyin "Ifyou seem to discover something Upland. Students are more academically about God that is contrary to real truth, competitive as well. Only 85 students Progressiii twocapitalcampaignshasledto then you've misunderstood God," he were on the Dean's List in 1985; today, severalbuildingprojectsduringJay'stenure. said. "And if you find something about eachsemesterseesover600studentsearn truth, as it were, that seems contrary GPAs of3.60 orhigher. him say the same. "One of the greatest to your biblical studies, then you've Less easy to quantify but even more thingsaboutDr. Kesleristhatheinteracts misunderstood truth. God and truth are significant than an increasing endowment the same way whether you're a child synonymous. The intellectual adventure or erorollment is the University's spiritual or the president of the United States," isnotlikeafrightenedpersongoingdown status. Bedi, in a report to the Taylor says Alberta Miller, Jay's administrative the road, turning over rocks, afraid any faculty,gavecredittoKeslerforleadingthe assistant. "He sees all people as children minute something is going to jump out Universitytowardagreatercommitmentto ofGod and treats them the same." and eat God." the kingdom. "Taylor is more evangelical Hand-in-hand,theKeslershavespent than ever before," he said. "The manger, "Taylor is more evangelical theirlivesturningoverrocksandpreaching thecross andtheempty tomb mean more, than ever before. The thetruthofGodtheyfindburiedunderneath. notless, to us now." manger, the cross and the Jay, a true intellectual, has used his THEWILL ROGERS OFTAYLOR inquisitive mind and articulate tongue to empty tomb mean more, UNIVERSITY make that truth known around the world. As Jay's retirement from the not less, to us now." YFC, Taylor University, and countless presidencybecomesofficialandhemakes individuals are all the betterforit. thetransitiontothenewlycreatedposition Caroline Simmons, Jay's assistant Jay'slastchapeladdressaspresident ofchancellor,long-timefriends,coworkers before Miller, recalls one incident that at Taylor ended like his first - with a andstudents are scramblingto offertheir clearly demonstrated his congenial standing ovation. Jay, a little longer- thanks to a man whose commitment to personality. At the end of most of the windedthanhehadintendedtobe,closed Christianity intimately touches the lives conferences he speaks at. Jay will tell that first chapel with these words; "And ofso many. people that if they're ever in Upland, I'm grateful to be here and grateful you W. Richard Stephens, retired they should stop by Taylor University are, andGodbless.Andnow golike mad Greenville College president and Kesler and say hello. This made an impression toyournextclasssoIwon'tgetintrouble family friend, compared Jay to Will ononeyoungboy atafamilyconference. right off, okay?" Rogers, whose signature saying was, "I Months later, his family passed through Fifteen years later, it is the Taylor never met a man I didn't like." Jay Upland while on vacation, and the son communitywhoisgratefulheishere,and is much like Rogers: the same rough insisted on stopping to see his friend Dr. grateful we have been here to witness it. edges, the same salty .senseofhumorand Kesler. Simmons remembers watching We ask the blessings ofGod on both the off-the-cuff wisdom, the same dynamic theyoungfamilystepofftheelevatorand Keslers. And now. Jay and Janie, go like personality that works its way into your into the lobby ofthe president's office - mad to the next place God is calling. heartwith seemingly little effort. they had come by to say hello, just as -AmberL.Anderson Thosewhohaveworkedclosestwith Jayasked.Hegreetedthemwithsincerity CcatHri-M. tke^tfla-s changingclothes JanieKeslerknewthe firstthingshewantedtodoassoonas Jay's retirementfrom the presidency became official. "I'm going to put on a pair ofjeans and not take them off for six months," Janie told one Taylor faculty member. Both Keslers were presented with new Levis at the final faculty meeting of the year, a fitting tribute to a couple who has worn more ties anddress suits than eithereverintended. Retirement from the presidency may mean a change of clothesforJay,buthecertainlywillnotabandonhiscommitment to the University. After several weeks ofdiscussion, Paul Robbins, chair of the Board ofTrustees, Jay and incoming president Dr. David Gyertsonhaveoutlinedtheprimaryresponsibilitiesofthenewly createdchancellorposition, whichJay will fill. "As the chancellor. Jay is going to primarily be an ambassador-at-largefortheUniversity,"saysRobbins."Hewill use his tremendous speaking skills in all kinds ofsituations to helpbuildbondsbetweenpara-churchministries,localchurches and universities. He'll be helping families understand why Christian highereducation is so important to young people of today." In addition to serving as Taylor's chancellor. Jay will Jayalsowillworkclosely withGeneRupp, vicepresident increasevisibilityfortheUniversityastheCCCUspokesperson fordevelopment, tocomplete the$75 million capital campaign for Christian higher education. The Council for Christian begunduringhispresidency.Thecampaigntotalscurrentlyrest CollegesandUniversitiesnamedhimastheirthirdDistinguished just short of$60 million; funding for several building projects SeniorFellowearlierthisspring.AspartofJay'sresponsibilities, remainsincomplete, as does the initial fundingforthe planned theCCCUisproducingaformatforanationwideradioprogram KeslerStudentActivities Centeron the Uplandcampus. thatwillpromoteChristianhighereducation,hostedbyJayand "I'll spend a lot of my time working with Gene on the its presidentDr. RobertAndringa. Capital Campaign," Jay says. "I'll also be available to David Jayalsowillcontinuehisindividualspeakingengagements. [Gyertson] forpersonal support and love." "If we honored every request, he'd be busy every weekend Though he anticipates taking a six-month sabbatical from until theendoftime,"saysAlbertaMiller,Jay'sassistant. Janie the campus, allowing Gyertson the opportunity to settle in may not allow that to happen, unless she can wear her Levis. as president. Jay won't quit working. "I -AmberL.Anderson don't want to lose my momentum," he says. Jay and Janie have recently moved into their newly built home on the edge ofUpland. The home provides the Keslers with continual reminders of their beloved university: much of the wood working in the house was hand-milled by Jay, using logs cut from Taylor's Upland campus. Sit in tfie sanctuaries ofsomectiurcties on Sunday morning, and you'll find ttie message metwitfi acfiorus of "amens!" when tfie preacfiersayssometfiing tfie congregation affirms. Ttioseenttiusiastic "amens" are undeniably presentwfien Dr. Keslerand Dr. Gyertson gatfierfora discussion. Dialogueflowseasily betweenTaylor's pastand currentpresidents, in part because oftfieirsfiared faith in Christand their mutual commitmentto Christian highereducation. ON THE CHANGES IN THIS GENERATION OF STUDENTS Dr. Kesler: l thinknio.sioftliestudentsthatwei'eherewhenI\v;isastudentwerefirstgenerationcollege-students,andgenerally fromblue-collart\peworkingfamilies.Now,ourTaylorstudentstendtocomefrommuchlargersecond-generationfamilies;there hasbeenagreatdealofupwardmobilit)'financiallywithintheculture,towherethet\picalpersonlivesamuchbetterlifethanthey didthen.Therefore,theexpectationlevelismuchhigher Wehadonetelephoneforinstance,when Iw;lsastudent,tomakelong-distancecalls.Andweneverusedit becausewedidn'thavemoney. Loiig-tlistancew;lsconsideredaluxuiyWehadadormwithonerecordplayer init.Wehadonetelevisiononthewholecampus,locatedintheSwallow-Robin lounge. Nowyoucanblowthe circuit.sin anydormbecauseeveiyonehasstereos,televisions. Sothechangeisthattheyoungpeoplehavemovedwithculture;culturehasbecomemoretechnology orientedandexpectationsaremuchhigher.TheideaofentidementfillsculturestodayWehadnostudent CO financialaidoncampuswhen Icame.Youwereexpectedtohaveajoborsomethinglikethat.Thenwiththe Gl l-iill, PresidentJohnsondecidedthate\'en,'bodyoughttobeabletogotocollege.Sothosearebotheconomic changes. |):L\id,there:ireprobablymanyotherthingsyouwanttoaddtothat. Dr. Gyertson:Todaysstudentsbringmoreburdenswiththemtotheircollegeexperiencethanpre\ious generations.Manyaretheproductsofbrokenhomes.Whentwasincollege,achildofasingleparentfamily U Iwassomewhatofanexception.Nowamuchhigherpercentageofstudentsarefromsingleparentorblended families.Withthatcancomealotofbaggage,withhigherlevelsofpersonalneed. Howeveritcanprovide unprecedentedopportunitiesforseriousexplorationoftruthandeffecti\ediscipleship. Oneconcern Iseeisanincreaseinthepercentageofyoungpeoplewhohaveexperiencedabuse.Whatthis meansforChristianinstitutionslikeTayloristheneedtoprovideamuchgreaterlevelofserviceinareaswhere, CO justadecadeago,wewouldhavedeniedstudentsrequiredsuchhelp.Ourcounselingandcampusministn' serviceshaveexpandeddramaticallyThegoodnewsisthatasweareeffectiveinaddressingtheseneeds,anew generationofwoundedhealereispreparedtoreachahurtingworld. Dr. Kesler:Academicintensityisanotherthing. Ican'trememberveryrnanystudentswhen Iw:tsin schoolwonyingabouttheir(IPfVs, Peopledidn'tknowwhataGPAwas.Theydidn'ttalkaboutit,atleastin mygeneration,which isbeforethe'60s.Thejokewemakenowisthatateachercomesintoaclassroom andsays, "Goodmorning," andthestudentssay "Willthisbeonthetest?"Theyaresoconsciousoftesting andcompetition. Dr. Gyertson: I agree,Ja\'..Anotherdistinctiveofthisgenerationofstudentsisthattheytendtobemuch morecomfortablewithcompartmentalization.OneofourgreatestchallengesasChristianeducatorsistohelp studentsunderstandtheneedforafullyintegratedlife.Somecanlivever\'intenselyforJesus,inworshipand serviceforexample,butseeminglynotstrugglewithalackofintegrit)'orconsistencyinmattersofplagiarism,testing,honorcode violationsandthecontemporaryculture'semphasisonviolenceandhumansexuality. Dr. Kesler: itseemstomethatthestudentswhoarecomingtodayaresointothegracefactor,sointotheloveofGodfactor, th:ittheperfiirmanceidea-theideathatthereissomesortofperfomianceexpected,.somelordshipaspect,holinessaspect-ispretty much aminoritvthought amonggeneralyouthtoday Dr. Gyertson: Well,you'vehitit. I thinkwhatwe'reexperiencingwithsomeisthelackofasenseofpersonalresponsibilityfor Oi thoughtandbehavior.Ourgenerationneedstomodelandexpectcostlydiscipleship...awillingnesstoassumepersonalresponsibility and, asaresult, accountabilit)'forlifeinallareasunderChrist. Dr. Kesler:Youknow,tochangethedirectionjustalittlebit,onethingthatoccurstomethatisquitedifferentaboutstudents todayisthattheydon'tseemtohavetheceilingorthelidontheirlifethatwehad.Atleastinmygeneration,youcouldn'taspire. Today'sstudentsreallyhaveahighself-esteem.Theyfeeldieyactuallycantakeontheworld.Theycanrisetothetopofindustry, entertainment,politics,whatever.Theyhaveamuchbetterformedself-esteemthanwehad.Welivedinaculturethatwasmuch moreclassconsciousandyoucouldn'tescapethat. Dr. Gyertson: ThesestudentsplaceaveryhighvalueontrmisparencyTheywanttobefreetobeopenaboutthemselves. Theyvaluethatin theirpeel'sandtheirleaders.Oneofthereasonsthat [Dr.Kesler's] presidencyhashadsuchagreatimpact atTayloristhesensethestudentshavewith [him] that"whatyouseeiswhatyouget."Thereisnohiddenagenda.JayisJay Ccabiri}i& tkt3\tslo

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