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

16 Pages·2000·1.3 MB·English

by  Taylor University

Reflections on lives well lived
Special Edition
August2000
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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.
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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
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