Dr. Phil Schubert challenged the ACU community to “outlive their lives” during his inaugural address Monday.
“The outlive your life principle gets right to the heart of our ACU promise,” Schubert said. “We make a promise that ACU will be a vibrant, innovative, Christ-centered environment that engages students in authentic, spiritual, intellectual growth equipping them to make a real difference in the world.”
Moody Coliseum was packed with students, faculty, staff, alumni and various guests from the Abilene community who gathered to welcome the new president and the new school year at the inaugural ceremony and opening Chapel.
The ceremony started like most opening Chapels with faculty, administrators and the presidential party filing into their seats wearing full academic regalia. They were followed by the traditional parade of flags featuring flags from 64 countries, 49 states and one Native American nation – all representing the places ACU students call home.
After Dr. Royce Money, chancellor, and Dr. Barry D. Packer, chairman of the board of trustees, presented Schubert with the chain of office, he started his address.
In the address, Schubert reminded the audience of the famous words spoken by Don H. Morris, 7th president of ACU. Morris said that ACU is no ordinary university. Schubert said this statement remains true today, and he assured the audience it would be true in the future.
Sharron Drury, member of the Board of Trustees, said she thought the ceremony went well and especially loved the way Schubert spoke to the future of the university.
“The scepter was handed down well,” Drury said. “What an uplifting time. I feel so blessed to be here.”
Marissa Stewart, sophomore biology major from Lamesa, also said she thought the ceremony went well.
“I feel inspired and ready to start a new year,” Stewart said.
Schubert ended his address by reminding the audience that the legacy is not in his hands, but the hands of the ACU community, encouraging the audience to rise to the challenge.
“Our mission is compelling, our promise is bold and our 21st century vision is clear,” Schubert said. “There is simply no room for mediocrity; we must bring our best to the table each and every day. God deserves it, the future demands it and the world is destined for it. May God guide our efforts, and may he continue to bless Abilene Christian University.”
