The semester will officially begin Monday with opening ceremonies in Moody Coliseum. Students and faculty will gather to partake in this traditional welcoming of new and returning students and faculty.
Students who arrive on time and stay for the entirety of the program will receive two chapel credits, said Mark Lewis, assistant dean for Spiritual Life and Chapel programs.
University Events planned the opening ceremony to include time-honored campus favorites, such as the reading of Paul’s Sermon on Mars Hill and the Parade of Flags, which celebrates the diversity on campus.
The ceremony will include an address from Provost Dr. Jeanine Varner and performances by the Big Purple Band as well as the Grand Chorus, said Event Coordinator Jennifer Ellison. President Dr. Phil Schubert will be the featured speaker for the second year.
Last year’s opening chapel centered arround Schubert’s presidential inauguration and his goals for the university. This year Schubert will share the university’s vision for the 2011-2012 school year, Ellison said.
“It’s just going to be kind of a charge to the students as well as faculty, staff and alumni who are in attendance,” Ellison said. “It also focuses on our traditions and our promise.”
ACU’s customs are the core of opening chapel and aid in identifying the makeup of past, present and future Wildcats.
“ACU is ultimately founded on tradition and a deep heritage,” Ellison said. “I think for us to continually start the year off that way is a reminder of those that came before us.
One tradition in particular has been carried on since 1906.
“Before we have the scripture reading of Paul’s Sermon on Mars Hill, we will sing “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name,”‘ Ellison said. “That has actually been sung at every opening chapel since the beginning of ACU.”
Tuesday’s chapel will also incorporate this semester’s chapel theme, Spirit/Flesh with focus on passages from Romans, Galatians and Colossians.
Lewis said his goal for chapel is to prepare young Christians for the future.
“Our aim this year is to have messages that speaks into the lives of students, providing answers and direction for the present, and preparation for one day launching from ACU to be Christian servants and leaders,” Lewis said.
