Dear friends,
Is anyone among you in trouble? Then that person should pray. Is anyone among you happy? Then that person should sing songs of praise. (James 5:13, NIV)
The message of Christmas Hope is pulling me forward toward the coming new year. I envision a new chapter in the 158-year-long story of Roberts Wesleyan University. Why? Challenges and pressures in the world of Christian Higher Education have pressed me to pray, earnestly and sincerely. But when I reflect on the year that is ending and all the markers of success we’ve shared, all the celebrations we’ve enjoyed and all the new (and newly re-assigned) talented leaders, my heart overflows with praise and gratitude, and my hope is refreshed. I am so grateful for answered prayer.
I am happy to share with you some of these markers and milestones (listed on the following pages) and I hope that reading these highlights will also inspire you to praise the goodness of God.
As you celebrate Christmas and the New Year, I pray that you and your family will be blessed and encouraged. Thank you for your regular prayers and faith in God moving among us here. We remain hopeful for the future of Roberts Wesleyan University and Northeastern Seminary, and for the continued encouragement of answered prayers.
God is able to do far more than we could ever ask for or imagine. He does everything by his power that is working in us. Give him glory in the church and in Christ Jesus. Give him glory through all time and for ever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV)
Sincerely,
Dr. Rupert A. Hayles Jr.
President of Roberts Wesleyan University
& Northeastern Seminary
2024 Institutional Milestones
- Merger, Spiritual Vitality - The successful embedding of Northeastern Seminary within Roberts Wesleyan University, was made official on June 30, 2024. The rootedness and depth of experience of the Seminary has already infused new life into spiritual formation initiatives. Our students are engaged, curious and responsive. Their stories of spiritual transformation are both humbling and exhilarating.
- Office of Mission Integration - A new organizational resource for sustained leadership of accountability, consistency and integrity of our mission, serving all campus departments, under the direction of Chaplain Gerald Coleman.
- Education for Character, our motto since 1866, has never been a more accurate description of our purpose, nor more relevant to the needs of our world.
- Welcome JP Anderson as Interim Vice President for Enrollment Strategy and Marketing!
- Fall 2024 was one of the largest giving periods in the history of Roberts, securing over $8M in gifts from various individuals, organizations and foundations!
- Tom Golisano unrestricted gift of $5M -- Golisano previously gave gifts to Roberts Wesleyan of $7.5 million for its Golisano Community Engagement Center and $5 million for its Golisano Library. With this gift, he has given over $17.5 million to Roberts Wesleyan University.
- An anonymous donor blessed us with an unexpected $2.3 millionpledge fulfillment, including a $1.3 million unrestricted gift.
- Federal grant of $399,330 through the Department of Justice's Office of Violence against Women. The grant will support our work of building a safe and supportive learning environment for our students.
- Women's Giving Collective A group of women came together in November to celebrate the Women’s Giving Collective. The event highlighted the Collective’s ongoing efforts and successes, including raising over $50,000 and awarding 19 scholarships to deserving students.