By Benjamin Gerrald and Bob Holmes
Columbia International University students are set for a journey through the Scriptures in the 2026/2027 academic year, and it began with Convocation, dedicating the academic year to God and orienting the mindset of the student body toward serving the Lord.
Convocation began ceremoniously as the banners displaying CIU’s five core values were marched to the stage of Shortess Chapel along with the procession of the faculty who were greeted with loud applause from the students.
After Music Professor Bryce Thompson led the student body in the classic hymn “Holy, Holy, Holy,” CIU President Dr. Bill Jones presented the theme for the year: “A Journey Through the Scriptures,” specifically focusing on the eras of the Old Testament.
“We want to give you a journey through Scripture that allows you to recall not only the story of the Bible but also chronologically the stories of the Bible,” said Jones, describing his upcoming chapel messages.
“We want to help you to master the Word of God, so the Word of God can master you,” Jones added.
A closing prayer for the students included guidance that they “cast their cares on the Lord” this semester.
Of course, per tradition, the CIU alma mater was sung which includes the lyrics that focus on the students:
Of rare and costly marble, thy walls were never reared;
But sons and daughters faithful to whom His grace appeared,
Have ever been thy bulwark, thy rare adornment too,
Columbia, Columbia, our Alma Mater true!
There was a buzz of anticipation within the student body as they filed out the doors of Shortess, with sophomore Ethan Camp saying he is “excited for future president’s chapels.”
Hear the Convocation message from Dr. Bill Jones on CIU’s chapel podcast.
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