The inauguration of Dr. Bill Jones is highlight of Homecoming 2024

The inauguration of Columbia International University President Dr. Bill Jones as CIU’s eighth president highlighted the Homecoming 2024 weekend filled with celebration and reunion. Alumni from all over the world made their return to CIU’s campus, mingling with old friends and meeting current students and faculty. 

Jones, who also served as CIU’s sixth president from 2007-2017, received warm greetings from faculty, alumni and students as part of the inauguration ceremony. Among them were Seminary & School of Counseling Professor Dr. Zhiqiu Xu and Student Body President Joel Baumgartner. 

“We believe that you are the answer to our prayers,” said Xu, referencing the careful process of the Presidential Search Committee. 

“We believe in your ability to lead in integrity and passion, and to foster an environment of knowing God and making Him known,” added Baumgartner quoting from CIU’s motto.   

The inaugural address, given by Tobin Cassels, the president of Southeastern Freight Lines, Inc., offered insight into Jones' character and impact on other people. Cassels spoke of Jones’ gift of evangelism and passion for discipling other men through Bible studies that include marketplace leaders and government officials. 

“Until you are under Dr. Jones’ teaching, you will never appreciate the giftedness that God has put on him, not only for one-on-one evangelism, but for leading men in Bible study,” said Cassells, who has also served as a CIU Board of Trustees member.

In his inaugural response, Jones was quick to credit the administration and faculty for the recent success of CIU, which continues to rise in the annual U.S. News and World Report college and university rankings.

“That is the grace of God, and the result of a hardworking team, a faculty that compares to none, and an incredible student body,” declared Jones. The new president also affirmed the CIU mission statement and core values, promising to instill them in students to impact the nations for Christ. 

A number of dignitaries were on hand to congratulate Jones including South Carolina U.S. Congressman Joe Wilson who has known Jones for several years.

“Bill is such an inspiration, and then to have Tobin Cassells make such a wonderful presentation, it’s just so heartwarming,” Wilson said. “I’m so grateful to see the success of CIU — the enrollment — to see the impact that CIU has on the people of the United States and in foreign missions.”

View the entire inauguration on CIU’s Facebook page. 

HOMECOMING PRESIDENT’S BANQUET 

Later that evening, Jones was joined by supporting friends, faculty and alumni at the Homecoming President’s Banquet that included a performance by the CIU Ambassador Choir.

In his Banquet address, Jones emphasized keeping CIU focused on its mission: “CIU educates people from a biblical worldview to impact the nations with the message of Christ.”

“We will not compromise … at least as long as I’m here,” said Jones, while giving a nod to former CIU presidents in attendance. “I’m following in their steps. And any variation of staying on track would be an insult to the legacy they have left.”

MORNING DEVOTIONAL 

The alumni enjoyed a more intimate setting the next morning while listening to a devotional from pastor and popular Christian author Rob Morgan, a graduate of  the Class of ’74. His message centered around the encouragement of 2 Corinthians 4:16, where the Apostle Paul reminds his readers that although outwardly, they may be wasting away, they are being renewed inwardly each day. 

“God renews us day by day so that we can do his work, day by day,” Morgan said. “This is how the Lord keeps us from discouragement.”

CLASS REUNIONS: Dish Pit Memories  

Reminiscing with former classmates is a natural part of every homecoming weekend. Sam Tuggy was celebrating the 40th reunion of the Class of  1984 and thinking back to his “buddy” Chet Bitterman, a Wycliffe Bible Translator, martyred for his faith in Colombia, South America in 1981. Tuggy said there was a humorous side of Bitterman. He recalled the two of them working in the cafeteria “dish pit.” 

“Chet loved to put his hand in the grease — good spaghetti grease or something like that — and then dip it in the tea bucket and with his hand like this —.” 

Tuggy held his hand straight up from the elbow and shaped his fingers like a claw.

“When the girls would bring their trays over he would see if he could make them jump!” Tuggy laughed boomingly. “He was a lot of fun.”

CLASS REUNIONS: Advice for current students

Cara Groene, class of 2013, was a double Psychology and Bible major. After getting her master’s degree in Social Work at Boston College, she now works at International Justice Missions, a nonprofit that focuses on anti-trafficking and anti-slavery efforts. 

She says she has “been blessed to use (her CIU) degrees in a way that honors God, loves people really well, and has a missional aspect,” adding that caring for people who are most vulnerable is something  she learned during her time at CIU. 

Groene says that after years of prayer that God would provide opportunities for international missions, she will soon be moving with her family to Italy where her husband is being stationed in the military. Her desire there is to bless the other stationed military families and reach unbelievers with the gospel. 

She is excited that since her days as a student, CIU now offers “practical degrees that are being used for God’s glory, (showing) that mission doesn’t have to look like ministry.” 

Groene also left a word of wisdom for current students: 

“Keep putting God first in all that you do and He will provide what you need.”

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