The inauguration of Dr. Bill Jones is highlight of Homecoming 2024
November 6, 2024
By Brandon Lee, Shoshanna Crompton, and Bob Holmes
The inauguration of Ƶ 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 ProfessorDr. 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 Ƶ’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.
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,aWycliffe BibleTranslator,martyred forhisfaithinColombia, 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.”
“Chetlovedtoputhishandinthegrease — goodspaghettigreaseorsomething likethat — andthendipitintheteabucket andwithhishandlikethis —.”
Tuggyheldhishand straightupfromtheelbow and shapedhisfingers likeaclaw.
“Whenthegirlswouldbringtheir traysoverhewouldseeifhecouldmakethemjump!” Tuggylaughedboomingly. “Hewasalotof fun.”
CLASS REUNIONS: Advice for current students
䲹ҰDZԱ,Ǵ2013,ɲdzܲPsychologyԻBiblemajor.Aftergetting her master’s degree inSocialWorkatBoston College,shenow works atInternationalJusticeMissions, a nonprofit that focuses onanti-traffickingԻanti-slaveryefforts.
She says she has “beenblessedto use (her CIU)degreesin away that honorsGod, lovespeople really well, and hasamissionalaspect,” adding that caringforpeople whoaremost vulnerable is something shelearned duringhertimeatCIU.
Groene says thatafteryearsofprayerthat God wouldprovideopportunitiesforinternationalmissions, she willsoon bemovingwithherfamilytoItalywhereherhusbandisbeingstationed inthemilitary. Her desire there is to blesstheotherstationedmilitary familiesԻreachunbelievers with the gospel.
She is excited that since her days as a student, CIU now offers “practicaldegreesthatarebeing usedforGod’s glory, (showing)thatmissiondoesn’t havetolook likeministry.”
Groene alsoleftawordofwisdomforcurrent students:
“KeepputtingGodfirstinallthat you do and He will provide what you need.”
Higher learning. Deeper faith. A Christ-centered community on campus and online.or request information on enrollment at CIU by contacting Admissions at (803) 807-5024 oradmissions@ciu.edu.