SPRING 2026 17 A Legacy of Faith DBU CELEBRATES 60 YEARS IN DALLAS Nearly a century ago, two men hiked through the quiet hills of southwest Dallas and paused at a spot overlooking Mountain Creek Lake. As they took in the view, they knelt together and prayed that God would one day establish a Christian college on that very hill. Thirty years later, that prayer was answered with the founding of Dallas Baptist University. This year, as DBU celebrates 60 years in Dallas, the campus came together for Founders’ Day, honoring that vision with a special convocation and community festivities. Students, faculty, and staff assembled in the Chapel for worship led by DBU Chapel Worship, along with scripture readings and prayers from Provost Dr. Norma Hedin, Director of the Ph.D. in Leadership Studies Dr. Mary Nelson, and Senior Vice President Jonathan Teat. The University’s scripture, Jeremiah 29:11, was read as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and His guidance over both the present and future of DBU. Former DBU President and current Chancellor Dr. Gary Cook reflected on God’s faithfulness throughout the University’s history, sharing personal stories and scriptural truths that have shaped DBU since his presidency began in 1988. Drawing from Psalm 90 and James 1, Dr. Cook emphasized the importance of seeking wisdom, numbering our days, and trusting fully in the Lord’s guidance. When he first arrived at DBU, the University faced a significant financial crisis and uncertainty about its future. During that season, Dr. Cook sensed God’s call to establish a culture of prayer, believing DBU’s success must rest on faith rather than human strength. This commitment became a defining foundation of the University’s renewal. He reminded attendees that DBU is, and must always remain, the Lord’s University. He encouraged students and faculty to pass on the faith to the next generation, as Psalm 78 commands, that they “would put their trust in God and not forget His deeds.” “All glory and all praise,” he said, “goes to the Lord Jesus, who has taken care of us from the beginning.” DBU President Dr. Adam C. Wright then reflected on God’s continued faithfulness and shared a vision for the University’s future. Referencing the recent demolition of the historic Strickland Building, Dr. Wright reminded the community that while buildings change, DBU’s Christcentered mission remains steadfast. He unveiled renderings of the future home of the Don and Linda Carter School of Business, which will bear the inscription, “THE BUILDER OF ALL THINGS IS GOD.” Dr. Wright centered his message on the guiding formula that has shaped DBU since its founding: “ora et labora,” Latin for “pray and work.” Drawing from the life of Saint Benedict, he encouraged the DBU Family to integrate prayer and diligence into every part of life. “Prayer without work,” he explained, “becomes empty dreaming, and work without prayer becomes meaningless striving. When the two come together,” Dr. Wright said, “transformation happens.” Later in the day, the celebration continued in Pilgrim Chapel’s Ford Foyer, where the campus community enjoyed the International Pepsi Break, T-shirt printing, specialty DBU Coffeehouse drinks, and a cake-cutting ceremony commemorating the 10th anniversary of Jim and Sally Nation Hall. As DBU celebrates 60 years in Dallas, the University looks to the future with the same faith that first brought it to life, the faith of two men who knelt on University Hill and prayed for a Christian college to stand in that very place. Rooted in prayer and guided by God’s provision, the DBU Family remains steadfast in its mission of producing Christ-centered leaders and continuing to be the Lord’s University.
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