Issue link: http://denverseminary.uberflip.com/i/1314073
Can we just call 2020 a "mulligan," pretend like it never happened, and take another shot at this year? An unprecedented convergence of crises has created one of the most difficult periods I can ever remember. But God doesn't do mulligans. He redeems. He doesn't call us to forget a tough year and pretend like it never happened. He wants us to remember, to reflect, and to find Him in the midst of it all, walking with us, sustaining us, guiding us, and providing for us. When we began the 2019-2020 school year last fall, we had no idea what awaited us. I remember a morning in mid-March as the pandemic was spreading with seeming disregard for anything we could throw at it, financial markets were crashing, and a crushing uncertainty had fallen over everything we held dear, I had no idea what to do. I just cried out to the Lord for help. In that moment of utter dependence I sensed Him saying to me, "Just make one decision and trust me in it." That became our approach throughout this year. No matter how complex the issues may be or overwhelming the challenges ahead seem, just make one decision and trust the Lord in it. Because we have been making more of our programs available online, we were able to transition all of our classes in the spring into remote delivery modes. As a result, we had very few students who were forced to withdraw. In April, we decided that all summer classes would be delivered remotely, and we had the highest summer enrollment in our history. With all of the changes we faced, none of us knew how our community would respond. But what we saw was the students, faculty, and staff at Denver Seminary facing challenges, adapting to change, being open to difficult conversations, and remaining flexible during this season that was set before us. This President's Report provides a snapshot of the work that we have accomplished this year as well as a glimpse into the many ways we have continued to lay the foundation for the future. Indeed, we have continued to find God in our lives and work during these times of unprecedented change and challenges. I believe Denver Seminary will be a better institution because of this year, not in spite of it. We're learning. We're adapting. We're committed to pursuing our mission because we still believe, perhaps even more so, that it matters. Mark Young President A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT " I believe Denver Seminary will be a better institution because of this year, not in spite of it." ''