President Bill Robinson captivated an auditorium filled with faculty, staff and students in what will likely be his final Founder's Day Convocation address, last Thursday.
Robinson used a passage from 2 Kings 23 to illustrate the importance of studying history. In that passage, King Josiah read the newly rediscovered laws of Moses to the people of Judah, and they renewed their covenant with the Lord.
By studying history, as the people of Judah did, people can better understand the choices that brought them to where they are today, Robinson said.
“Where we’ve been guides us in where we should or should not go,” he said.
Robinson announced last fall that he will be stepping down in his role at Whitworth at the end of the current school year. He described the success of Whitworth over the past decades by reflecting on how Whitworth has carried out its mission through the years by “walking the narrow ridge.”
He said the university, like Josiah and the people of Judah, needs to choose faithfulness to God despite the consequences that may occur.
“My highest hope for Whitworth is to continue to be faithful to God’s mission,” Robinson said.
Before Robinson’s message, Dale Soden, professor of history and vice president for planning, presented a slideshow highlighting Robinson’s years as president of the University.
Using pictures from the past and present for emphasis, Soden discussed three things Robinson has not changed during his time at Whitworth: the university’s mission, its emphasis on the importance of community, and its effort to embrace those who are different.
Soden also described how Robinson’s tenure has differed from past presidents.
“He’s a lot more fun,” Soden said, drawing chuckles from the crowd as he displayed the austere profiles of the university’s founder George Whitworth and several past university presidents.
Soden added that Robinson’s passion for excellence has caused the university to expand instead of simply 'making do' with what was available. Robinson has also inspired the faculty, staff and students to be more charitable to others, Soden finished.
Robinson, who had been asked to reflect on his time at Whitworth, said he could not think of a single instance to sum up his time at Whitworth. Instead, he reflected on how God’s grace has guided him each day, throughout his tenure as president.
“There have been challenges that were way too much for me [to handle],” he said. “But God’s grace brought us through.”
He said he also saw God’s grace in Whitworth’s people.
“My best reflections [of my time at Whitworth] are in my relationships with students and faculty,” Robinson concluded.
Contact Morgan Feddes at morgan.feddes@whitworthian.com.
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