For approximately 1,600 University of Mobile (UM) students and more than 10,000 alumni, the phrase “Changing Lives to Change the World” is more than a saying mounted on the wall in Weaver Hall.
It is a challenge to use their education and God-given talents to glorify their Creator — and to create a world where God is glorified.
Mark Foley, who will celebrate the 10th anniversary of his presidency at UM in February 2008, said his vision for the university is that it will always continue to be “a place that prepares men and women to be exceptionally competent leaders in their fields who are confident and capable of carrying their passion for Christ unapologetically into the world of work.”
Foley said the university’s mission is important “because it matters in the lives of students, as well as the lives they impact through their careers and community.”
“Throughout the years, UM has contributed to the economic development of our state and region by graduating leaders who not only excel in their careers but also demonstrate its traditional values.
“As this new academic year begins, our faculty and staff are focused on providing a superior educational experience that will produce graduates with the confidence and conviction to stand for what is right, excellent and godly in all that they accomplish,” he added.
The president said his focus for the university’s future is to continue to develop the campus in order to provide the facilities and programs to attract students and produce outstanding graduates.
“My vision is for the continued planned development of this wonderful school — building a student center, adding residential housing, finding the resources to provide more scholarships — always driven by the idea that we are producing men and women who can change the world,” he said.
During The Walk, the candle-lighting ceremony that annually welcomes the freshman class to the university, Foley challenged the new students to make their mark in the world, just as are recent graduates now in law school and medical school, managing businesses, educating children or serving in churches and on the missions field. “To be effective, you must be confident, knowing that you have mastered the body of knowledge required by the degree you earn,” he said.
“You must know how to think, know what you believe and why you believe it and have the courage and integrity to live according to those beliefs. Finally you must have the willingness and the skill to use your influence in appropriate and effective ways to change the world.” (UM)
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