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.

DBU students, faculty, and staff gathered for convocation in the Chapel for worship, led by DBU Chapel Worship, and 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 how God continues to guide both the current and future plans of DBU.

Former DBU President and current Chancellor, Dr. Gary Cook reflected on God's faithfulness throughout DBU's history, sharing both personal stories and scriptural truths that have guided the University 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 school was facing a financial crisis and uncertainty about its future. In that season, he felt God's call to establish a culture of prayer, believing that the University's success must rest on faith rather than human strength. This commitment became a defining foundation of DBU's renewal.

Dr. Cook also honored the faithful faculty and staff who stood by DBU through challenging years, highlighting mentors like Dr. Fred White and Dr. Marsha Pool as examples of perseverance, faith, and Christlike service. He shared how their dedication and wisdom shaped both his leadership and the character of the institution.

As he concluded, Dr. Cook 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, just 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 throughout DBU's history and shared a vision for the University's future.

Referencing the recent demolition of the historic Strickland Building, Dr. Wright reminded the campus community that while buildings change, DBU's Christ-centered 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 also shared a powerful message centered on the simple yet transformative formula that has guided DBU since its founding, "ora et labora," Latin for "pray and work." Drawing from the life of Saint Benedict, he encouraged students, faculty, and staff to integrate prayer and diligence into every part of life, emphasizing that prayer without work becomes empty dreaming, and work without prayer becomes meaningless striving. "When the two come together," Dr. Wright said, "transformation happens."

Celebrating the University's past and looking ahead to the future, Dr. Wright called the DBU Family to remain faithful to the same formula that has shaped the institution for more than a century, trusting God's provision, laboring for His glory, and placing Christ firmly at the center of it all.

Later in the day, the celebration continued in Pilgrim Chapel's Ford Foyer as the campus community came together to enjoy activities such as the International Pepsi Break, T-shirt printing, face painting, specialty DBU Coffeehouse drinks, and a cake-cutting ceremony to celebrate 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 the 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 to produce Christ-centered leaders and continue to be the Lord's University.