new church life: jan uary / february 201 4
its best, enrichment and advancement come when multiple perspectives are
brought into respectful and mutually enlightening dialogue. This fostering of
intellectual dialogue and cultural appreciation has been important throughout
history. It takes on new importance, however, in a world where political and
cultural strife so pervasively undermine stability and values.
“At the College this year, students from 18 states and 12 nations, and from
many backgrounds, economic classes, races and religions are studying the
Word, applying it to their fields of study and lives, and engaging with faculty
and one another on the big questions about meaning and purpose. They
are learning, questioning, doubting, striving, recommitting and becoming
transformed. It’s called New Church higher education. It demands best efforts
and better selves, and it makes lasting truths relevant in a changing world. Our
students are moving through our halls and out into the world with profound
experiences and teachings, and the helpful chiseling down of ego that allows
each of us to discover a hidden and more human form. As we become more
fully human individuals, we are better able to fill our role in the grand human
and the eternal scheme.
“When our students graduate they carry with them powerful experiences
and the conviction that how they live matters; that they are born to develop
their unique talents, minds and loves; and that working with others to build
the Greater Good is the New Jerusalem descending.”
anc secondary schools earn accreditation
Jim Adams, Managing Director, Academy Secondary Schools
At the Middle States Association meeting on October 3, 2013, its commission
voted to award the Academy Secondary Schools re-accreditation, effective
December 1, 2013 to December 1, 2020.
We had a very successful visit with the MSA Accreditation Team, which
was on our campus April 8-13 to evaluate the schools. Here are some highlights
from their visit:
• The team clearly recognized the “family atmosphere” in our school.
• They found that the atmosphere and day-to-day operations occur in
an environment that promotes mutual respect and dedication to the
academic and extra-curricular life of the schools.
• Our teachers were recognized as true professionals and role models
for our students.
• The team was genuinely impressed by the friendly nature and
demeanor of our students. “All students look you in the eye, shake
your hand, and they are well-mannered, mature and confident.”
• It was clear to them that our students recognize and appreciate that
72