Dr. Maurer stepped back from the podium. Though he had officially become the president of Sterling ten months before, the installation was a ceremonial induction into the Sterling College family. Together with the audience he sang the Alma Mater: Sterling, all hail to you; your name we love, Holding the Word of God all things above. Queen of the Kansas plains, ‘neath skies of blue, Our Alma Mater dear, we sing to you. Teach us to know the good and love the right. Teach us to follow truth thro’ darkest night. May God’s rich blessing fall on all you do. Our loyal hearts we pledge, Sterling, to you.
And the benediction, prayed by Dr. Henry Lederle, served as a final reminder of the inaugural focus: “Gracious and most loving Lord, at the close of our ceremonies we come once more to ask Your blessing. We have gathered today with gratitude to install a new president. Fill him, we pray, with life abundant; grant him wisdom, vision, and foresight; bless him with deep faith, vibrant hope and caring love. Make our beloved college count on these Great Plains, in this land, and even further afield. We have thoughtfully reflected together this morning on the daunting task of shaping the lives and souls of the youth of the future as we strive to hold ‘the Word of God all things above.’ How will they know, if we do not go? Equip our students to live missional lives, to be Your serving hands and feet in this needy world. Heavenly Father, grant that we may be rooted in Your revelation and truth; Gracious Jesus, grant that we be renewed through probing a Christian perspective on all of life; Holy Spirit, grant that we rise toward the future through Your empowering presence, transformed, resilient, and robust in our faith to work in the service of Your kingdom. This we humbly pray, in Christ’s name, Amen.”
Clockwise: The Sterling Chorale sings “How Will They Know (A Festive Proclamation of Hope),” a song written by Associate Professor of Music Dr. Brad Nix. The Maurer family from top: Paul, Joellen, Elizabeth, Sarah, Daniel and Jon. Matt Ehresman ’10, president of the student government association, offers Dr. Maurer words of welcome on behalf of the students. photos by
Ashley Dowgwillo
Winter 2010 • 7