Solidarity at Homecoming 2013

The movement of “solidarity” that President Thornbury initiated at The King’s College swept through the 75th Anniversary Homecoming Celebration on November 8 and 9.

“Not only has President Thornbury shown dedication to the staff and faculty, but after seeing our President make an effort to be present among the student body, reach out to alumni, and attend to parent/family relationships, it’s no wonder that Dr. Thornbury has gained so much favor from the King’s community,” said Jordan Caruso ‘14.

Over 150 alumni attended the 75th Anniversary Homecoming Celebration events at our campus on Wall Street. The Manhattan Alumni reception brought out over 100 attendees on Friday night. President Thornbury attended the event and stayed for over three hours to meet our newest graduates.

“The story of The King’s College is very often the story of slings and arrows of outrageous theological fortune. It is a miracle that The King’s College still exists and is dedicated to the mission to which it has always been called,” said Dr. Thornbury.

God’s favor and the institutional commitment to the full development to students at The King’s College is more than enough reason to celebrate our 75th anniversary.

“There is a lot of anger, negativity, and despair out there in people who share our worldview. But we will not be party to a ‘Chicken Little’ worldview when Jesus is Lord,” said President Thornbury. “And here’s why The King’s College is important: we are in Manhattan where the most important decisions about the future of the planet are happening on a daily basis. I think as the Lord blesses us and we succeed in being competitive in this environment, we become a symbol of hope to the rest of the nation.”

After refreshing alumni on the mission and vision of The King’s College, Dr. Thornbury turned it over to the Alumni Association to present two distinguished members with awards.

Steven French ‘80, who graduated from Northeastern Bible College, was awarded Alumnus of the Year for his contributions to the College and his work with Lifework Leadership.

“There is no doubt our efforts to prepare leaders is critical to the shaping of culture. Yet my ultimate hope is that leaders would be focused on being ‘fully present’ where they are and with whom they serve. I trust my acceptance of this award would challenge leaders to seek neither promotion or prominence, but rather enjoy the journey of preparation as they follow Jesus,” said French of his work.

Richard Sparling ‘76, another graduate of Northeastern Bible College, received the Charles W. Anderson Awardfor full-time vocational ministry. Recipients of this award embrace Northeastern Bible College’s vision—Christ for a Lost World—through a life of faithfulness, sacrifice, and pioneering spirit. The award is named after Northeastern’s founding president, Charles W. Anderson.

“I know that whatever God has accomplished despite my involvement has been the result of His working through me. I am grateful that He has helped me to be faithful to Him, and I am actually embarrassed to receive an honor better suited to so many others. Dr. Anderson was a godly man whom the Lord used in the lives of countless people, mine included,” said Sparling.

After the alumni award ceremony and a guided tour of the Financial District, alumni and students met at Chelsea Piers for the annual alumni-student soccer game to close out homecoming weekend.

“This year’s homecoming game was my last time playing on the students’ side of the field, but I look forward to playing with the alumni in the future,” said Peter Flemming ‘13, who currently serves as Student Body President. “It was a bittersweet game since I have many memories from the King’s soccer team and will certainly miss representing the school as a student athlete, but I enjoyed getting on the field and having fun with my teammates and the alumni.”

After sixty rousing minutes on the field, the students pulled off a victory over the alumni for the second year in a row.

“I loved seeing the community on display, as alumni reconnected with each other and connected with current students all weekend,” said Flemming.

To learn more about The King’s College Alumni Association, click here. The entire photo collection from the weekend can be viewed on Flickr.

In the heart of New York City, The King’s College is an accredited, Christian liberal arts college. Through the truths of Christianity and great works in politics, philosophy, and economics, we are educating the next generation of leaders for America and the world.