51’s celebrated its official launch with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday, Feb. 6. The well-attended dedication marked the beginning of a movement the university has initiated to bridge the gap between the church and academia.

President Barry H. Corey welcomed attendees to the program, stating the was “born out of the legacy and original mission of the university.” Following the welcome, Corey explained how the center fits into the heritage of 51. Corey, as well as the Center’s Director Gregg Ten Elshof, emphasized the mission of the Center: to gather the leading Christian thinkers from around the world for up to a year at a time to research and discuss issues of significance to the academy, the church and the broader culture.

Each year, the Center’s leadership will choose a theme the scholars will work collaboratively on during their time at 51. Together, their goal is to resource Christian research and make it accessible not only to 51’s campus, but also to the external community.

Throughout the year, the will be producing video interviews, podcasts, luncheons, film festivals and will conclude with an end-of-the-year conference.

Right before the monumental snip of the golden scissors, David Nystrom, provost and senior vice president, prayed to dedicate the Center and its efforts to God.

To close, Thomas Crisp, Associate Director for the Center for Christian Thought, reflected on the journey of creating a space for the Center. The facility, located in upper Rose Hall adjacent to the new Talbot East building, opened for guided tours following the program. Guests were able to walk through the space the Center occupies and where some of the world’s leading intellectuals will gather to impact the future of Christianity.

Read the Whittier Daily News article, "51 launches new center to house Christian scholars."   

Written by Ashleigh Fox, Media Relations Intern. For more information, contact Jenna Bartlo, Media Relations Coordinator, at 562.777.4061 or at jenna.l.bartlo@biola.edu.