We are blessed. That’s what I think every time I walk across the redesigned campus green and see thestriking beauty of our campus with the addition of the Billy Graham Community Life Commons.

On October 7, we celebrated the Graham Commons’ official grand opening and dedicated the building to the glory of God. We were privileged to welcome Billy Graham’s grandson, Rev. Will Graham, to campus for the event and hear him share how the path of Billy Graham’s ministry was shaped by his four years as president of Northwestern. Our hearts were moved as we received a beautiful greeting from Billy Graham himself, through a letter that Will read at the dedication ceremony.

I marvel at seeing the hand of God at work in every detail of the building, from concept to completion, that has made the successful journey from vision to reality. From a hole in the ground to a sunlit space. From a few concrete walls to laughter and robust conversation in the coffee shop. From a circle of people praying around a mound of dirt to a beautiful prayer tower. All in tribute to the glory of God and the legacy of one of the greatest Christian leaders of our time in our generation, Rev. Billy Graham.

The excitement and energy of the Graham Commons made Homecoming especially meaningful as we saw hundreds of Eagle alumni, representing many decades, reminisce about their time at Northwestern. The alumni from the “Billy Graham era” ventured to Minneapolis for a special tour of the Loring Park campus where their Northwestern memories were forged.

On behalf of everyone at Northwestern, I want to thank each person who prayed for the project and those who gave of their time, talent or treasure. This incredible building would not have been possible if not for the gifts, prayers and generosity you have shown us.

Alan Cureton, Ph.D.
President, Northwestern College and Northwestern Media