A Grand Day Several hundred people gathered on campus Oct. 7 for the Billy Graham Community Life Commons Dedication and Celebration. In Maranatha Hall, psalms of praise and thanksgiving, music by Northwestern ensembles, recognition of guests and donors and a special message by Rev. Will Graham heralded the opening of the newest building on campus. Following the ceremony, guests and community members gathered for prayer and the official ribbon-cutting.
Will Graham Bridges the Past and the Future On October 7, Rev. William Franklin Graham IV addressed the Northwestern community for the Grand Opening of the Billy Graham Community Life Commons. He is the son of Franklin Graham and grandson of Billy Graham, Northwestern’s second president. Shown are a few excerpts from his keynote speech.
Ministry Born from Northwestern“The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association was born alongside this school. Now, it wasn’t here at this campus; it was downtown. That’s why our headquarters was always located in Minneapolis. ‘Just write to Billy Graham, Minneapolis, Minnesota— that’s all the address you need.’ Why? Because of Northwestern Schools! It was the college that was here, but our ministry was born because of this school. “And so my friends, we are totally indebted to you. Indebted to this school. And we’re so grateful for the wonderful heritage it has. But, my friends, we’re more excited about the future it holds. May God continue to use this great school.”
Name to fame“In 1949, while he was president of this wonderful school, he was preaching in Los Angeles, California, where we saw a great revival take place. From then on, my grandfather became a household name, almost overnight, because of the famous words of William Randolph Hearst: ‘Puff Billy.’”
Purpose beyond presidents“There’s only been 44 U.S. presidents—my grandfather’s met 12 of 44. But it was never about meeting presidents. He wanted to see people share their faith in Jesus Christ. And that’s what this school’s about. To raise young men and women to make a difference in this world, not just socially but spiritually.” Thank you from the Graham family“My friends, on behalf of my grandfather, and the Graham family, we want to thank you for this wonderful honor; but we pray and our desire is that every person who comes on this campus and goes in that building will love the Lord with all their heart and want to share Him every possible way. “So on behalf of the family we want to say thank you and may God bless this wonderful, wonderful school of Northwestern.” | 
