Over the weekend I had an alumnus who was considering sending their child to Biola ask me about a rumor they had heard that "Biola may be in trouble and might not be around much longer!" I shared with them that nothing could be further from the truth. Biola remains strong; both financially through our endowment, and in our enrollment. And both our faculty and students are doing well. Have we been affected by the current financial crisis? Yes. But, are we at risk? No!  We are committed to remaining strong, so we are making the right decisions to stay healthy.

I told them that the President, the President's Administrative Council, and the University board are committed to preparing wisely for the future to ensure we keep training young men and women to serve the world for Christ.  This includes stewarding our resources well; in our hiring, in our budgets, and in the classroom.  President Corey has recently established a plan to assist students whose families - due to lost jobs or homes - may be at risk of having to leave  Biola in the spring for financial reasons.  He has also challenged the Biola community with a message of hope and faith in God's provision.

If you are interested in learning more about Biola's strategy for the future in these difficuclt economic times, and how you might assist Biola to remain strong and support students who are at risk of not completing their education because of this difficult economy, you can access all that is happening at the following web sites.

Biola's response to the economic climate:  http://offices.biola.edu/president/economy

President Corey's December message:   http://offices.biola.edu/president/Christmas

Information on how you can help a Biola student now:  www.biola.edu/studentrelief

Thank you for your support and encouragement of Biola. You can know that Biola will do all we can to ensure that a Christian Higher Education remains possible for every student who desires to have one. Your prayers and partnership are appreciated.

Blessings,

Dr. Rick Bee
Senior Director of Alumni
Biola University