The following message was sent to pastors on Monday, Dec. 30:
Dear Brethren and Ministers,
The Board of Regents of Ambassador University met yesterday, Sunday, Dec. 29, and had no choice but to reach the painful decision that the current academic year (1996-97) will be the final year of AU. Although the administration of the University has valiantly striven to reach a point of financial self-sufficiency in the wake of the church's inability to provide a monetary subsidy, the University simply does not have the financial resources to operate past the current academic year.
The board reemphasized its primary commitment to the student body and reached the decision that it is in the best interests of the students, as well as the administration, faculty and staff to close in May 1997, and make the announcement immediately.
To delay the decision while hoping for an upturn in financial resources would simply impede the ability of students to transfer their academic programs to other accredited institutions and give less time for faculty to seek other positions after the current contract year.
The decision had to be made while there is sufficient time and resources to end Ambassador's mission in an honorable and dignified manner that befits the reputation and integrity of the institution. The University will be placed for sale while it is still in operation and closed if not sold before May 1997.
Through the course of the meeting, it became clear to us that the original mission of Ambassador University has been completed. For 50 years, Ambassador has provided leadership for the Worldwide Church of God.
In the last couple of decades, however, fewer and fewer AU graduates have actually been employed by the church. Young men and women of the church have begun to attend other universities, including other Christian universities, as they prepare for a life of service to Jesus Christ and to the church.
In recent years, we have all begun to see that a church-owned and operated university is not absolutely necessary for the church to be used of God. As an accredited university, Ambassador was not church-owned and operated, though it did rely on the church for the major part of its funding, and the majority of its students were and are church members or children of church members.
There is no question that AU has served the church well. Now God is showing us that its mission is ending, and that it is time for the church to find other ways to meet the educational needs of its young people who want to be trained for church work.
I can't say I will, nor will the other members of the board, soon be over the emotional pain of having to close Ambassador. I have, and I know the other board members have, reached this decision only because the financial realities were unavoidable.
At the same time, I can certainly say that I believe God directs our paths and knows our situation and our needs. I know he is with us, and that when he closes one door, he opens another.
We will be investigating ways of partnering with other accredited Christian institutions to create a place where WCG young people can come together who want to get a Christian education while being mentored by WCG professors and ministers.
This would provide an opportunity for our young people to share their university experience with other WCG youths and be prepared for Christian service in our church without the church having to bear the cost of operating its own university. I would appreciate your prayers that God will open whatever door is according to his will.
The article at the top of the page is a press release that was read during the announcement to students, administration, faculty and staff on Monday, Dec. 30, at 10 a.m. Big Sandy time. Students on break in Pasadena were connected by telephone for the announcement, and President Duke mailed a letter to all students who were home on break.
Thank you for your prayers for everyone at Ambassador. They will all need our support and encouragement during this final semester. Although it is a time of sadness as Ambassador's mission draws to a close, it is also a time of celebration for 50 years of accomplishments.
I also request prayers for the academic plans of each student, and for the career plans of each member of the administration, faculty and staff.
In Jesus' love,
Joseph Tkach
Jan. 21, 1997, Worldwide News, page one
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