Dr. Williams, speaking to the group as the dedication began, remembered the difficult losses the Cairn community experienced during the 2011-2012 academic year. Dr. Hsu, Distinguished Professor of Music, died suddenly following a car accident in December 2011 and Dr. Hirt, Dean of the School of Divinity, died after a battle with cancer in April 2012. Both men had been professors at Cairn for many years and had been deeply involved in the lives of students, faculty, and staff. Both had impact and influence in the University’s growth and development of programs and initiatives.
Dr. Hirt’s wife, Diane, and his mother, aunt, daughter and two grandchildren joined the student body for chapel and accepted the plaque that will be placed at the foot of the tree from Dr. Williams. The plaquereads, “In memory of Dr. O. Herbert Hirt, Dean, Professor, and faithful friend of the University and its students.” As Dr. Williams prayed with the group and Dr. Hirt’s family, he asked the Lord that the tree would stand as a reminder of the example Dr. Hirt was to serve and love the Lord well.
The dedication service followed a Student Celebration Chapel in which the same themes seen in the impact of these two men stood out clearly in the songs chosen, the scriptures shared, and the words spoken. Graduating senior Jason Crocker shared how he had come to Cairn initially wanting to be a famous preacher with a big church, and how God had changed his focus over his years of study. “I can say that God’s glory is most important to me now,” said Jason, reflecting on his journey. “I’m no longer walking a path of selfishness. Being a Christian is walking a different path of doing everything to the glory of God through Jesus Christ.”


Hall of Fame Vietnam Veteran David Christian Speaks to Students
On Wednesday, November 15, Vietnam Veteran David Christian was invited to speak to Cairn University students. Christian, originally from Bucks County, is the youngest most decorated Vietnam War veteran, having