IVY SPRIGS & THE GROWING GU FAMILY & SUMMER ALUMNI EVENTS
A View of GU – MAY 2026
“We will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” Ephesians 4:15b–16
In the April issue of “A View of GU,” we revisited the impact of soil spaces in our lives, including the nutrient-rich soil of Greenville University.
Returning, remembering and recovering … it’s all about identity. In returning to faith-infused “soil story” spaces—whether it be through daily scripture reading or regular GU Homecoming pilgrimages—God welcomes every opportunity to remind us of who He is, who we are in Him, exactly what He’s called us to do, and exactly who He’s called us to lead (Eph. 1:18–19-ish MSG). Returning, remembering and recovering helps us make new sense of old stories in meaningful ways.
It’s about remembering the individual and communal identity God speaks into our lives as students at GU in order to flourish in new seasons of uncertainty, change and growth in our lives beyond GU. For many, these GU years prove the years in which we most process our our stories—our place, position and purpose in the family of God as we pursue His promises for our lives—a consecration of the past and a catalyst for the future … where the classroom offers a foundational soil space for the formation of calling and the fortification of career direction—surrounded by faculty, staff and peers with shared goals and objectives—for the sake of fortitudinous contributions (if you haven’t realized this by now, wordplay is my art of choice 😊; and not only does “fortitudinous” start with an “f” but it also enlists themes of strength, perseverance and courage).
GU presents a place where innovative education and immersive experiences lead to interconnected efficacy throughout our lives. Ultimately, it’s all about the “Fellowship of the Ivy,” where the bookend experiences of planting and cutting of ivy leads to a legacy of life-giving transplanted ivy via lifelong investment in a “net that works” for the sake of God’s Kingdom on earth.
For our most recent Class of 2026 graduates, leaving home offers you the opportunity to extend the network—however, wherever and whenever God guides you from here. We cannot wait to see the ways in which your freshly cut sprig will grow and contribute to our family of God.
For our 50-year, 40-year, 25–year and 10–year reunion classes of 1976, 1986, 2001 and 2016, coming home offers you the opportunity to enjoy the network God has grown for, in, among and through your lives. We can’t wait to celebrate your contributions to our growing family.
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🗓️ SAVE THE DATES! GU SUMMER ALUMNI EVENTS
Coming to a Family Camp or ballpark near many of you … We will once again hit this road this summer to bring GU home to you. 🧡🐾🌿 Keep an eye out for more information on these and other GU summer events:
FMC Family Camp Ice Cream Socials (join us for the evening service & treats)
- Sunday, May 31 @ 8 p.m. – Durley Camp (Greenville, IL); evening service starts at 6:30 p.m.
- Friday, July 10 @ 8 p.m. – Cowden Camp (Beecher City, IL); evening service starts at 7 p.m.
- Saturday–Sunday, July 11–12 – Sky Lodge Christian Camp (Montello, WI)
- Wednesday, July 15 @ 6 p.m. – Somerset Beach Camp (Somerset Center, MI); evening service starts at 7 p.m.
- Monday, July 20 @ 8 p.m. – Wabash Camp (Clay City, IN); evening service starts at 7 p.m.
Panther Ballpark Series
- Coming in July and August to St. Louis, Chicago, Indianapolis and Nashville! Stay tuned for more information, dates and registration!
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🌿 REMINDER: Mark your calendars for Homecoming & Family Weekend 2026, October 15–18, 2026! Like our “GU Alumni Association” Facebook page and join your class reunion group! Reserve your hotel rooms! Follow "Greenville University Alumni on Instagram! Get your plane tickets! Share Homecoming social posts with classmates! (You get the picture. 😇)
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Until we meet again … keep praying. Keep watching. And keep thanking God with us for the good work He continues to do on campus in the lives of GU students, faculty and staff and in you, our GU alumni and friends. 🧡🐾🌿
