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Letter from Dr. Ron Cottle, President of Beacon University

Emma, we were so excited that you and Chris had moved back to Columbus!! We were glad for Louise and the family because they were getting you back home after years of your being away. But the entire "Beacon Family" was thrilled to have you join us in bringing Christian Higher Education to Columbus and this region.

You were a highly experienced professional at it already. Your 15 years as Community Relations Director at the University of Georgia: Fayetteville, and your years of teaching made you more than qualified for the job. Your title and mission at Beacon University was Director of Community Relations—and how you tackled that position while you were with us!!

At the first meeting of the Marketing Task Force—one that I happened to attend, largely becaue I wanted to watch you at work—you "blew us away" with your fresh and excellent idas and plans for spreading "The Beacon Story" and effecting strong ties between the University and special influencers in the community.

And you did not stop with just great ideas you were already busy making key contacts and establishing your personal and our institutional presence at such important places as the Chamber of Commerce, the Ledger-Enquirer, AFLAC, SYNOVUS, and other power centers of the region!

Emma, you were a God-send to the University and everybody saw that and looked forward to working with you!

Emma, we don't pretend to understand what has happened here—that is, why you were taken from us, and from Chris, in this seemingly untimely manner. We don't have all the answers to that. But, Emma, we will miss you. And we will cherish the memory of a bright, energetic, and caring person who wanted to serve God, this University, and this community with excellence.

Emma, we are filled with sorrow today—our hearts are broken. But we are not as those who sorrow without hope. For we know who you are and WHOSE you are. And we know in the depest parts of our hearts that you are in Jesus' presence today!!

You have no pain, no sorrow, and no regrets!! You are preparing to serve Him in His Kingdom just as diligently as you served me and this University!!

One day—before too long—Louise and Joanne and I will see you again! What a reunion that will be!! Later, Chris and the other "young folks" will all join us. I know this for sure because they know and trust the same Lord Jesus Christ that you and I love and trust. The One Who said, "I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life."

This is our sure and certain confidence! For Jesus also said: (NLT—John 14:1-3) "Don't be troubled. You trust God, now trust me. There are many rooms in my Father's home. And I am going to prepare a place for you. If this were not so, I would tell you plainly. When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am."

Emma, He came and got you the other day. Now you are there with Him—where you will always be.

He won't forget about us! And we'll see you soon. Wait for us! Expect us! We want you to introduce us to our wonderful, exalted Savior, Jesus.

We love you.

Dr. Ron

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