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CENTENNIAL REVIEW is published monthly by the Centennial Institute at Colorado Christian University. The authors views are not necessarily
those of CCU. Designer, Justin Jones. Illustrator, Benjamin Hummel. Subscriptions free upon request. Write to: Centennial Institute, 8787 W.
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Centennial Review August 2016 2
Some might be surprised to find out that in the first 90 years of Colorado Christian
University, the school had never had a political science major. In fact, the school
had never employed a political science faculty member until the fall of 2009. Some
might also be surprised that the former United States Senator, National Republican
leader, and now President of CCU, did not make the creation of a political science
major his first priority. But those who knew Bill well would also recognize that
while politics was important, there were other items of greater importance on his
agenda as he took the helm of leadership.
Everything was secondary to the priority of Jesus, Jesus, Jesus. President Armstrong
would never allow anyone to be confused about this. Nevertheless, he did care
deeply about American politics and the need for good citizens who were wellinformed about their government. This was true not only for students of political
science, but also for everyone who attended CCU.
Before even considering the creation of a major in politics, President Armstrong did two things. First, he implemented the
Strategic Objectives for CCU, which includes Impact our culture in support of traditional family values, sanctity of life,
compassion for the poor, Biblical view of human nature, limited government, personal freedom, free markets, natural law,
original intent of the Constitution and Western civilization. Establishing this important groundwork for the university and
its student body was the first objective. The second thing President Armstrong did was to overhaul the core curriculum,
including adding a required course on American Government. This course is concentrated on understanding several things: the
founding principles as laid down in the Declaration of Independence; the concept of limited government; and the importance
of maintaining fidelity to the Constitution and the principle of rule of law. In order to prepare our students for any vocation,
President Armstrong knew that knowledge of these fundamentals are essential.
While it was important to President Armstrong that all of our graduates be well-versed in their understanding of American
Government, he also realized the importance in raising up the next generation of political leaders. A part of that plan included
the development of a political science program at CCU.
The theme of the Politics major at CCU is Reviving Statesmanship. This fits in perfectly with the vision that Bill Armstrong
had for the goals of a Politics degree. The proposal presented to President Armstrong outlining the goals of the Politics major
reflected on George Washingtons First Inaugural Address, where Washington explained that there exists in human nature an
indissoluble union between virtue and happiness. Happiness requires virtue because a people who lack virtue will not be a
happy people. Washington understood, as all good political scientists do, that political society cannot ignore the character
of its citizens. Just as free society requires a limited, constitutional government, a limited, constitutional government requires
citizens who are self-restrained and responsibleit requires citizens of good character. In this way, political science instructs
us what it means to be a citizen and how to evaluate and, if needed, improve political society, while preparing the soul for a
lifetime of truly liberal education.
Within the Politics major at CCU, our students are being trained in political philosophy, international relations, constitutional
law, public policy, political economy, and the institutions of American Government. President Armstrong always reminded
the faculty at CCU that one of our goals was to raise up great statesmen and stateswomen. He encouraged us to educate our
students about great leaders who provide an example for how future leaders should themselves govern.
President Armstrong frequently suggested that a future President of the United States should come from the ranks of CCU
alumni. The skeptic might be quick to scoff. Bill would respond: Why not? Indeed, why not? Our graduates are grounded
in their faith, knowledgeable about the Constitution and the institutions of government (at a much higher rate than most
college graduates), and are knowledgeable about the examples of great historical leaders. President Armstrong always pointed
to Wilberforce, Nightingale and Bonhoeffer as models of statesmanship. These were Christ-followers who exhibited great
wisdom, discernment, decisiveness and sacrifice and were individuals we should admire and seek to emulate. These are the
ingredients of a great statesman, in the model of Bill Armstrong. Nothing could be a finer tribute to our former President.
Our nation is in desperate need of leaders who possess these qualities and CCUs Politics department is committed to raising
up such leaders.
Centennial Review August 2016 3
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How can this be? How can one of the smallest universities
in America be doing all of these things? Well, it is in part
Be
Our Academic standards are rising. We started
a debate team three years ago and so far, we
And so thats our strategy, to honor him and
Salt Of
have won two national championships in three
throw ourselves into the battle for the soul of
years. And on the day we were winning the
The Earth the United States of America. Were not going
national debate championship, on that very
to sit around, were going to follow Larry
day, our mens basketball team was winning the
Walters advice. Were going to be on the go.
National Christian College mens basketball championship.
Were not going to be spiritual or cultural or political or
And a few days earlier than that, our womens basketball
civic or economic couch potatoes. We tell our students,
team had won the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference
and I would charge all of you, this is a time to be strong and
basketball championship.
very courageous, to be bold, to be creative, to be brilliant,
to be the salt of the earth.
Were building new buildings, in fact, if you havent