Each year William Carey University chooses an annual theme which is designed to provide an idea for us to focus on and to unify the campus.
The 2017-18 theme is “Carey Strong – God is our Refuge and Strength,” which is based on Psalm 46:1-2, 11.
In the early morning of January 21, 2017, as a tornado tore through Hattiesburg and across our campus. It shattered windows, splintered wood, and demolished buildings, but the pulpit Bible in Bass Memorial Chapel remained open to Psalm 46, boldly proclaiming, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.”
The strength of Carey is not found in buildings, it is found in the Carey family which is grounded in scripture, rooted in faith, and driven by mission. This year’s annual theme, “Carey Strong,” and Psalm 46 speak to more than recovery, they inspire the university to prepare students to face storms and challenges like the wise who build their lives on the rock.
Past Theme Verses
2015-2016
Matthew 5:41
"Going the Extra Mile"
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus describes the attitudes and actions expected of Christians. As William Carey University provides quality educational programs within a caring Christian academic community, this theme motivates the university and its students to go the extra mile in service, discipleship, and in the pursuit of education.
2014-2015
James 1:22a
"Acta Non Verba"
Acta Non Verba which is a Latin phrase meaning "Action, not words." This concept is similarly expressed in James 1:22a which states, "Be doers of the word, and not hearers only..." In the Sermon on the Mount, both the fool and the wise man heard the words of Jesus, but it was only the wise man who put the words of Jesus into action (Matt 7:24-27). Students at Carey will be challenged to put their education and faith into action.
2013-2014
Luke 6:48; I Corinthians 3:11,
"Building on a Firm Foundation."
In Luke is found the teaching of Jesus about building one's life on a strong foundation, and in I Corinthians the Apostle Paul wrote, "For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ." Students at Carey will be challenged to build strong lives on the foundation of faith in Christ.
2012-2013
Hebrews 6:1,
"Let us...go on to maturity"
The writer of the Book of Hebrews says, "Therefore, let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity." WCU students will be challenged to grow toward full maturity in all areas of their lives.
2011-2012
Romans 12:2,
"Transformed by the renewing of your mind."
This theme supports William Carey University's emphasis on challenge to the individual. The full passage from Holman Christian Standard Bible reads: "Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God."
2010-2011
Matthew 20:28
"not to be served, but to serve"
This theme supports William Carey University's emphasis on campus and community service. The full passage from the Holman Christian Standard Bible reads: "You know that the rulers of the gentiles dominate them, and the men of high position exercise power over them. It must not be like that among you. On the contrary, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life - a ransom for many."
