Pillar College hosts National Day of Prayer and Faculty Symposium on May 5th

On May 5th Pillar College will commemorate its 10th annual National Day of Prayer starting at 8:45 am followed by the Faculty Symposium at 10:30 am. Both events are free, virtual, and open to the public.

“The National Day of Prayer was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress, and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman,” said Vice President Strategic Alliances Dr. Wayne Dyer. “The National Day of Prayer is a Judeo-Christian expression, based on our understanding that this country was birthed in prayer and in reverence for the God of the Bible. Because of the faith of many of our founding fathers, public prayer and national days of prayer have a long-standing and significant history in American tradition.”

The Pillar College National Day of Prayer event begins at 8:45 am and concludes at 10:15 am. The devotional speaker is Pastor Dimas Salaberrios and the theme of the event is “Exalt The Lord, Who Has Established Us” based on Colossians 2:6-7.

It is estimated that over two million people around the world will attend more than 30,000 observances – organized by approximately 40,000 volunteers on this day. Dr. Dyer is the organizer of the event at Pillar College. Other Pillar College National Day of Prayer presenters include:

• Dr. Juan Garcia, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor at Restore Counseling Center. Pillar College alumni.
• Dr. David Armstrong, Director of Chaplaincy & Pastoral Care at Hackensack University Medical Center.
• Dr. Maxine Bradshaw, Associate Dean and Professor of Psychology in both the graduate and undergraduate programs at Pillar College.
• Aimee Huber, Executive Director of 5 First Choice Women’s Resource Centers in North and Central New Jersey.

“It stands as a call for us to humbly come before God, seeking His guidance for our leaders and His grace upon us as a people,” Dr. Dyer said. “The unanimous passage of the bill establishing the National Day of Prayer as an annual event signifies that prayer is as important to our nation today as it was in the beginning.”

Immediately following the National Day of Prayer is the Faculty Symposium also a virtual event that begins at 10:30 am. The theme of the Faculty Symposium is Faith, Leadership, and Learning: Interdisciplinary Approaches and the keynote speaker is the dynamic entrepreneur and leadership professor, Dr. Maryjo Burchard.

Dr. Burchard’s focus is on coaching and leadership development, and she helps organizations discover deeper clarity, cohesion, and alignment while facing change and uncertainty. She serves as adjunct faculty at Regent University, Fresno Pacific University, and Uniformed Services University Medical College.

“Some of the presenters are what James Covey calls level five leaders; all are experts and or emerging scholars and public intellectuals, so the Symposium discourse and practical tips will be rich and relevant,” said Dr. Joanne Noel, Professor of English and one of the organizers of the Faculty Symposium.

In addition to Dr. Burchard’s keynote address, this year’s Symposium features two sessions of scintillating, relevant conversations and workshops conducted by academics and leaders in the community on topics such as: “Generating Hope During Crisis: Leadership Growth Exercises,” “Leadership Life-stories in Higher Education: Ancient Practice for the Future of Learning,” “Spiritual Formation and Transformative Learning of Students with Implications for Faith and Learning” and much more.

Participants will take away concepts and strategies from the sessions and will be able to network with other influencers and leaders in various fields.

“I am looking forward to virtual networking and obtaining useful strategies for practical implementation and personal and organizational growth that, as post-quarantine learners and leaders, help us pivot gracefully toward critical self-reflection, expansion, and growth,” said Dr. Noel.  

Please go to pillar.edu/events to RSVP for the National Day of Prayer and the Faculty Symposium.

About Pillar College      
Pillar College is a comprehensive institution of higher learning, providing a Christ-centered education. Pillar College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) and licensed by the New Jersey Commission on Higher Education and a member of the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE). Pillar College offers Associate’s, Bachelor’s, and Master’s Degree programs. Pillar College educates, inspires, and equips students for excellent scholarship, service, and leadership. Rooted in and committed to the Christian faith, Pillar College fosters intellectual, spiritual, and social development among its diverse student population. Pillar College has locations in Newark, Somerset, Paterson, and Plainfield, New Jersey. Founded in 1908. For more information about Pillar College, visit https://pillar.edu

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