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Sexton Bids ORU Adieu
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Those days are gone. The 1998-99 school year was Dr. Sexton's last at ORU. After receiving the status of Faculty Emeritus at Commencement on May 1, he left the rigors of academia for the R&R that retirement supposedly affords. In Sexton's case, though, retirement will mean time to complete a book on the subject he has held dear for 32 years.
During a reception on April 21, Dr. John Swails (assistant professor, humanities) said of his colleague, "He has become an institution for us."
Dr. Paul Vickery, assistant professor of history, said that more than a mentor and colleague, Sexton was a friend. Among his greatest strengths, Dr. Vickery said, "are his wisdom and his judgment, evidenced by the fact that he hired me." Somewhat suspect, however, "are his wisdom and judgment, because of the fact that he hired me.
"I appreciate his love for his subject and for his students," he said on a more serious note, "and the way he kept abreast of new developments in his field."
Unfortunately, noted Dr. William Jernigan (dean, Learning Resources), his attention to the new is what prevented him from completing his doctorate in a more timely fashion. "He always thought a new book would be coming out that he would want to make mention of in his dissertation," he said. What finally got Sexton off the dime, Dr. Jernigan said, "was when I promised to buy him a steak dinner if he would finish his doctorate. He did, and I bought him the dinner."
One of Sexton's greatest concerns, Vickery said, has always been "secular humanism and its possible takeover of the educational system. He remains committed to the Christian worldview."
Sexton, he concluded, "is worthy of emulation by those of us who have been influenced by him."
"The humanities program," Jernigan added, "...is the part of liberal arts that has given continuity to a student's education. It gives a student insight into what was going on in the world at a particular time. And it's a program that you couldn't flake your way through. Maybe our methods of teaching it have changed, but I hope we'll never change the rigid requirements. You can't overlook the value of liberal arts."
"I've never heard anyone articulate the purpose of education at ORU, and the philosophy of education and of humanities in particular, like Dr. Sexton," said Dr. Ralph Fagin (70), vice president for Academic Affairs. "He has always taken a proprietary interest in his job." And the summer humanities study trips to Europe? "These are not joy trips," Dr. Fagin said, referring to careful scheduling and well-planned lectures. To Sexton, "this is life itself."
Referring to Sexton's heart surgery in 1992, Fagin mentioned how quickly he came back, better than ever, committed to a walking program and good nutrition. "It's sort of like Nehemiah rebuilding the wall. Frank Sexton was and is a microcosm of what's happening at ORU. We're in a period of restoration too; we're rebuilding a wall."
"When I joined the University 22 years ago," said Dr. George Thyvelikakath, dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, "I met Dr. Sexton, and shook hands with him. And I smelled the fragrance of Christ. During our conversation, I heard the Word of God. As I was leaving, I hugged him, and I felt the presence of the Lord.
"Dr. Sexton has worked really hard for this University, and for all of us."
"I want to bring honor to whom honor is due," said President Richard Roberts, "for all you've meant and continue to mean to this University, and for your support for my family. I remember so many times when you embraced us and let us know how you loved us and were praying for us.
"I want to express my appreciation for you. You go to the heart of this University. Without men like you, we would not be where we are."
"This is not the end," Dr. Swails concluded, "but the beginning of something." He was referring to Sexton's book in progress.
After all, if he finishes the book, there could be another steak dinner in it for him.
