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Faculty Inspire Eclectic Quest

By Jadell Forman 90

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Click Photo to Enlarge Tressler, a 2006 master's graduate, pulls faculty-recommended books from ORU's library shelf.

Click Photo to Enlarge Although graduating with a master's in Biblical Literature, Tressler recognizes the value of a diverse knowledge base.

As graduate student Amy Tressler comes to the final chapter of her ORU experience, she's ready to read more books. To build her recommended reading list, she called upon the university's "amazing faculty."

In an April 13 letter sent to all ORU teaching staff, Tressler wrote, "I have gleaned so much from your knowledge and wisdom, but I am hungry for more." Although she is obtaining her master's in Biblical Literature, Tressler values other disciplines as well. Accordingly, she requested ten book recommendations from each of the faculty in all academic areas.

Ten days after sending out 191 letters, Tressler received ten responses, and hopes to receive 181 more. She's most grateful for faculty responses "that have listed sources from their fields of study, and particularly those which bring God into their field."

Noting her desire to understand the continuing creation-versus-evolution debate, this eclectic compiler says, "Take Dr. [Nate] Meleen for example. He teaches engineering and physics [and] included titles like How To Think About Evolution and The Creator and the Cosmos."

On another hot topic, Tressler confesses, "I would not know where to begin studying about the Middle East." Therefore, she gladly received Dr. John Swails' recommendations of The History of the Arabs and War Against the Jews. "If he says these books are credible, until I know enough to make the decisions for myself, they are a good place to start."

When asked how the faculty nurtured her enthusiasm for learning, she responds, "Many times as I was leaving classes, my professors would walk with me, still trying to answer my questions. What they probably didn't realize was that their answers have done so much more than just help me get a degree." They also provided the added ingredient of support and encouragement.

"My professors are safe sounding boards. And students need a place to feel comfortable asking hard questions, especially when it comes to theology. We did not always agree but I knew my thoughts were valued."

About her time at ORU, Tressler reported to faculty, "...my experience here has only increased my love for learning. I intend to study for the rest of my life."

For a partial list of ORU Faculty Recommended Reading List, click here.