Many of us would probably agree that the best part of BJU is the people—specifically faculty, staff and their families.

Last week, The Collegian included its first Faculty Spotlight—the beginning of a series we hope to continue as an occasional feature.  Often, we hear stories of these members of the BJU family going above and beyond to serve students.

Below are just a few examples:

Dr. Robert Lee and his wife hosting his chemical and physical science class for dinner. Dr. Nathan Crockett and his wife giving study Bibles to students who don’t have one. Mrs. Anne Nolan baking scones and cookies for her students.

Dr. Ted Miller texting former students to see how they’re doing. Mr. Mike Buiter stopping on the sidewalk to talk to students, even if they’re not in his department. Dr. Darren Lawson having students over for meals.

Mrs. Melissa Page teaching students how to bake apple pies. Dr. Mark Sidwell attending basketball games, sitting in the same stadium seat and wearing the same hat for every game.

Miss Deneen Lawson acting as a prayer partner for a freshman floor discipleship group and inviting them to her home for snacks and fellowship.

Dr. Eliezer Yanson remembering the names of his students after the first day of introductions. Dr. Ken Renfrow accompanying the freshman choir and taking the time to know each member individually.

Dr. Marc Chetta sharing his love for medicine both in and out of the classroom. Mr. David Orr investing in members of both the ambassador crew and the usher crew.

These are just a handful of examples of our faculty and staff members making a difference in our lives. These people are our heroes—they sacrifice much for us, and they always seem to go above and beyond.

Many faculty members participate as prayer group partners for residence hall discipleship groups. Many of them are willing to meet with us outside of their normal office hours to help us with our homework or give us practical life advice.

As a student body, we should get in the habit of noticing the little things our heroes do for us. Let’s appreciate the extra time a professor takes to write specific comments on our assignments. Let’s appreciate the opportunities we get to grab coffees and meals with staff members.

And let’s appreciate how much our faculty members do outside of class, leading church ministries, grading papers, spending time with their families, pursuing degrees.

Let’s try to find some way to let our heroes know they’re loved. Whether it’s writing a thank you note, treating them to lunch or buying them coffee with your Bruins Bucks, try to think of a creative way to let your professors know you appreciate them.