Our Past

63 Years by the Grace of God

Grace University was born in prayer as a group of ten Mennonite ministers met in Omaha, Nebraska, on June 1, 1943, to pray and plan for a college-level institution that would be fundamental in doctrine, vitally spiritual in emphasis, and interdenominational in scope. The need for such Bible-centered education became increasingly apparent to these evangelical pastors. A number of them shared this common concern with each other during the commencement activities at the Oklahoma Bible Academy in Meno, Oklahoma, in 1942. So in the providence of God, they selected Omaha as a central location for the meeting that led to the founding of Grace Bible Institute.

From June 1 through September 8, 1943, the Lord opened doors and removed obstacles in such unusual ways that all were convinced that this new venture of faith was from God. At the dedicatory service on September 8, 1943, Dr. C.H. Suckau, chairman of the Board of Directors and later a president of the college, mentioned seven specific answers to prayer:

In his book, The Story of Grace, Paul Kuhlmann documents many of the miraculous answers to prayer evident during the first 35 years of the University’s history. It is a testimony of God’s gracious provision and direction. The student enrollment grew rapidly in the early years so that by 1949 it had reached 331. The diversity of the student body in recent years indicates its interdenominational nature and widespread appeal to students who desire a Bible-centered college education.

In his book, Committed to the Vision:  50 Years by the Grace of God, Harold J. Berry gives highlights of each presidential administration and focuses attention on those who have served Grace University 25 years or more. The Board of Trustees, Advisory Council, administrators, faculty and staff provide a rich spiritual heritage for the University.

Academic programs have been expanded and upgraded to reach each generation; the administrative structure has been revised and faculty has grown in size. Most significantly, the University has remained vigilant in upholding the fundamentals of the faith maintaining, without reservation, that the Bible is the inspired Word of God. In 1976, when a change of name was considered, “Grace Bible Institute” became “Grace College of the Bible.”

The physical plant has been expanded through the construction and purchase of additional facilities. The expansions include Suckau Chapel (basement, 1949; main floor, 1957); Schmidt Hall (1962); Harold D. Burkholder Center (1967) which includes the Jim Classen Gymnasium (2003); and the Donald J. Tschetter Academic Building (1975).

In 1977, the University purchased the St. Catherine’s Hospital Center for Continuing Care. This acquisition added nearly 2.7 acres to the campus and doubled facility space, making it the largest and most significant property acquisition in the history of the University. Three wings - Stanford Hall, Rieger Hall, and Waldo Harder Hall–have been utilized as dormitory facilities. A fourth wing houses administrative offices, conference rooms, classrooms, music rooms and a fifth wing houses the faculty offices. Additional facilities in the complex will be renovated, as needed, for student housing, classrooms, and offices. Each facility expansion was an adventure of faith and a distinct answer to prayer.

In 1993, President Neal McBride proposed that Grace consider a new identity as “Grace University.” During the 1993-94 academic year, a feasibility study for restructuring was accomplished. In May 1994, the Trustees formally adopted restructuring as Grace University, which consists of three colleges: Grace College of the Bible, Grace College of Graduate Studies, and Grace College of Continuing Education.

On July 1, 1995, the institution’s new corporate identity as Grace University became official. Today, President James P. Eckman leads Grace University.

In 2003, the Jim Classen Gymnasium was dedicated providing physical fitness and athletic opportunities to the campus community.  With this construction, the Duerksen Center was renamed the Harold D. Burkholder Center, and the dining commons was named in honor of Vernon Duerksen.

Our Present

The core values of academic excellence, life change, and world impact continue to shape the vision of Grace. These foundational values stimulate the Power of Grace!

During the past 63 years, more than 8,000 students have studied at Grace University. Many of our alumni are actively involved in full-time vocational ministries. Many are serving in cross cultural and international missions, in pastoral ministry, in Christian education, in music, and in Christian radio and telecommunications. Others impact the marketplace for Christ serving as lay leaders in local churches and church-related organizations. Many are educators, business people, farmers and ranchers, and public servants in governmental settings.

The oversight of Grace University is vested in a strong, spiritually minded Board of Trustees, representing various denominations. A variety of advisory teams assist in guiding various operations within the University. Each academic program has a professional advisory team evaluating and guiding faculty in program improvement. The Grace University Foundation 14 member Board of Directors works closely with the University Development Department in friend building, fund raising, and investment management. The Parents Association (GUPA) works in association with the President’s Office regarding institutional and student support. The Alumni Association, a vital advisory group, connects our strong heritage with our ongoing mission of preparing men and women as servant leaders for the home, the church and the world.

Throughout its history, Grace University leadership has been marked by vision and faith. The following have served as presidents: Paul Kuhlmann (Acting, 1943), Dr. C.H. Suckau (1944-1950), Dr. H.D. Burkholder (1950-1955), Dr. Joseph W. Schmidt (1955-1960), the Rev. D.J. Unruh (Interim, 1960-1961), Dr. Waldo E. Harder (1961-1971), Dr. Robert W. Benton (1971-1984), Dr. Warren E. Bathke (1984-1993), Dr. Neal F. McBride (1993-1997), and Dr. James P. Eckman (1997-).