November 16, 2006

UM Names Dykeman
"Order of the Shofar" Award Winner

The University of Mobile named the Rev. Albert “Al” Dykeman of Jackson, Ala., the recipient of its annual “Order of the Shofar” award on Nov. 14 during the University of Mobile (UM) Alumni and Friends Luncheon at Canaan Baptist Church in Bessemer, Ala., during the Alabama Baptist State Convention.

The award, established by the University of Mobile to honor pastors for their Christian service, is presented annually by UM’s School of Christian Studies. Dr. Cecil Taylor, dean of the School, said the award “is presented to an Alabama Baptist State Convention minister in honor of his faithful service which may never otherwise be recognized.”

“Reverend Dykeman is the model of a man of God who has ‘stayed with the stuff’ in good times and bad and is finishing strong!” said Taylor.

Dykeman was nominated by Chris Baker, director of missions for the Clarke Baptist Association.

“Al is highly respected in our county and around the state by those he has touched,” Baker wrote in recommending Dykeman for the award. “He is the picture of a gentle pastor who loves his flock.”

Dykeman is currently pastor of West Bend Baptist Church in Coffeeville. Born in Pawalling, N.Y., in 1932, Dykeman accepted Christ at Central Baptist Church in Pawalling in 1949. He was ordained in Glen Cove Baptist Church in Glen Cove, Texas, 51 years ago and has since served churches across Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.

In addition to his current position, other churches in Alabama Dykeman has pastored include Union Grove Baptist Church in Opelika, Berean Baptist Church in Mobile, River Hill Baptist Church in Salipta and Selmont Baptist Church in Selma.

Also during the luncheon, UM President Dr. Mark Foley presented a brief report on accomplishments during the past three years, including the university’s initiatives to further enhance academic rigor, expand the number of residential students, and fully incorporate a Christian world view into all aspects of university life.

He said the focus now is on raising funds to build a student center, a 40,000-square-foot building to be located between Weaver Hall and J.L. Bedsole Library. A capital campaign for the $10 million project is in the planning stage.

Foley said the student center is an integral part of the university’s strategic plan to increase residential enrollment and provide more opportunities to impact students with a Christian world view.

Prayer, he said, will continue to play a major role in the development of the University of Mobile and in the campaign for the student center.

“There is a difference between praying ‘hoping’ and praying ‘believing,’” Foley said. He told of standing in Glacier National Park during the summer, looking at a mountain which had been hollowed out by the work of a glacier.

“I thought of the passage in Mark 11, and realized that the mountain had already been moved to the sea. It was a tremendous affirmation that we must pray believing that God is handling the challenges before us,” Foley said.