Founders Day
March 13
Palm Beach Atlantic’s Founders Day celebration began with a roll call of the faithful supporters who turned Dr. Jess Moody’s “impossible dream” of starting a Christian college in the heart of West Palm Beach into a reality. The celebration concluded with his son Patrick Moody singing a stirring rendition of the song by the same name.
Shirley V. Hoogstra, J.D.
President, Council for Christian Colleges & Universities
Shirley V. Hoogstra is the president of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities, an educational association representing over 185 colleges and universities around the world. Shirley sees her role as the chief advocate and storyteller for CCCU institutions, which have unique missions but all share four distinctives: Christian faculty and staff who teach students through the lens of faith; rigorous intellectual engagement; Christian formation of students; and a commitment to the global service for Christ at both the individual and institutional levels.
Shirley speaks on and for Christian higher education and has been quoted in the Washington Post, the New York Times, World Magazine, Christianity Today, and various podcasts, radio, and news programs. She is a regular speaker at conferences and campuses across the country. Shirley has contributed chapters on bridge building and covenantal pluralism, and she writes regularly for CCCU’s Advance magazine.
Shirley has extensive board member experience and is on or has served organizations such as the American Council on Education, National Immigration Forum, The Bridgeport Rescue Mission, Calvin University, National Association of Evangelicals, and The Trinity Forum. She received honorary doctorate degrees from Gordon College, Nyack/Alliance University, and Dallas Baptist University and awards for her distinguished leadership, impact on education, and desire to love and care for immigrants.