; Whereas the inaugural Southern Literary Festival was established at Blue Mountain Christian University in 1937 to foster creative writing and to provide exposure to successful authors; Whereas Blue Mountain Christian University is renowned for academic excellence in education and ministry, producing both excellent “teachers and preachers” in particular and outstanding graduates broadly who are all academically and spiritually prepared to assume places of leadership in their professions and in the faith community; Whereas Blue Mountain Christian University was a pioneer in women’s college athletics on the state and national levels, first by joining the Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women and later the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics; Whereas the athletic program of the Blue Mountain Christian University Toppers is now composed of 18 men’s and women’s intercollegiate varsity athletic teams that represent Blue Mountain Christian University in the Southern States Athletic Conference; Whereas Blue Mountain Christian University is dedicated to supporting the academic success of student athletes while striving for on-field success; and Whereas hundreds of students of all races, creeds, backgrounds, and beliefs receive a world-class, Christ-centered education at Blue Mountain Christian University: Now, therefore, be it