Bluefield University Hosts 28th Annual Duremdes Christian Emphasis Week

Bluefield University will host its 28^th Annual Duremdes Christian Emphasis Week on September 25-27 in Harman Chapel at 10 a.m., featuring guest speaker Terrence L. Talley who will bring a message of hope to the campus.

Talley has traveled across the U.S. spreading the message of hope to students and adults for the past five years. He is known for having crowds laughing one minute and crying the next. Talley has been featured on “The Morning Blend” radio talk show, has authored a #1 book on Amazon called “Secrets Anonymous,” and is the most sought-after speaker in the country for student assemblies. Talley uses his own personal experiences, the good and bad, to convey an unforgettable message.

Talley says his mission is to “give every student hope and to empower them to give hope to others.” He continues by saying he believes “what happens to a student today will affect your community tomorrow.”

Talley thinks it is important to not only educate our minds but our hearts as well. He and his family have committed their lives to making lasting and positive impacts in the lives of students everywhere. Talley is aware of issues students go through whether it be bullying, peer pressure, or family troubles. He wants to let others know they truly matter and can make a difference.

Since 1992, Bluefield University has set aside a week in the academic school year for students and the community to focus on faith through the facilitation of spiritual speakers, leaders, and musicians. This event is named for its sponsors, Drs. Gene and Jane Duremdes of Princeton, West Virginia. The Duremdes wanted to share their “special calling” to “share with the students of Bluefield University some of the blessings they have received from the Lord.” This event was created to give students and the surrounding community an opportunity to “examine their spiritual lives” and to “seek answers to life-impacting questions.”

“Duremdes Christian Emphasis Week has been happening annually at Bluefield University for more than 20 years,” said Dave Pedde, director of the Center for Worship Arts. “It was the desire of the founders that every student at Bluefield University would know the love of God, and through the week have a genuine encounter with Christ. We are excited about what God will do in each one in our Bluefield campus community,” he added. Hundreds of Bluefield University students have made professions of faith during Duremdes Christian Emphasis Week throughout the years.