Indiana Wesleyan University Honors Frank Peretti
9/14/04

Frank Peretti, a Christian author and storyteller, was inducted into Indiana Wesleyan University's Society of World Changers during IWU's annual Academic Convocation on Sept. 9. Peretti also received an honorary doctorate.

The Society of World Changers was inspired by Bob Briner's book Roaring Lambs, which all IWU students are required to read. Roaring lambs, Briner said, are people who let their faith shine through the quality of their work in a secular world.

The Society of World Changers name comes from IWU's mission statement, which says the University is "committed to changing the world by developing students in character, scholarship and leadership."

A bronze bust of Peretti will be placed in the rotunda of IWU's Jackson Library along with a bust of Briner, who was the first Society inductee a year ago. Briner, who died in 1999, was an Emmy Award-winning TV producer and sports executive.

Peretti's writing career was launched with the publication of his first Christian novel, This Present Darkness. The book and its sequel, Piercing the Darkness, have sold more than 3.5 million copies.

"The two books created a tidal wave of interest in spiritual warfare," Dr. Jim Barnes, IWU president, said in presenting Peretti with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree.

In addition to Peretti's novels for adults, he has written The Cooper Kids Adventure Series, which has sold more than two million copies. His novel for youth, Hangman's Curse, was released as a movie in 2003.

In 2000, Peretti released his first non-fiction book for adult readers, The Wounded Spirit. Written from an autobiographical perspective, the book addresses topics such as taunting, hazing and bullying that children face each day.

"The Wounded Spirit has brought hope and healing to thousands," Barnes said.

IWU's Academic Convocation is designed to acquaint students with some of the academic traditions and heritage of the University. A second purpose is to introduce students to a nationally recognized speaker who represents excellence in academics.

Peretti spoke to about 3,000 students, faculty members and guests at this year's convocation.