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9.10.08
First fall convocation marks formal opening
A packed Lesesne Auditorium was the setting Tuesday for the 170th opening of Erskine College and the 172nd opening of Erskine Theological Seminary.
Administrators, faculty, staff and students from both Erskine institutions were on hand for the event, the first convocation since classes started at the college on Sept. 1 and at the seminary on Sept. 2.
Following a bagpipe processional, the Rev. Paul Patrick, campus chaplain, gave the invocation and the Erskine Choraleers sang "Jesus Shall Reign Where'er The Sun."
Erskine President Dr. Randall T. Ruble welcomed the group to campus and said Tuesday's event was part of a tradition at the college and seminary designed to welcome new and returning students, as well as new and returning faculty and staff.
Ruble used the occasion to note the arrival of Erskine graduate Woody O'Cain, who became the college's first vice president for enrollment management in July.
July was also when Moffatt Dining Hall was severely damaged in a fire.
"We're doing everything we can to get you back in Moffatt as soon as possible," Ruble said. "We are grateful to God for people like you, for your prayers and words of encouragement."
A contractor has been selected to restore and enhance the dining hall, the president said.
Ruble urged students to make wise use of their time in college. He told students about the life of William Moffatt Grier, for whom a statue is erected in front of the Erskine building.
Grier, who grew up in Due West and graduated from Erskine in 1860, became a prisoner of war during the Civil War and lost a leg during the conflict. He became a pastor after his return home and succeeded his father in 1871 as the president of Erskine College and Seminary -- at the age of 28.
Ruble told students to "go out and make a difference in the world like William Moffatt Grier."
Executive Vice President and Dean of the College Dr. Donald V. Weatherman introduced new faculty and staff members, and the Rev. Neely Gaston, executive vice president of the Seminary, spoke about new staff members and the appointment of former professor Dr. Michael Bush as vice president for seminary development.
Gaston also urged college students to take advantage of opportunities at the seminary.
"We're here for you as well," he said.
He said the seminary plans to apply for accreditation to award degrees at its Columbia campus and cited a record number of students taking seminary classes online.
The group also heard from college Student Government Association President Jason Bethea and seminary Student Body Association President Mark Hering, both of whom emphasized cooperation on campus.
O'Cain said it was an "honor and a privilege" to have the opportunity to speak at the opening. He mentioned a number of positive aspects of the college that were true when he was a student at Erskine more than 20 years ago.
"There's not a better group of faculty among the colleges where I've worked than there is right here and they are all here for one reason -- you," he said.
There have been changes through the years and improvements are needed in some areas. "There is certainly much to be done to let people know about us," O'Cain said.
"Our one goal is to make Erskine a better place."
Lee Duffie, director of admissions and marketing for the seminary, gave a profile of the seminary entering class.
Patrick led a prayer of dedication, the alma mater was sung and Patrick gave the benediction.
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