09.13.05



Dr. Donald Weatherman, executive vice president and dean of the college.

Erskine marks formal opening of new academic year

Tuesday marked the formal opening of the 167th year of Erskine College and the 169th year of Erskine Theological Seminary. Students, faculty and staff gathered in Lesesne Auditorium for the first convocation of the academic year.

Dr. Donald Weatherman, executive vice president and dean of the college, welcomed and introduced new faculty members and offered some remarks aimed at members of this year's freshman class.

"Education is an important trust," Weatherman said. "It enriches, emboldens, invigorates…It's not for us as individuals, but as a society, as a culture.

"Advanced knowledge preserves our civilized world," he said.

Weatherman acknowledged that faculty members will play a big role in students' success at Erskine and are committed to that endeavor. "Few people come to Due West for fame and fortune," he said. "(Faculty members) believe in what we do at Erskine and they believe in you."

The college dean encouraged freshmen to take an active part in their education. "You are part of a much larger legacy that needs to be preserved," Weatherman said.

The Rev. Neely Gaston, executive vice president of the seminary, greeted freshmen and seminary students. He introduced one new faculty member and talked about advances being made by the seminary.

Gaston said the new extension site in Columbia opened last spring and classes are continuing there this fall at First Presbyterian Church.

In addition to the seminary's usual master's programs, the Association of Theological Schools has approved a new degree program, the Master of Arts in Practical Ministry, Gaston said. The seminary is planning to apply this fall for a Master of Theology program and a Ph.D. program could be in place by 2010, he said.

Student Government Association President Mackay Smith challenged students to "take hold of the opportunities God has given us."

He encouraged students to work hard and pointed to 2 Corinthians 9, where the Apostle Paul said that if you work hard, your rewards will be great.

"Erskine goes by quick," Smith said. "It starts with the beginning of this new year."

Michael Basie, president of the seminary Student Body Association, said he would like to see the college and seminary develop into "one Erskine."

He encouraged college students to visit the seminary and earn some of their convocation credits in chapel, and also encouraged seminary students who are spending the night on campus to attend a Fellowship of Christian Athletes or Baptist Student Union meeting.

"All of us are one in Jesus Christ," Basie said. "In Christ, all the walls that separate us are broken down."

Director of Admissions Bart Walker offered some information about the new freshman class, the second largest in recent memory. Students come from 12 states and two-thirds of them graduated in the top 25 percent of their high school class. The average SAT score tops 1100, which is higher than the state and national average.

Rhonda McMahan, seminary admissions and financial aid counselor, provided information about new seminary students. There are 134 new students with an average GPA of 3.3 and average age of 43 (youngest is 22; oldest degree program student is 67). She said the students represent 18 different denominations.

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