Erskine
senior women on the steps of Bowie Arts Center
Erskine Freshman Women Honor An 80-Year Tradition
Freshman
women gathered in the Bowie Arts Center Wednesday evening to take part
in the 80th annual
Signing of the Book, an Erskine College tradition that is older than many
of their grandparents: reciting the honor pledge and signing a book containing
names of students going back several generations.
"Erskine is what I know—it's become part of my life,"
said Belinda Lewis, a member of the Class of 1983 and this year's speaker.
"The bonds formed in my freshman year grew, and my Erskine experience
continues today."
Lewis earned a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics and graduated in
the final year of that program at Erskine. She is the mother of freshman
Rebekah Lewis. "I came to Erskine because I wanted to experience
four seasons," said Lewis, who grew up in Florida. She said she had
little experience with winter clothing and "learned to wash sweaters
in the community bathroom in Carnegie."
Praising Erskine as a place where professors respected her efforts and
even came to her with offers of help when they believed she was struggling,
Lewis said, "As I think back over my years at Erskine, I can honestly
say, 'That might not be a bad time in my life to repeat.'
Lewis's husband, the Rev. Rick Lewis, also an Erskine graduate, is pastor
of Pisgah ARP Church in Gastonia, N.C. "You're in the plans and prayers
of Erskine's founding denomination, the ARP Church," said Lewis.
"I hope you'll learn to step out of your comfort zone while you are
here, and enjoy lifelong relationships that begin here."
Several Erskine seniors led this year's Signing of the Book ceremony.
Student Government Association president Caroline Culp welcomed the freshmen,
and Rebekah Carruth, president of the Intersociety Council, gave an invocation.
Laura Lee Stuart, president of Onward and Upward, introduced the speaker.
Tracy Atchley, chair of the Judicial Council, led the recital of the honor
pledge. Abby Leonard, president of South Carolina Student Legislature,
conducted the signing of the book, and Kimberly Padgett, president of
the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, led the singing of the Alma Mater.
The closing prayer was offered by Audrey Barry, president of the senior
class, and Hedrick Patrick, president of Epsilon Sigma Tau, adjourned
the meeting.
