‘Discover who you are in the light of God’s love and truth,’ first lady tells freshman women

The women of the Erskine College Class of 2022 participated in the 95th annual Signing of the Book ceremony August 17 in the Bowie Arts Center, reciting the school’s honor pledge and adding their signatures to those of generations of Erskine students.

This year’s speaker for the traditional event was Beth Gustafson, wife of Erskine President Dr. Robert Gustafson. She asked the assembled students, “Do you know who you are?” and went on to reassure them— “If you’re not sure, don’t despair.”

Erskine is a Christian college, providing a rich environment in which to study and “discuss ideas with people you trust,” she said, and the college years offer an opportunity to explore the question “Who are you?”

Noting that the Protestant reformer John Calvin considered knowledge of self and knowledge of God “inextricably linked,” she urged the women, “Discover who you are in the light of God’s love and truth.”

Participants in the program included Shaniqua Hunter, residence director for Carnegie Hall, who welcomed the students; senior Hayden Banks, who offered an opening prayer; Coordinator for Campus Life Rachel Brubaker, who introduced the speaker and gave a closing prayer; sophomore Courtney Teague, who led the honor pledge; sophomore Elizabeth Sims, who led singing of the Alma Mater; and Susan Collins, pianist, who provided music for the evening.

Katey Powell of ARP Women’s Ministries spoke about the Care Partner Program, in which members of ARP Women’s Ministries pray for women students and offer them various forms of encouragement.

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