Freshman women sign the book—for the 101st year

The women of the Erskine College Class of 2028 assembled in Bowie Chapel August 20 for the 101st annual Signing of the Book. After reciting the school’s honor pledge, they signed their names in token of the pledge, as generations of freshman women have done.

This year’s speaker was Head Women’s Basketball Coach Lisa Jackson, a 2007 graduate of Erskine College who earned a degree at Erskine Seminary in 2021. Jackson, an outstanding member of the Women’s Basketball Team during her undergraduate years, is scheduled to be inducted into the Flying Fleet Hall of Fame this fall.

Jackson spoke frankly to the freshman women. “Erskine is not for everybody,” she said. “It takes a special kind of person to come here.”

As she looked around at her audience, Jackson introduced her theme by asking each student to say aloud, “There is a reason I am here.” She then asked students to turn to their neighbors and tell them, “There is a reason you are here.” The sound of voices rose in Bowie Chapel as the young women complied with the speaker’s request.

The coach said she chose Erskine in August 2003, never having visited the campus. “My plan was to come for two years and then leave,” Jackson told her audience. “Erskine grew on me after a while.”

Not only did she graduate with a four-year degree from Erskine, but she later returned to Due West as an assistant coach for the Erskine Men’s Basketball Team. Most recently, she enrolled in Erskine Seminary, where she completed a Master of Arts degree in Practical Ministry, and was named head women’s basketball coach at her alma mater.

“Our plans are different from God’s plans,” Jackson said.

She urged students to take out their earbuds and speak to people on campus, including fellow students, dining hall, facilities, grounds, and maintenance crews, faculty and staff members, and administrators. “You never know who you might bond with,” she said. “You never know who is going to help you in your next stage of life.”

When Jackson experienced difficulties as a college student, she found that what helped her through it was learning to use her time in chapel and convocation, then scheduled for two mornings each week, for God.

“Sometimes we prioritize other things before God,” she said. “There is a reason you’re at Erskine College. Only God knows that reason, and it’s up to you to see what plans God has for you.”

Jackson expressed her desire that students grow spiritually, physically, and mentally during their time in Due West. “I pray that you will become better people while you’re here,” she said. “Take it all in and enjoy every minute of it!”

Participants in this year’s Signing of the Book program included Vice President for Student Development Dr. Wendi Santee, who welcomed the students, introduced the speaker, and gave the closing prayer; senior Anna Childers, who offered an opening prayer; Cierra Hyde, administrative assistant for the Student Development office, who led the pledge; and senior Katherine Andersen, who read a scripture passage at the event.

Pictured at top of page is Signing of the Book speaker Lisa Jackson, who serves as Erskine’s Head Women’s Basketball Coach.