Freshman men ‘sign the scroll’ for the first time

The men of the Erskine College Class of 2028 participated August 21 in the inaugural “Signing of the Scroll” in Memorial Auditorium.

Paralleling the traditional event for freshman women, the event took place while the 101st annual Signing of the Book was proceeding in Bowie Chapel.

Head Men’s Soccer Coach Brett Gould addressed the men, alluding to the difference between image—the way others see you—and identity—who you really are.

At the deepest level, Gould said, knowing “whose you are,” that you belong to God, is essential to identity. The development of Christian identity is a process of finding out who you are in Christ.

College offers a time for personal growth, and Gould encouraged the students to step outside the groups that are comfortable for them. “Go where you’ll be stretched,” he said.

“My deepest friendships are formed in the most stretched moments,” he added, citing the importance of learning to listen to the opinions of others.

The coach urged the men of the Class of 2028 to be trustworthy friends. “Every interaction is an audition for trust,” he said.

Speaking about the moral choices made in college, Gould said, “When you know who you are, you will know what to do.”

To become the person you need to be, “First, you need to breathe, because it takes time,” the coach said, offering reassurance to the young men beginning their Erskine College experience.

Senior Gabriel Collier introduced the new event, calling it the First Annual Signing of the Scroll.

The Signing of the Book tradition for freshman women arose out of the history of the Due West Woman’s College, which merged with the college and seminary in the 1920s. No equivalent event has been hosted for freshman men at Erskine until this year.