Erskine Honors College and Seminary Graduates In a welcome return to tradition, graduates and their families gathered under the towers of the Erskine Build-
seminary were recognized during the outdoor celebration, in which an address was given by the Rev. Dr. Neil C. Stewart, pastor of Christ Covenant Church, Greensboro, N.C. A native of Northern Ireland, Stewart formerly served as a pediatrician in Belfast. Outlining some of the views gaining ground in today’s society, Stewart noted that “Many in our culture are This vision of human identity can be bleak, but some of its adherents would say that “You can have a lot of fun
The speaker told the graduates he wanted them to avoid coming to the end of life and realizing “you’ve spent your life, your precious earthly life, pursuing all of the things that don’t matter.” People fall into this trap through self-deception, and he warned students against accepting four “lies about life.” First, some people believe “the lie of more,” that life is about building prosperity. Second, some think life is about security, especially about securing prosperity, and this belief “can blind you to the fundamental insecurity of life”—one death for every person. People who focus on securing prosperity might believe a third lie, that life is “about to go on for a very long time,” when death could claim them at any moment. Finally, many believe “life is about me.”
All these lies about life are embraced by the rich man of whom Jesus speaks in Luke 12:16-21. This man, called a “fool” by God, builds bigger barns in order to hoard his great wealth, not realizing he is about to die. Introducing this parable, Jesus says plainly that life does not consist of the abundance of one’s possessions. “We gain our life by giving it away—serving God, serving others,” Stewart said. “That’s the strange logic of the gospel.” Expressing the hope for eternity that Christians share, Stewart offered advice for the Erskine graduates. “As you lean into life, my young brothers and sisters, build your life upon truth, build your life upon the gospel, build In his welcoming remarks, Erskine President Dr. Robert E. Gustafson gave thanks for God’s protection of the Erskine community during the pandemic and told the graduates, “As the years unfold, it will be exciting for the faculty and administration to watch your academic, cultural, community, and spiritual accomplishments.” The Rev. Clint H. Davis, chair of the Erskine Board of Trustees, brought greetings from the board, telling the graduates to enjoy the day, express their gratitude, and learn to laugh at themselves. The commencement speaker was introduced by the college senior with the highest grade point average, Rachel
Bishop of Greenwood. College awards announced during the commencement exercises by Provost of the College Dr. J. Thomas Hella- ms included two faculty awards—the South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities Excellence in Teach- ing Award, given to Assistant Professor of Business Administration Tracy McCurry, and the Younts Excellence in Teaching Award, given to Assistant Professor of History Dr. Alessandra Brivio. Young Professor of Chemistry Dr. Howard Thomas, who has taught at Erskine since 1976 and is retiring this
year, was named Professor of Chemistry Emeritus. Funds are being raised for a scholarship honoring Thomas and his late wife Penny, who was an Erskine staff member for many years. Acting Dean of the Seminary Dr. R.J. Gore, who is leaving his administrative role to serve full-time as Professor of Systematic Theology and Ministry, received the designation Dean of the Seminary Emeritus. Student awards announced were the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award, given to Grayson Reames, a Business
Glorifying God as a Christian Academic Community
Erskine College & Seminary
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