On August 31, 2023 students crowded into the pews of Pioneer Memorial Church (PMC) for the first Thursday forum co-curricular event of the school year. As always, the event began with one of the most colorful processions to regularly take place in PMC, as professors entered the sanctuary for the processional dressed in their academic regalia. The program consisted of many traditions, each with a different focus intended to kick off the new school year. One favorite tradition, the video on “The Top Ten Reasons Why Students Come to Andrews University,” occurred near the beginning. Although its inventor, David Faehner, has now retired, the tradition lives on. Listed reasons included classics such as the delightful four seasons experienced at Andrews as well as new additions, such as attending Andrews being cheaper than a Taylor Swift concert. Overall, every reason touched on an aspect of campus life that is relevant to current students and reflects recent University changes. Following the top ten, a variety of preliminaries took place, including the introduction of various groups of students, the singing of the school song, and prayer over the new president by campus student leaders. Following this, the Andrews University Singers performed a musical piece based on Biblical symbolism, and the new Andrews University president, John Wesley Taylor V, took the stage to present a speech about the journey of life.
His speech was based on drawing an analogy between traveling on a physical journey and voyaging through life. It contained many spiritually nourishing suggestions as well as practical tips for college students. President Taylor began by reminding attendees to trust God as the guide when the road is unclear. Also, if students know the word of God, it will illuminate the way when the road goes dark. In addition, Christ followers must be listening for the voice of the Holy Spirit, who will instruct which direction to take when the path splits. President Taylor also made the analogy that successfully navigating college is akin to thinking ahead and planning for a trip. Travelers must consider where the destination is, select the route, and pack the essentials. Similarly, students must set goals and choose a path in order to achieve them. They should unclutter the unnecessary things in their lives to make room for what is truly important. Also, just as travelers need an updated map, college students need to stay connected with their advisor to plan ahead and foresee changes. It is also important that everyone update their spiritual map by investing in a relationship with God in the present. The next suggestion is to properly fuel and care for physical health, just as a car needs care. The last tips from the journey analogy included instructions to focus ahead not behind, take breaks when needed, learn to adapt to the unexpected, and finally to ask for help when needed. In closing, the new president advised students to be kind, budget, share the journey wisely, and most importantly, to remember that God is the lifeline.
Following the presentation by President Taylor, the program came to a close with a final prayer. Chaplain Jose Bourget led all present in the J. N. Andrews Benediction, and the faculty began their procession out of the sanctuary. Now, with all the symbolism of convocation behind us, let us remember the focus we were presented with and charge ahead to make a great school year.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.