“Cultures grow on the vine of tradition,” penned syndicated columnist Jonah Goldberg. A favorite tradition for me at Davis & Elkins College is the 1904 Society Gala which occurred on March 21. Inherent in this tradition is the celebration of a vibrant culture of philanthropy prevalent at D&E.
This yearly gala, a thank you to donors investing at least $1,000 annually in support of our students, places those students front and center. The speakers, the entertainment, and the table hosts make evident the high caliber young men and women that are the heart of D&E.
Senior Sam Rolle, featured three weeks ago in this column, spoke from his heart, sharing his transformative journey at D&E. He was introduced by ten-year-old Elkins resident and ardent admirer, Grayson Fields. Sam and Grayson share a strong bond, with Sam serving as a mentor for his young friend, both on the basketball court and in life. A tear came to my eye as Sam talked of his desire to positively influence more young children like Grayson as he enters the coaching field.
Four of our students comprised a panel that fielded questions from our Provost, Dr. Michael Mattison, as well as the audience. They spoke on topics that included the quality of their D&E experience, their mentors during their collegiate journeys, and how they plan to make an impact on our society. Their poise, insight, and passion renew my hope as their generation assumes leadership, driven by the values and knowledge they have gained as D&E Senators. Observing their maturation since they first set foot on campus, my gratitude is magnified for the commitment of our faculty and staff, who live out our mission statement: “…to prepare and inspire students for success and thoughtful engagement in the world.”
Evidently drawing the proverbial short straw, I was given the assignment to follow our students at the podium. I centered my remarks around a single word that has permeated my life for the past several months. That word is “Glory.” While our new Glory Residence Hall is responsible for the word being at the forefront of my lexicon, the definition and concept have taken on new meaning. Journeying through another academic year with the D&E community has simply been “glorious.” While it is true that we are in uncertain times and higher education is facing unprecedented challenges, we must never allow those challenges to blind us to the “glory” that is within, upon, and around each of us. For D&E, we must particularly draw strength from the “glory” that shines forth from our students, as the recent gala made crystal clear.
As the evening drew to a close, senior Tyler McCune, blessed with God-given singing talent, shared words of faith that spoke to my soul.
I am deeply grateful to the members of the 1904 Society for their investment in our students. I am also most grateful to our students for the privilege of journeying together with them, for a time, on the hallowed grounds of Davis & Elkins College. It is “glorious!”
The journey continues….
Chris A. Wood
President
Davis & Elkins College
