Published on January 23, 2019 by Sarah Cain  
Korean Childrens Choir

The semester-opening convocation marks a time where many students and faculty renew their intentions for the year. Galen Jones, assistant professor challenged students to approach the fresh semester with a servant’s heart. 

“God, along with choosing you, has given you work that only you can do,” Jones said.  “Take the education that we are giving you, take the thoughts and information and turn it into the works of God.”

The celebration of the new semester also welcomed the Korean Children’s Choir and Billy Kim, pastor of Suwon Central Baptist Church. The choir, composed of performers from third grade to seventh grade, sang “This Little Light of Mine” and “God Bless America.” Samford was the choir’s last stop of their recent national tour. 

Samford’s new University Minister Reverend Bobby Gatlin closed in program in prayer. 

“You have created us so uniquely and significantly that none of us are here without purpose. Help us to seek out that purpose and follow you this semester and this year with our lives and find out why we’re here.”

One faculty member received a special award during the convocation. Kristie Chandler, chair and professor of the department of human development and family life education, received the Jennings B. Marshall Award for Service. The annual award goes to a faculty member for significant and sustained contributions in service to the university.

 
Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Samford enrolls 6,101 students from 45 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks 6th nationally for its Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.