Families and faculty members gathered in Samford University’s Pete Hanna Center on Sept. 14 as 149 students were officially inducted into Brock School of Business during the eighth annual Rite of Passage ceremony.
The Rite of Passage recognizes students entering their junior year who are formally admitted into their Brock School of Business major. The event symbolizes great achievements in their first two years and imparts what is expected as they prepare for their professional career.
The event, held during Samford’s annual Family Weekend, welcomed three speakers who spoke to the past, present and future.
Michael Escoe ’84, Master of Business Administration alumnus and Brock School of Business Advisory Board chair, provided the keynote address focusing on the past and what he learned from his experiences.
“I could speak for hours about my Samford experience,” Escoe said. “At The Citadel (as an undergraduate) I was taught the value of principles. At Samford I was taught the value of godly principals.”
“Your education will prepare you for any business challenge, but in life you must stand on your godly principals,” he added. “Be open-minded about opportunities, bold, strong, kind and respectful, and always stand firm on your principles.”
Senior University Fellow Mollie Master then addressed her peers, focusing on the present. “This is not a test drive. This is your life,” she began.
Master narrowed her address to three key components of life: work, rest and the art of being human.
She described work as anything in life that you do while you’re not resting. “Your work matters to God. You are hardwired by God for a specific calling. What work are you giving your life to?”
She then touched on the life component of rest while encouraging the students to make time each week for themselves. “Cease to work for a period of time. Train yourself to say ‘no’ so that your ‘yes’ will be more productive.”
Master closed with a focus on the art of being human. “Let the next two years be a training ground for more than just your career. Cherish this time and live a life that matters.”
Dean Howard Finch followed Master by addressing the students and focusing on the future.
“It is time to take ownership of your formal education,” he said. “You are the future. It is time to make school a priority. Your future, and our future, depends on the success of your next two years.”
Following Finch’s address, the students processed through the formal induction ceremony by each signing the official Brock School of Business ledger and receiving a special gift from the dean.
The ceremony concluded with the benediction led by Anna-Leigh Stone, assistant professor of finance.