New students at Morehouse and Spelman Colleges ended orientation activities Sunday with a joint Convocation service and a ceremony to promote the spirit of family unity between the schools.
Nearly 1,400 members of the Class of 2022 filed into Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel for the annual Morehouse-Spelman New Student Convocation. The event featured music and inspirational readings selected to remind scholars of their responsibility to make the most of their college years by working hard to achieve their academic goals.
President David A. Thomas gave the Convocation address, which was entitled: “The Choice of Forgiving the Unforgivable.”
In his message, Thomas used the parable of the “Prodigal Son” and likened it to the journey of personal discovery students make as they navigate the academic and social challenges of college life. Thomas told students that if they wander off track and need to re-energize, they could always return “home” to a place of worship or to their childhood homes to be spiritually uplifted.
You must forgive yourself for your mistakes and persevere, Thomas said. “No matter how many mistakes you have made, the King is in you ... Embrace your greatness.
“You must learn to release the real you,” he added. “You must discover the authentic you, full of dreams, full of promise, and full of unchartered potential.”
Thomas and Spelman President Mary Schmidt Campbell have been working together since January in an effort to build a healthy community of respect and unity between the schools. Faculty, staff, Title IX coordinators, and executive leaders have been collaborating on plans for joint training opportunities and shared curriculum in a campaign to foster safe and healthy communities throughout the Atlanta University Center.
After Convocation, new Morehouse and Spelman students later returned to King Chapel for a special program that encouraged them to collaborate during their years at the Atlanta University Center. Students received Morehouse “brothers” and Spelman “sisters” so that they could expand their network of friendship and support as they pursue their college degrees. The tradition marks the end of orientation activities for the schools.
