By Kaylen Ayres ’25
Baccalaureate, an interfaith service of blessing that precedes Commencement exercises each year, was held May 3 in the Cregger Center arena. The Rev. Christopher Bowen, Timothy L. Pickle Dean of the Chapel, presided over the worship service for all graduates, families and guests.
John Wallace Schultz ’24 was the crucifer for the service. Fadzai Nyarugwe ’24 and Lily Harmison ’24 were the torchbearers.
After the call to worship, President Frank Shushok Jr. welcomed those in attendance and spoke on traditions before sharing the lesson from Psalm 116:1-10.
“Traditions matter at Roanoke,” Shushok said. “They are anchors of our shared story, and they remind us of who we are as a community. Traditions are part of our identity.”
The life of Assistant Professor Mary Crockett Hill ’91 was honored with a reading of one of her poems, “Cupboard,” delivered by Jake Dellinger ’24.
Tim Hoffstaetter ’24 read the gospel from St. John, the 20th chapter. Bowen then emerged in a visor, sunglasses, a track jacket and a whistle around his neck. Paying homage to “Ted Lasso,” an inspiring series on Apple TV+, he asked the seniors if they would rather be a lion or a panda.
“We needed you to be you,” Bowen said. “Roanoke College is still here today because you all chose to be you.”
Bowen pulled out a diploma tube from a floral arrangement before opening it to reveal a sign saying: “BELIEVE.”
“Things can get better. Remember 2020? I want to believe that I can get better, that we will get better,” Bowen said. “When we believe in one another, when we believe in something bigger than all of us together, that’s the fundamentals of being alive.”
Following the message, the Roanoke College Choir, directed by fine arts instructor Michael Pekel in his first Baccalaureate service, performed “Hush, Somebody’s Calling My Name,” arranged by Stacey V. Gibbs. Members of the Roanoke College community then shared interfaith blessings.
Bowen concluded the service with a prayer for the Class of 2024.
“Help us continue to practice the values instilled in us here at dear old Roanoke to meet the challenges ahead, not knowing where we are going but trusting that it is your hand leading us,” Bowen said.
Prelude & Procession
