Baccalaureate service honors graduates with “Forrest Gump”-inspired message

By Kaylen Ayres '25

Baccalaureate, an interfaith service of blessing that precedes Commencement exercises each year, was held on May 5 in the Cregger Center arena. The Rev. Christopher Bowen, Timothy Pickle Dean of the Chapel, presided over the worship service for all graduates, families and guests.

Nia Cotes ’23 was the crucifer for the service, and Kaleb Parsons ’23 and Juliet Marvelli ’23 were the torchbearers.

President Frank Shushok Jr., in his first Baccalaureate service, welcomed those in attendance and spoke about the traditions at Roanoke College.

“Traditions are the intersection of the past and the present,” Shushok said. “When you paint the rock, you paint on top of hundreds of those who came before you. When you signed your name last night, you saw thousands of names of others who have done the same.”

Shushok proceeded to read a lesson from Isaiah 43 before Bowen read the gospel from 1 Corinthians 13.

As in years past, Bowen introduced a theme for each year, representative of the graduating class. This year’s message was inspired by “Forrest Gump,” a 1986 novel by Winston Groom and a 1994 film directed by Robert Zemeckis.

“Life is like a box of chocolates,” Bowen quoted. “You never know what you’re going to get.” 

Bowen adopted a Southern accent and the wardrobe of the titular character while sitting on a bench next to a bus stop sign. He went on to explain how your shoes can take you anywhere. 

“You’re in control of what you give,” Bowen said. “What you give to the world is what you love. Your love is your world. You gave your love to the classroom to study so that you can express your love out into the world. It will be the shoes that can take you anywhere.”

A feather and box of chocolates could be found under each graduating senior’s seat to remind them of the sentiment shared by Bowen.

After the message, the Roanoke College Choir performed “How Firm a Foundation,” arranged by Shawn Kirchner. The choir was accompanied by Cara Hubbard, a lecturer and accompanist in the music program, and directed by Professor Jeffrey Sandborg in his final Baccalaureate service before retirement.

Members of the Roanoke College community shared interfaith blessings including faculty members Shannon Anderson, Melanie Trexler, Srikanth Mallavarapu and Meeta Mehrotra. The chaplain concluded the service with a prayer for the Class of 2023 and a blessing.

“May mutual love be our purpose and guide our lives toward creating communities that celebrate that we are better together,” Bowen said.