Jill Awuni, Assistant Professor of Religion, opened Chowan University’s 2024 Founders Day Convocation in prayer, marking a new day, a new beginning for the Class of 2028. 

Dr. John Dilustro, Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs, led the Founders Day assembly with an introduction of Dr. Rosemary Thomas, “Today marks a historic moment for Chowan University as we welcome our twenty-fourth president— a visionary leader and the first woman to ever hold this esteemed position in our 176-year history.

Dr. Rosemary M. Thomas brings a wealth of experience, a deep commitment to academic excellence, and a passion for growth and transformation. Her personal educational journey has taken her from an undergraduate degree at Clemson University to her master’s degree at the University of South Carolina and then on to her Doctorate at the University of West Virginia.  As an educational leader, she has held many leadership roles along the way to Chowan University, most recently serving as the Executive Vice President at Davis and Elkins College.

Dr. Thomas’s leadership, grounded in collaboration, vision, and courage, promises a bright and transformative future for Chowan. She has already recognized the immense potential within our faculty, staff, and students, and she is eager to work alongside each of us to create new opportunities and drive continued success for our university. As we embark on a new academic year, her leadership signals a new chapter that honors our heritage while boldly stepping into the future.”

Dr. Thomas, in her remarks, instructed the freshmen that a university convocation is a gathering of students, administrators and professors coming together to celebrate, inducting new students into the welcoming arms of the campus community, giving them a sense of identity, articulating the university’s mission and creating a favorable first impression.

She said, “We want you to know we are proud of your decision to enter college, we welcome you with open hearts and open arms, we want you to feel that you are truly part of a community that believes in your abilities and endless possibilities for success, and we truly hope you love it here! Members of the freshmen class of Chowan University,YOU are the guests of honor for this ceremony. Thank you for making this choice – for choosing Chowan.

Dr. Thomas quoted Dr.Martin Luther King, Jr., “Not everybody can be famous but everybody can be great because greatness is determined by service.” She continued by saying, “ I can assure you that you are in the presence of greatness as the people who make up this community, this University, are here to serve the needs of our students.”

Sharing a passage in the Bible,,”How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver” (Proverbs 16:16). Dr. Thomas spoke of the opportunity they had of gaining wisdom, woven through all of the life skills and experiences they were embracing while studying and learning from dedicated educators and each other. She cautioned that “we must recognize that wisdom is worth far more than gold. Wisdom cannot be taken from you. Wisdom is earned and entrusted with those who choose to learn and accept the teachings of God. Good and sound judgment is priceless as well. It is the foundation on which Chowan University is building our life skills university that will prepare you for a future grounded in effective communication, self-care and wellness, coachability, spiritual maturity, problem solving, financial literacy, collaboration, confidence, technical competency, and professionalism.”

Dr. Hunter Taylor, Interim Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs, spoke of the celebratory ringing of the bell, an event occurring after the assembly presentation. He explained that the bell welcomes you to Chowan. “You are taking part in something special. You are not alone. Go forth and pursue excellence; embrace the opportunities ahead.”  Following his direction freshmen students traveled on the brick alumni walk leading to the gazebo where the bell is located;  welcoming faculty members wearing regalia, surrounded the students on either side of the pathway, clapping, shaking their hands and some simply smiling, all  reinforcing Dr. Dilustro’s and Dr. Taylor’s comments in convocation, that they are not alone on this journey. Stepping into the gazebo they were greeted by President Thomas with a warm, infectious smile, and a memorable token of the event.

“Four years later, the same students, only now seniors, will ring the bell once again to signify the completion of their academic studies, saying “well done, now soar” (2020). Before 1880, this historic bell rang for students from two stone pillars, always reminding those hearing it to “go forth”.

Destiny Vaughan, shared, “The ringing of the bell was meaningful to me. After convocation and my first experience ringing the bell, there were times I wanted to call it quits, particularly my sophomore and junior years. I thought I couldn’t continue, but I remembered that I needed to ring that bell. It signified that I had made it and that I was the first in my immediate family to graduate from a four-year college. Even this year, in graduate school and working at Chowan, I still remember ringing the bell to conclude my student journey and enter into adulthood.” Destiny graduated in 2022.

The opening prayer resided in hearts through the entire ceremony, “I ask your blessings on all those who have joined us today and have given of their time, their talents, and their treasure. Today, Oh God, we are so thankful to you for our freshmen, our transfer students, our returning students, our new staff, faculty and our President for such a time as this. Oh Lord, you led them here to build a new legacy fit for Chowan and for themselves. God, above all, may anyone associated with Chowan be changed, transformed, renewed, and healed through the matchless name of Jesus” (Jill Awuni’s prayer).

Smiling faces, hugs and laughter, all are evidence of healing and transformation. “It’s time for us to soar together!”