Speeches
Finding Ways to Serve One Another: A Welcome Back Forum with the Cordons
In celebration of a new academic year, the Southern Virginia University community gathered in the Knight Arena on Aug. 30 for a Welcome Back forum. President Bonnie H. Cordon and Derek Cordon taught about creating community and supporting one another.
“While this may be a time that feels overwhelming, I’d like to offer some solutions to help you have the best semester yet,” said Provost James Lambert in his introductory remarks. “First, find structure in your classes. You have professors there to guide you through unfamiliar territory. Second, attend church on Sunday to understand who you are and feel connected to God. And finally, do all these things with patience, as there is no peace quite like the peace of Christ. These will help you towards a peaceful semester full of learning.”
Reflecting on his first day of college, Derek Cordon shared how he decided to fill his days welcoming the other new students to school to serve others and make friends. He realized that despite their many differences in life, they were also the same in God’s eyes.
“I look at you today, and I wonder where you’re at in that adventure,” said Derek. “I hope you look around and realize that you’re not alone. President Nelson invited each of us to commemorate his 100th birthday by reaching out to the one in need as the Savior always did. I challenge each of you to break out of your own little personal bubble and look for an opportunity to serve someone else today and every day of this semester.”
Seconding the invitation to help those in need, President Cordon shared the story of musician Art Garfunkel’s college friendship. He dedicated himself to helping his best friend, Sandy Greenburg, after Greenburg became blind as a college student and who later inspired the song, “The Sound of Silence.”
“God does notice us, and he watches over us, but it’s usually through another person that he meets our needs,” said President Cordon. “He needs you to be that other person, and someone will be that person for you. I want you to know that God knows who you are. He knows you’re at Southern Virginia University. He knows what classes you’re taking and who your roommate is, and he will watch over you.”
President Cordon also invited students to look for ways to serve others, sharing the story of triathlete Alistair Brownlee, who helped his brother Jonathan cross the finish line during their race at the World Series Finale in 2016, forfeiting first place.
“As you look around, I hope you realize you’re home,” said President Cordon. “You’ve got a whole host of brothers and sisters and friends now. You are an incredible generation. We have complete confidence in you, and you truly are here to change the world for good. Each one of you already has influence, and you can choose how it is used. Make it for good. Make it for great.”
The forum featured a musical rendition of “Whenever/Peace in Christ,” performed by the university’s a cappella ensemble, Accolade. At the end of the event, the campus community joined in singing “Love One Another.”