“The unexamined life is not worth living.”  Socrates’ words remind me of the necessity to pause and reflect among the busyness and noise of modern life.  In these moments when we unplug, retreat to a place of solitude, and take time to look inward, perspective is restored and insight gained.  With the approach of a national holiday centered around thanks, this is an appropriate time to examine life and recognize all its blessings.

This weekly column enables me to reflect on the journey, specifically the opportunities and experiences availed through Davis & Elkins College.  Often, I have penned my thoughts about the uniqueness of this College that has transformed lives for 12 decades, and God willing, will continue to do so for decades to come.  For so many, this gem of an institution has molded and matured generations of young people and assisted them to find their vocational calling.  The trajectory of their journey was tremendously influenced by their time on these hallowed grounds and through their interactions with the people of D&E.  For that, I give thanks.

Reflecting on this past year, gratitude and glory are closely linked.  For the past 18 months everyone on campus has experienced the construction of Glory Residence Hall.  After 54 years, it was high time to cut a ribbon on a new residence facility for our students.  It was indeed a glorious day when we dedicated that building and cleared the way for 100 of our freshmen to move into their new home.  The name Glory came from one of our lead donors, Kathy Ramsdell ’74.  At the dedication ceremony she shared that God is revealed through God’s glory, and it was her desire that this new facility would be a blessing for every student that would reside in it.  How fitting that Glory Residence Hall is now towering on the hilltop over the D&E campus.  Each day as I pass it by, I find myself thankful for its existence and grateful that the glory of the Divine continues to be revealed at D&E.  For that, I give thanks.

As I pause to examine life, I see faces in my mind’s eye.  Specifically, I see faces of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends of D&E.  I see faces of students who call Davis & Elkins home today.  So many of these young men and women are curious and gifted learners, passionate souls, and emerging leaders.  Over the past eight years I have met multitudes of alumni and friends connected to this College and I see their faces.  From them I have learned the institution’s history of mountaintop highs and valley lows, heard firsthand of the saints of this institution that established the solid foundation upon which we are building today, and witness daily the present saints working on campus establishing similar legacies that future generations will admire.  For all those faces I see, I give thanks.

Reflecting over the past year, and particularly my interactions with the D&E community, I have myriad reasons to offer gratitude this Thanksgiving holiday.  I hope and trust you too can step back, reflect, and recognize the blessings that surround your life.  Hopefully, like me, Davis & Elkins College is among those very special blessings.


Chris A. Wood
President
Davis & Elkins College