Dreary but Cheery Founder’s Weekend Welcomes Past, Current and Future Gordon Generations

In celebration of founder A. J. Gordon’s birthday, and in honor of all who have paved the way at Gordon over the years, the College hosted its annual Founder’s Weekend last week. Dreary but cheery, the event kicked off with the Social Venture Challenge on Thursday night, and continued with talks by Os Guinness, Gospel Experience concerts, and kids’ activities to boot. During Convocation on Friday, friends of the College Tom and Lyn Shields received the Founder's Medal in honor of their gracious hospitality and support for Gordon and its community. Throughout the weekend, Gordon’s Scottish heritage abounded. A Scottish band, complete with dancers in kilts, entertained visitors in Lane. Kids stormed the mini-quad outside for a pint-size version of the Highland Games. “It’s been incredible,” said Sarah Henkels ’16, program coordinator for college relations and advancement events. “We ended up having 60 kids come to the Highland Games. Despite the rain…families are having a great time taking part in all the activities.” Perhaps Gordon is already looking to take care of its Class of 2030, inviting children to celebrate the fun of Founder’s Weekend—which this year also coincided with Earth Day. As such, many of the events were chosen to highlight sustainability. Kids planted their own herb gardens, pedaled a bike that used physical exertion to make smoothies, and sampled honey made from an on-campus hive, courtesy of the Beekeeping Club. Josh Spoonhour ’17 and Joey Tarraborrelli ’17, co-leaders of the Beekeeping Club, said, “Our mission is two-fold. One, to have a sustainable hive on campus to help preserve the global bee population. Two, to show people at Gordon that we’re pursuing a sustainable lifestyle and practices. We want to show that you can do this as a student and give back.” As festival activities wound down, many people headed indoors to attend the Richard F. Gross Distinguished Lecture, featuring Dr. Os Guinness. Hosted by the Center for Faith and Inquiry, author and social critic Guinness gave a talk entitled, “Let my people go! The covenant as the missing key to the American crisis.” Gordon’s gospel choir wrapped up the weekend with their 5th anniversary Gospel Experience concert. “When we call the concert an experience, it truly is one,” said choir member Wislene Augustin ’17. “We are not there to put a show or flaunt our talents, but to truly worship as the people of God no matter the difference in our cultures and backgrounds.” From welcoming future Gordon generations to celebrating the College’s Scottish heritage and its commitment to sustainability, Founder’s Weekend offered something for everyone. The weekend’s festivities were hosted mainly by Student Ambassadors and mission teams. And as a nod to the vision of our founder, all donations went toward student mission trips. [gallery type="slideshow" columns="1" size="full" ids="4493,4487,4488,4489,4490,4491,4492,4494,4495"] By Sierra Elizabeth Flach ’18, communication arts and English language and literature (creative writing)