JC Grads Given Last Homework Assignments

By Samantha Swindler - Progress City Editor
May 10, 2005

As they walked away from Buckner Chapel for possibly the last time Friday night, Jacksonville College's graduating sophomores left with more than their diplomas - they left with homework.

Outgoing Academic Dean Rhonda Smith, who is returning to her Mississippi hometown next semester, was the featured speaker for the commencement ceremonies, and she gave her English students one last lecture before sending them out into the world.

"This is not one of those feel-good inspirational speeches where someone gives an inspirational quote and walks away," Smith said. "I'm going to give y'all some homework, because I know you can do it."

Smith, who has been affiliated with JC since 1997, leaves after serving two years as academic dean. She will continue her teaching career in Mississippi and instructed her students to continue their paths as well.

That was Homework Assignment No. 1 - "Continue your course work."

"An associate's degree is a huge accomplishment, and you should be proud," Smith said. "However, there are other goals to attain, so please, don't stop here. Keep studying, keep learning, be a lifelong learner. Even after you have earned every degree you may need, always challenge yourself to continue learning."

She asked graduates to read at least three books a year, just for pleasure, and told them to focus on making memories rather amassing material goods.

"Invest in the people around you," she said. "Those are the things that last."

In that vein, she gave Homework Assignment No. 2 - "Sit down and start a life's to-do list of experiences you do not want to die without sharing with loved ones."

The last assignment she gave graduates of the Baptist-affiliated, two-year collage was a spiritual mission.

Homework Assignment No. 3 instructed students to create and foster a relationship with Jesus Christ.

"This school, the people who live this school, we're not about religion, because ultimately, religion cannot save anyone," Smith said.

"When you stand before God after your life, He is simply going to ask to know one thing - He offered his only son for your sins so you may have the gift of eternal life," Smith said. "Did you accept that gift?"

Jacksonville College graduated 54 sophomores, including 15 honor graduates and three students with perfect 4.0 GPAs - Brandi Black, Chandy Carson and Lombe Chitundu.

"This has been the best year we've had," said Jacksonville College President, Dr. Edwin Crank. "The students have been superb. I'm proud of them and want to see them go off and do more."

Samantha Swindler can be reached by phone at 903-586-2236 or via e-mail at news@jacksonvilleprogress.com