What is Forever Connected? – Setting the Record Straight

Reports swirl from SAFE reporting that Erskine College has changed its motto to a secularized “Forever Connected.” One letter from an SAFE editor, posted on the site, says

“Why do we now have an Admissions process that emphasizes “faith” more than “Christ”, which substitutes vague and vacuous phrases such as “Forever Connected” for a vigorous attempt to market Erskine as a Christian liberal arts college? Such vagueness shamefully uses the name of Christ as a mantra to cover Erskine’s lack of institutional integrity…”

To set the record straight. . .

Yes, Erskine has launched a fresh admissions campaign to highlight the very things that make Erskine special and their tagline is “Forever Connected.” The full phrase is “Forever Connected in Christ, Learning and Life.” The phrase begins to express to potential students just what the Erskine experience is all about. It encapsulates the three deep and lasting connections that students gain at Erskine. Forever connected with Christ, who students grow in, or perhaps even first accept, at Erskine. Forever connected with the learning that takes place in and outside of Erskine’s classrooms. And, forever connected in life with many cherished relationships that first began on Erskine’s campus. Simply put, the phrase highlights the Christian commitment and excellence in learning that Erskine is known for, but also adds another crucial component of the Erskine experience – Erskine is about relationships too!

And just for the record, the college’s official motto and mission statement:

Erskine’s motto has been “Scientia cum moribus conjuncta” since 1842. The latin phrase for “knowledge joined with morals” was first coined by David McCaw while he worked as a tutor for the college, before becoming a full professor. In his book, “A Place Called Due West,” Dr. Lowry Ware writes that the college faculty adopted the motto and inscribed it on the “diplomas of the first graduating class of seven in September, 1842.” Erskine’s motto is nearly 167 years old and it hasn’t changed a bit!

The Erskine College Mission Statement Reads: “The mission of Erskine College is to equip students to flourish by providing an excellent liberal arts education in a Christ-centered environment where learning and biblical truth are integrated to develop the whole person.” This mission statement was approved by the Erskine College Board of Trustees in 2007 and finalized in early 2008.