JC Traditions/History Blog

50 years

This is considered the golden time of age, marriage, and graduation from Judson...

Wait.

That's right, at Judson College fifty years after your graduation means acceptance into a special club.

The Golden Club.

Of course, all of Judson's alumnae are spectacular, but the Golden Club pays homage to some of our long time supporters. These champions of Judson have stuck around for years and years following their academic tenure in Marion, AL.

I was fortunate enough to attend The Golden Club Banquet several weeks ago, and the experience was one I will not easily forget. A lot of these so called "little old ladies" were full of life and vibrantly recalled their most memorable experiences here at Judson.

I remember thinking as I left the event,

"What memories will stick fifty years after my graduation from Judson College?"

I am only in my junior year, but this question still plagues my mind.

After...

       Tests

       Stress

       Finals

How will my life be affected by Judson College? What do I want to take home along with my degree?

The main speaker for the class of 1961 was a lady named Becky. She periodically made the same statement, but it stuck with me the most.

"We've gotta long way to go, baby!"

I realize that this is a peculiar thing to remember for those of you in attendance that evening. A lot of poignant, beautiful things were said by many people.

However, her use of this phrase described her life after: freshmen year, graduation, and being commemorated as a new member in the Golden Club.

I found comfort in her humbleness, because I feel the same way.

I am not the same person I was my freshmen year. Likewise, I will not be the same person upon my graduation from Judson College. What's comforting is that even if I'm still growing fifty years after my graduation, that's okay too.  

Becky, if you're reading this, thank you!

You have shown me that even with fifty years of growing time, there's always room for improvement.

Hello one and all!

Last weekend was J-Day and I had the opportunity to participate in many of its events. If you're unfamiliar with J-Day, I'll explain a bit more about this special weekend on our campus.

Imagine a multitude of women young and old, converging with a single purpose:

Uphold, protect, and further Judson College.

As most people know, women on a mission are often undefeatable. This is the case of the Judson College Alumnae Association (JCAA). These past graduates of Judson have been fighting for their Alma Mater for a lot longer than 1868, the formation of the JCAA, however this organization proved to strengthen their unity of purpose.

In fact, the first constitution of "The Society of Alumnae of Judson Female Institute" declared their purpose

"To afford a common bond of sisterhood and sympathy among the Alumnae of the Institute; to promote the moral and intellectual improvement of its members; to furnish occasions of social reunion and fellowship; to keep alive the flame of love and devotion to Alma Mater; and to advance its true interests and prosperity."*

This clear cut objective is the motivation behind J-Day and all its festivities. I encourage all of my readers (especially future Judson girls) to come down and visit! See for yourself this overwhelming support that is the heart and soul of our institution. It is this continuous push for advancement that makes an education earned at Judson College one of the best around.

 "For the past 173 years, Judson College has been about the business of Christian higher education."

I have heard Dr. David Potts, the president of Judson, say this many times at numerous functions.

If Judson College was not hidden behind the shadow of the Cross, and filled with past and present students alike who uphold their Alma Mater, I do believe its doors would have shut a long time ago.

*Quote from A History of Judson College by. Louise Manly

The big day has come and gone! At first, I wasn't planning on writing a follow-up blog, but I was slightly shocked (and thankful) for all of the thoughts, prayers, and comments that came my way.

When I met Dad, there was no sappy music playing as we ran across a field to greet each other. Does that mean I wasn't excited? No way! My heart was racing, pumping, thumping, etc. I guess the feeling was more of, "Wow, this is so right--it's like he has always been here."

Now, we did a lot during our visit, but here's a list of the most exciting things:

~Squirrel hunting

~Fishing

~Wild game festival

~Shooting guns (target practice)

 Out of all these things, I would've been just as content to sit around and talk the whole time. A large majority of time was spent talking, eating, and drinking coffee. (Are my Southern roots showing?)

If I had to describe my first visit with Dad in one word, it would be perfect. This might seem like a typical answer, but think about it.

More often than not, the events in life that are the least expected turn out to be some of our greatest moments of joy. Looking back over my college career thus far, Judson College is definitely on my list of unexpected places. However, it has turned out to be a place of first experiences for me.

This time in my life has been filled with firsts left and right. I'm travelling to Tennessee this weekend to meet my Dad's extended family for the first time. Also, this will be the first time I go on a road trip with my Nana (Dad's mom).

I could keep listing things off one-by-one, but instead I'll share the one thought that has been running through my head from day one of this adventure:

"God, how am I supposed to make sense of these changes in my life?"

His answer has been steadily resounding in my ears, "Don't you think I knew about this all along? It's all in the plan."

 Being a singer, I've come to think of this change somewhat musically.

Same song, second verse.

"Mom, why do I have a different last name from you and Reagan?"

My family tells me I know how to stop someone cold in their tracks with my directness. This was definitely one of those moments. Mom had the classic deer-in-the-headlights look and was suddenly focused on unlocking the door.

I learned the truth about my biological father that day. Mom sat me down on the couch, pulled out a worn out photo booth picture, and told me the story of her teenaged romance. I remember spending a long time in front of the mirror, trying to decide what physical features belonged to my dad. One question had turned my life upside down.

Fast forward twenty years, and a routine Facebook check turned my life upside down.

"Dear Audra, you don't know me, but I believe I am your biological father."

STOP!

This cannot be happening to me. Why is this happening to me? Lord, I just made peace with all of the crummy family situations in my life.  

Have you ever watched Unsolved Mysteries?  The show helps people solve murders, catch criminals, and occasionally reconnect with long, lost relatives. When parent and child would be reunited after umpteen years, I was that one viewer who would be poking fun of the emotions. If the news reports a similar situation, I act really obnoxious and goofy. Needless to say, reconnecting with my biological father via Facebook caused me to chuckle a bit.

Maybe instead of laughing at all of those people I should have been taking notes. Dad and I have been communicating via Facebook, Skype, text messaging, and over the phone for about six weeks.

I am meeting him for the first time on Wednesday, February 23, at 11:00AM.

Even though I knew this day was coming, I no longer know how to feel, think, or act.

One of my favorite Bible verses is Psalm 121: 1-2:

"I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth."

 Ask anyone who knows me and they'll tell you that I am a control freak-big time. Some people tell me that it's because I am a good leader, a woman, a classic Type-A personality. However, the Word of God makes it clear that when I call the shots, my trust is not in God, but my own ability.

Tomorrow, I might not know what to do, but I know that God has been preparing me for this day my entire life.