Deacon Nathan Gunn, initiatives coordinator, Young Life Northeast Division, shared his insight on the importance of character with the students as the keynote speaker at the 135th Convocation on Sept. 4 in the Clara Schrenk Memorial Chapel.
Gunn said employers can easily hire someone who learned a trade, but finding someone with character is difficult and these people are in demand.
“Character, resolve, perseverance, diligence, honesty, high standards. That’s what makes a Williamson Man. That’s why employers want you. That’s what sets you apart. You literally could not make a dream big enough for what could happen to you. The need for what you possess is extraordinary and limitless.”
Speaking to the seniors, he said “I can’t imagine a bigger moment in history, a bigger opportunity than what the 97 of you are about to walk into in terms of who you are, the skills you have, the character that’s been invested in you, and the opportunity and the needs in the world.
“You have a world that needs you. The only mistake you could make is limiting what you think is possible. Listen, the rains are going to come, the streams are going to rise, the wind is going to blow. That’s life. When that happens, you are going to find out if you built your house on the rock. If you built your house on the rock, you will stand. And, as you stand, you will then lift up others and you will become the men that a great society is built upon. If you somehow fritter this away and you think that it’s something else that going on and it’s not about what happens inside of here and who you are, then there’s going to be a big crash. But hear me out. It’s coming and you guys can crush it and you can build the world. You can own the world. It’s coming and it’s yours. But it’s not the skills, it’s the character.
“So, my challenging question to you is this, ‘Who are you building your life on?’ I’m telling you, you need to build your life on Jesus. Jesus tells us to build our lives upon a rock. If you do, the world is yours. Not because it was easy, but because He was with you. Who do you think you could trust more than Him?”
At the conclusion of Gunn’s talk, President Michael Rounds presented him with a small box with the Williamson logo etched on the lid containing a working compass, symbolizing the meaning of Convocation – to give guidance and direction. In accepting the compass, Gunn became emotional and said this compass is extra special to him because not long ago, his house burned down and he lost all of his possessions, including a compass given to him by his grandfather which was an extra special possession.
In introducing Gunn, Rounds said “It’s my honor to introduce a great servant leader this morning to help us kick off this new school year. Though not a Williamson graduate, our keynote speaker is someone who exemplifies the core values of Williamson, with faith being the foundation for his life of service. As the initiatives coordinator for Young Life he has a special emphasis on ensuring collaboration between Young Life and the Catholic Church. He is a permanent deacon in the Catholic Diocese of Syracuse, but his full-time role outside of his parish assignments is working for Young Life. He began working for Young Life 30 years ago, mainly around Syracuse and Central New York, and now serves in the major cities of the northeast and on the Young Life Global Cities team, which serves the largest 25 cities in the world.
“All over the world, Young Life works with parishes, dioceses, archdiocese to help fulfill the New Evangelization and reconnect young people back to their personal faith in churches. I heard Deacon Gunn speak at Manup Philly two years ago and was really inspired by his story and his message. Although Phillies Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt also spoke, and was great, most of the people really felt the highlight of the day was Deacon Gunn’s talk.”
Gunn earned a Master of Arts in Theology at Fuller Seminary and a Master of Arts in Biblical Theology at John Paul the Great Catholic University. He teaches theology and scripture for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse. He has written two books, Lead Like Mary, A Biblical Primer on Marian Leadership, and A Rule of Saint Nicholas, How to Save Yourself and Your Family from a Modern Western Christmas. Both are available on Amazon.com. He lives in Syracuse, New York with his wife, Tammy, and they have two adult sons.
In her welcoming remarks, Dr. Michelle Williams, vice president of academic affairs/CAO, said “Students, you have a tremendous opportunity. Embrace each and every day and opportunity by making each day count. Make each day successful and significant in your trades and academic classes. and do the work.”
In his welcoming remarks, Rounds said “Convocation is a special event where we gather to officially launch the start of our 135th school year. With 130 members, the Class of 2W8 is the largest freshman class in Williamson history. This class was selected from a record number of 760 applicants. They moved into their new homes on Aug. 20 to begin their 1,000-day journey to becoming Williamson Men. With 97 seniors and 106 juniors, our student enrollment is 333, the largest we have ever had.
“It’s my great privilege to serve as the 13th president at this unique and special institution. Mary Nell and I are just as excited to be a part of this great mission as we were when we first started. We feel truly blessed to be part of this. Williamson is blessed with a dedicated, passionate, and talented cadre of teachers and staff. You are a great team and I am honored to be working with you every day.”
Addressing the students, he said “The education and training you are receiving in your trade is the best in the country, but what really sets Williamson apart is the internalization and exemplification of the five core values – faith, integrity, diligence, excellence, and service. Don’t ever forget that or take it for granted. The 1,000-day journey you students are on is built on the foundation of our core values and is focused on developing leaders of character.”
Convocation also included Rev. Mark Specht, DMin, 7W7 giving the invocation and benediction, Sean Howat, assistant chaplain, giving the responsorial psalm and pledge of allegiance, Chase Thompson, senior class president, doing the scripture reading, and the Artisans leading the audience in the singing of the alma mater with Sherre Gaertner, the Artisan’s director, playing piano.
Convocation began with a reception in the dining room and guests observing the raising of the flag during morning lineup.
