University of Southern Mississippi alumnus Russell Moore spoke at a recent campus forum, drawing students and community members eager to hear his message.
The event was held in the Thad Cochran Grand Ballroom, where Moore, an American theologian and editor-in-chief of Christianity Today, addressed topics including faith, theology, work and navigating those issues in the current political climate.
Southern Miss students said they were glad to see an alumnus return to campus.
USM junior Kevon Scales said it felt special having Moore speak.
“It feels nice because they have the connection that other people don’t have,” Scales said. “They went here, they walked in my shoes.”
Scales said his biggest takeaway from the speech was peace.
“We shouldn’t demonize our opponents,” he added. “He said that, and it really spoke to me.”
At the end of the speech, audience members had the chance to ask questions and participate in an open discussion on topics ranging from social issues to personal matters.
Moore said his most important advice for students is to stay attentive to life.
“I’ll say to students particularly, pay attention to your life, pay attention to the sorts of questions your life is asking,” he stated. “There are all types of things that seem uncertain now that will become clear later, but don’t give up asking those questions and seeking those things.”
He also reflected on what it meant to be back on campus, a place he once called home.
“It feels amazing because it’s a place where I can see memories but also see newness,” he added. “I was taking pictures and sending them to my roommate back here in the early 1990s, just showing him how much had built up in the best possible way.”
After the forum, audience members were invited to a book signing held in the hallway.
