“The profoundest sense of what community means is to share a bond together and to forge a common identity together within that bond,” VP of Academic Affairs, Art Vanden Houten said to the Class of 2028. “I believe deeply in the transformative power of that idea and of this community that you are now joining.”
Flagler’s Fall 2024 Convocation ceremony was held Tuesday, Aug. 27 in the Lewis Auditorium. It featured a processional of faculty and administrators, multiple speakers, and a performance by the College’s student choir.
The auditorium was packed and buzzing with the chatter of new friendships. There was both excitement and an anticipation in the air, feelings the keynote address tapped into. Delivered by alumnus C.H. Hooks (‘05), a celebrated author and creative writing professor at the College, the speech emphasized the importance of persistence, passion, and embracing life’s uncertainties.
“It’s a sight, a bit overwhelming to see you all with a world of possibility vibrating electric in your minds,” Hooks said. “I can see myself in this crowd.”
Known for his novel “Alligator Zoo Park Magic” (2019), Hooks began teaching at Flagler in 2020. He also serves as Director of Flagler College's Storytellers—Author in Residence program which brings nationally recognized authors to Flagler's campus to teach and mentor for an entire semester. His writing has been featured in prestigious publications like the Los Angeles Review, American Short Fiction, and the Bitter Southerner.
During his speech, Hooks reflected on his own experiences at Flagler, recounting how he initially found the college by Googling “surfing schools” and how his persistence led to an acceptance letter after an initial rejection.
“Persistence and a stubbornness to protect your future is on you, and these things are essential to achievement—so I gambled,” he said. “I wrote the then President of Flagler a letter arguing for my place at the college. The President’s exception letter I received back is framed on the wall of my office here.”
Hooks’ address was filled with personal anecdotes and motivational advice. He spoke about the impact of 9/11 during his freshman year and how it led him to turn to writing as a means of processing the world around him. He encouraged students to find their passion and to be open to new experiences, even if they seem unrelated to their ultimate goals.
“Know that trial and error as well as renewed possibility does not stop once you graduate,” Hooks said. “Writing was something that I did in my spare time. It didn’t pay the bills. It was a struggle to chart a course. When it feels that you have nothing to lose, everything and nothing can feel like a possibility.”
Hooks shared a list of various odd jobs and experiences he had while pursuing his passion for writing, illustrating the varied paths that can lead to success in one's passion. From delivering pizzas to working in yacht sales and starting a hot sauce company during the pandemic, Hooks emphasized the importance of being open to new opportunities and learning from each experience.
“When talking about novel writing I often cite Fibonacci’s Sequence,” Hooks said. “This arc of curling, what is an essential formation for nature, also applies to the tensions of our lives—ultimately, what makes our lives interesting.”
He concluded his speech by encouraging students to embrace the tension and challenges they will face, finding beauty in their trials and potential failures.
“Yours is an age for commitment,” Hooks said. “All of your paths will be different. Why should you expect differently? Your paths to this point have been unique. Show yourself grace and be open to the possibilities.”
