Barely a day goes by that senior Julian Morrison doesn't praise Jesus for the good gifts of life: a fit body that runs, a creative mind that learns, and a faithful spirit that cares. He takes none for granted for he realizes each is a blessing not always given or guaranteed. He knows this because he has seen firsthand when something special – a dream, a sense, an ability – becomes unavailable or is taken away.
Yet, even though these hardships happen, both temporary and permanent, you'd be hard-pressed to find a happier student at Hope College.
Upon meeting him for the first time, Morrison – captain of the men's cross country team and a composite major in digital communication and recording arts – may come off as serious, quiet and calm, but to those who know him well, he's best described as good-natured and jovial.
Perhaps one of the best examples of the former resident assistant's lively playfulness was when he named the Hope band for which he plays guitar, "Five Dollar Fine," an acknowledgment of the consequences for the breaking rules of Hope's dormitory visitation hours if, say, a jam session went on too long. Not that he ever broke those rules, though. He's just sayin'.
"Julian injects fun into each experience he has," says Jill VanderStoep, adjunct assistant professor of mathematics and Morrison's advisor during his freshman and sophomore years. "He is a great role model when it comes to a Christ-centered life of one who lives fully into creation."
Morrison's life and academic journeys have not always been light-hearted, though. There have been some rough, gravelly times, too. He came to Hope determined to major in engineering, but after his freshman year, his heart and his grades told him he should pursue something else.
"I knew I wanted to create things with my mind and hands, but I wasn't exactly sure what it would be. I wasn't sure of the engineering fit. I just was struggling and knew I had to change my path," admits Morrison whose hometown is Aurora, Illinois where he was a graduate of Waubonsie Valley High School.
After a couple semesters of searching for a new major track along traditionally defined academic lines, Morrison crafted on a course of study that integrates a couple disciplines that jive with his love for people and songs. The composite major he created, with VanderStoep's help and the registrar's approval, melds music and communication coursework, taking him to the converging intersection of What-I'm-Good-At Street and What-I-Love-to-Do Avenue.
"I think Julian's composite brings together his technical-engineering side with his love for music and blends it with his uncanny knack for getting along with others," confirms VanderStoep.
But it was Morrison's mother who encouraged him to take one certain route to that crossroads by persuading him to make his musical talents a bigger part of his academic journey. Moms usually know best, of course, and in Morrison's case, his mother was able to sense what her son needed most. And what is even more special about that is she did so without the sense of hearing. Rosemary Morrison is deaf. So is Frank Morrison, Julian's dad.
"When I was thinking about changing my major, a traditional music major was the only one my mom said yes to," explains Morrison, who is fluent in American Sign Language. "People assume that deaf people don't appreciate music but that's not true. Deaf people can't hear music the same way you and I hear music, but they still love it. They still think it's a beautiful thing because they can feel the bass and the percussion. That feeling is what is beautiful to my parents."
"Julian has a genuine, unassuming love and concern for others," Coach Mark Northuis points out. "He has worked hard throughout his life and overcome many obstacles that have sent others into tailspins. His parents are deaf, he is a triplet, and he has worked multiple jobs at once to pay for his college education. Through all of this, he is a role model to other people on the team and in the dorms. His faith in God is enormous as is his humility."
At the NCAA Great Lakes Regional hosted by Hope this weekend, Morrison will use the lessons he's learned from the various adversities he's battled through (which also includes a significant hamstring injury this season) to inspire and lead. And of course, to run. Fast. With others.
The men's 8K race at West Ottawa Golf Club begins at noon. Click here to learn more about the regional meet.
"There is something special about mentally and physically pushing yourself individually while on a team," he confides. "Being with other people pushes and stretches you farther than you ever thought you could go. "
After graduation this coming May, Morrison has plans to keep pushing onward with others. He hopes to intern for One Way Ministries back in Aurora for a year before perhaps going onto graduate school. Each, though, is still up in the air.
But Julian Morrison knows he's bound to run into more forks in life's road, and he must choose. And of course, he will. Faithfully. With others.
— Eva Dean Folkert
