The researchers examined the effect of a course, Introduction to Life Calling (LDR150), on retention and persistence to graduation at a private, Midwestern university. The course emphasizes self-assessment, student-faculty engagement, personal values, and the student's developing sense of Life Calling. The subjects consisted of 3338 students who entered the university between fall 2001 and fall 2005, including 638 course participants who composed the experimental group. A significant relationship was observed between course participation and graduating status. Multivariate analysis suggests that the relationship between the course and graduation is small, relative to the effect of SAT and ACT scores. The findings are discussed in light of the many factors that commingle with student retention and graduation in higher education. A well-rounded introductory course such as LDR150 may represent another valuable resource for students and universities in the pursuit of student success.Retention and persistence are vital components to the success of postsecondary institutions. Government and state funding are often based on these components