1 Thessalonians 5:17 says “Pray continually,” and that’s exactly what Campbellsville University students were doing during their recent 24-Hour Prayer Tent event.

“We wanted to highlight the spiritual needs around the world as well as here on our campus,”  Dr. Twyla Hernandez, assistant professor of Christian Missions, said. “We hoped to see Christians come out and pray and become aware of these needs.”

The 14 students of Hernandez’s Missions Principles and Strategies class organized the event, which extended from 10 a.m. on Oct. 10 to 10 a.m. on Oct. 11. CU students could sign up for a 15-minute shift any time in those 24 hours to come and pray in the tent set up on Stapp Lawn.

“There was at least one person in the tent at all times praying,” Hannah Nunn, a senior from Radcliff, Ky., and a student in Hernandez’s class, said. “It was moving to see the Lord working like He was through the prayers lifted up to Him about the campus and other countries.”

Nunn was the coordinator for the event.

Hernandez’s class was divided into four groups, with each group assigned to a specific area of church planting in the world. Each group created a station in the tent devoted to prayer for that specific area.

Other stations in the tent included one for CU’s campus and one for CU sports teams. Individual prayer requests were also taken, so students could pray for fellow students, family members, etc.

“It was so awesome to see all the prayer requests given, because it showed just how many people believe in the power of prayer,” Nunn said.

“The event helped me a lot,” Crissi Oldham, a junior from Munfordville, Ky., and another student of Hernandez, said. “Spending all that time in prayer was really good. Having that time to talk to God drew me closer to Him.”

The class chose Oct. 10 to begin the prayer tent because the next day was ENGAGE24 (10-11-12), “a 24-hour period when college students will make a coordinated effort to engage their campuses with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”

The Missions Principles and Strategies class hopes to host the prayer tent again in future semesters.

Christmastime is fast upon us.

It won’t be long until every house on the block will be lit up with shimmering lights, decked in wreathes and other decorations.

Every store will be packed with throngs of holiday shoppers buying their last-minute gifts.

Children will wake up early on Christmas morning to rush to the tree to find an assortment of presents wrapped in brightly colored paper.

Now imagine what it would be like as a child in the Philippines or Burundi, waking up to nothing, almost as if it was a scene from Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”

Sadly, that is a reality for millions of children every year living in the dire conditions of third world countries across the world.

Operation Christmas Child seeks to resolve that while providing Christmas to these youths and their families as an opportunity for Christian mission.

This “global Christmas gift exchange” sponsored by Samaritan’s Purse, a nondenominational organization for relief and evangelism, collects shoeboxes full of toys, school supplies and other personal items.

Katy Doolin, a sophomore education major from Garrard County, who has been collecting shoeboxes for both her Literary Studies class and the women’s bowling team, said, “I’m involved with Operation Christmas Child because I see it as a great way to spread Christmas to children who will most likely not get anything else during the holiday season. It’s important to me because I want to show others the love that Jesus has shown me, when He came to Earth as the ultimate Christmas gift!”

Operation Christmas Child has distributed these shoeboxes to more than 69 million children in need, reaching over 130 countries.

This year, Campbellsville University’s goal is to collect 2,500 boxes by Nov. 14 through FIRST CLASS and other participating classes, clubs and organizations.

Until then, boxes can be dropped off at Ransdell Chapel, and it is encouraged that contributing individuals include $7 under the lid to cover postage expenses.

Researchers have found that on average Americans throw away enough paper, plastic cups and silverware to circle the equator over 300 times every year.

And if that number does not cause you to rethink, imagine 220 million tons of garbage accumulating each year that is equivalent to burying more than 82,000 football fields six feet deep in compacted garbage.

The average college student produces 640 pounds of solid waste each year, including 500 disposable cups and 320 pounds of paper.

Recycling is a must to maintain a healthy planet, and what better place to start than in our very own back yard, Campbellsville University.

John Chowning, vice president for church and external relations and executive assistant to the president, said, “Campbellsville University is putting increased emphasis on recycling across campus.” He said CU’s commitment to earth stewardship and creation care is a beneficial practice for all of us to follow.

The typical college student’s lifestyle can lead to quite a bit of waste, especially paper, so taking a few small steps to conserve and recycle can really help make the campus more ecofriendly. Here are some simple ways students can get involved and make CU become greener.

First, recycling of course. Think about the countless amounts of notebook paper that you go through in any given semester. From class notes to term papers, the amount of paper used can certainly add up. So do your part and look around campus for paper-recycling bins, which can be found in various CU faculties.

“Recycling is one of the easiest things an individual can do to help the environment,” Dr. Richie Kessler, associate professor of biology/environmental studies program coordinator, said.

“Students can use the recycling bins located in various buildings to recycle white paper, plastic bottles and aluminum cans,” he said.

In addition to the various bins around campus, students can also locate the green recycling trailers located throughout Campbellsville including one that is on campus.

Kessler said recycling reduces the garbage stream and the amount of waste in the environment like litter.

“Litter certainly detracts from our campus and can turn into pollution, which threatens local wildlife and waterways,” Kessler said. “Hopefully we can expand the program on campus so that every building and every event on campus features recycling opportunities.”

Another way to be environmentally friendly is using your printing resources more wisely.

Ask yourself is it really necessary to print out an entire 20-page article?

Or could you possibly get by with emailing or bookmarking the page on your laptop? Not only will this help save paper but will put a bit of extra change in your pocket too.

A few other ecofriendly tips are limiting the use of disposable cups, plates and paper napkins. If you’re moving into your first off-campus apartment, it can be tempting to buy disposable cups and plates to save time, but this can add up.

Also, try carrying a refillable water bottle around campus for a change. This will help save in plastic wastes and money you spend on disposable water bottles. Taking shorter showers, carpooling and turning off and unplugging electrical appliances when not in use are a few other ways CU students can be a bit more environmentally friendly to our campus.

One of CU’s core values is to “model servant leadership” and what better way to demonstrate this then recycling and using the other ecofriendly tips to make our campus a greener place.

“We are very pleased to announce another record enrollment for the fall 2012,” Carter, who is in his 14th year as president, said. “These numbers reflect a growing student population – both here on the main campus, through our increasing number of online programs and at our various regional education centers.”

Campbellsville University’s undergraduate students increased from 3,072 to 3,132.

“We have worked very strategically to have steady growth over time rather than dramatic and rapid growth,” John Chowning, vice president for church and external relations and executive assistant to the president, said.

“The steady approach allows us to provide new and improved facilities that are required, to hire additional faculty and staff and to provide our students with the educational quality, spiritual atmosphere and overall experience that they merit.”

Diversity among full-time, degree-seeking undergraduate students increased with minorities up to an all-time record with 24.2 percent.

Of the 143 full-time faculty, 9.8 percent are minority, up from last year’s 8.4 percent.

Students taking online classes increased with total head count in 2012 being 1,297 from last fall’s 1,276.

Students in online programs exclusively include 397 for fall 2012 compared to 354 in fall 2011.

“I would note that Mr. [Dave] Walters and the admissions staff did an outstanding job this year of bringing in 580 freshmen students,” Dr. Frank Cheatham, senior vice president for academic affairs, said.

“I feel that the current record enrollment is a reflection of the outstanding education that is provided at Campbellsville University.”

Rachel Tingle, an admissions counselor, said she feels more students are being drawn to Campbellsville University first and foremost because it is a place where God is present.

“As soon as students walk on campus, I feel they encounter Christ through friendly staff, qualified faculty members and through the joy of our students on campus,” she said.

According to Tingle, the Office of Admissions promoted the university through events such as Preview Day and Tiger Round Up, having record amounts of students participate.

In speaking about recruitment efforts, Walters, vice president for admissions and student services, said, “The Office of Admissions works very closely with the Office of Financial Aid to reach out to prospective students and families.”

Walters said the Office of Admissions’ staff work to “connect with students through the continual growth of technology and social media.”

“The admissions team relies heavily on the entire campus, faculty, staff and coaches for assistance in recruiting new students,” Walters said, “and it is truly a team effort across the campus.”

Concerning the university’s future goals, Chowning referred to Vision 2025.

“The Board of Trustees approved ‘Vision 2025-Preparing Christian Servant Leaders’ in 2009 as a long-range blueprint for the future. It calls for the increased growth of Campbellsville University in terms of enrollment and is committed to increasing the diversity of our student population as well as that of our faculty, staff and coaches.

Vision 2025 outlines continuing steady growth in undergraduate and graduate programs.”

“If we continue to focus on the Christian environment, quality, student services and providing the academic support needed, then this is very doable,” Cheatham said of Vision 2025’s goals.

Cardboard Nation is meant to provide the most realistic yet safe homeless living experience possible. Participants slept the night in a cardboard box, as the homeless do, in order to raise awareness of the homeless.

Dr. Candace Hansford, associate professor of social work, said, “I am so proud of all the hard work and dedication of the social work students putting cardboard nation together to bring awareness of homelessness in the rural regions. It is definitely here in Taylor County and other rural areas more than we realize.

“We were delighted to be able to raise not only awareness but also funds for our local homeless shelter, Green River Ministries. We are extremely grateful to all who participated either through spending the night or donating money. We had a great time even amidst the cold and the rain. Also, we want to give aspecial thanks to Rob Collins and his class for covering the event.”

Green River Ministries is located at 55 Clem Haskins Blvd., Campbellsville.

Rob Roberts, director of grounds and landscape development at Campbellsville University, thought there would be an eerie silence on the lawn since it looked like it was the final fall for many of the trees.

But it appears that will not be the case.

“My friend Steve Dalton, retired forester with Kentucky Department of Forestry, assessed many of the trees on the lawn of Montgomery Library and said they would have to come down due to a decline.”

Roberts called the Kentucky Department of Forestry who sent 17-year veteran forester, Brian Yager, to give an informal assessment of health of the university’s trees.

“I used a technique called sounding where I hit the tree with the backside of an ax and listen if it rings with hollowness which indicates the integrity of the tree, and I look visually for fungi, rot and stunted growth, and many other things,” Yager said.

After his assessment, Yager determined that some of the trees required monitoring but not immediate removal.

Roberts said the university tries not to remove trees but let them grow naturally.

However, they are forced to sometimes cut branches down or cut the tree down in its entirety due to hazards of fallen limbs on people, vehicles and infrastructure.

While on campus, Yager noted the need for more diversity of the tree population.

“Coming from a landscaping background, must private owners desire mostly ornamental and often non-native trees or plants that add to the beauty of their property, however I feel CU as a university could turn into an arboretum like the Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest in Clermont, Ky. and showcase the various natives species of Kentucky,” Yager said.

Dr. Gordon Weddle is a professor of biology at CU and director of Clay Hill Memorial Forest, the university’s 158-acre natural forest located eight miles from campus.

“We have the forest which is open to students and public free of cost, but it would be great to share the beauty of Kentucky’s tree species right here on the main campus,” Weddle said.

Roberts envisions a multigenerational project by the university to take CU from one to three species to more than 100 species of trees.

“We plan to have the forestry department come back out when they slow down for the season and help us formally assess our trees that are over one foot in diameter, so we can develop an action plan for the upkeep of them,” Roberts said.

According to Yager, people have a natural infinity toward trees and understand the concerns that students and faculty members have had in hearing the news that some of the trees possibly had to be cut down.

“Trees are as long living as human beings and people look at them accordingly because they resemble us in many ways, long living and resilient,” Yager said.

The university participated in Kentucky Utilities and Louisville Gas and Electric’s “Plant for the Planet” program, which provides a matching grant which allowed the purchase of more than 35 trees.

The species will be oak, birch wood and maple.

As the United States Army progresses into the 21st century and becomes more technically advanced, it is looking for more college educated adults to fill its ranks, according to SSG William Patterson, one of the recruiters who serves Campbellsville University (CU).

Patterson is a combat medic and Iraq war veteran who has served for over 12 years. Sgt. Alexandria Kenny is also an Iraq war veteran and a communications soldier who has served for the past seven years. They are  part of a team of Army recruiters who covers the Central Kentucky region. Both are new on the job and are excited to be involved with the university.

“We seek to engage the student body in every way possible, like possibly establishing a color guard for home football games, working with Semper Paratus Servire, the campus veterans club, and just being very visible on campus,” Patterson said.

Kenny spoke about their primary mission at the university.

“By enlisting in the reserves, you can serve your country and help pay for your education, all while staying in school,” Patterson said. “We feel that the values Campbellsville instills in its student body, such as discipline and integrity, align with the Army’s seven core values.”“Our primary focus at CU is to recruit students for the U.S. Army Reserve,” she said.

The Army Reserve offers many benefits for CU students. Once enlisted, members work one weekend a month and travel no more than 50 miles to their unit where they serve in an occupation they often choose themselves.

“Most college students usually come in the reserves as an E-3, where they receive over $3,500 in drill pay, which they can use for movies, gas or anything they want to. Members are also entitled to the Army reserve tuition assistance program which can give them up to $4,500 a year and the GI Bill, which offers over $3,000 toward their educational costs. We also offer scholarships for theology students who are interested in pursuing a ministry career in the Army,” Patterson said.

Students such as Malcolm Reece believe serving as an RA at CU helped prepare him for a career in the Army.

“As a RA, I practiced servant leadership through taking care of my residents, and I feel I can apply my experiences to my Army career.”

Reece is in the process of enlisting to attend officer candidate school.

“Sergeant Kenny and I are available on Wednesdays from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. to talk about the many opportunities the

Army Reserve offers,” Patterson said.

“If we are not in the office, our numbers are located on the bulletin board across from our door and we can be contacted at any time.”

The office is located in Druien Hall, room 7.

The 2012 presidential election is fast approaching, but for a large number of Campbellsville University students, going home to vote is not an option.
However, for students who want to vote, there are solutions.

Absentee voting is one option. CU students can contact their hometown county clerk’s office and request an absentee voting application. Once the application is completed, the student is sent an absentee ballot.

“These things have to be done quickly, though, because you are sending them through the mail and it will take time,” said Rhonda Taylor, deputy clerk in elections and voter registration in Taylor County. “I can’t tell you how many students wait until the last minute and then are unable to vote.”

The other option is registering to vote in Taylor County.

“If you’re living here you really need to register to vote here,” Taylor said.

Yesterday was the cutoff date for registering to vote in Taylor County. Students can go to the Taylor County clerk’s office to register, or they can go online and register at www.sos.ky.gov.

“It is extremely important [to vote],” said Taylor, “especially with this being a presidential election year. You never know when our right to vote will be taken away.”

CU Student Government Association president Kelsey Best has similar sentiments.

“I believe that it is vitally important for college students to vote,” she said. “College students make up 24 percent of the voting population in the United States. Voting gives college students the chance for their voice to be heard, and more importantly, making the decision to vote determines the workings of our daily lives in the future.”

Election day is Nov. 6 and most CU students will vote at the Community Center on Old Hodgenville Road, next to Living Grace Church. If there are any further questions about voter registration, absentee voting or voting locations, contact Rhonda Taylor at 270-849-3765, or the county clerk’s office at 270-465-6677.

On the eve of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the College at Brockport, State University of New York is in mourning for one of its fellow students Alexandra Kogut, 18.

Kogut was found in her dorm room early Saturday after being brutally murdered by her boyfriend Clayton Whittemore, 21.  Campus police discovered her body after being alerted by her mother who was unable to reach her by phone.

After Chellsey Phillips, a senior social work major at Campbellsville University and the president of the campus SWITCH Club, watched the newscast of Kogut’s death, she said, “This tragic situation brought the relevance of domestic violence on college campuses to light. Even though it was very powerful to see how this particular campus compiled resources, provided support and created outlets for students who were suffering this loss, it also allowed college communities to see the negative impacts of this ever present issue.

“Through situations such as this, we see just how important it is that we promote domestic violence prevention and awareness not only in our community, but specifically on our college campus.”

Information provided by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines dating violence as the physical, sexual, or psychological/emotional violence within a dating relationship, as well as stalking.

It can occur in person or electronically, may occur between a current or former dating partner and does not require sexual intimacy.

Knowledge Networks conducted  “Liz Claiborne Inc.’s Love Is Not Abuse 2011 College Dating        Violence and Abuse Poll,” to address the lack of data on dating violence and abuse among college students and to increase the understanding of this problem on college campuses nationwide.

A key finding of this poll indicates that a significant number of college women are victims of violence and abuse.
The studying also indicated that college students do not know where or how to get help for themselves or a friend.

There are organiztions that can help.

The Campbellsville University Office of Counseling Services provides confidential counseling in a caring atmosphere to assist students in dealing with their innermost needs. The office is located at 312 N. Columbia Ave., across the street from the School of Nursing, and next door to CVS Pharmacy.

Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Bethany House Abuse Shelter provides   a 24-hour crisis line, 1-800-755-2017.
Bethany House is a non-profit organization that provides intervention and safe temporary shelter, food, clothing, transportation, counseling referral, legal referrals, as well as individual and group counseling.
All calls are confidential.

Loveisrespect.org is the online home of the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline where high school and college students can find support and information to understand dating abuse.
The helpline asks for no names and provides no judging, only help anytime you need it through one-on-one assistance with a trained advocate 24/7 who can offer support and connect you to resources.

Call toll free at 1-866-331-9474. One-on-one live chat is also available 24/7 or text “loveis” to 77054.
You will receive a response from a peer advocate prompting you for your question. Nothing is off limits, too crazy or embarrassing.

Make sure you are in a safe space before you text.
Always delete the conversation after you finish to ensuring that no one else can access your information.

Computer use can be monitored and is impossible to completely clear. If you are afraid your Internet and/or computer usage might be monitored, use a safer computer, or call your local hotline at 1-800-755-2017, loveisrespect.org – 1-866-331-9474, and/or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−SAFE (7233) or TTY 1−800−787−3224
If you feel you are in immediate danger, call 911.

Once known as Russell Creek Academy, Campbellsville University has grown from a small junior college to one of the 16th fastest growing institutions in the United States over the past decade, according to the Chronicle of Higher Education.

“Since I began at CU in 1998, the school has more than tripled in size and I just think that’s phenomenal,” said John Chowning, the university’s vice president for church and external relations and executive assistant to the president.

In 10 years, the growth of Campbellsville University has increased 114.1 percent, putting CU 16th in the category of private nonprofit master’s institutions. Student enrollment has grown from 1,600 in the fall of 1998, to a near 3,600 in the fall of 2012, resulting in record enrollment at CU, according to a news release from the university in September.

“Over the past decade, in addition to student growth, the university has seen the school’s facilities expand from400,000 to over 600,000 square feet and land acreage has expanded from 45 acres to more than 90, not including university owned apartments, rental properties or regional campuses,” said Julie Caldwell from CU's Office of Special Projects.

“CU’s growth is evident in almost every single category,” said Paul Dameron, director of institutional research. “We currently have over 1,600 students studying on campus and when online students and regional centers students are counted we have an enrollment of over 3,600.”

According to Dameron, the biggest growth CU has experienced in regard to student population is the amount of those who study on campus.

“From 2002 to 2011, students living on campus has increased from less than 670 to over 1,000 students. In addition, the growth of the English as a Second Language program has grown from 30 to over 90 students in the same time period,” Dameron said.

To compensate with the increase of students, the university has built a new residence facility every other year. Along with the student population, CU’s annual revenue has increased over the past 10 years by 58.9 percent and its operating budget by 150 percent.
CU’s growth can be attributed to many facts according to Dave Walters, vice president for admissions and student services.

“The university offers a quality Christian higher education package that is affordable, which is important in today’s economy,” Walters said. “Over 90 percent of our students receive funding from the school in some way, shape or form including the church matching, minority, transfer, academic and performance scholarships.”

The growth has also been attributed to the environment it creates for students.
“Campbellsville has such a beautiful campus and it made me feel at home,” said Amber Watercutter, a freshman at CU.
Walters also believes the beauty of the campus draws potential students and their family in, along with the friendly spirit of the faculty and staff.

“Our groundskeepers work hard to keep the campus beautiful, and I feel that it is one of the nicest campuses in the state of Kentucky and everyone from the president, Dr. Michael Carter, to our maintenance staff are inviting and welcoming, which makes parents feel better about sending their children to our university,” Walters said.
As a part of CU’s Vision 2025 plan, which can be found on the school’s website, the university plans to grow to over 4,000 students.

“Dr. Carter’s leadership over the past decade has helped CU in such a mighty way, and we want to grow to over 4,000 students, but not get so big like many of the state schools,” said Otto Tennant, vice president for finance and administration. “CU offers a community feel and atmosphere where you can feel at home. We knew that about us and want to continue to offer that same quality for many years to come.”

Over the past 10 years, CU has seen numerous improvements from residences halls, restaurants and the next ten years promises more according to Dr. Carter”

“It’s just an exciting time for CU and I look forward to being a part of it,” Carter said.

This year marked my first experience attending a national Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) Convention.
When I heard the convention was taking place in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., I could picture myself relaxing on the beach in the sun after a long day of journalism seminars.
Unfortunately, my pleasant little daydream never made it to reality, as the weather in Fort Lauderdale made it apparent that it had no concern whether or not I came home with a  decent tan.

It rained every single day of the convention.

But, the gloomy weather did not stop eager mass communication gurus and students from getting up early every morning, slugging down their coffee and getting their learning on.
Before the convention I joked about how nerdy I felt attending as CU’s SPJ chapter president. I said I was going to show up wearing “hipster glasses” and bearing a foam sword exclaiming, “This isn’t the Comic-Con Convention?”

However, once I was actually there, I found myself surrounded by professionals from all over the United States, even the world. It was a nice feeling, being in the presence of so many others who take journalism seriously.

Each day started off with different seminars led by experts in the field. I was able to choose the seminars I wanted to attend. So, of course, I picked the ones that sounded most interesting.

Bragg opened my eyes to the idea that you can put feeling and emotion into a piece without breaking the journalistic rule of staying objective. He explained that by simply painting a picture for readers you are allowing them to easily come to their own conclusion about the story.

Throughout the day I tried to continue broadening my horizon by going to seminars on subjects out of my mass communication realm.

I decided to sit back and watch due to the fact I have absolutely zero experience reading for radio. It was interesting how the trainers helped each volunteer to improve their radio voice in just seconds by using different exercises and techniques.

It will be a weekend full of school spirit, activities and sporting events.

“This year is going to be a busy year for Homecoming at Campbellsville University,” Paula Smith, director of Alumni Relations, said. “We have our first ever Chorale Reunion Concert; the 25th anniversary of CU football, as well as the 20th year anniversaries for the car show and the Tiger Marching Band.”

Alongside the anniversaries, various reunions will take place including the Class of 1962 which will be returning for their 50th year reunion. In attendance will Mr. and Miss Campbellsville as will the Class of ‘62. The Graduating Class of ‘82 will also be having a reuinion. There will be a special convocation service honoring them and the rest of the members of the class on Friday, Oct. 12 at 10 a.m. in the Badgett Academic Support Center.

Following the service, a Golden Heritage luncheon will be held at 11 a.m. in the Chowning Executive Dining Room.

Immediately following the concert, the homecoming reception will be held at the Badgett Academic Support Center.

The festivities will continue at 8 p.m. at the Russ Mobley Theater where the University Theater will put on a production of the Tony award winning musical Hairspray.

“We have spent hours in our new dance studio, provided by the university, to practice our moves,” Dakota Roger said. Rogers will be playing Corny Collins in the play.

“I cannot wait to help bring to life the production for the audience on Homecoming weekend” Rogers said.

On Saturday, Oct. 13, the day will begin with the Homecoming Breakfast Buffet at 8:30 a.m. in the Winters Dining Hall. Many activities will follow before noon including the Carver School of Social Work and Counseling Reunion and the MSW Accreditation Celebration from 8:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. which will be held in the Winters Dining Hall.

Campbellsville Singers will be performing special music from 9:00-9:30 a.m. in Randsell Chapel. Immediately afterward Director of Campus Ministries, Ed Pavy, will leave from Montgomery Library lawn for a motorcycle ride at 9:30 a.m.

“If anyone wishes to participate in the ride, they can give me a call at (270)-780-5227,” Pavy said.

The Annual Homecoming Car Show will begin at 9 a.m. on Montgomery Library lawn and wrap up around 2 p.m..

Stan McKinney, lead professor of the Mass Communication department at CU and organizer of the car show, expressed his excitement for the 20th year anniversary of the show.

“We started off with just a few cars and over the years it has grown. We had over 140 cars participate in our last show,” McKinney said. “Over the years I have noticed international students have taken special interest in the vehicles because many have never seen them in person.”

Many awards are given, such as Best in Show, Best Alumni vehicle and Participants Choice, which will receive a special trophy.

The top 75 cars will receive a special Campbellsville University edition die cast 1949 Mercury Coupe. McKinney said the diecasts have become very popular.

The car show is free and open to the public.

CU’s art department will be active as well and will welcome back Seth Hart, a 2009 graduate of CU to exhibit his work in the art gallery starting at 10 a.m.

"When viewers look at my work, I hope they can just stop and think of ways they can set aside time to enjoy life. I enjoy doing what I do, but I have to give credit and thanks to my middle school art teacher and professors who have inspired me over the years through their teachings of various techniques and forms to help me reach my level of learning,” Hart said.

­­At 11 a.m. in Downtown Campbellsville, the homecoming parade will take place, which features floats from many of CU’s clubs and student organizations. Smith said that this year the merchants of Downtown Campbellsville will take part in storefront decoration competition. “ The winner will be the business that shows their true maroon colors” says Smith.

Back on campus at noon a Grab and Go Lunch, sponsored by Steve’s Best BBQ and Lee’s Famous Recipe, will be held on Stapp Lawn. During this time various reunions for the football team veterans, swim team, and residence hall directors will be ongoing till 1:30 p.m. Locations are to be announced.

Also beginning at noon will be the homecoming festival on Stapp Lawn, which features many of the university’s clubs, face painting and much more. Across University Drive there will be a live music performance on the Montgomery Library patio.

At 1:45 p.m., the chorale will kick off the afternoon’s sporting events with their performance of the national anthem. The Campbellsville Fighting Tiger Football team will take on its Middle South Conference rival Lindsey Wilson at 2 p.m. at Finley Stadium.

“We have trained hard and practiced even harder to prepare for this game, and we are going to play our hearts out” Adam Robertson, a starting wide receiver for the game, said.

In typical homecoming tradition the homecoming court will be announced along with the King and Queen, which is picked by the student body.

Also during halftime the Tiger Marching Band will perform its 20th anniversary show Solio Deo Gloria.

Jennifer Tinnell, director of the Tiger Marching Band, said, “We are excited for the past 20 years of service the band has provided and we changed our mission statement to reflect this. The new statement ‘To him be the glory forever! Amen,’ resonates how glorifying God has been a major theme and will continue for years to come.”

At 6 p.m., Finley Stadium will transform from a gridiron to a soccer pitch, where the Women and Men’s Soccer teams will take on Shawnee State University in a doubleheader beginning at 6 p.m. for the women and 8 p.m. for the men.

“With all the festivities going, Maroon Pride, sports action, reunions, this will be a memorable weekend for not only the students but the alumni who will wear the true colors of their hearts on their maroon sleeves in typical Tiger fashion,” Smith said.

 Imagine a park filled with students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends all gathered together in a place where past Campbellsville University graduates are memorialized and remembered.

Located on the corner of North Columbia Avenue and Broadway will soon be this new entrance to Campbellsville University, the Alumni & Friends Park.

Benji Kelly, vice president for student development, said, “For years Campbellsville University’s campus has been hidden from the main highway, but now people will not only see a beautiful park while driving down Broadway, they’ll also see the new front door to Campbellsville University.

“A park like this will help unite the community and the University and give people the opportunity to come together.”

The Alumni and Friends Park is a donor-based project with all expenses being paid for through fund raising and donations given.

This money will pay for things like the large standing columns to the full garden displays. The expected cost of the park is $250,000.

Kelly says that there are many people stepping up and giving to this cause. Many are local owners businesses and fellow faculty members.

“We are half way there and are continuing to seek funds and support,” Kelly said. He said that the university hopes to have all the funds for the park raised in time to complete the project by the spring semester.

Paula Smith, director of alumni relations, said the park is not only for the students of Campbellsville University, but also for friends and the rest of the community of Campbellsville.

“We have a lot of friends that give just as much as our alumni, and we want the friends of Campbellsville University to be able to take part in this opportunity as well,” Smith said. “That is why we’ve called it the Alumni & Friends Park.”

Smith said that there are many ways to get involved and give support. That could be contributing a single donation or committing to a monthly gift.

Giving levels and naming opportunities range anywhere from a $100 dollars for a small paver to $50,000 dollars for a large standing column.

“You can give in honor of a friend, classmate, or previous passed alumni and make a pledge up to seven years,” Smith said. “There’s also the option to either pay so much a month or so much a year. We even have authorize.net where it can be taken right out of your bank account. We are just a phone call away, and we will work with anyone in anyway we can.”

Rob Roberts, Campbellsville University’s landscaper, will be in charge of all the landscaping throughout the Alumni & Friends Park.

Smith said that each year the flower garden will also be available for anyone wanting to contribute a donation there as well. She saidthat a donor can even choose the preference of the landscaping design too.

“Rob Roberts has a wonderful eye for developing a design, and making everything look beautiful and flow together perfectly,” Smith said.

“The Alumni & Friends Park is going to be an enhancement to Campbellsville University, and hopefully help more people get involved,” Smith said. “I hope to see all future graduates of Campbellsville University want their name in the park as well.”

Smith says that alumni and university supporters are very passionate about the Alumni & Friends Park project.

“I think that it says a whole lot about our faculty and staff desiring to be involved and believing in our mission as a University,” Smith said.

“I can only see good things come from the Alumni & Friends Park.”

The Alumni Office is currently taking requests for all naming opportunities.

For a full list of gift levels and naming opportunities, visit www.campbellsville.edu/alumni.

If you are interested in making a gift to the Alumni & Friends Park and for any other additional information on this project, you can contact the Campbellsville University Office of Development.

 The protagonist is a hefty teen girl trying to make it in the world of television during a time of racial segregation and superficiality.

After producing Little Shop of Horrors last fall, Starr Garret, theater director, wanted to continue doing shows with greater appeal.

“We really wanted to do something big. We wanted to continue the momentum from ‘Little Shop’ and create a big draw to increase the amount of community involvement,” Garrett said.

After a turnout at auditions of over 50 people—from the community as well as CU students—it seems Hairspray was the right choice. After two days of singing, acting, and dance auditions the cast was chosen.

“There are over 30 cast members. This is the largest cast we’ve had since I’ve been here,” Garrett said. She has been theater director at CU for more than eight years.

While this level of involvement is exciting for the thetaer department it has also come with many challenges and putting on this show will bMudde a huge feat.

Thankfully, for Garret and her colleagues—who have been working on the show since March— the university granted the theater department a new space for a dance studio over summer break.

“Everyone involved is putting in over 30 hours a week dancing, singing, working on scene work, and designing and building the set,” Garrett said. “This show would not have been possible without the new theater studio, even with the new space we have to hold rehearsals onstage during set construction.”

Speaking of set construction, Matt Nall, assistant to the director, has a lot on his plate.

“The set is big and ambitious, and it all moves. We have special effects, we’re trying to use pyrotechnics and we will have an 11 foot tall functioning hairspray can big enough for a ‘man-sized lady’ to stand inside,” Nall said.

While all of this construction is taking place the cast is going to and from the theater and the dance studio where choreographer and adjunct professor, Nathan Allen, is hard at work.

This is Allen’s first time doing choreography for a CU production, however, he is not new to theater and dance. He choreographed “The Music Man,” which took place on CU’s stage, and directed “Midsummer Night’s Dream” in Lebanon over the summer. This is also his second semester teaching ballroom dancing.

“We are doing lots of dance numbers with no trained dancers, so I don’t know what to expect yet. But I’m excited to see everyone’s bars raised. It will be fun watching them meet the expectations put in front of them,” Allen said.

While the cast is dancing away they are also faced with the challenge of learning over two dozen song numbers under the musical direction of Matt Hodge, instructor of theater and fine arts.

This musical will be different than those in the recent past because the music will not be live, but instead will come from an instrumental soundtrack.

“It was a hard decision, but we decided that live music didn’t have a place in this show because it would feel too empty in comparison to the CD track with full instrumentals. You wouldn’t get the full sound,” Hodge said.

But Hodge believes that shouldn’t discourage anyone from coming out to see the show.

“The music is 1960s style, which audiences always enjoy because it is upbeat, rock-driven music that you can dance to,” Hodge said. “The 60s was a great decade of music in general. It’s just fun and makes you want to dance.”

Sean Anderson recently joined the ranks at CU as an assistant football coach.

 Anderson graduated from William Jewell College in 2004 with a degree in mass communication. Before he came to Campbellsville, he served as wide receiver coach at Northwestern State University.

 Amelia Brooke Gupton, a 2006 graduate of Campbellsville, is now working at her alma mater as a financial aid counselor for regional and online programs.

Brent Vernon signed on as the head coach of the Lady Tiger golf team and as the assistant men’s basketball coach.Vernon earned his undergraduate degree in Education from Cumberland College and received his master of arts in education from the University of the Cumberlands.

Elaine Tan is international activities assistant. She is a 2012 graduate of CU, where she studied psychology and political science.

Obie Juan Simpson is assistant wrestling coach at CU. He earned his degree in Education from Kent State University in 2010. He has since served as an assistant coach at Tiffin University, and most recently at Newberry College.Dejan Mraovic is an assistant professor of graphic design in the new graphic design program in the art department.

 Vinc­­­­ent Davis now serves CU as assistant football coach. Davis received his degree in organizational management from Ashford University, where he graduated in 2009. Before joining the coaching staff at CU, he worked at Waldorf College.

Lauren Goodin, a student of CU, is an admissions counselor. Goodin expects to graduate in December of this year. She previously served as an admissions intern before being hired full time.

Raquel Cunha is the new ESL secretary. She is the wife of Dr. Tony Cunha, the Dean of the School of Music.

Shaun Marshall was hired on as a new custodian. Marshall graduated from CU in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science degree in exercise science.

Hunter Cantwell has joined the Fighting Tiger Football coaching staff as an assistant coach. He graduated from the University of Louisville in 2008 with a degree in Sports Administration. There, he played quarterback for the Cardinals.

He was signed by the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted free agent in 2009, and was signed to the Baltimore Ravens in 2010, before joining the team at CU.

Anne Adcock joined the Somerset campus as assistant professor of social work, as well as the Somerset site director. Adcock received her master of social work degree from CU in 2010. She previously served as a behavioral health therapist at Somerset Mental Health.

Jacquelyn Young is a clinical nursing instructor. She received her associate’s degree in nursing from CU in 2008 and went on to receive her bachelor of science in nursing degree from Indiana Wesleyan. She expects to complete her Master of Science degree in Nursing in December from Walden University.

Phoebe Williamson is the new assistant professor of education on the Louisville campus. She has her master’s of science in communication disorders, her master’s of education with Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education certification, and is currently working on her doctorate degree.

Russell Thompson is assistant director of university bands, and instructor of music at CU. He earned his bachelor of music degree in music education from the University of North Alabama in 2005, and his Master of Music Education from Auburn University in 2008. In 2012, he also received his master of music in instrumental conducting. He recently left a graduate assistant position at Georgia State University.

Allen Copenhaver is now an instructor of criminal justice at CU. He earned his master of science in criminal justice from Eastern Kentucky University in 2010 and is doing doctoral work at the University of Louisville.

Copenhaver worked on the Homeland Security Technology Team, and recently has been working at CU as a adjunct instructor in criminal justice.

Karen Westbrooks joined the Louisville campus as the assistant MSC program director, and also as an associate professor of counseling. She earned her masters and her Ph.D from Saint Louis University. She previously worked for the Ritenour School District as consultant to the superintendent.

Deborah Spalding joined CU’s staff as an assistant professor of education. She earned her bachelor’s degree and her master’s degree from Eastern Kentucky University.

Now open in the Montgomery Library is Books and Beans. Books and Beans is a café and lounge area for stuents and the public to come and enjoy company with others or to get some studying done.

Books and Beans is located on the right side of the Montgomery Library. There are places to sit and relax as well as computers.

Books and Beans is currently open during the Montgomery Library’s regular hours, Monday – Thursday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Sunday 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Hours are subject to change upon completion of the café. Currently Books and Beans has an out door patio area open as well as a common area in the library.

Books and Beans will have food and drinks available in the future. Monte Veatch, Director of Food Services, said, “We will be serving grab-and-go food like a convenient store would. “

Some of the food Veatch mentioned included potato chips, smoothies, soft drinks, candy and possibly some cold wraps. The library café will also be serving hot tea and Hardens coffee.

Veatch said that he thinks everyone will react positively to the café. He is hoping it will give students, and especially commuters, a place to go between classes to study or catch up with friends without having to drive home or go to a dorm room.

“Not only is Books and Beans a great addition to campus life but it also enhances the beauty of what is already a great atmosphere,” said Morgan Cubert, a sophomore at Campbellsville University.

“It looks appealing to the public and catches the eye of people looking to attend CU.”
Many students have seen the outdoor patio and think it is a great edition and a perfect place to enjoy the Kentucky weather.