Erin Johnson of Russellville, Ky.; Shajuana Ditto of Brandenburg, Ky.,
second runner-up; Queen Claryssa Tomaz of Joao Pessoa, Brazil,
and Madeline Kitchens of Elizabethtown, Ky., first runner-up, with
President Dr. Michael V. Carter. (CU photo by Tiago Pinheiro)
By Madeline Kitchens, student news writer
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky.- Campbellsville University hosted her Centennial Homecoming this past weekend with over 1,200 in attendance, according to Benji Kelly, director of alumni relations.
“It was good to see a lot of alumni back on campus, especially for our Centennial Homecoming. The weather was perfect, and we couldn’t have asked for a better day,” said Kelly.
Claryssa Tomaz of Joao Pessoa, Brazil, who represented the World Community Club, was crowned Homecoming Queen during halftime at the game on Saturday. First runner-up was Madeline Kitchens of Elizabethtown, Ky., who represented Baptist Campus Ministry, and second runner-up was Shajuana Ditto of Brandenburg, Ky., who represented the Student Government Association. The freshman attendant was Erin Johnson of Russellville, Ky.
Others on the Homecoming court were: Brittany McKee of Charleston, Ind., who represented The Village, Teresa Shawgo of Astoria, Ill., who represented S.W.I.T.C.H. (Social Workers in Touch Can Help), Erin Sapp of Mt. Washington, Ky., who represented Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Stephanie Thompson of Bloomfield, Ky., who represented Kentucky Educators Association – Student Program (KEA-SP), and Sarah Borders of Bowling Green, Ky., who represented Stapp Hall.
The car show was another success, according to Kelly. One hundred vehicles were registered, the largest in the history of the car show, said Stan McKinney, coordinator of the annual car show.
“Since it is Campbellsville University’s 100th birthday, we couldn’t have planned the car show any better,” said McKinney. “It was the biggest crowd ever, the best turnout ever, and just a great day. Everyone I talked to had a great time.”
The President’s Award for Best of Show went to John Blakemore of Lebanon, Ky. and his 1940 Ford Pickup. The winner of the Best Alumni Vehicle Award went to Billy Lawson of Russell Springs, Ky., who entered a 1961 Chevy. The Participant’s Choice Award went to Buck Herron of Campbellsville, Ky. and his 1947 Chevy Coupe.
More than 50 of the car show participants rode in the Homecoming parade through downtown Campbellsville, said McKinney.
Many Campbellsville University organizations compete to have the best float in the Homecoming parade. This year’s theme was “100 Years in the Making.” Sigma Zeta won first place and $300. The World Community Club received second place and $200 and the Residence Life float won $100 and the title of third place.
Scotty Lane Coconougher Clenney, a 1963 alumna, was recognized with the Distinguished Alumnus Award. Clenney, who is a retired high school guidance counselor who previously worked at Taylor County High School, designed the seal that is still used by the university.
The seal features fellowship, leadership and scholarship, and Clenney presented her first sketch of the seal in a frame to CU president Michael V. Carter.
Clenney expressed her thanks to the university and said she was honored to receive the award. She told the audience, “You have made such a difference at CU. Aren’t you glad you came to CU?”
This Centennial Homecoming weekend included the reunions of several of CU’s organizations, majors and athletics. These included the Carver School of Social Work reunion, CU Baseball team reunion, CU Volleyball team reunion, CU Tennis team reunion and tennis court dedication, Student Ambassador reunion, Phi Beta Lambda reunion, Baptist Campus Ministry reunion, the 1956 class, Public Relations reunion and School of Theology reunion.
Another Homecoming event is the CU Fighting Tigers football game. Campbellsville University had a 27-12 loss to The University of the Cumberlands.
The banquet speaker was Michael Broome who encouraged the audience to love one another and God and to always laugh. “Don’t let a day go by without laughter,” he said.
Campbellsville University, now celebrating her Centennial year, is a private, comprehensive institution located in South Central Kentucky. Founded in 1906, Campbellsville University is affiliated with the Kentucky Baptist Convention and has an enrollment of over 2,200 students who represent 100 Kentucky counties, 32 states and 28 foreign nations. Listed in U.S. News & World Report’s “America’s Best Colleges” 14 consecutive years as one of the leading Southern master’s colleges and universities, Campbellsville University is located 82 miles southwest of Lexington, Ky., and 80 miles southeast of Louisville, Ky. Dr. Michael V. Carter is in his eighth year as president.