By Gerard Flanagan, lead writer and communications specialist, Office of Marketing and Communications

CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. - As Dr. Shane Garrison, speaking during Campbellsville University’s three commencement ceremonies on Friday, Dec. 11, shared his story of arriving on the campus of CU some 30 years ago, he encouraged those graduates preparing to walk across the stage to have hope.

“The hope you have today, after this academic journey, let it flourish into the next season of life, and the next and the next,” Garrison shared. “Please don’t lose hope. Let it fuel you to believe there are greater days ahead.”

In addition to the three ceremonies on Friday, CU also hosted a commencement ceremony on Thursday, Dec. 10, for students graduating from the Graduate Business Programs (GBP).

Garrison reminded the graduates of CU’s vision: Christ-Centered. Hope-Filled. World-Shaping.

“This is a place where hope is found and where hope is filled,” Garrison said. “Hope is one of the most important things in all the world.”

Garrison referenced a quote from former U.S. President Bill Clinton: “It all began in a place called Hope.” Clinton was referring to the town, Hope, Ark., where he was born.

“For you, and for me, and for us all, it all begins in a place called hope,” Garrison said. “Hope is the motivation and belief that something not presently seen, not presently real, is possible, is attainable. It’s a dream, a vision, but not yet fulfilled.”

Garrison added, “Hope is desperately needed in the world today.”

During each of the ceremonies, CU President Dr. Joseph Hopkins charged CU’s latest class of graduates to hold onto joy, even in difficult times, through the power of faith.

“I can have faith to be joyful in those moments where others might not be joyful,” Hopkins said. “I can have faith to be joyful in something bigger than myself…Joy is not something simply for me, but joy is something worthy of being shared.”

Three students responded to Hopkins’ charge during commencement ceremonies on Friday.

In the first ceremony on Friday, Max Ward asked his fellow graduates to focus on the quiet, behind-the-scenes work that led them to their graduation.

“Because everyone sees the visible success, the commencement stage, the diploma, the successful career, but nobody sees the hours spent in the film room, the early morning workouts, or the late-night study sessions, the difficult, unseen choices made in silence,” he said. “And that dedicated preparation is the foundation of every success.”

In the second ceremony on Friday, Kennedy emphasized the connection between faith and purpose.

“We’ve been reminded throughout our time here that true purpose isn’t about what we achieve but about who we are becoming and the One we are following,” she said. “Let your actions reflect what you value most. Let your faith, whatever form it may take, guide you. Let your life be built on the things that last.”

In the final ceremony on Friday, Michael Brantley encouraged his fellow graduates to be lifelong learners.

“Those who are wise approach the world with a humble curiosity and the belief that they've never truly figured it all out,” he said. “So I encourage you, class of 2025, to never stop learning. Never stop learning about yourself, who you are, what you're good at, and even what areas you struggle in.”

Ashley Fox, CU’s director of alumni relations, welcomed graduates at each ceremony to the ever-growing community of CU alumni.

“Being part of this alumni community is not just about where you’ve been, it's about where you are going,” she said. “It’s about staying connected, giving back, and lifting others as you climb. As alumni, you have access to resources, mentorship, and support from fellow graduates who are invested in your success.”

CU conferred degrees to 1,066 graduates. Of those, 148 were undergraduate, 896 were master’s, and 22 were doctoral.