By Heather Campbell, student news writer
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. — “And your 2007 Campbellsville University Homecoming Queen is…Shajuana Ditto!” said Dr. Mark Bradley, half-time announcer and CU professor of music, at the 2007 Homecoming halftime festival Oct. 6 at Finley Stadium.
Ditto, a junior from Brandenburg, Ky., is the daughter of Lawanna and John Ditto. She is a 2005 graduate of Meade County High School.
Ditto, who represented the Junior Class, is a resident assistant for the Women’s Residence Village and is vice president of Student Government Association (SGA). She is involved in Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and is a Sunday School teacher at First Baptist Church. She also coaches Upward Basketball at Campbellsville Baptist Church and participates in the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program.
First runner-up was Juliana Brown, representing FCA. Brown is a junior from Nashville, Tenn., and is the daughter of Doug and Brenda Brown. She is majoring in social work.
Second runner-up was Corey Evancho, a junior from Louisville, Ky. She represented Baptist Campus Ministry and is double majoring in political science and educational ministries. She is the daughter of Bob and Molly Evancho.
The freshman attendant was Brittany Asbury of Louisville, Ky. She is the daughter of Marc and Carla Asbury and is undecided about her major.
In addition to the half-time program of the football game, a parade was held downtown to kick off the day’s activities.
First place winner of the float competition was KEA-SP, with the theme of “101 Dalmatians” to represent the 101st year of the University.
Second and third place winners were the International Students and the School of Nursing, respectively. The International float had the theme of a “diverse city in the new century” while the School of Nursing focused on the past, present and future and finding their calling.
The Tiger Football team battled University of Virginia Wise, with a score of 49-28. UVA-Wise, who came into the game ranked 11th nationally and averaging 49 points per game, according to Bryan Blair, sports information director for CU, took the higher score as the game came to a close.
Homecoming reunions were also held throughout the weekend in the School of Theology, School of Education, Mass Communication, Golden Heritage and many more.
Benji Kelly, vice president for development, said he was very pleased with how the weekend went.
“The alumni banquet was well attended and people seemed to really enjoy themselves,” he said.
Michael Kelley, a Christian vocal impressionist, was the guest speaker at the banquet.
Kelley used his humor for God and explained he turned his life around after singing on cruise ships and now sings for the Lord.
He impersonated many people, with wigs, dress, etc., including Johnny Cash, Clint Eastwood, Kermit the Frog, Forrest Gump and Elvis Presley.
Kelly said over 1,400 people were fed on campus during the festival.
“It was great to see all the alumni back on campus for such a wonderful day of activities,” said Kelly.
In addition to the football game, parade and food, the annual Homecoming Car Show also went off well, said Stan McKinney, coordinator of the car show and professor in the mass communication department at CU.
“This was one of our largest car shows ever,” said McKinney. “We had 90 cars and trucks and 15 motorcycles from several states. I couldn’t ask for anything more.”
McKinney said that several alumni and staff also entered their cars and almost every decade was represented.
“The oldest car there was a Model T,” he said.
A large tent was also set up on Stapp Lawn to hold barbecues Friday and Saturday. Many people came out for the food and festivities, which also consisted of large, inflatable obstacle courses on the lawn.
Campbellsville University 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 2,405 students who represent 100 Kentucky counties, 32 states and 28 foreign nations. Listed in U.S.News & World Report’s 2008 “America’s Best Colleges,” CU is ranked 22nd in “Best Baccalaureate Colleges” in the South and eighth in the South for “Great Schools, Great Prices.” CU has been ranked 15 consecutive years with U.S.News & World Report. Campbellsville University is located 82 miles southwest of Lexington, Ky., and 80 miles southeast of Louisville, Ky. Dr. Michael V. Carter is in his ninth year as president.