By Josh Christian, student news writer, Office of University Communications
CAMPBELLSVILLE, KY- “Even if everything changes, this is always home,” Dr. Michael V. Carter, president of Campbellsville University, said at the retirement reception held in the Betty Dobbins Heilman House recently.
“My favorite memory is seeing my students succeed in a very real sense,” Dr. Milton Rogers, professor of biology and retiree after 45 years at Campbellsville University, said.
“A professor is a dream maker; we invest in our students.”
Rogers was among the eight faculty and staff who retired after several years of service to Campbellsville University.
The retirees were celebrated by family, friends and students. Lunch was provided before Dr. Jeanette Parker, assistant vice president for academic affairs and associate professor of psychology; Otto Tennant, vice president for finance and administration, and Dr. H. Keith Spears, vice president for communication and assistant to the president, gave remarks about each of the retirees.
Dr. Gordon Weddle, professor of biology, director of Clay Hill Memorial Forest and retiree after 37 years of service at Campbellsville University, was also among the retirees.
“Some of my students have gone on to be successful medical doctors,” Weddle said.
Reminiscing on his favorite memories at Campbellsville University, Weddle said he enjoyed seeing his students go on to work in their different fields.
“I have done dozens of musicals and operas, and I have enjoyed every single one of them,” Dr. Mark Bradley, professor of music and retiree after 38 years of service at Campbellsville University,said.
Bradley said he also enjoyed announcing for the Campbellsville University Tigers football and basketball teams. He has announced for the football team since its return to CU in 1987.
Bradley and Rogers also remarked on how things have changed a lot in their 30 plus years of service.
“When I first came to Campbellsville University, there were only 500 students,” Bradley said.
“There also weren’t any roads, either. Everything was gravel. I even remember watching them put down the blacktop.”
“When there were only 500 students, I was worried we would have to close. We have made an incredible resurgence,” Rogers said.
Other retirees were Dr. Beverly Ennis, dean and professor at the School of Education; Jake Davis, postmaster; Dwight Gilpin, special projects/apartment aaintenance; Dr. Glen Taul, reference librarian; and Maryann Matheny, ESL instructor and endorsement specialist, were also honored during the reception.
“Campbellsville University would not be possible if we didn’t have people living out our mission every day,” Carter said.
Carter addressed those in attendance before Parker began her remarks.
“When I came to Campbellsville University in 1981, Dr. Rogers was my Sunday school teacher,” Parker said.
“What has stuck out at me the most about Dr. Rogers is his one-on-one mentorship of students. There is a long list of students he has taught, and he knows who they are, where they are, where they went to graduate school, etc.,” Parker said.
“Dr. Bradley is best known for his voice,” Parker said.
“I don’t know how many hours he puts in every year for the musical productions he has put on,” Parker said.
“When I think of Dr. Weddle, I think of Clay Hill Memorial Forest and his work there,” Parker said.
“You never would have imagined the world-wide impact he has made with his work at the Clay Hill Memorial Forest.”
“Dr. Beverly Ennis came to us with a wealth of experience in the public school system, and she brought all of that experience here to share with our students and faculty,” Parker said.
“Sometimes we don’t realize that we need someone to teach the teachers who teach everyone else.”
“Dr. Glen Taul has spent many days in the library preserving our history and helping our students,” Parker said.
“Jake Davis has given 16 years of service to Campbellsville University,” Tennant said.
Tennant said Davis was instrumental in the transition of the post office from the administration building to the Davenport Student Commons, where it now resides.
“Jake’s leadership has brought the post office onto a whole other level.”
“Dwight Gilpin has given ten years of service to Campbellsville University,” Tennant said.
Tennant described Gilpin’s management of the 100 plus rental units that Campbellsville University owns.
“Dwight takes pride in what he does, and I really don’t know anything that he can’t do,” Tennant said.
“Maryann Matheny has been on this campus for 13 years,” Spears said.
Spears described her movement from Spain to America and her work with Texas Instrument before coming to Campbellsville University to teach.
“You all know we love her,” Spears said.
“I am sure there could be many great stories told about each of these great people,” Carter said. “You can be sure they have changed lives at Campbellsville University.”