By Gerard Flanagan, news writer and photographer, Office of University Communications
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. – Members of the Class of 2027, the newest class of students to Campbellsville University, received their official welcome during the New Student Induction Ceremony Tuesday, Aug. 22, in Ransdell Chapel.
Kevin Propes, who has served as Campbellsville University’s director of academic support, told the Class of 2027 they were now part of “a large and exciting family.”
The freshman walk, Propes explained, was a welcome into a journey of learning, community and growth that will one day conclude with their Senior Walk when they graduate.
“Tonight, we take a moment to welcome you to a walk that will change your life,” Propes said.
The newest students to Campbellsville University have begun a walk of scholarship, Propes explained.
“As you enter the community of Campbellsville University, you enter a place of higher learning. Here, you will be challenged through study, research, and application,” he said. “Your walk here will be one of great opportunity to learn, develop, and hone your intellectual life to make a true difference in the world around you.”
Kate Cecil, a May 2023 graduate of Campbellsville University who is one of the university’s first-year success coaches, told the Class of 2027 they have embarked on a walk of fellowship.
“You are now walking with a global family and community in a space and with people who learn from and support one another,” Cecil said. “You do not walk alone. This is a community where you have the opportunity to be impacted by genuine and real hospitality but also are given the space to share that same life changing welcome to others.”
Cecil reminded them of Hebrews 10:24-25: “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
Khalil Baker, athletic recruiter/counselor and Graduate Resident Manager, discussed the walk of leadership the Class of 2027 has embarked on.
“As you begin this exciting walk at CU,” Baker said, “you join a place that values servant leadership. Here you will learn from wonderful leaders with vast experience and who are full of wisdom.
“More importantly you will see that true leadership is a result of a servant’s heart. Just as you will be served, you too will be given the opportunity to learn to lead by serving others.”
Baker read from Philippians 2:3-4, where the Apostle Paul writes, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
Shelby Bollinger, president of Campbellsville University’s Student Government Association and junior from Radcliff, Ky., reminded the freshmen class she was once in their position.
“Right now, you are probably feeling a gamut of emotions, like excitement, a new sense of freedom, a wave of curiosity, but there also might be a sense of fear,” Bollinger said. “I want to tell you these emotions are completely normal.”
While beginning this new chapter might be intimidating, Bollinger said this new journey should also be thrilling.
“You have come to a campus full of peers and adults who are excited to see you thrive and prosper throughout this journey,” she said. “We have administrators who are here to help, professors and coaches who are here to encourage and peers who are here for you to lean on during those difficult times.”
Everyone at Campbellsville University, from professors to peers to staff, is “here to help you succeed and become the best version of yourself.”
“Being patient and not being hesitant to ask for help is what is going to benefit you the most,” Bollinger said.
Bollinger shared a piece of advice she wanted the freshmen to remember as they journey through their time at Campbellsville University: “Get involved.”
“I truly believe involvement is a key to success during your time here,” she shared with the freshmen class. “Do not be shy to put yourself out there and get involved in campus life.”
Bollinger passed along advice she once received from a close friend: “You should not fear what may or may not happen in the future, because anything can change within just one month.”
Bollinger said she came to Campbellsville University wanting to study education. However, once she discovered education was not her calling, she began to pray for God’s direction.
“Now, I am a double major studying political science and criminal justice,” she said. “I have found my calling here.”
Dr. Joseph Hopkins, president of Campbellsville University, said, “It’s fantastic to have all of you here and see you all lined up coming around the chapel, a line we couldn’t even see the end of and to know each one of those lives is going to become part of the CU family story.”
“We are honored you have chosen Campbellsville University. We don’t take that for granted. We are honored to join you on this journey, and, as you’ve already heard, this is going to be a transformative journey.”
Campbellsville University faculty and staff prayed over the Class of 2027 as well.
Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university that offers over 100 programs including doctoral, master, bachelor, associate and certificate programs. The website for complete information is www.campbellsville.edu.