By Joan C. McKinney, director of university communications
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. –Campbellsville University honored Trent Elliott Creason, son of Larry and Rita Creason of Campbellsville, for the student recipient of the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award at commencement May 10.
Dr. Michael V. Carter, president of Campbellsville University, said Creason “represents the very best of the class of 2008 and is indeed a worthy recipient,” as he presented the award to him.
“It is evident that God’s hand is upon this young man,” said Carter. “He is known for his servant’s spirit and willingness to help others.”
The community winner was Dr. William Douglas Feltner of Greensburg, Ky., who is a physician and member of the CU Board of Trustees.
Carter explained that this is the sixth consecutive year for CU to present the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Awards.
“Campbellsville University was selected in 2002 to participate in this very prestigious awards program that honors the memory and legacy of the late Algernon Sydney Sullivan. There are some 50 colleges and universities in the South that are approved by the Sullivan Foundation to annually present these awards to one graduating senior and to one adult,” he said.
Carter explained that Sullivan was a lawyer, devout Christian, mediator, powerful and appealing orator, a courageous citizen during perilous times, a noted philanthropist and a devoted family man. In the words of a friend, Sullivan “reached out both hands in constant helpfulness to others.”
Creason has “exemplified the characteristics of servant leadership and Christian commitment that are in line with the life of Mr. Sullivan,” said Carter.
A native of Campbellsville and graduate of Taylor County High School, Creason’s roots run deep on the CU campus, Carter said.
His mother is director of student records at CU, and his father is an instructor in criminal justice at CU. Both are graduates of Campbellsville University.
Creasoncomes from a “wonderful family and has spent his college years seeking to serve others, spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to truly find his calling in this place,” said Carter.
Creason received a bachelor of science degree in pastoral ministries at commencement.
He has been involved in Baptist Campus Ministry since his freshman year and served as BCM president in 2007-2008. He is an active member of Campbellsville Baptist Church where he has been involved in youth and children’s ministry.
Creason has participated in a number of missions trips while at CU and has worked several summers with the Centri-kid Lifeway student camps. He has participated in the Wings Express program at Campbellsville Elementary School where he has taught archery, physical fitness and photography.
He has been active in intramural sports and the Flash 7 Frisbee Team; received the Servant Leadership Award in 2007; has been named to the president’s list for academic performance for four years; is a member of the Alpha Chi academic honor society; and has taken two graduate courses in Christian counseling and English as a Second Language.
Creason was a co-valedictorian with a perfect 4.0 grade point average.
During his high school years, Creason was an active member of the Campbellsville Baptist Church youth group and youth choir where he participated in mission trips to Oklahoma and Alaska. He was active in a number of student organizations, including the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Young Historians Club, Future Farmers of America and other groups. Creason received a number of awards while in high school, leadership and extracurricular activities.
Following his commencement, Creason said, “At this point in my life, I’m really seeking to follow Christ. I intend to enroll in aseminary in the fall in search of a master’s of divinity degree. I hope to one day be using the gifts and talents God has blessed me with to lead others to Christ either here in the United States or throughout the world.”
Creason has two older sisters – Michelle Creason Bennett of Elizabethtown and Jennifer Creason Collie of Campbellsville.
The Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award in an award that has been in existence for several years. In 1890, three years after his death, a memorial committee was formed – former President Grover Cleveland was among the group’s members. The members charged themselves with keeping alive the traits of Sullivan. The original group passed along the task to the New York Southern Society, which later passed on the torch of remembering Sullivan’s ideals to the Sullivan Foundation formed in 1934.
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 98 Kentucky counties, 25 states and 29 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. The university has also been named to America’s Best Christian Colleges®. 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.