Dec. 18, 2013
For Immediate Release
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| Kristin King speaks at the 4 p.m. commencement ceremony with a response to Dr. Michael V. Carter’s response to his charge. (Campbellsville University Photo by Linda Waggener) |
By Joan C. McKinney, news and publications coordinator
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. – Kristin King of Tompkinsville, Ky., a senior education student at Campbellsville University, gave the “response to the charge” of president Michael V. Carter at commencement Dec. 13.
In his charge to the graduates, Carter reminded the graduates God made everyone, no matter their ethnic heritage, culture and language.
“Make a difference in the world,” he told the graduates. “Whatever you become, do it with the heart of God.”
He urged the students to thank those who helped them along their journey. “My prayer is that December 13, 2013 be a day that you will look back on, as a day of achievement, and one where you felt a ‘blessed sense of appreciation’ for all those who have worked to help make this day possible for you,” Carter said.
He told the students to be people who can bring forth solutions and solve problems.
King, who received a bachelor of arts degree in English and middle grades education/5-9 and who graduated summa cum laude, told her fellow graduates that while their time at CU was at an end, “let us remember the good times, friendships and relationships we have made during this special chapter in our lives.”
King said, “That’s something that I will truly cherish, which is the relationships I have made here these last four years. Campbellsville University will always hold a special place in my heart – as I’m sure it will for you, too.”
She said the people and experiences at Campbellsville University have taught us several life lessons that we can use and apply in the future.
She outlined those lessons as how to become servant leaders and leadership must be equaled by scholarship.
“CU has taught us how to become leaders, but not just any kind of leader – a servant leader. In Philippians 2:3-4 Paul says, “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 others.”
She said she believes this is wise advice we can all take and apply in our lives and with the people we come in contact with in the future.
“If you’re a teacher, have your students’ best interests in mind. If you’re a doctor, meet the needs of your patients,” he said.
She urged her fellow graduates to “Use your God-given talents and abilities to serve those who are less fortunate and who come from all walks of life. Gandhi said to ‘Be the change you wish to see in this world.’ I believe we can be that change if we have a humble attitude and put others before ourselves.”
She also said leadership must also be equaled by scholarship.
“The amazing faculty and staff at Campbellsville University have equipped us to be great leaders in the professions that we have worked so hard to obtain,” she said. “So, I encourage you to take what you have learned here at CU and apply that advice and knowledge to your lives. Never stop learning or serving others.”
King, who is the daughter of Thomas and Denita King of Tompkinsville, thanked her family and friends for their “constant support and encouragement.”
She also thanked Carter and the faculty and staff who have invested “so much, time, wisdom and love into our lives.”
“Most of all I’d like to thank God for leading me here to this wonderful institution and for using other people to help me grow in so many ways,” she said.
King is a 2009 graduate of Monroe County High School and attends First Baptist Church of Tompkinsville.
Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university with more than 3,600 students offering 63 undergraduate options, 17 master’s degrees, five postgraduate areas and eight pre-professional programs. The website for complete information is campbellsville.edu.