Journalist Byron Crawford, right, talks with David Revis, husband of Emma Revis, director of foundation relations, at the Campbellsville University Derby Rose Gala. (CU photo by Joan C. McKinney)

By Joan C. McKinney, news and publications coordinator

CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. - Campbellsville University's Advancement Board's second annual Derby Rose Gala raised $27,000 for student scholarships recently with Byron Crawford, retired Courier-Journal columnist who has been described as “Kentucky's storyteller,” as the guest speaker.

Also, The Honorable Larry Blanton ('69), Paoli, Ind. circuit judge, was presented the second Derby Rose Gala Distinguished Service Award from Terry Black, a 1966 graduate, who was the first recipient of the Derby Rose Gala Award for his distinguished service to the university. Steve Horner, a 1965 graduate, introduced the award.

Blanton, born in Crab Orchard, Ky. and raised in Orange County, Ind., said of his CU experience, “It was great to be educated here. They may have thought I wasn't paying attention, but I was.”

Speaking to the reason for the alumni event, raising funds for scholarships to help young students get a start, he said, “It's a lot of fun looking back, but what an adventure it is to look forward to what we can do to help those yet to come.”

Blanton has served as circuit judge since July 1997. He is married to Sandra Clark Blanton ('77) who is Indiana State Representative for House District 62. Sandra Clark Blanton is the daughter of Dr. Robert S. Clark, vice president for academic affairs emeritus at Campbellsville University, and his wife, Lillian, of Campbellsville.

Crawford told the audience of about 200 about his experiences covering the Kentucky Derby and how he saw the 1973 winner, Secretariat, win the Derby, and he realized he had experienced a “bright and shining moment.”

 

Larry Blanton, a 1969 graduate of Campbellsville University, right, receives the Advancement Board Distinguished Service Award given by Advancement Board member Steve Horner, a 1965 graduate of CU. (CU photo by Joan C. McKinney)

 

He said he visits the grave of Secretariat at Clairborne Farms during Derby Week each year.

He complimented Campbellsville University on her “track record” growing from a small college to her university status with over 3,000 students.

Crawford said he had covered many stories in Campbellsville and at Campbellsville University during his journalism career. He mentioned writing a story on the late L.M. Hamilton, an English professor who loved to play the organ and had many organs in his home.

He said those who have had their hands in the long-term success of CU deserve our “undying gratitude.”

He said CU has a bright future, and he praised the university for her firm values and Christian testimony.

“You are doing it right,” he said.

Sara Curry, who attended CU from 1964 to 1968, Advancement Board member, thanked CU president Michael V. Carter for giving the board purpose.

Carter thanked the board and told the audience their presence at the dinner was important. “CU students need your support,” he said.

He said CU has experienced 20 semesters of consecutive record enrollment, and, “We are excited about the future, and we haven't stopped dreaming.”

Benji Kelly, vice president for development, served as master of ceremonies for the event. Kelly said the scholarship monies collected would help bridge the gap for those students who need some extra money to attend CU and receive a Christian higher education.

Betty Porter, a 1963 CU graduate, led the audience in singing “My Old Kentucky Home” and “God Bless America.”

Dr. Reese Land, assistant professor of music/trumpet, gave the call to the post. Randy Herron, advancement board member, gave the invocation.

Amazon.com was the sponsor of the dinner. Other corporate sponsors of the event included Rose level: Edward Jones-Larry Bowen, United Citizens Bank, The Green Room, Mitchell's Men's Wear and Suits4Servants—Jim Tatum; and Entry level: A Cut Above Phase II, John Bertram, PSC, Tucker Diamonds & Gold and John and Shelly Miller.

Advancement Board members are: John Bertram, Larry Bowen, Louis Burden, James Coffey, Cliff Fowler, Kelley Goins, Gwinn Hahn, Randy Herron, Betty Hord Johnson, Stephen Horner, Kimble Jessie, James Jones, Leo Luken, Dave Nunery, Paul Patton, Roy Rich, Preston Siler, Joe Stewart, Steve Thurmond and Curry.

 

 

 Betty Porter, a 1963 graduate of Campbellsville University, sings My Old Kentucky Home at the beginning of the Campbellsville University Derby Rose Gala dinner. (CU photo by Joan C. McKinney)

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 3,006 students who represent 97 Kentucky counties, 30 states and 37 foreign nations. Listed in U.S.News & World Report's 2010 “America's Best Colleges,” CU is ranked 23rd in “Best Baccalaureate Colleges” in the South, tied for fifth in “most international students” and fourth in “up-and-coming” schools in baccalaureate colleges in the South. CU has been ranked 17 consecutive years with U.S.News & World Report. The university has also been named to America's Best Christian Colleges® and to G.I. Jobs magazine as a Military Friendly School. Campbellsville University is located 82 miles southwest of Lexington, Ky., and 80 miles southeast of Louisville, Ky. Dr. Michael V. Carter is in his 11th year as president.

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