By Joan C. McKinney, news and publications coordinator, and Christina Miller, office assistant

CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. - Kristen Large, a freshman from Russellville, Ky., gave her opinion of being at Campbellsville University.

“It's been really fun so far. I like the small campus. Already I can walk around and see people I know and recognize after one night,” she said.

Classes are up and running and students have been moved into housing as the fall 2010 semester begins. There is a projection of 3,100 total enrollment which would be the 22nd consecutive semester of record enrollment with over 720 new students, the largest number of new students in the history of the university.

“The campus has been very active and alive over the past few weeks with several groups coming in early,” said Dave Walters, vice president for admissions and student services.

“All of our new student events have been extremely well received, and we feel like it's making a great impact with helping students transition into campus life - both with commuter students and residential students.”

Celeste Presley of Georgetown moves into Stapp Hall at Campbellsville University to begin the 2010-11 semester. (Campbellsville University Photo by Christina Miller)

Walters said the next two weeks are packed with “excitement and opportunities to connect with CU and the community. The area churches have already made a presence on campus and local restaurants will be on campus this week for the annual Snack Attack.”

A service of dedication formed the foundation of the class of 2014 in the Ransdell Chapel Saturday, Aug. 21.

 

Dr. Michael V. Carter, who is beginning his 12th year as president of Campbellsville University, told the new freshmen, “The key objective is to make sure you cross this stage in 2014 or sooner.”

He asked the students what they are really dedicated to. “My college experience was eye opening; the world was a much bigger place than I knew,” he said.

“The great joy comes for me that it isn't me who needs to be served. If you want to find yourself, you must lose yourself serving others. Serving is a joy unlike any other. True joy comes from a relationship with Jesus Christ,” he told the new students.

“Joy can propel you through bad, sad and really good times,” he said. “We want to dedicate this class of 2014 to service for others.”

He told the students, “The world is much more important than the next text message. It's about helping people to live the abundant life. Are you dedicated to the next text message or something else?”

Dr. Frank Cheatham, vice president for academic affairs, said, “Everyone has different gifts. I encourage you to use those gifts. Determine your gifts and put them into effect. Be successful by working hard and using your gifts.”

He urged the students to look out for each other - “that's what we're to do as Christians.”

Cheatham lead a responsive reading when the students committed to be faithful in their studies and be persistent in obtaining their degree.

“Will you follow the examples set by Jesus to put others first as you pursue your goal to become Christian servant leaders?” he asked the students.

He quoted Mark 10:45, which says: “For it is written, ‘For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.'”

The Lamp of Learning, a symbol for students as Christian servant leaders, is a stable light for the spiritual, as well as, the scholastic path of life.

The light will “illuminate your way to learning, empowerment, exploration, accomplishment, achievement and even the way home,” according to Cheatham.

The light is included in the university's seal, which was created in 1960 by Scotty Cocanougher who is married to the Rev. Ty Clenney of Greensburg.

The actual lamp was given to incoming freshman Holly Godbey of Eubank, Ky., from Zach Myers of Campbellsville, a sophomore who was class of 2013 president.

Myers told the students to “take advantage of everything that comes your way.” He urged them to “make many friends” and “leave an impression with your professors.”

“Strive to become involved,” he said, “and be open to new experiences.”

Calvin Burrell, a freshman from Knoxville, Tenn., said at the dedication, “I love meeting new people. College life in general is a whole new experience.”

Alexis Cundiff, a freshman from Campbellsville, said, “The people are great, sweet and welcoming. They make it really easy to be here.”

Walters said, “It's great to see so many students! They are everywhere you turn…. and we have heard so many positive comments about the welcome they have received,” Walters said.

“Once again students from around the world are sharing their experiences and engaged in new ones. This looks to be the start of a very exciting year.”

Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university with over 3,000 students offering 45 undergraduate programs, 16 master's degrees and five postgraduate areas. The website for complete information is campbellsville.edu.

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