May 3, 2014
For Immediate Release

 

By Joan C. McKinney, news and publications coordinator

CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. — United States Rep. Ed Whitfield, R-Ky., urged Campbellsville University undergraduates to “work well and faithfully” as he addressed graduates May 3 in Powell Athletic Center.

Dr. Wendy Davis, associate professor of history, left, speaks with Kaity Skaggs, a double major in social studies and middle grades education/5-9, during the Senior Walk Saturday morning. (Camp- bellsville University Photo by Rachel DeCoursey)

CU graduated 152 master's students Friday night in Ransdell Chapel, with 264 graduates today, for a total of 416 students receiving their diplomas upon completion of all academic requirements. In CU's December commencement, 196 received their diplomas for a total of 612 students in this year's graduating class of 2013-2014.

Whitfield, who was awarded an honorary doctorate of public service degree, urged the graduates to use their talents, imagination and hard work to be successful and help the world by lending their hands to others.

Dr. Michael V. Carter, president of CU, told the graduates the world is facing “very serious and deep challenges.” He told the graduates to be peacemakers as “peace comes from within the heart.”

In his charge to the graduates, Carter, at both ceremonies, reminded graduates of the university's seal, that contains the words “fellowship, leadership and scholarship.” He defined these words in a way he said is applicable to the new lives of the graduates.

He told them to not be afraid of learning. “It's up to you to decide how you can change the world,” he said.

Among those who have “changed the world” were the two recipients of the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Awards given Friday and Saturday. Friday's recipient was Paul Osborne of Campbells-
ville, a member of the Campbellsville

University Board of Trustees and former mayor of the City of Campbellsville.

Saturday's recipient was Jacqueline Carlton Nelson of Campbellsville, the class salutatorian with a 3.97 grade point average who has been accepted into the University of Kentucky College of Law.

In her response to Carter's charge, she said, “We pledge to honor our university and preserve her legacy while we seek to be good stewards of the ideals, morals and values that have been instilled in us as students of the university.

“As we leave Campbellsville University, forever altered by God's presence and his will for our lives, we will seek to ignite the same alterations in the lives of others.”

In the Friday night charge to the graduates, Sarah Newton Hayes of Campbellsville, said, “Being able to obtain a master's degree and acquire the skills needed to be an effective leader is priceless, but Campbellsville University has offered so much more.

“What sets this university apart from others is its devotion to not only a high standard of academics, but it its devotion to the Lord.”

Paula Smith, director of alumni relations, told the graduates, “You are CU. Eleanor Roosevelt once said, ‘The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.' So as you step out to meet the world with your mind prepared and your skills tuned, I urge you to set your direction with a positive attitude and strong spirit.”

She told the students they now belong to the more than 11,000 CU graduates all across the world.

Salutatorian was Jacqueline Carlton Nelson of Campbellsville.

Dr. Joseph Owens, pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church in Lexington and chair of the CU Board of Trustees, gave the invocation at each ceremony, and Dr. Shane Garrison, assistant professor of educational ministries and chair of the CU Faculty Forum, gave the benediction at both ceremonies.

Dr. Wesley Roberts, professor of music, played organ, and Dr. Mark Bradley, professor of music, led the music. Other students and faculty from the School of Music performed.

Degrees are conferred upon completion of all academic requirements.

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.

 

Master's graduates march into Ransdell Chapel as they continue the annual Senior Walk. (Campbellsville University Photo by Linda Waggener)