Dec. 10, 2010
For Immediate Release
By Joan C. McKinney, news and publications coordinator
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. - Campbellsville University's 136 undergraduate and graduate students were told to seize opportunities when they come their way at commencement Friday, Dec. 10 at Campbellsville Baptist Church.
The Rev. Joel Carwile, pastor of Valley View Church in Louisville, told the graduates, “The gift of education is one of God's ways of preparing you for what he's preparing for you.”
He said, “Your power to influences others was earned by your ability to live a self-disciplined life.” He urged the graduates to “not live your life asking, ‘what if?' and “When opportunity comes, seize it.”
His address was focused on promise, process and payoff.
Carwile's “promise” was from Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Carwile said part of the graduates' “process” in life is the willingness to take risks.
“When someone is willing to take a risk, that risk often has a domino effect,” he said. “Play offense with your life.” He quoted F. Scott Fitzgerald who said, “Never confuse a single mistake with a final mistake.”
He told the graduates to not choose the easy way in their journey. “Never stop the process. Continue to grow, continue to learn, never stop dreaming,” he said.
He told the graduates their best-laid plans may be interrupted, but he urged them to “walk by faith” as they receive their “payoff” in life.
Carwile, who has a Master's Degree in Theology from Campbellsville University, received the Campbellsville University Leadership Award from Dr. Jay Conner, chair of the CU Board of Trustees; Dr. Michael V. Carter, president of CU; and Dr. Frank Cheatham, vice president for academic affairs.
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| The Rev. Joel Carwile, center, pastor of Valley View Church in Louisville, receives congratulations from Dr. Michael V. Carter, president of CU, after having received the Campbellsville University Leadership Award. Helping make the presentation was Dr. Frank Cheatham, right, vice president for academic affairs, and Dr. Jay Conner, chair of the Board of Trustees. (Campbellsville University Photo by Joan C. McKinney) |
Carter told the graduates to “take a moment to express appreciation to your family and close friends who have helped you reach this point in your educational career.”
“Today is a good day to take time to express your life and appreciation to those who have sacrificed along the way to help you reach this important milestone in your life,” he said.
He urged the graduates, in his charge, to be proud graduates of Campbellsville University, and to stand by the ideals of the seal of the university - fellowship, leadership and scholarship.
Roger Dale Smothers, a biology major from Lebanon, Ky., said he was honored to graduate with his fellow classmates, and he said he realized the blessings God has given him.
“This institution has made hope a reality,” he said.
Benjamin Wylder Randall, a political science major from Versailles, Ky., graduated valedictorian, and Kyle Alexander Romines, a biology major from Campbellsville, Ky., graduated salutatorian.
The graduation list includes: master of arts in special education (learning and behavior disorders), 14; master of arts in teaching English to speakers of other languages, one;
Master of business administration, 12; master of music in performance, one; master of science in counseling, four; master of theology, nine; bachelor of arts, six; bachelor of music, three;
Bachelor of science, 59; bachelor of science in business administration, 17; bachelor of social work, six; associate degree in nursing, one; and associate of science, three.
Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university with over 3,000 students offering 63 undergraduate programs, 17 master's degrees and five postgraduate areas. The website for complete information is campbellsville.edu.