Aug. 29, 2012
For Immediate Release

Michael Jennings, left, a sophomore at Campbellsville University from Edmonton, Ky., passes the Lamp of Learning on to the Class of 2016, represented by McKenzie Young, a freshman from Russellville, Ky. (Campbellsville University Photo by Christina L. Kern)

 

By Christina L. Kern, office assistant

CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. — “Build your life on the rock of Jesus Christ, not on what can lead to destruction,” Dr. Michael V. Carter, president of Campbellsville University, said at Campbellsville University's Class of 2016 Service of Dedication held Sunday, Aug. 26 in Ransdell Chapel.

Carter read Matthew 7 which tells of the parable of the house on the rock. “The parable is a reminder of how to live our lives, to build our lives on solid things that last,” Carter said. “These make for a greater experience at Campbellsville University.”

 

Carter encouraged students to have a great experience at CU, but said it won't automatically happen. The experience is a matter of hard work, dedication to studies and a sense of balance.

Carter said he wants students “to look back and say ‘those were the most powerful years of my life.' Your experience can be a life changing path.”

Michael Jennings, a sophomore of Edmonton, Ky., served as a senator for last year's freshmen class. He presented a challenge to the Class of 2016: to be an individual and to write their own story.

“You are a blank slate. You have the opportunity to start over and be whoever you want to be…You are the person you show to the world,” Jennings said. “You can be the smart kid in class, even though you used to struggle. You can be an outgoing individual even though you used to be really shy. You help write your story and choose your path from here forth. How are you doing so far?”

Jennings also encouraged freshmen to look to others for guidance. “Here at Campbellsville University we are a family. You may not feel it yet, but in a few months from now the people around you will mean the world to you. We are all in this together.”

Jennings said the Class of 2015 was sitting in the same spot 363 days ago. “How does that make us different from you? We have 363 days' worth of experience, achievements and mistakes.”

Jennings also assisted in the passing of the Lamp of Learning. The Lamp of Learning appears in Campbellsville University's academic seal and signifies a stable light for the spiritual, as well as the scholastic path of life. The light illuminates the way to learning, empowerment, exploration, accomplishment, achievement, and even the way home.

The Lamp of Learning was symbolically passed from last year's freshmen to class to the new freshmen class, the Class of 2016, accepted by McKenzie Young of Russellville, Ky.

Dr. Frank Cheatham, senior vice president for academic affairs, said students can be successful by putting others first, giving 110 percent, being a participant in your education, not saying “I can't do it,” persisting through to graduation, enjoying the journey by making friends and getting involved, and ultimately by “seeking God's direction in finding your calling in life.”

Cheatham said, “Thirty percent of students leave college because they say no one cares. Look around you—your mentors and leaders care.”

Campbellsville University held a Service of Dedication for the Class of 2016, Sunday, Aug. 26. (Campbellsville University Photo by Christina L. Kern)

Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university with more than 3,500 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.