By Gerard Flanagan, news writer/photographer/social media, Office of University Communications
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. – A total of 10 new endowed scholarships and an endowed maintenance fund have been established at Campbellsville University since fall 2019, Dr. Benji Kelly, vice president for development, said during an Endowment Scholarship Appreciation Luncheon Sept. 1 at the Badgett Academic Support Center Banquet Hall.
In addition, 29 new restricted scholarships have been established, Kelly said.
“That makes a huge difference for us as we are able to go out and recruit students to come to Campbellsville University,” Kelly said. “That’s what we’re about, helping young people get a great, Christian degree and go out and change the world.”
According to Kelly, in 1999, Campbellsville University’s endowment stood at approximately $2.5 million. In 2020, that number had risen to approximately $34 million.
“We were able to raise $939,000 of new endowment dollars, and our endowment earned over 30 percent,” Kelly said. “The Lord has really blessed us. It’s not about just the dollars. I want you to know each dollar you give to Campbellsville University is helping a student fulfill the story of their life.
“Each of us here today has our own story, a story of how we started life, how we chose to come to Campbellsville, to be a part of this great institution.”
Whitley Howlett, a senior from Louisville, Ky., majoring in art and graphic design, provided her testimony about how endowed scholarships have helped her pursue her education at Campbellsville University.
Howlett said, as a senior in high school, she was unsure of what her future held.
“I knew that I wanted to study art, and that I wanted to go to a small, Christian university,” Howlett said. “Other than that, I felt lost and completely overwhelmed.”
One night, while she was contemplating her future, Howlett came across Psalms 32:8, which reads: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”
A few weeks later, Howlett made the decision to attend Campbellsville University. Because of endowed scholarships, Howlett has had exactly the amount she needed to attend each semester.
“What a beautiful thing that you get to be a part of the testimonies of myself and countless other students of God’s continual love, faithfulness, and provision,” Howlett said.
“All the scholarships that I have received took the financial burden off of my shoulders and allowed me to learn freely, create exponentially, and love others strongly without fear or hinderance.”
Newly established endowed scholarships are as follows: Campbellsville University Minority Student Award, Campbellsville University Quest for Music Historicity, Mr. and Mrs. Donald L. Ensor Bridge to Success, The Founding Pioneer Investor Club, Eric and Tammi Graves, Howell Earth Stewardship Award, Jim and Joetta Kelly, Masters of Family Therapy, Leon and Debbie Nelson, Dr. Milton Rogers for Natural Sciences and the E. Bruce Heilman Student Center Complex Maintenance Fund.
During the luncheon, Dr. H. Keith Spears, interim president for Campbellsville University, provided an update on happenings at Campbellsville University.
“Campbellsville University continues to expand its horizons, overcoming more than a year of COVID-19 issues,” Spears said in his update. “The university has balanced itself well and is beginning to move into the next year with a sense of vigor. Serving students at 13 locations across North America, including its new Ontario, Canada, center, the university is quickly becoming a system of education for all those who seek a solid, Christian mission in higher education.”
In his update, Spears highlighted the completion of the new Finley Stadium, new Athletic Plaza area and new Mass Communication Center. Spears also said construction has begun on the new Heilman Student Welcome Center.
Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university with more than 12,500 students offering over 100 programs of study including Ph.D., master, baccalaureate, associate, pre-professional and certification programs. The website for complete information is www.campbellsville.edu.