Dec. 22, 2011
For Immediate Release
By Joan C. McKinney, news and publications coordinator
 |
The Somerset Center graduates attending the celebration include from left: Abby Mason, daughter of Ashley Mason; Ashley Mason; Cindy Dishman; Amber Rich; Skyler Ross Bernard, Amber Rich’s nephew; Laurie Bryant; Alicia Burton; Trista Howell, Alicia Burton’s granddaughter; Christina Warriner; Khrysten Warriner, Christina’s daughter; Julia Holbrook; Misti Strunk; Andrew Strunk, Misti’s son; and Brenzen Strunk, Misti’s son. (Campbellsville University Photos by Joan C. McKinney)
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. — Hilda Legg, who never imagined herself after growing up in Knifley, Ky., overseeing millions of dollars and 300 employees, told a group of graduates from the Somerset Center they could do the same.
 |
| Hilda Legg, a 1974 CU graduate and consultant with Legg Strategies, talks with Braden Morrow, son of CU Somerset graduate Kasi Morrow, second from left, and her husband, Kevin. Legg met all of the graduates and their families before she spoke at the celebration. |
Legg spoke at a celebration for Somerset Center graduates who will receive their diplomas Friday at the main campus. The celebration was in the Harold Rogers Student Commons on the Somerset Community College campus.
Legg told the graduates their opportunities in life would be much bigger than their dreams, and she urged the graduates to expand their dreams and “let’s think big.”
“Your opportunities will be bigger than you can imagine,” she told the students.
She urged them to take action and, “If you’re willing to roll up your sleeves and work, there are opportunities out there.”
She said, “Failure is not fatal and sometimes it can be a good thing. Take a risk and step out of your comfort zone.
“I challenge you to lead and serve for the common good. Step up to the challenge. The world is at your fingertips.”
Legg is a CU graduate and has served three times as a presidential level appointee in Washington. She is a consultant with Legg Strategies.
 |
| Amy “Geri” Hull, second from left, was given a plaque in appreciation for her work at the Somerset Center by Dr. Frank Cheatham, left, and Dr. Keith Spears. Mary Lou Stephens, assistant professor of social work, holds a Christmas floral arrangement given to Hull. |
Amy “Geri” Hull, who began as a student, volunteer and part-time employee at the Somerset Center, was honored for her leadership with the Somerset Center. She was a full-time employee at the Somerset Center before leaving to pursue a business venture.
Dr. Keith Spears, vice president for regional and professional development, and Dr. Frank Cheatham, vice president for academic affairs, presented her with a plaque and Christmas flower arrangement.
Spears said enrollment in the Somerset Center tripled under Hull’s leadership.
Hull said she was honored, and the Somerset area really needs people with degrees.
Spears and Cheatham praised the partnership CU has with Somerset Community College and the Kentucky Community and Technical College System.
Somerset Mayor Eddie Girdler, who is “one of our big supporters,” according to Spears, was on hand for the address.
Cheatham and Dr. DeWayne Frazier, associate vice president for academic affairs, honored the 2011 graduates.
Spears said, “These graduates are examples of the growth of our programs in Somerset. The hard work and dedication of our new staff members, Cindy Dishman and Josh Petrey, demonstrate the important role that CU-Somerset has in the lives of many students. The pride is evident in the graduate’s family members who gathered to be with us.”
There were 15 students who were honored for being CU Somerset graduates. They include: criminal justice administration – Holly LeAnn Davidson, Jordan Adrin Gragg, Julia Ann Holbrook, Melissa Lyles, Ashley Mason, Tanner Blake McCalister, Misti Dawn Strunk and Christina Ellen Warriner;
Early childhood education – Maranda St. John and Betty Roark; and social work – Laurie Bryant, Alicia Burton, Cindy Dishman, who is employed full time as an admissions counselor at CU Somerset; Kasi Morrow and Amber Rich.
Josh Petrey, a 2009 CU graduate, led the benediction at the service. He is an admissions counselor at the Somerset Center.
Cindy Dishman, who received her degree Dec. 16, and who is now an admissions counselor at Somerset, said, “For me, what started out as a few steps has turned into a wonderful journey.
“The support and educational opportunities I received at Somerset Community College fully prepared me to transfer to a four-year university.”
She said, “CU Somerset allowed my classmates and me to reach our dreams of a baccalaureate degree without leaving our home area.
“Now, as a CU staff member, I can give back and help students find and fulfill their calling!”
The Somerset Center is a regional site for Campbellsville University. Programs and courses in criminal justice administration, early childhood education and social work are offered.
Each year students in the region complete their bachelor’s degree on the SCC campus, permitting them to remain in their home communities while gaining a baccalaureate education.
The CU Somerset admissions counselors are housed on the SCC campus in the Student Commons Transfer Center.
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.