Dec. 16, 2011
For Immediate Release
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| Morgan B’Shea Bullock, a social studies major from Frankfort, Ky., is commissioned into the United States Army by Lt. Col. Jason T. Caldwell from Western Kentucky University, during Campbellsville University’s commencement Friday, Dec. 16. A total of 238 students were granted degrees. (Campbellsville University Photo by Naraanchuluu Amarsanaa) |
By Joan C. McKinney, news and publications coordinator
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. — Campbellsville University bestowed degrees on 238 students in two
ceremonies Friday, Dec. 16 in Ransdell Chapel as the students were told
to “Give generously of yourself, for a person wrapped up in himself
makes a very small package” by Andre Jamal Morton.
Morton, a
senior from Vine Grove, Ky., was one of two students who responded to
the charge given by Dr. Michael V. Carter, president of the university.
“Use
your gifts and talents to make a contribution and take on leadership
roles to change the lives around you. Grow consistently, give generously
and above all else stay focused,” Morton said. He majored in business
administration and pastoral ministries.
“Grow in your faith, for it is the catalyst to fulfill your purpose,” he said.
Morton
spoke at the 2 p.m. ceremony, and Amanda Kanode, a senior from
Campbellsville, Ky., who majored in social work, responded to the charge
at the 4 p.m. ceremomy.
Kanode said, “Throughout our lives we
have all strived to reach those milestones that we deemed important and
valuable to our existence. Now we are here reaching that milestone of
graduating from Campbellsville University.
“My challenge
to each and every one of us graduating today is that we thank the
people who helped us reach this milestone, that we never forget what we
learned during our time here, and that we truly find our calling.”
Morgan
B’Shea Bullock, a senior from Frankfort, Ky., received the United
States Army Oath of Commission from Lt. Col. Jason T. Caldwell,
professor of military science and leadership from Western Kentucky
University in Campbellsville University’s Reserve Officers Training
Corps.
Bullock majored in social studies at CU.
Bilen
Melles Ghirmay, who majored in biology and chemistry and who is from
Ethiopia, was named valedictorian, and Felechia Kemper Wainscott of
Worthville, Ky., who received a bachelor of science in interdisciplinary
early childhood education, was named salutatorian.
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| Whitney Vaughn of Canmer, Ky., receives her elementary education/P-5 degree from Camp- bellsville University President Michael V. Carter. (Campbellsville University Photo by Christina Kern) |
The breakdown
of students, who receive degrees based on completion of all academic
requirements, includes: master’s degrees – 43 master of business
administration; 31 master of arts in special education; six master of
theology; four master of science in counseling; four master of social
work; four master of arts in organizational leadership; one master of
arts in social science; one master of arts in music; and one master of
arts in teaching English to speakers of other languages;
Bachelor’s degrees – 85 bachelor of science; 19 bachelor of science in
business administration; nine bachelor of social work; one master of
music; and one bachelor of arts; and associate degrees — 19 associate
degree in nursing; and nine associate of science.
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| Elena Groholske of Rineyville, Ky., talks with friends as she lines up to graduate. (Campbellsville University Photo by Christina Kern) |
Carter,
president of Campbellsville University, said, “This is a very special
day – a day that you as graduates and your family will long remember.”
Carter congratulated the students for their accomplishments and for the
sacrifices they and their families have made to “reach this important
milestone in your life and educational career.”
He urged
each graduate to take a moment to express appreciation to their family,
close friends, and CU faculty and staff who have “supported, encouraged
and motivated you along the way.”
He said, “Today is a good day to
take time to express your love and appreciation to those who have
sacrificed along the way to help you reach this important milestone in
your life.”
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| Dr. Darlene Eastridge, dean of the Carver School of Social Work and Counseling, hugs a graduate after she received her master’s degree. (Campbellsville University Photo by Naranchuluu Amarsanaa) |
Carter said, “We seek to help people of all
ages not only find the academic major and career path, but we also are
placed here to help them find their spiritual gifts and sense of
Christian calling. Regardless of the academic program and the
professional path pursued, it is vital that each student come to some
understanding that each of us is called to serve Christ through a
lifetime of service.
“That has been, and remains, the distinctive mission of Campbellsville University.”
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| Ben McCubbin hugs his grandmother, Eva McCubbin, at the graduate lunch before commencement. (Camp- bellsville University Photo by Joan C. McKinney) |
Carter
charged the graduates in both ceremonies to make a difference in the
world and to be proud graduates of Campbellsville University. He urged
them “go forth and make fellowship, leadership and scholarship (words on
the CU academic seal) a way of life.”
Kwaku Osbreh, a 2006
graduate of Campbellsville University, president of the CU Alumni
Association and who is revenue cycle analytics manager at Central
Baptist Hospital in Lexington, Ky., installed the alumni.
Osebreh
told the graduates, “You will always be a part of this community.
Campbellsville’s story is in your story, your successes and your
experiences. You are Campbellsville University.”
He urged the
graduates to, “Reach out to fellow alumni and allow them to open doors
for you. Reach back to campus to share your insights and encourage those
who are yet to finish. Reach back to say thank you to your advisors and
professors. Reach deep within; make peace with your career, your
choices in life and what you have the potential to become.”
Dr.
Jay Conner, chair of the CU Board of Trustees, gave the invocation at
both ceremonies. Dr. Donna Hedgepath, vice chair of the Faculty Forum
and associate dean of the School of Education, gave the benediction.
Dr.
Frank Cheatham, vice president for academic affairs, presented the
graduates at both ceremonies; and Carter presided during each ceremony.
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| Davaajargal Dorjsuren receives her master of business administration hood from Dr. Pat Cowherd, dean of the Porter-Bouvette School of Business and Economics, while Dr. Rick Corum watches. (Campbellsville University Photo by Ashley Wilson) |
Students and faculty of the School of Music presented music
during the programs. Dr. Wesley Roberts, professor of music, was
organist with Dr. Reese Land, assistant professor of music, playing
trumpet. Dr. Mark Bradley, professor of music, led the congregation in
hymns.
The flute quartet, “Quarteto Gracioso,” presented a
piece, “Christmas Time,” arranged by Saulo DeAlmeida, adjunct instructor
in music.
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.