Dr. Michael V. Carter, president of Campbellsville University, told 228 undergraduate and graduate students in two commencement ceremonies Friday, Dec. 11 in Ransdell Chapel to live by fellowship, leadership and scholarship – words on the university seal.
In his charge to the graduates, Carter reminded the graduates to thank those who have helped them on their journey, go forth and reach across ethnic, racial, religious and cultural barriers and live in harmony among all people.
He told the students to be Christian servant leaders and to take people further than they ever thought they could go. He urged the graduates to never stop learning.
Carter said a Christian university has a distinctive role to play in today’s world.
During the 2 p.m. ceremony, Russ Mobley, who served Campbellsville University from 1971 to 2005 as a drama professor and who directed more than 100 theater productions at Campbellsville University, was presented an honorary doctorate of humane letters.
Anna Mary Byrdwell, a 1960 Campbellsville University graduate of Louisville, Ky., who serves on the Campbellsville University Board of Trustees, was presented an honorary doctorate of public service during the 4 p.m. ceremony.
Co-valedictorians of the class were Grace Elizabeth Arnold, an early childhood education major from Jeffersonville, Ind., who received a bachelor of science degree; Shelby Lee Hicks, an accounting and Spanish major from Cunningham, who received a bachelor of science in business administration degree; and Rachel Elizabeth Veatch, a biology major from Bowling Green, who was awarded a bachelor of science degree in biology.
Salutatorian was Cody Nolan Steiner, a business information technology major from Lebanon, Ohio, who received a bachelor of science in business administration degree.
In the 2 p.m. ceremony, Shane Woodson, who received a bachelor of science in business administration degree, spoke in answer to Carter’s charge and urged his fellow classmates to follow the Campbellsville University seal and make the world a better place. “The world needs us,” he said. “Become a part of something bigger than yourself.”
Tiffani Ellington, who received an associate degree in nursing and who is from Boaz, gave the response to the charge in the 4 p.m. ceremony. “CU is about changing lives,” she said.
“CU is about preparing Christian servant leaders. CU is about growing up and making a difference. CU is about finding your calling and pushing harder and further to reach your goals. CU is about being the best you can possibly be.”
Paula Smith, director of alumni relations, welcomed the graduates into the CU Alumni Association which has over 12,000 graduates.
She charged the graduates to complete three tasks: to display their diploma; help recruit students and help continue a trend of record-setting; and make a gift in support of the university.
The graduates receiving degrees were: 18 associate degrees in nursing; two associate of science; four bachelor of arts; 82 bachelor of science; 10 bachelor of social work; 31 bachelor of science in business administration; 13 bachelor of science in nursing; three teacher leader master of arts in education; two master of arts in organizational leadership; four master of arts in special education; six master of arts in school improvement;
One master of arts in sport management; nine teacher leader master of arts in special education; seven master of business administration; three master in marriage and family therapy; one master of music in performance; 19 master of social work; one master of arts in teaching English to speakers of other languages; 11 master of theology; and one master in management and leadership.
Degrees are conferred upon completion of all academic requirements.
From Campbellsville University