CU graduates 313 students, largest in history for December commencement

By Joan C. McKinney | 12/15/2017

Jan Parrott Robinson of Burgin, Ky. celebrates after having been awarded her associate of science degree in social sciences – 60 years later after attending Campbellsville Junior College in 1956-58. At left is Campbellsville University president Dr. Michael V. Carter. (Campbellsville University Photo by Joshua Williams)

Jan Parrott Robinson of Burgin, Ky. celebrates after having been awarded her associate of science degree in social sciences – 60 years later after attending Campbellsville Junior College in 1956-58. At left is Campbellsville University president Dr. Michael V. Carter. (Campbellsville University Photo by Joshua Williams)

Dec. 15, 2017
For Immediate Release

By Joan C. McKinney, director, Office of University Communications

CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. — Dr. Michael V. Carter, president of Campbellsville University, told 313 undergraduate and graduate students in two commencement ceremonies Friday, Dec. 15, the largest in the history of December commencements, to thank those who helped them along their journey and that today will be a day they will remember.

The number of the graduates was a 54 percent increase over one year ago.

Sarah Stults of Sonora, Ky. laughs after her commencement Friday, Dec. 15 from Campbellsville University. She received a bachelor of science in psychology graduating magna cum laude. (Campbellsville University Photo by Joshua Williams)
Sarah Stults of Sonora, Ky. laughs after her commencement Friday, Dec. 15 from Campbellsville University. She received a bachelor of science in psychology graduating magna cum laude. (Campbellsville University Photo by Joshua Williams)

Although the 313 graduates knew they were going to be honored, one 80-year-old woman in the audience had a surprise waiting for her.

Jan Parrott Robinson of Burgin, Ky. attended Campbellsville Junior College in 1956-58, where she met her future husband, Gene Robinson, and where he and she became Mr. and Miss Campbellsville Junior College in 1958.

A tradition, the graduate walk, takes place from Davenport Student Commons as Dr. Helen Mudd, dean of the Carver School of Social Work, was among the faculty walking. (Campbellsville University Photo by Andrea Burnside)
A tradition, the graduate walk, takes place from Davenport Student Commons as Dr. Helen Mudd, dean of the Carver School of Social Work, was among the faculty walking. (Campbellsville University Photo by Andrea Burnside)

Robinson received her associate of science degree in social sciences, completing her requirements after almost 60 years, Dr. Donna Hedgepath, provost and vice president for academic affairs, said.

She has a history rooted in Campbellsville. Her father, the late Rev. Henry Parrott, helped start Lowell Avenue Baptist Church in Campbellsville. She worked for many years for the National Grocers Association and would eventually become a lobbyist on their behalf in Frankfort, Ky.

Robinson supported her husband in his endeavors in banking where he became a successful banker for Farmers National Bank in Danville, Ky.

Hedgepath said they have “lovingly” supported Burgin Baptist Church over the years with Robinson “faithfully” singing in the choir and Gene as the “craziest deacon” one of his previous pastors has ever known.

Hedgepath said both have attributed much of their success in life to Campbellsville Junior College, now Campbellsville University.

“Six decades later they continue to love Campbellsville University more and more with each passing year,” Hedgepath said.

In his charge to the graduates, in the ceremony in Ransdell Chapel, Carter urged the students to be servant leaders and to live forth the great attributes the Lord has taught us.

 

 

 

He told the graduates leaders are those who empower those around them to do greater things than they think possible.

He urged them to live the attributes of the university's seal in fellowship, leadership and scholarship.

From left, Gangishetty Saikiran Goud of India takes a photo with Dr. H. Keith Spears, vice president for communications and assistant to the president, after his graduation ceremony at Campbellsville University. (Campbellsville University Photo by Andrea Burnside)
From left, Gangishetty Saikiran Goud of India takes a photo with Dr. H. Keith Spears, vice president for communications and assistant to the president, after his graduation ceremony at Campbellsville University. (Campbellsville University Photo by Andrea Burnside)

Valedictorian of the class was Ashley Nicole Lee of Louisville, Ky., who received a bachelor of science degree in early childhood education.

Salutatorian was Cullen Faith Byrne of Danville, Ky., who received a bachelor of science degree in middle grades education/5-9.

In the 2 p.m. ceremony, Clark Hunter Tippett of Midway, Ky., who received a bachelor of science degree in sports ministry, urged the graduates to not take life too seriously and find joy in life.

Brandon Lakes, left, resident director of South Hall West, and Hillary Lakes, head coach for cross country, with their daughter, Haily, celebrate after they receive their master's degrees at Campbellsville University. (Campbellsville University photo by Andrea Burnside)
Brandon Lakes, left, resident director of South Hall West, and Hillary Lakes, head coach for cross country, with their daughter, Haily, celebrate after they receive their master's degrees at Campbellsville University. (Campbellsville University Photo by Andrea Burnside)

At 4 p.m., Erin Dawn Jarrett of Louisville, who received her master's degree in marriage and family therapy, told the students the world is suffering storm clouds, and she urged them have passion for service and to help heal the world one person at a time.

Darryl Peavler, director of alumni relations, a two-time graduate of Campbellsville University, welcomed the graduates into the CU Alumni Association, which has over 13,000 graduates.

Gwendolyn Denise Atkinson-Sample of Louisville, Ky., waves at her family during the commencement at Campbellsville University. (Campbellsville University Photo by Ariel Emberton)
Gwendolyn Denise Atkinson-Sample of Louisville, Ky., waves at her family during the commencement at Campbellsville University. (Campbellsville University Photo by Ariel Emberton)

He charged them to embrace their role as new alumni and to be proud Campbellsville University alumni, give back to the university and recruit students.

He told them to enjoy the moment and take time to reflect on their journey.

From left, Francis Thurman and Cory Ater, third from left, enjoy a commencement moment with Christian Thurman of Elizabethtown, Ky. (Campbellsville University Photo by Joshua Williams)
From left, Francis Thurman and Cory Ater, third from left, enjoy a commencement moment with Christian Thurman of Elizabethtown, Ky. (Campbellsville University Photo by Joshua Williams)

Degrees are conferred upon completion of all academic requirements.

These graduates take their last walk from Davenport Student Commons to Ransdell Chapel before their commencement ceremony. (Campbellsville University Photo by Andrea Burnside)
These graduates take their last walk from Davenport Student Commons to Ransdell Chapel before their commencement ceremony. (Campbellsville University Photo by Andrea Burnside)

Dr. Donna Hedgepath, provost and vice president for academic affairs, presented the graduates. Henry Lee, chair of the CU Board of Trustees, gave the invocation at both ceremonies.

Dr. Wesley Roberts, professor of music, played the organ and piano, and Dr. Anne McNamara, assistant professor of music, was the trumpeter. Student Hyukki Park of Campbellsville, who received a master of music in vocal pedagogy and performance, sang “The Lord's Prayer” at both ceremonies.

From left, Amar Basawaraju, Rashmitha Tallapalli, Rajiv Pilla, Venkata Daggubati, Nazeer Sharjeel and Tripura Mandali, graduate students from India, throw their caps after commencement. (Campbellsville University Photo by Joshua Williams)
From left, Amar Basawaraju, Rashmitha Tallapalli, Rajiv Pilla, Venkata Daggubati, Nazeer Sharjeel and Tripura Mandali, graduate students from India, throw their caps after commencement. (Campbellsville University Photo by Joshua Williams)

Dr. Tony Cunha, professor of music, led the congregational music.

Dr. Lisa Allen, associate professor of education and chair the graduate program in the School of Education, who serves as chair of the faculty forum, gave the benediction at both ceremonies.

Diego Cardenas of Venezuela expresses his happiness after his graduation ceremony at Campbellsville University. (Campbellsville University Photo by Joshua Williams)
Diego Cardenas of Venezuela expresses his happiness after his graduation ceremony at Campbellsville University. (Campbellsville University Photo by Joshua Williams)

Campbellsville University is a widely-acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university with more than 8,000 students offering over 90 programs of study including 20 master's degrees, six postgraduate areas and seven pre-professional programs. The university has off-campus centers in Kentucky cities Louisville, Harrodsburg, Somerset and Hodgenville with instructional sites in Elizabethtown, Owensboro, Summersville, all in Kentucky, and one in Costa Mesa, Calif., and a full complement of online programs. The website for complete information is campbellsville.edu.