By Rachel Crenshaw, student news writer
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky.—Mary Katherine “Katie” Irwin of Center, Ky., and Corey Douglas Young of West Van Lear, Ky., were honored as the Mr. and Miss Campbellsville University 2009 at the Honors and Awards Day recently in Ransdell Chapel.
Dr. Michael V. Carter, president of CU, said at the awards ceremony, “Each year the Student Government Association (SGA) administers the vote for Mr. and Miss Campbellsville University. Ballots are sent to faculty and staff to vote on a graduating senior that best exemplifies our university as the typical student, based on scholarship, leadership, character and potential for success.”
Irwin will be graduating May 9 with a psychology major and an educational ministries minor. She has a current grade point average of
3.112 and has been accepted to the 2008-2009 “Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges.”
“It is an honor to say that I recruited Irwin to Campbellsville University when I was an admissions counselor,” Kenny Lawson, transfer coordinator and men's golf coach, said.
“She is an awesome individual who puts others before herself. I have seen her grow stronger in her Christian walk, and she has a huge heart for ministry. She is an inspiration to others and deserves to be Miss Campbellsville.”
In the spring semester of 2008, Irwin shaved her head for St.
Baldrick's, an event designed to raise awareness and funds to help kids fight cancer by supporting cancer research. Carter said Irwin was involved with the events of St. Baldrick's in which she was a strong supporter and leader.
Irwin was a babysitter for Carter Wise, the son of Max Wise, assistant professor of political science at CU, and his wife, Dr. Heather Wise, after Carter was diagnosed with cancer.
Patty Vaughn, secretary to the dean of student services, said Irwin strives to do the best at everything she does even if that means shaving her head for a good cause.
Irwin was a member of the CU volleyball team for two years, along with being a resident assistant for two years, and she was on the Fellowship of Christian Athletes leadership team.
In addition, Irwin was a FIRST CLASS student mentor and she was involved with the English Corner, a group dedicated to ministering to international students.
Irwin also participated with many of the events involving the Baptist Campus Ministry including partaking in mission trips and worship.
Irwin's involvement in the community consisted of being a member of Campbellsville Baptist Church where she helped in the children and youth areas.
“Looking back over my past four years of college I wouldn't change a thing,” Irwin said. “It is amazing to see what God can do when you give everything to him. CU has been an awesome experience where I have developed a family of support and where I have made long lasting friendships. CU has also blessed me with many amazing opportunities,” she said.
Irwin said in the future she hopes to pursue her master's degree in some type of ministry related field or in a children specialty field.
However, for the time being she works as a caretaker for Wise and his three children. Irwin said she would continue to depend on God for his leadership and guidance in her life.
She is the daughter of Kelly Irwin of Glasgow, Ky., and Alicia Irwin of Campbellsville. She is a 2005 graduate of Metcalfe County High School.
Corey Young will be graduating May 9 with a Biblical studies area major. He will be graduating summa cum laude with a grade point average of 3.889. He was a 2007-2008 “Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges” recipient, and he received the Biblical Studies Award on Honors and Awards Day.
Carter said Young has been active in many facets of CU campus life. He was on the Tiger golf team for four years and was involved in BCM. In addition, Young was on the leadership team for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
“Young is an awesome Christian and fun to be around,” said Lawson. “He is an outstanding golfer who is going to be an outstanding preacher. I am also excited for Young as he will be getting married next year to a wonderful Christian girl, Jessica Miller. I have witnessed Corey as he has grown stronger not only as a man but in his Christian walk.”
Young said he resides in Campbellsville and is looking for a pastor position in the vicinity of the area. He said he wishes to pursue his master's degree one day in theology.
“One thing really sticks to my mind when I think back over the past four years which is that college not only educated me in the classroom but in the lessons of life as well. I had to learn to develop relationships, live on my own and make my own decisions. I feel that I learned many knowledgeable lessons in life that will stick with me for the rest of my life.”
Young and his fiancé, Miller, who is a junior at CU majoring in social work, plan to wed on June 12, 2010. He is the son of Doug and Sandy Young of Paintsville, Ky., and attends Southside Free Will Baptist Church in Paintsville. He graduated from Paintsville High School in 2005.
Campbellsville University is a private, comprehensive institution located in South Central Kentucky. Founded in 1906, Campbellsville University is affiliated with the Kentucky Baptist Convention and has an enrollment of 2,601 students who represent 93 Kentucky counties, 27 states and 31 foreign nations. Listed in U.S.News & World Report's 2009 “America's Best Colleges,” CU is ranked 22nd in “Best Baccalaureate Colleges” in the South for the second consecutive year. CU has been ranked 16 consecutive years with U.S.News & World Report. The university has also been named to America's Best Christian Colleges®. Campbellsville University is located 82 miles southwest of Lexington, Ky., and 80 miles southeast of Louisville, Ky. Dr. Michael V. Carter is in his tenth year as president.