By Gerard Flanagan, news writer and photographer, Office of University Communications

CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky.: During her address at Campbellsville University's commencement on Friday, Dec. 8 at Campbellsville University, Dr. Jeanette Parker lightheartedly admitted she has thought about writing her own book about important lessons students learn in college or during graduate school.

“You have learned some things in college,” Parker said at the first two commencement ceremonies in Ransdell Chapel. “We pray that you have gained some knowledge, skills and experiences that will help you navigate whatever comes next.”

The first two ceremonies were for undergraduate students seeking bachelor's and associate's degrees. Parker provided the address at all three commencement ceremonies in Ransdell Chapel.

During the first two ceremonies, Parker congratulated the soon-to-be graduates on successfully navigating lectures, textbooks, presentations, papers, tests, discussion posts and group projects.

She reminded those candidates for graduation, “The jobs that most of us have, the activities we engage in, for the rest of our lives include most or all of those things.”

Parker gave the candidates for graduation this piece of advice: “The actions we take and the decisions we make in college are real and have real consequences.”

While a college degree doesn't automatically guarantee success, Parker told the soon-to-be graduates their newly earned degree would open many doors in the future.

“This college education is a key that will open doors for you that would not have been opened otherwise,” Parker said. “You have had a chance to learn some skills such as critical thinking, communication and ethical reasoning. What will you do with that?”

Parker, who serves as dean of faculty, associate vice president for academic affairs and a professor of psychology for Campbellsville University, told the graduation candidates she doesn't want to hear them say, years in the future, that they aren't using their degree.

“You may or may not be employed in a field traditionally associated with your major,” Parker said, “but if you are alive and kicking, you should be benefiting from and using the knowledge and skills and experiences you gained in college.”

She reminded Campbellsville University's latest graduates their degree “will help you adapt and be successful wherever you land.”

“You are prepared,” she said. “Congratulations on what you have learned and what you will learn tomorrow and the day after that.”

And, while Parker acknowledged commencement likely brings a sense of sadness for the soon-to-be-graduates as they leave behind the lives they've lived at Campbellsville University for the past four years, she encouraged the graduates to look toward their respective futures with excitement.

As a teenager, Parker said she imagined herself working in a mission field in another country. She noted, however, that her mission field turned out to be Campbellsville University, a place she has called home for over three decades as a student and employee.

“At that point in my life, I couldn't have imagined being here with you today,” Parker said. “I prayed and watched for where God was working. I walked in faith, through open doors.”

At the final ceremony, which was for students seeking master's degrees, Parker told the candidates for graduation, “I hope you also feel excited as you anticipate whatever comes next for you, be it work or more graduate school or both. You are ready. You are prepared.”

Parker noted the master's graduates in the final ceremony have a variety of life circumstances and future plans. Some lived on campus, returned to school while in the workforce, decided to make a career change or are raising families.

“Whichever group you are in, you have been pursuing this degree,” Parker said. “I think pursuing is a good word because it indicates intentional effort and perseverance and pushing through obstacles and challenges for a worthy goal.”

Whatever future goals they had, Parker told the master's degree graduates to continue to learn, and she reflected on graduate school experiences they would miss.

Parker read the Apostle Paul's words at all three ceremonies in 1 Thessalonians 2: “Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.”

“I and my colleagues are grateful to have had the opportunity to walk beside you on this leg of your life journey,” Parker told the candidates for graduation at each ceremony.

In his charge to the graduates, Dr. Joseph Hopkins, president of Campbellsville University, highlighted the mission statement and core values of Campbellsville University, which include a call “to model servant-leadership and effective stewardship.”

“Friends, now alumni of Campbellsville University, it is our prayer that you depart from this University to serve as a different kind of leader than what is too often modeled in today's news,” Hopkins told the graduates.

He urged them to serve as a leader with the following traits: less inclined to demand service and more likely to demonstrate, less concerned about the acquisition of power and more concerned about the allocation of power, less focused on getting more and more focused on giving more, less interested in entitlement and more interested in enablement and less attentive to the perception of self and more attentive to the progress of all.

Hopkins reminded the graduates that servant leadership has been modeled at CU through faculty “who have mentored your future,” through staff “who have walked alongside you,” and even in their classmates.

Hopkins challenged the December 2023 graduating class to honor the investments the CU family has made in their lives by “carrying forward the qualities you encountered in the servant-leaders of this University.”

“Continue to seek God's calling on your life; continue to ask how your talents, efforts, and passion can make a difference; and continue to give the glory for all of this to the One who equips us for tasks and guides us on the journey,” Hopkins told the graduates.

Three graduating students responded to Hopkins' charge.

In the 2 p.m. ceremony, Bailey Pedigo reminded her fellow graduates of Campbellsville University's motto, “Find your calling,” and how she and her graduates have found their calling, even if they aren't sure of their next steps.

“You found your calling by getting out of your comfort zone and enjoying the college experience,” Pedigo said. “You found your calling by meeting people at Campbellsville who will always be in your corner. You found your calling by getting a prestigious education.

“Each of you has found your calling by being a graduate of Campbellsville University.”

Pedigo read from Hebrews 12:1-2, which says, “And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding the shame.”

“Life after graduation is going to come with highs and lows,” Pedigo reminded her classmates. “If we all fix our eyes on Him, He will watch over us, give us the endurance to get through hard situations, lay out the perfect path to follow and provide a sense of joy that only Christ can give.”

Pedigo said she was thankful for her time at Campbellsville University.

“Dr. Hopkins, with your leadership, the Class of 2023 is ready to step out into schools, graduate programs, churches, businesses, and law offices to be servant leaders for generations to come,” Pedigo said.

She encouraged her classmates to “be bold, be courageous, stand firm in faith and do everything in love.”

Pedigo, of Austin, Ky., received a Bachelor of Science in Math and Health Education/Physical Education.

Callie Coulson of Hickman, Ky., responded to Hopkins' charge at the 4 p.m. ceremony. During her remarks, Coulson repeated Hopkins' statement from his charge that “servant leadership has been modeled well here at Campbellsville University.”

“During my short time here,” Coulson stated, “I have been surrounded by people who have given their time, demonstrated service and empowered not only me but also those around me. This institution is not only one of academic excellence but one where servant leadership thrives.”

She read from Ephesians 6:7: “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you are serving the Lord, not people.”

“These words are significant because they remind us that Jesus calls us to serve,” Coulson reminded her classmates.

She closed her remarks by saying, “By giving more, demonstrating service, and empowering others, we are pursuing our calling. Dr. Hopkins, on behalf of the graduating Class of 2023, I would like to accept your charge and state that our class is one that lives to serve wholeheartedly.”

Coulson received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.

Melissa Newsom responded to Hopkins' charge at the 6 p.m. ceremony. Newsom, of Maysville, Ky., received a Master of Social Work and highlighted in her response that she is a 51-year-old first-generation college graduate.

Newsom said, “Never give up on your dreams! Age is only a number.”

Newsom said her time at Campbellsville University has been challenging yet rewarding.

“I am so proud to be standing here today among my remarkable peers who I know as leaders will tirelessly work to challenge those injustices,” Newsom said. “Some of the most passionate, hard-working, and dedicated individuals that have all come together here in this one room.

“This room is what I call a powerhouse.”

She reminded her classmates of two passages from Scripture that speak to the Lord's presence in guiding someone's steps.

First, she read Deuteronomy 31:8: “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you. He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear.”

“Let us all not forget these words,” Newsom said.

Newsom also read Proverbs 19:21: “Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.”

“Let God use us as a vessel to carry out His purpose within our professional careers so that we all can make a positive impact on the lives of others,” Newsom told her classmates.

Michaela Jarman, assistant director of alumni relations and athletic alumni coordinator, welcomed the December graduates to the Campbellsville University Alumni Association, “a very proud, loyal and diverse family.”

“Your time here has equipped you with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in your chosen fields, but perhaps more importantly, it has instilled in you a sense of purpose, character, and service that will guide you throughout your lives,” Jarman told the graduates.

She encouraged the graduates to remember the importance of community, giving back and striving for excellence in all they do.

“Whether you go on to pursue further education, enter the workforce, or embark on another path entirely, these values will serve you well,” Jarman said.

She urged the graduates to stay connected to Campbellsville University. She reminded them, “As alumni, we have a unique responsibility to give back to the institution that has given us so much.”

She told the graduates their journey doesn't end at commencement but merely transforms into a new and exciting chapter.

“Embrace it with enthusiasm, courage, and an unwavering belief in your potential to not only navigate the challenges ahead but also to influence and shape the world around you positively,” Jarman said.

Co-Valedictorians, listed with their degree, are as follows: Braxton Jace Davis of Edmonton, Ky. (Bachelor of Science in Business Administration); Isaac Asare Kwaku of Accra, Ghana (Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Math); Lauren Elizabeth Lee of Dunnville, Ky. (Bachelor of Science in Business Administration); Jeffrey C. Lowe of Harrodsburg, Ky. (Bachelor of Science in Pastoral Ministries); and Addie Marie Young of Benton, Ky. (Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education).

Co-Salutatorians were Katelyn Shea Smith of Somerset, Ky. (Bachelor of Science in Educational Ministries) and Princess Willhite of Russellville, Ky. (Bachelor of Social Work)

For December 2023, Dr. Hopkins conferred 859 degrees. Between the three ceremonies, there were 13 associate degrees, 159 bachelor's degrees, and 687 master's degrees.

Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university that offers over 100 programs of study including doctoral, master, bachelor, associate and certificate programs. The website for complete information is www.campbellsville.edu.