Russell Funk
  • MBA-Healthcare Management
  • Class of 2011
  • Russellville, KY

Russell Glenn Funk of Russellville, Ky., graduates with a master of business administration from Campbellsville University

2011 Dec 19

Campbellsville University bestowed degrees on 238 students in two ceremonies Friday, Dec. 16 in Ransdell Chapel.

Russell Glenn Funk of Russellville, Ky. graduated with a master of business administration from Campbellsville University. He is the son of Gerald and Alice Faye Funk of Russellville, Ky.

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.

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.

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."

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."

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.

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.