Alumni visit campus to celebrate CU Homecoming

by Gerard Flanagan, lead writer and communications specialist, Office of Marketing and Communications

Campbellsville, KY (11/07/2024) — Had it not been for a determined teacher, a helpful admissions director and plenty of financial support, Linda Gaby wouldn't have found her way to what was then Campbellsville College.

As she prepared to graduate high school, Gaby, a Western Kentucky native, had written off going to college, thinking her family couldn't afford to put her through school.

"One of my teachers came and got me out of class one day and said, 'What do you mean you're not going to college?" Linda recalled. "And I said, 'You know we can't afford it,' and he said, 'We're going to talk to the counselor and we're going to find a way.'"

A call to Al Hardy, then Campbellsville College's director of admissions, along with scholarship assistance and a work-study grant, opened the door for Linda to attend Campbellsville College, meet her husband, Greg, and graduate in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science in History and Social Science.

Fifty years later, the Gabys returned to a significantly larger campus than the one they walked on as students as they celebrated Campbellsville University's 2024 Homecoming.

"It's amazing, and I wish I was a student now," Greg, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Art, said. "I wish I was a student now to enjoy some of these things."

The Gabys were welcomed into the Golden Heritage Club, which honors CU alum who graduated at least 50 years ago.

"I believe that my coming to Campbellsville College was divine intervention, and I've always been grateful for my time here," Linda shared. "I really felt a part of a community here. I belonged, and that was an awesome feeling."

That community continues to make an impact beyond the Campbellsville campus, according to Linda, who receives frequent updates on CU's outreach from CU President Dr. Joseph Hopkins. In one of those updates, Hopkins highlighted the CU men's volleyball team that traveled to areas of Tennessee impacted by Hurricane Helene.

"It's really phenomenal that there has been that much support of this place and their willingness to be led by the Lord and the Christian impact that they're having," Linda shared.

Greg shared the pride he still feels in having attended Campbellsville College.

"I'm proud to say that I went to Campbellsville College," he stated. "I still feel part of this place."

Linda shared a piece of advice for any student considering Campbellsville University.

"I'd like anyone who would be considering coming here to know that this is a place I believe still where they can belong, and they can find a purpose, and they can learn who they are," she said.

This year's Homecoming theme was "Tiger Tales and Trails."

"Homecoming is more than just a reunion-it's a celebration of where we've been and where we're going," Ashley Fox, CU's director of alumni relations, said. "The Tiger Tales and Trails theme reminds us of the paths we've walked and the new stories still to be written."

Fox added Homecoming is always a "special time" at CU.

"I enjoy all the excitement as we celebrate our rich history and the countless journeys of our alumni," she said. "It's a time to honor our shared memories, reconnect with friends, and create new moments that will inspire future generations of Tigers."

Events highlighting CU's 2024 Homecoming included the annual Homecoming Parade down Main Street in Campbellsville and the annual Homecoming football game.

Al Hardy served as the grand marshal for this year's parade. Hardy worked at Campbellsville College/University from 1968 until his retirement in 2001.

While employed at Campbellsville College, now Campbellsville University, Hardy served in various roles including: director of admission and financial aid, acting student life vice president, advancement vice president, vice president of business affairs and treasurer, vice president for development, director of center for educational enhancement and instructor and dean of academic support.

The School of Education took first place for their float in the Homecoming Parade.

The Fighting Tiger football team continued their stellar 2024 campaign with a convincing 46-7 win over Faulkner. The win improved the team's record to 7-1 under second-year head coach and CU alum Jacob Russell.

Makenna Meeks, a senior from Russell Springs, Ky., was crowned CU's 2024 Homecoming Queen at halftime of the football game. Meeks is majoring in criminal justice and represented the Honors Program.

"I am truly so grateful to join this sisterhood and be a part of such a special tradition," Meeks said. "I am engulfed with emotion as there are no words to truly express how much this past weekend and university means to me."

"Campbellsville University, these last three years have been a dream, and I cannot wait to see what God has planned for the remainder of my senior year! Campbellsville University you have my heart forever and always!"

First runner-up was Karti Galumette, a sophomore from Miami, Fla., who is majoring in kinesiology and represented the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Second runner-up was Kaniya Douglas, a senior from Louisville, Ky., who is majoring in social work and represented the Black Student Association. This year's freshman representative was Magnolia Russell from Campbellsville, Ky., who is majoring in elementary education.

The Class of 1964 gathered in the Betty Dobbins Heilman President's Home Thursday for their 60th class reunion.

President Hopkins told the Class of 1964, "There is a lot that's changed since you were here, but there's a lot that hasn't changed. The most important part of that to me is that we're preparing students to be salt and light for Christ wherever they go."

"We feel blessed, and we feel especially blessed today to be able to celebrate 60 years with you," Hopkins said. "We're just thankful that you allowed us to be a part of this day. And thank you for your support and your encouragement. We're grateful."

At the Golden Heritage Club Induction on Friday, Hopkins told the soon-to-be inductees that Christian higher education is sailing into headwinds as it confronts several challenges.

"On the other side of that headwind, we have donors and encouragers and alumni and community and churches that are loving on us and encouraging us in phenomenal ways that give us fuel to be victorious in those moments, and we are so grateful," Hopkins shared.

"I do believe there are great, great days ahead for Campbellsville University, because we have such a wonderful, wonderful, loving God who works through His people, who are faithful and consistent," Hopkins added.

Campbellsville University recognized its 2024 Distinguished Alumni and 2024 Honorary Alumni at the Homecoming Alumni Reception and Awards Ceremony Friday evening in the Heilman Welcome Center.

Hopkins shared several stories of several students whose lives have been influenced by CU and told those in attendance, "I can tell you the because of the kinds of stories that we have the opportunity to hear every day and the because of the way we see faculty and staff investing and because of the way that we see alumni and friends gathering around us, we can see with confidence that's who Campbellsville University is going to be well into the future."

Shirley White was named this year's Distinguished Alumni. White graduated from Campbellsville College in 1964 with a degree in special education. She received her Masters degree from the University of Kentucky and taught school for many years in Winslow, Arizona.

Shirley is a member of the Campbellsville University's President's Club and the Covenant Society. A few years ago, she established an endowed scholarship at CU to help students who are majoring in Special Education.

Shirley is an avid adventurer as she was a pilot for many years and owned her own plane.

Kim Curry was named this year's Honorary Alumni. At Campbellsville University, Curry is a member of the Legacy Alliance, which seeks to fund scholarships for deserving Alumni family members while building friends across the Campbellsville University Community. She's also supports CU's Bridge to Success students, providing guidance and encouragement as they navigate their academic journeys.

Outside of Campbellsville University, Curry is a member of Campbellsville Baptist Church and volunteers at Green River Ministries.

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

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