Campbellsville University recognizes students at Honors and Awards Day Chapel

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

Campbellsville, KY (08/05/2025) — Campbellsville University recently honored students during the end of the Spring semester at the annual Honors and Awards Day Chapel.

The Honors and Awards Day Chapel is held each year at the end of each academic year to celebrate the accomplishments and achievements of students.

"We absolutely want to recognize those who have stood alongside our students," CU President Dr. Joseph Hopkins said. "In our midst today are parents, grandparents, friends, neighbors, fans, relatives who are here, and then of course our faculty and staff."

Hopkins added, "You have stood beside these students. You have been those who have cared for, who have mentored, who have pushed, who have in every way prepared them for this moment.

"We thank you, and I want us to just say a great congratulations right now and a thank you to all of you."

Campbellsville University's Office of Alumni Relations presented the 2025 Miss Campbellsville and Mr. Campbellsville.

Shelby Bollinger was named Campbellsville University's Miss Campbellsville. Bollinger, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration, was a member of the Tiger Marching Band, Concert Band and Pep Band. She also served as SGA President for two years and was SGA's Vice President before that.

"Her desire to serve and care for the world around her is precisely the type of character worthy of being Miss Campbellsville 2025," Hopkins noted.

Sebastian Serrano Mata was named Mr. Campbellsville. Serrano Mata, from Caracas, Venezuela, served as a student intern for OR100, enrollment intern and a member of CU's men's soccer team.

He graduated in May with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Human Resource Management.

"Sebastian exemplifies dedication and excellence in everything he does, whether in the classroom, on the field or in the workplace," Hopkins said. "His unwavering commitment to producing high-quality results distinguishes him as both a dependable student athlete and a valued employee now here at Campbellsville. His reliability extends beyond performance."

The Office of Alumni Relations presented the following awards:

Talent Award, given to a senior who exemplifies natural talent in an area such as music, sports, art or drama, awarded to Warner Anthony Bryan from New Haven, Ky.

Leadership, given to a senior who is a natural and proven leader on campus, awarded to Samuel Robert Bennett from Elizabethtown, Ky.

The Double "A" Award, given to a senior who excels at both athletics and academics, awarded to Oriana Alejandra Espinoza Mendoza from Cornelius, N.C.

Don Doyle Spirit Award, given to a senior with characteristics such as enthusiasm, cheerfulness, loyalty and a personal commitment to the University, awarded to Kelsey Brooke Overall from Loudon, Tenn.

Outstanding Senior Award, given to a senior who has exhibited traits such as leadership, academic excellence, school spirit and involvement with the University, awarded to Bryanna G. Burberry from Harrodsburg, Ky.

Achievement Award, given to a senior who has overcome obstacles in their quest to graduate, awarded to Michael Dennis Joe Brantley from Campbellsville, Ky.

Athletic Award, given to a senior who has excelled in athletics and team spirit, awarded to Kobe Hill from Portland, Tenn.

Co-valedictorians and salutatorians from the December and May commencement ceremonies were recognized as well.

Co-valedictorians for the December commencement, listed with their hometowns and degrees, are as follows: Landon B. Cambron of Lebanon, Ky. (Bachelor of Science in Political Science/Economics);

Morgan Mackenzi Carter of Lafayette, Tenn. (Bachelor of Science in P-5 and Special Education); Tanaya Jaylynn Cecil of Murfreesboro, Tenn. (Bachelor of Science in Sport Management);

Sara Covelli of Torre Boldone, Italy (Bachelor of Science in Business Administration); Ellie Emberton Veach of Tompkinsville, Ky. (Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education/Primary-5);

David Shane Messer of Pineville, Ky (Bachelor of Arts in Music Area - Theory and Composition); and Lauren Thomas of Loretto, Ky. (Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education/Primary - 5).

Ashley Danielle McCoun of Lawrenceburg, Ky. (Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education/Primary - 5) was salutatorian for the December commencement.

Co-valedictorians for the May commencement, with their degree listed, are as follows: Steven Glen Bates, of Ferguson, Ky. (Bachelor of Science in Pastoral Ministries); XoXo Cecil of Harrodsburg, Ky. (Bachelor of Science in Economics);

Kennedy Nicole Chesser of Springfield, Ky. (Bachelor of Science in Biology/Psychology); Francisco Philippe Cocar Montenegro of San Salvador, El Salvador (Bachelor of Science in Psychology/Sociology);

Taryn Malia Harper of Southaven, Miss. (Bachelor of Science in Psychology/Criminal Justice Administration); Kate Lin Rae Hollenbach of Campbellsville, Ky. (Bachelor of Science in Psychology/Criminal Justice Administration)

Shuichi Kitajima of Campbellsville, Ky. (Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art and Design Area with Animation Emphasis; Briana Alaura Mardis of Campbellsville, Ky. (Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in accounting); and Makenna Marie Meeks of Russell Springs, Ky. (Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration).

Campbell Hays Sims, of Hodgenville, Ky., who received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in accounting, was salutatorian for the May commencement.

Other academic awards given at the Honors and Awards Day Chapel are as follows:

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.

Media Attachments

Shelby Bollinger, center, is named Miss Campbellsville during the Honors and Awards Day Chapel. Making the presentation were Dr. Jeanette Parker, provost and vice president for academic affairs, and CU President Dr. Joseph Hopkins.

Sebastian Serrano Mata, center, is named Mr. Campbellsville during the Honors and Awards Day Chapel. Making the presentation were Dr. Jeanette Parker, provost and vice president for academic affairs, and CU President Dr. Joseph Hopkins.

Samuel Benett, right, is presented the Leadership Award during the Honors and Awards Day Chapel by Ashley Fox, director of alumni relations.

Oriana Alejandra Espinoza Mendoza, left, receives the Double “A” Award from Michaela Barta, assistant director of alumni relations. The award is given to a senior who excels at both athletics and academics.

Kelsey Overall, left, is presented the Don Doyle Spirit Award by Ashley Fox, director of alumni relations. The award is given to a senior with characteristics such as enthusiasm, cheerfulness, loyalty and a personal commitment to the University.

Bryanna G. Burberry receives the Outstanding Senior Award from Ashley Fox, director of alumni relations.