Campbellsville University School of Theology dean tells graduates pinning and hooding ceremony is a 'line-drawing moment'

by Simon Baker, student news writer, Office of University Communications

Campbellsville, KY (02/15/2024) — Dr. John Hurtgen, dean of the School of Theology, told the candidates for pinning and hooding at Campbellsville University's School of Theology Graduate Reception in the Turner Log Cabin recently that "ceremonies are about crossing lines and drawing lines."

"This is a line drawing moment," Hurtgen said. "There are those who have begun a program of study, and lines that are being crossed."

Jason England, director of Big Maroon Club at Campbellsville University, encouraged graduates to be, "engaged in the experience."

"As you move from School of Theology to alumni and into your next career, make sure you're bringing people alongside you as well," England told the soon-to-be graduates being recognized.

Dr. Jennifer Garrison, associate professor of educational ministries at Campbellsville University, gave the pins to the undergraduate students.

Pinning of undergraduate candidates are as follows: Alyssa Blackwell of Lebanon Junction, Ky.; Caleb Flanagan of Bardstown, Ky.; Brittany Martinez of Danville, Ky.; Breanna Miles of Chapman, Kan.; Katelyn Smith of Somerset, Ky.; Jeffrey Lowe of Harrodsburg, Ky.

Dr. Terry Wilder, director, Master of Divinity and professor of New Testament & Greek, assisted with placing hoods on the graduate students.

Tori Myles of Cincinnati, Ohio, who graduated with a Master of Divinity, received her hood.

Campbellsville University President Dr. Joseph Hopkins reminded those students recognized at the ceremony "a lot of people praying for you and continuing to pull for you."

"I hope you always know, you can always come back to the wisdom that gathers around the table of theology and draw on that," Hopkins reminded them. "I hope to be able to come visit and see what you're doing in your ministries, personally," Hopkins proclaimed.

Dr. Shane Garrison, professor of educational ministries, welcomed those in attendance.

Dr. Mike O'Neal, associate professor of Theology, Old Testament and Hebrew, gave the benediction.

Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university that has enrolled up to 12,000 students yearly. The university offers over 100 programs of study including doctoral, masters, bachelors, associate and certification programs. The website for complete information is www.campbellsville.edu.

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Dr. John Hurtgen, dean of CU’s School of Theology, told the students recognized at the School of Theology Graduate Reception that “ceremonies are about crossing lines and drawing lines.” Photo/Emily Roberts

Graduates recognized at the School of Theology Graduate Reception include, from left, Jeffrey Lowe, Tori Myles, Katelyn Smith, Alyssa Blackwell, Breanna Miles and Caleb Flanagan. Photo/Emily Roberts

Brittany

Martinez