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CU celebrates 'Maroon Rhapsody' Homecoming

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

Campbellsville, KY (10/08/2025) — Martha Stein, Jody Pickens and Frankie Elliott remember where their friendship first began to blossom: in the collegiate choir at Campbellsville College in the 1970s.

The trio of now-longtime friends remembers the many miles they traveled on the road, performing at churches and venues during their time at Campbellsville College, and they remember the many memories they still cherish 50 years later thanks to their time at Campbellsville.

Stein, Pickens and Elliott made their way back to Campbellsville for Homecoming 2025 to be inducted into the Golden Heritage Club and participate in the annual CU Homecoming Parade.

The Golden Heritage Club is reserved for alumni who graduated from Campbellsville 50 or more years ago.

"I think the bulk of my memories are probably anchored around the music department, having that as my minor," Pickens said. "You spent hours in the old music building. And when we were here a few years ago, I can't remember when that was, and we went in that building. It was almost emotional walking in that building."

Pickens admitted she and Stein hadn't talked for years. But during a Christmas gathering, Pickens heard Stein's voice and knew exactly who it was.

"And from there, it's as if we were just together the day before," Pickens shared. "It's truly a friendship that was meant to last."

The three took a moment to reflect on what CU means to them 50 years later.

"It makes me proud," Stein shared. "I'm just so proud when I come on campus to know that we had a part in this and the development and all the improvement. I'm just proud of the university.

Elliott added, "It's like in the Bible study I had in our church, and I talked about one night about how we've lived long enough to see the things that God did in our lives and how everything worked out, and God sent us here."

And, their hopes for the future of CU?

"That the leadership and everything to just stay true to God, follow what the mission is, and to thrive," Stein shared.

This year's Homecoming theme was "Maroon Rhapsody."

Ashley Fox, director of alumni relations, shared, "We are grateful to everyone who came back to celebrate with us. The energy and spirit of our CU family shone through in every event, from the parade to the reunions."

She added, "One of the best parts of Homecoming is watching alumni reconnect with friends and faculty while also meeting the next generation of Tigers. That bridge between past and present is what makes CU so unique."

Events highlighting CU's 2025 Homecoming included the annual Homecoming Parade, which this year marched through the heart of CU's campus, and the annual Homecoming football game - a 49-34 Tiger Football win over the University of the Cumberlands. The win moved CU Tiger Football to 5-0 on the season.

Dr. Jeanette Parker, CU's provost and vice president for academic affairs, served as the grand marshal for this year's parade. Parker has served at Campbellsville University, beginning at what was then Campbellsville College in May 1987 as an admissions counselor. Parker graduated from Campbellsville College in December 1985 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology.

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

Homecoming festivities kicked off with the Class of 1965 Reunion on Thursday.

During the reunion, CU President Dr. Joseph Hopkins told those gathered, "We are proud to have you."

On Friday, CU welcomed its latest class of inductees into the Golden Heritage Club. Parker shared CU is home to students from 68 countries this semester. She also shared about new programs that have been added at CU over the years and the growth CU has experienced over the years.

"So some things have changed, but the fact that students come here and they make friends for life, they grow in their faith, they grow in the discipline that they're studying, they stay up late at night with their friends and debate all of the big questions," Parker said.

So, it's changed, but it hasn't. It's still, at heart, the same place that it always has been. And we're just grateful to be a part of it. We're glad that you're a part of it and that you're here today to be with us in this."

During the Alumni Awards Reception on Friday, CU named Dr. Faith Nkosi-Bates, a 1991 Campbellsville College graduate, , as the 2025 Distinguished Alumni.

Born in South Africa, her family immigrated to the United States in 1985. During her time at Campbellsville, Nkosi-Bates was an active member of the Baptist Student Union, Sigma Zeta Math and Science Honor Society, the World Community Club and was also named Valentine's Day Queen while at Campbellsville.

After completing her undergraduate studies, she earned her Doctor of Medicine and Dentistry from the University of Louisville and went on to complete specialty training in pediatric dentistry at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.

She established her own practice in Atlanta, Ga.

Her bio adds, "She is also a devoted wife, mother, singer, dancer, and traveler whose life continues to be grounded in faith."

At the Alumni Award Reception, Hopkins called it a joy to be at Campbellsville University and to witness the impact CU is having on its students.

"I can tell you it is a joy, but it's also an inspiration to hear about their lives, to see the difference that this university is making in their future, and to just contemplate the difference they're going to make in the world when they leave this place and they continue into their vocation. So it's a great gift to be here at this place of transformation," Hopkins said.

Acknowledging the challenges facing higher education, Hopkins shared proudly, "Campbellsville University is flourishing."

"We are thrilled that God is blessing and that there is a flourishing on this campus," Hopkins said. "There is a buzz and an energy from one end of campus to the other and from one campus instructional site to another as we see growth happening, as we see transformation happening in lives."

Hopkins added, "And this university is thriving into the future. Thank you for what you do to support us. Thank you for what you mean to us as you go out and you represent us in the world."

CU Athletic Director Adam Preston shared the goals of CU Athletics.

"Our goals are simple: to fearlessly present the gospel to all of our students, to honor Christ through athletics and build up Christian servant leaders to live out their calling."

Preston, a CU graduate, said he didn't grow up in church and wasn't interested in hearing about Jesus.

"The relationships I built through the men's soccer team, through my coaches, and the love shown to me across campus helped to break down the walls I had built around my heart," said Preston, who accepted Christ his junior year at CU, said.

Preston shared his current calling is to support our coaches as they continue to build a legacy.

"But legacy is never built alone," Preston said. "It takes all of us, faculty, staff, coaches, players, families, and alumni all pulling together."

At halftime of the football game, Reagan Hash was crowned the 2025 Homecoming Queen, and Tomias Rushin was crowned the first-ever Homecoming King.

Hash is a Senior from Versailles, Kentucky, majoring in Elementary Education. She is active in 3Trees College Ministry and serves as a First-Class Mentor. She represented Human Performance.

Rushin is a Senior from Lexington, Kentucky, majoring in Mass Communications. He is a member of the CU Gospel choir, a photographer, and a pianist.

First runners-up for Queen and King were Gabriella Perez and David Young. Second runners-up for Queen and King were Maci Higdon and Clayton Lawson.

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

The 2025 Winners of the CU Homecoming Court are, from left, Clayton Lawson (2nd Runner-Up King); Maci Higdon (2nd Runner-Up Queen); MaKenna Meeks (2024 Homecoming Queen); Reagan Hash (2025 Homecoming Queen); Tomias Rushin (2025 Homecoming King); CU President Dr. Joseph Hopkins; Gabriella Perez (1st Runner-Up Queen); and David Young (1st Runner-Up King).

CU Color Guard Elaina Rimmer marches with her classmates in the Homecoming Parade.

CU President Dr. Joseph Hopkins and his wife, Suzanne, wave to the crowd during the Homecoming Parade.

Shalem Huaman (far left) and Akira Nagel (center) participate in the Homecoming Parade for the Carver School of Social Work. At right is Dr. Kimberly Mudd-Fegett, associate professor of social work.

CU student Emma Milburn, along with other Criminal Justice students, served nachos to raise money for CU’s Criminal Justice Honor Society.

Vintage cars and trucks lined the Maple Trail for the annual CU Homecoming Car Show.

Clawz, the CU mascot, brought the hype during the Party at the Plaza before the start of the Homecoming Football Game.

Homecoming King and Queen, Tomias Rushin and Reagan Hash, don their crowns after being named Homecoming King and Queen.

Tre Bass accounted for five touchdowns and 316 all-purpose yards in the Fighting Tiger football team’s win over the University of the Cumberlands on Saturday at Homecoming.

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