Campbellsville University Endowment Luncheon makes history

By Joan C. McKinney, news and publications coordinator

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Mallory Vest, a scholarship student from Muskegon, Mich., talks with donor Susan Tesseneer Walters at the luncheon. (Campbellsville University Photo by Joan C. McKinney)

CAMPBELLSVILLE, KY (05/04/2015)(readMedia)-- EDITOR'S NOTE: PLEASE NOTE THE CORRECT IDENTIFICATION OF THE STUDENT PICTURED. WE REGRET THE ERROR. THE STUDENT IS MALLORY VEST NOT MEG BROWN AS WAS ORIGINALLY SENT.

Those attending Campbellsville University's recent Endowment Luncheon made history both in the number of persons attending and in the number of students they helped.

A record 130 persons attended the luncheon that is held to thank those who have established and donated to endowed scholarships that are helping a record over 300 students.

Three new endowed scholarships and one new restricted scholarship have been established and those responsible for the scholarships were honored including Everett and Rose Colvin for the Everett and Rose Colvin Restricted Scholarship; Sharon Kay Felty-Sapp Memorial Endowed Scholarship; estate of Kenneth and Carol Kreiter for the Kenneth and Carol Kreiter Endowed Scholarship, and Ona Mae Hamilton for the Ona Mae Hamilton Endowed Scholarship.

Chuck Vaughn, director of planned giving for Campbellsville University, thanked those who have helped make education more affordable for CU students.

"You who are here today truly believe in Christian higher education and believe that it is more blessed to give than to receive," Vaughn said.

He said 90 percent of Campbellsville University's students receive some $18 million in financial aid. "This would not have been possible without your generosity," he said.

Vaughn said Campbellsville University students, when they graduate, have the lowest debt in all the schools in Kentucky. CU is also rated the fourth most affordable Christian college in America. "You are a part of making history at CU," he said.

Dr. Michael V. Carter, president of Campbellsville University, said it takes $25,000 to begin an endowed scholarship and CU now has over $13 million in endowment.

Carter thanked those attending for their good spirit in donating and established scholarships.

"The challenge before us is large," he said, "but the challenge is doable. We serve a big God, and rest assured your investments in CU are being well managed."

He said the university is in a $61.1 million capital campaign in which $15 million is to be raised for endowment. He said Campbellsville University's enrollment is up over last spring with enrollment up for the Louisville and Somerset Education Centers as well as a record online enrollment.

He pointed out Campbellsville University is the first university in America with an online chapel. "Our Christian commitment is as deep as ever if not more," he said.

"Our students' hearts are being changed, and they are stepping outside themselves to serve others," he said.

"We need your good words, prayers and support," he said.

Leighton Lavey of Mayfield, Ky., majoring in pastoral ministries, one of the students who receives an endowed scholarship, told those attending he grew up in an abusive, alcoholic family, and the love of God reached out to him as a junior in high school.

He came to Campbellsville University and he sees how CU is supportive and works with students to help them. He said he has grown academically and spiritually and has had mentors to help him along the way.

"People invest in you at Campbellsville University," he said. "I say thank you for your support."

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.

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Cutlines for pictures

Everett and Rose Colvin are acknowledged for their establishment of their restricted scholar-

ship by Campbellsville University president Michael V. Carter. (Campbellsville University

Photo by Joan C. McKinney)

Mallory Vest, a scholarship student from Muskegon,

Mich., talks with donor Susan Tesseneer Walters at the

luncheon. (Campbellsville University Photo by Joan

C. McKinney)