The Campbell University Alumni Association celebrated three alumni who embody the University’s mission—leading purposeful lives and engaging in meaningful service—at the 2021 Distinguished Alumni Awards Celebration on October 22, 2021.
This annual event commences the Alumni Association’s Homecoming celebrations.
Dr. Michael Goodman (’04), Mr. Bernard McLeod (’45) and Dr. Shean Phelps (’92) were honored at Friday’s event in the Oscar N. Harris Student Union, surrounded by friends, family, members of the Alumni Board of Directors, faculty and staff.
Upon receiving their awards, recipients shared appreciation for family and friends, and spoke words of gratitude towards their alma mater. Addressing his family’s table, Goodman told his children, “When you feel love from me, know that it comes from this place.” Phelps described Campbell as his first true love.
McLeod has the unique experience of personally meeting every Campbell president, from J.A. Campbell to President J. Bradley Creed.
President Creed reflected, “Homecoming is all about connections and continuity. We are all connected through our love of learning, and the impact that this place has had on us. It started before we got here (not very long before [Bernard] got there), but Lord willing, it will continue long after we are in this place.”
More about the award recipients:
Goodman received a Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Philosophy from Campbell before earning a Master in Divinity and Master and Doctorate in Public Health from other institutions. Among other accomplishments, he founded and directs Sodzo International, a non-government organization in Meru County, Kenya that seeks to improve the lives of children, their families, and communities. Additionally, Goodman is an assistant professor at the University of Texas Medical Branch, and serves as their global health program site director for Maua, Kenya.
McLeod graduated from Buies Creek Academy in 1945, and has a rich history with Campbell. His childhood home stood on the current site of the John W. Pope Jr. Convocation Center. During his time attending Campbell College, he played basketball and baseball, and has since served on the Board of Trustees for two terms and became a Life Trustee in 2018. He received Campbell University’s Alumni Service Award for his contributions to the community.
Lieutenant Colonel Phelps served ten years as a Senior Non-commissioned Officer in the United States Army’s 5th and 3rd Special Forces Groups as a weapons, senior medic, and operational detachment sergeant before earning his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Campbell, and subsequently received a Master of Public Health and medical degree from other institutions. Retiring after 30 years of active duty, Phelps accepted a position as the Medical/Technical Director for the Georgia Tech Research Institute. He now serves as the Associate Scientist for the Exploration Medical Capability Element of NASA’s Human Research Program at Johnson Space Center.
Read the recipients’ full bios here.
If you would like to nominate a Campbell alumnus for the Distinguished Alumni Award, please complete the nomination form.