“History has its eyes on me” read one student’s mortarboard at Campbell University’s winter commencement on Saturday morning. A tribute to Hamilton, the Broadway musical that swept the nation this year, it served as a moving reminder that graduates of Campbell University have been and continue to be equipped with the skills and knowledge to change the world.
Amy Huff Fann is a shining example of changing her world. She began her journey toward an undergraduate degree in Business Administration 25 years ago but had to leave Campbell due to obstacles she encountered as a single mother of three young children. Always instilling the importance of education in her children, she watched them grow up to be a project manager, office manager and a teacher. Then she decided it was her turn.
Fann returned to Campbell through dedication, commitment and perseverance and walked across the stage at the John W. Pope, Jr. Convocation Center as a graduate of the Lundy-Fetterman School of Business.
In his greetings, Campbell University President J. Bradley Creed recalled the 130-year history of the University and the many lives it has changed.
“Today, let us remember that we sit in the shade of trees we did not plant. We drink from wells we did not dig. We build on foundations we did not lay. And we warm ourselves from fires we did not light. We profit from people we never knew, and our gathering is a reminder of the faithfulness of those who came before us.”
Creed conferred 452 degrees at Saturday’s ceremony, including 41 associate degrees, 313 bachelor degrees, 51 master’s degrees and 47 doctoral degrees.
The Reverend Milton A. Hollifield, Jr., executive director-treasurer for the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, gave the commencement address. Campbell University has celebrated its relationship with the Baptists of North Carolina since its founding in 1887.
Hollifield encouraged the graduates to do the right thing always, follow God’s will for their lives and respond to failure with a good attitude.
“I challenge you to live with intention and great purpose, and live your life for the glory of God and the good of humanity,” he said. “I challenge you to make the world a better place for those who will follow you.”
