Buies Creek, N.C.-Campbell University held its winter graduation service on Saturday, Dec. 12 in the John W. Pope Jr. Convocation Center. A total of 327 degrees were conferred for December, including 278 undergraduate degrees and 49 graduate degrees.
Frank H. Upchurch, Sr., president and CEO of the Georgia Baptist Health Care Ministry Foundation, delivered the commencement address. A 1977 Campbell alumnus, Upchurch served as the Director of Alumni Relations, Director of Advancement and Vice President for Advancement at his alma mater before joining the Georgia Baptist Health Care System. Upchurch was presented with the James Archibald Campbell Meritorious Service Award during Saturday’s ceremony.
Speaking to the graduates, Upchurch emphasized the importance of stewardship as they carried out their personal and professional lives.
“I want to encourage each of you to be good stewards — stewards of your money, your time, our natural resources, and your health,” he said. “Most especially – be good stewards of your influence. Your lives will have a tremendous impact on others.”
An honorary Doctor of Laws degree was also presented to Charles F. Freeman on Saturday. Freeman is president and chairman of the Loris, S.C. based Felburn Foundation, a philanthropic organization that has made substantial contributions to libraries and other causes, both local and national, including Campbell University.
In addition, Miriam M. Clark received the Alumni Service Award. A 1951 alumna of Campbell College, Clark and her husband David have supported numerous scholarships and capital building campaigns here at Campbell.
Photo Copy: Frank H. Upchurch, Sr. delivers the commencement address to Campbell graduates in the John W. Pope Jr. Convocation Center on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2009.