Campbell holds graduation ceremony for athletes

Buies Creek, N.C.— The families, friends and coaches of six student athlete graduates looked on as the candidates participated in a graduation ceremony Monday, May 17, 2010 in the Robert B. and Anna Gardner Butler Chapel of Campbell University. Due to athletic commitments, the students were unable to participate in Saturday’s commencement ceremony at the John W. Pope Jr. Convocation Center with their peers.

Campbell University president Jerry M. Wallace and provost Dwaine Greene presided over the small ceremony. President Wallace encouraged the graduates to remember their Campbell heritage as they go out into their communities.

“As student athletes, you have paid a price and given of your time. You have competed on behalf of the Orange and Black and for that we are grateful,” said Wallace. “We are so very proud of each one of you and hope that as sons and daughters of this university, you will always remember the purpose of this university – to educate men and women for Christian service.”

Melinda Ashcraft, associate athletics director for academic support, helped to coordinate the ceremony for these student athletes. “A graduation ceremony is an important milestone for any student,” said Ashcraft. “Today’s ceremony was personal and intimate. It will be a moment these students and parents will not soon forget.”

The student athletes participating in the ceremony included: Harold Sims IV, B.A., of Oxford; Desiree John, B.A., of Trinidad, Tobago; Tara Franklin, B.A., of Charles Town, WV; Brandon Morton, M.Ed., of Lillington; Zack Johnson, B.B.A., of Smithfield; and Jeff Rydman, B.S., of Gladstone, Mo.

The grand total of degrees conferred during the 2009-2010 academic year is 1795. A total of 971 students (564 undergraduate and 407 graduate and professional) will receive degrees this graduation season. The candidates for undergraduate degrees include 30 Associate of Arts, 36 Bachelor of Applied Science, 7 Bachelor of Health Science, 175 Bachelor of Business Administration, 216 Bachelor of Science, 98 Bachelor of Arts and 6 Bachelor of Social Work. Of the graduate and professional candidates, there are 61 Master of Business Administration, 26 Master of Education, 1 Master of School Administration, 6 Master of Arts, 5 Master of Arts in Christian Education, 47 Master of Divinity, 5 Doctor of Ministry, 51 Master of Science and 98 Doctor of Pharmacy and 107 Juris Doctor.

151 students completed their degrees in August 2009 and another 327 in December 2009. In addition to the 971 graduates participating in these graduation ceremonies, 346 students have earned bachelor degrees through the University’s program at Tunku Abdul Rahman College in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Photo Copy: Front Row, from left, Desiree John, Tara Franklin and Jeff Rydman. Second Row, from left, Dr. Dwaine Greene, vice president for Academic Affairs and provost, Harold Simms, Brandon Morton, Zack Johnson and Dr. Jerry M. Wallace, president of Campbell University (Photo by Bennett Scarborough)

Bulletin: 16524

Date: May/17/10