Buies Creek, N.C.-Campbell University held its winter graduation service on Saturday, Dec. 13. A total of 614 degrees were conferred, including 459 undergraduate degrees and 155 graduate degrees. Retired naval war hero Captain Eugene B. “Red” McDaniel delivered the commencement address. McDaniel was shot down over North Vietnam in 1967 and spent six years as a prisoner of war. His book, “Scars and Stripes,” recounts this harrowing experience and how his faith in God saw him through the ordeal.A Campbell graduate, McDaniel received the James Archibald Campbell Meritorious Service Award during Saturday’s graduation ceremonies.
“In honor of James Archibald Campbell, the Board of Trustees established the Meritorious Service Award to celebrate those individuals whose contribution to the University has advanced the institution in fulfilling its noble purpose,” said Dr. Dwaine Greene, vice president for Academic Affairs and provost. “One whose service has propelled the University forward is Eugene B. “Red” McDaniel.”McDaniel’s support and dedication to Campbell also earned him the Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1977. His standout performance as a Campbell athlete gained him admittance into the university’s exclusive Sports Hall of Fame.
Also receiving an honorary Doctor of Laws degree on Saturday was YB Dato’ Seri Ong Ka Ting, chairman of the Tunku Abdul Rahman College Council in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Campbell has been affiliated with the college since 1979, maintaining a science degree program. Over 11,000 students have received Bachelor of Science degrees through the university’s Malaysian program.
Photo Copy: President Jerry M. Wallace looks on as Eugene B. “Red” McDaniel delivers Campbell University’s 2008 winter commencement address.(Photo by Bennett Scarborough)