Campbell launches Gore Center for Servant Leadership

Buies Creek — Campbell University recognized the launch of The Gore Center for Servant Leadership and the E. Bruce Heilman Leadership Lecture series on February 19, 2008, as part of the Lundy-Fetterman School of Business Convocation ceremony.The purpose of the Gore Center for Servant Leadership is to challenge students and faculty to accept the call to servant leadership through recognition, support and encouragement, said Campbell President Dr. Jerry M. Wallace. The Center will provide opportunities through each of the schools to support students and faculty in developing and cultivating servant leadership skills. For students, it is through course work, internships and other service projects. For faculty, the Gore Center provides expanding opportunities for course development and other endeavors. Select students who distinguish themselves with servant leadership initiatives may receive the prestigious Gore Center Servant Leadership Award.The Gore Center for Servant Leadership is named for two of the University’s most prominent alumni and benefactors, Edward Mannon Gore, Sr. and Dinah Eubanks Gore. A 1952 graduate of Campbell College, Mr. Gore has been actively involved in his Alma Mater. He currently serves as a member of the Campbell University Board of Trustees and as chairman of the Campbell University Foundation. Both Mr. and Mrs. Gore were given the Honorary Doctor of Laws for their distinguished professional accomplishments and outstanding civic contributions at the Campbell commencement ceremony in May 2007. The Gores are generous supporters of Campbell University, including funding the Convocation Center Arena in memory of their son, Gilbert Craig Gore and the University Chapel’s Bell Tower and Prayer Room in honor of the Gore family.”The Gores’ support is evident throughout Campbell University,” said Wallace. “The vision, encouragement and generosity of Ed and Dinah Gore are at the very heart of the Gore Center.”The E. Bruce Heilman Leadership Lecture Series will also complement the University’s call for servant leadership. The lecture series is designed to provide a forum through which decorated scholars and distinguished professionals explore the role of leaders in addressing the challenges facing academic disciplines and professions in the 21st century. The series builds on the experience and creativity of its participants as leaders in a changing world, within the context of Christian higher education. The lecture series is funded through the generous support of The E. Bruce Heilman Lectures Endowment Fund.Dr. E. Bruce Heilman, Chancellor at the University of Richmond, delivered the inaugural lecture titled “Servant Leadership in Higher Education, Business and elsewhere.””I emphasize higher education because you have the best example of servant leadership in your late president and chancellor of some 40 years, Dr. Norman A. Wiggins,” Heilman said. “His life was the personification of all this university stands for in its reputation, its presence, size and scope. For those who want an example to follow in any facet of Christian leadership, you only have to review his life and thus the history of this institution during the long years of his tenure.” Prior to his association with the University of Richmond, Heilman served as President at Meredith College from 1966 to 1988. Dr. Heilman has served as a consultant to many educational, religious and charitable organizations. He was selected as one of the “100 Most Effective College and University President in the USA” through an Exxon Foundation sponsored study. As part of the convocation ceremony, students Kristin Ayers Rice and Andrew F. Lupton were presented the first Gore Servant Leadership Awards, distinguishing them as servant leaders. The award includes a gift of $1,000. Both are fifth-year students in the Lundy-Fetterman School of Business’ 3/2 program in which they earn both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business in five years.Photo Copy: Campbell University launched the Gore Center for Servant Leadership on Tuesday, Feb. 19. From left, donors Ed and Dinah Gore and students Andrew F. Lupton and Kristin Ayers Rice. (Photo by Bennett Scarborough)

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