Cepedas named Campbell’s 2026 Family of the Year

Adriana Cepeda says her parents, Jose and Marisol Cepeda, sacrificed a lot to pay for her college education and set good examples of what it means to follow a calling. 

A student in Campbell’s Catherine W. Wood School of Nursing, Cepeda and her parents were named the 2026 Campbell University Family of the Year, recognized at halftime of the Feb. 21 men’s basketball game at Gore Arena. The Cepeadas were joined at midcourt by Campbell President William M. Downs and Vice President for Student Life and Christian Mission Dr. Faithe Beam as part of Family Weekend festivities.

The family was nominated by Campus Minister Rev. Louisa Ward. Ariana says she felt “honored and shocked” to be honored.

”It was honestly unexpected. My parents and I give thanks and honor to Jesus Christ, who blessed us with this reward,” she says. “We felt blessed and grateful to the Lord for not only using Rev. Ward to nominate us, but also for receiving the award as well.”

For the last decade, Jose and Marisol Cepeda have served as pastor of House of Christ Baptist Church in the small community of Faison (near Mount Olive), pouring into their community while supporting their daughter’s journey at Campbell. A junior, Adriana says her calling to care for others is rooted in the faith, sacrifice and encouragement she received at home.

”Since 2023, I have grown to see and learn new things here at Campbell,” she says. “I also met wonderful people who, thank the Lord, I have grown close with. Through them, my faith in Christ grew even more each day. I give thanks to God Almighty for blessing me with the opportunity to not only be here, but also spread His love and His word to those around me.”

She described her parents as “humble, generous and always looking for ways to help.” Her father works for the Food Lion warehouse in Dunn, and her mother works full-time supporting House of Christ ministries. 

According to Ward, the Cepedas represent well what makes Campbell University special — “family, faith and an unwavering belief in God’s provision.”

“Adriana talked with great pride about her parents’ belief in her and their insistence that he have a college education,” she says. 

The Cepedas follow the Lewis family (Lorine ’93, David ’91 and student Aliza) in 2025 — recognized for their long-standing connection to the university and involvement in the arts — and the Ramsey family (Reggie, Candice and Emma) in 2024 — selected for their close-knit support and engagement with the campus community — as the most recent Family of the Year honorees.