Buies Creek, N.C.-U.S. Representative Bob Etheridge delivered the commencement address at Campbell University’s 123rd graduation exercises on Saturday, May 9, in the John W. Pope Jr. Convocation Center. Etheridge was also honored with the 2009 James Archibald Campbell Award for Meritorious Service during the event.
Etheridge encouraged students to remain confident in their educational preparation during these tough economic times.
“Don’t despair. We will come out of this downturn. The very forces you have studied will generate tremendous innovation,” said Etheridge. “Your education received here at Campbell University will help make that success possible.”
The James Archibald Campbell Award is given to those individuals whose lives exemplify the moral values and commitment to excellence the founder of Campbell University personified.
A member of Campbell University’s class of 1965 and a varsity basketball standout, Etheridge represents North Carolina’s Second Congressional District in the U.S. House. Following graduation from Campbell, Etheridge went on to served two years in the Army and pursued graduate studies in economics at North Carolina State University. Prior to his election to Congress, Etheridge served as North Carolina’s State Superintendent of Public Instruction. He is the only former state superintendent of schools serving in Congress. Etheridge also serves on the Committee on Ways and Means overseeing a variety of issues, including heath care, Social Security and Medicare, and he is a member of the House Budget Committee.
Over 600 undergraduate students and graduate students from the Lundy-Fetterman School of Business and the School of Education filed onto the arena floor to receive their degrees on Saturday. Separate hooding and graduation ceremonies for Campbell’s Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law, School of Pharmacy and the Divinity School were held on Friday, May 8, conferring an additional 228 graduate and professional degrees.
Photo Copy: Bob Etheridge delivers commencement address at Campbell’s 123rd graduation exercises. (Photo by Bennett Scarborough)