Buies Creek, N.C. – Frank H. Upchurch, Sr. received the James Archibald Campbell Meritorious Service Award from Campbell University on Saturday, Dec. 12. Upchurch accepted the award at Campbell’s winter commencement ceremony held in the university’s John W. Pope Jr. Convocation Center.
The J.A. Campbell award was created to honor alumni whose lives best exemplify the moral values and beliefs of Campbell University founder, James Archibald Campbell.
Upchurch, who also delivered the commencement address, is president and chief executive officer of the Georgia Baptist Health Care Ministry Foundation, Incorporated in Atlanta. A 1977 Campbell alumnus, Upchurch served his alma mater faithfully, acting as Director of Alumni Activities, Director of Advancement and eventually Vice President for Advancement.
In 1989, Upchurch accepted the presidency of the Georgia Baptist Health Care Foundation. He led in the development of the Foundation’s Board, in establishing annual corporate sponsorship events, in structuring funding plans for capital projects, and in leading numerous public relations and marketing efforts. Between 2000 and 2002, he successfully transitioned the Foundation into a health care ministry which serves the Atlanta area and beyond.
His leadership skills have been well recognized. He has served as a member of the Team Selection Committee for the Chick-fil-A Bowl Game and has been honored as a Distinguished Alumnus of Campbell University. He has also been awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Brewton Parker College.
Speaking to the graduates at Saturday’s ceremony, Upchurch emphasized the importance of stewardship as they carried out their personal and professional lives.
“I want to encourage each of you to be good stewards — stewards of your money, your time, our natural resources, and your health,” he said. “Most especially – be good stewards of your influence. Your lives will have a tremendous impact on others.”
Mr. Upchurch and his wife Debbie are the proud parents of three children: Kelly, Rock, and Donald, and four grandchildren.
A total of 327 degrees were conferred for Campbell’s winter graduation, including 278 undergraduate degrees and 49 graduate degrees.
Founded in 1887, Campbell University is a private coeducational institution where faith and learning excel. Campbell offers programs in the liberal arts, sciences and professions with undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degress. The University is comprised of the College of Arts and Sciences, the Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law, the Lundy-Fetterman School of Business, the School of Education, the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and the Divinity School.
Photo Copy: Campbell President Jerry Wallace presents Frank Upchurch with the James Archibald Campbell Meritorious Service Award on Saturday, Dec. 12.