Campbellsville—Campbellsville University graduated 143 master’s students, along with 274 graduates, during May commencement ceremonies, for a total of 417 students receiving their diplomas. In a December commencement, 212 received diplomas for a total of 629 students in this year’s graduating class.

Bruce Heilman, chancellor of the University of Richmond and a member of Campbellsville’s Board of Trustees, told undergraduates of his hardships of growing up in the Depression and his experience in the Marine Corps. Heilman, who is a 1949 graduate of Campbellsville University and will be 89 years old in July, shared about World War II in celebrating the 70th anniversary of its end.

Heilman received the Campbellsville University Leadership Award and was called an “American hero” by Michael Carter, president of Campbellsville University, and Frank Cheatham, senior vice president for academic affairs.

Cheatham, who is retiring this month after 42 years of service at Campbellsville, received an honorary doctorate degree in higher education administration. Cheatham is a 1965 graduate.

Co-valedictorians of the May graduating class were Sarah Louise Johnson of Belleville, Ill.; Lena Ann Morrison of Paducah; and Kari Danielle Salyers of Frankfort. Salutatorian was Emily Grace Hatley of Somerset.

Lauren Goodin Willis, a member of the 2015’s graduate class from Columbia, told the graduates, “You are what makes Campbellsville University what it is. Make an impact—make a difference in each and every life. We need Christian educated people in the workforce.”

Michael Billy Jennings of Edmonton, who served as Student Government Association president, said, “Don’t forget who you are; don’t forget how far you have come from where you once were.” He urged the graduates to “go and do” with grateful hearts.

Mark Joseph Bomia, a 2015 class member and Baptist Campus Ministry president from Marion, charged his classmates to be men and women of integrity. “Always seek to do the right thing. Be a voice of reason. Be co-workers who are respectful and friendly,” he urged. “Stay committed. Take responsibility for your actions. Be confident in who you are as a person. Don’t let anyone trick you into thinking you can’t do great things.” (BP)