The sixth and final graduation ceremony marks the end of a unique journey for the Class of 2024.
From virtual classrooms and hybrid learning models to the social and political climate of undergraduate enrollment, the Class of 2024 faced similar hurdles as some previous classes. Saturday was a day to celebrate not only crossing the finish line, but the beginning of what will happen next.
Campbell University’s sixth and final spring commencement ceremony, held over three days, recognized graduates from the Randy Fetterman School of Business, School of Education and Human Sciences, School of Engineering, and students from Adult and Online Education. .
Healthcare administration graduate student Angel Cundiff Burns reflected on the “victories, challenges, laughter, tears, and growth” her classmates have experienced and endured over the past four years.
“Let us embrace the future with open arms and hearts, seize the opportunities that await us and prepare to leave our mark on the world.”
Of the 1,116 degrees conferred at Campbell University from Thursday through Saturday, about 500 people walked across the stage during two ceremonies Saturday at the Gore Arena in the Pontifical Convocation Center. Other ceremonies recognized students from the Campbell College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, the Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine, the Norman A. Wiggins School of Law, the College of Arts and Sciences, and the School of Theology.
Shirley Hoogstra, who has served as president of the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities since 2014, said it was the last of several commencement addresses she has given as the soon-to-be-retired CCCU president. She said she decided to take a more personal path in her final speech, offering the graduates eight lessons based on key moments in her life.
Her challenges and mistakes early in her teaching career led to lesson number one. “Give up on imperfections.” We learn a lot from our mistakes and from the blessings that people give us. The mistakes I’ve made throughout my life have made me humble and vulnerable, allowed me to laugh at myself, and given others the opportunity to laugh with me. ”
Lesson #2: Kindness is never forgotten. Lesson #3: Even if he doesn’t know 100% what he’s doing, he can still make room for redemption. “We can provide the conditions for others to reinvent themselves and even become better versions of themselves.”
Number 4: In God’s economy, nothing goes to waste, even when you think you’re making a mistake. Number 5: Don’t worry if you don’t have all the pieces for the future. Pray, love well, and trust in God’s future. Number 6: If you believe you are right, proceed cautiously, passionately, persistently, and don’t take “no” for an answer. Number 7: Never miss an opportunity to celebrate.
And the final lesson is to be grateful to others. Because no one can accomplish great things on their own.
“Dear graduates, I hope that someday in your life, your passion and your work will merge, because I have been very fortunate in my life, and I hope that you will have that opportunity too. I am so grateful for all of that and amazed at how the Lord blesses you when your passion and work come together.”
Combining passion and work shouldn’t be a problem for Aaron Katzenberger, a graduate of the Business School’s PGA Golf Management program.
“During my time at Campbell, I developed a variety of business acumen skills that prepared me to be a competent person not only in today’s workforce, but also in teaching individuals and driving success in the golf industry. I have arranged it.
“Graduating from college means a fresh start. I can now use the tools that so many people have given me to help others. This is about celebrating your accomplishments and giving thanks to everyone who helped get you here.”
Avery Browning, who earned a dual degree in elementary education and theater education, said she won a goldfish at a student-sponsored event during her freshman year. Her fish, which she named “Swimfish,” lived for four years, and she said she probably heard many “wonderful memories” during that time.
“Some of my favorite memories are from producing shows in the drama club to learning new skills I didn’t even know I had,” she said. She pointed to the station’s recent involvement in a production of “Winnie the Pooh,” which drew large crowds of local elementary school students during its short run.
“My students still talk about it,” she said. “We were able to fill the theater space with laughter, love, excitement, and joy with people of all ages and backgrounds. I was in the drama club when we only had capacity for 10 people during the pandemic. It was an amazing, breathtaking experience to experience this with such an amazing cast and to see a packed theater.”
Engineering graduate Georgia Yeargin advises future Campbell University students to surround themselves with a diverse group of peers both within and outside of their major.
“Having a strong support system of friends is one of the best ways to succeed in college,” Yeargin says. “But never forget that it’s your effort, not theirs, that determines your grade.”
Editor’s note: A special congratulations to Evan Budrovich, who earned his Master of Business Administration degree from the Graduate School of Business on Saturday. Evan has been running Campbell University’s social media for the past several years and is an exceptional advocate and spokesperson for Campbell University. He was already a camel before he got his degree, and now he is officially a camel.
