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Campbellsville University Dedicates Brockman Center in Hodgenville
By Joan C. McKinney, news and publications coordinator
CAMPBELLSVILLE, KY (11/24/2009)(readMedia)-- With the Campbellsville University Tiger Fight Song played in the background by the LaRue County Band of Hawks, the dedication of Campbellsville University's new Brockman Center Nov. 19 in Hodgenville was described as "probably the single most important event to happen to Hodgenville in the last 50 years," according to Dr. Britt Brockman, for whom the building is named.
About 250 people, including Commonwealth of Kentucky officials, faculty, staff, students, alumni and local LaRue Countians, attended the dedication; the 5,500 square-foot building is located at 813 Old Elizabethtown Road in Hodgenville.
Brockman, who is managing partner of the John-Kenyon American Eye Institute, said his giving embodies three principles: education, commitment and family.
Brockman is a 1977 graduate of LaRue County High School and the 2009 LCHS Distinguished Alumni Award recipient. He said the Brockman Center will be a perfect opportunity for people to further their education.
He said that what we are and what we become are instilled in community. "It's a joy to give back to LaRue County," he said.
He said students studying at the center will pay off dividends.
Brockman said family is important, and he was proud to honor his parents, Russell and Sue Brockman, who were at the dedication.
"Campbellsville University is giving a gift of opportunity," Brockman said. "We thank you for what you are doing for our community."
The gift of the building to CU was presented by Freddie Hilpp, owner of Hilpp Construction based in Lebanon, Ky. Brockman expressed gratitude to Hilpp for Hilpp's sacrificial gift.
Brockman and Hilpp were presented replicas of the plaques, which will be used on the Brockman building. Dr. Michael V. Carter, president of CU, was helped by Dr. Frank Cheatham, vice president for academic affairs, in presenting the gifts.
LaRue County Judge/Executive Tommy Turner said education is a lifetime advantage, and Campbellsville University is now offering the opportunity to those in LaRue County and surrounding counties.
"This center will be life changing for those who take advantage of it. This center will enhance the quality of life of those in the area," he said.
Turner presented a plaque to Carter which proclaimed Nov. 19 as Campbellsville University Day.
Hodgenville Mayor Terry Cruse said the Brockman Center, named after Dr. Britt Brockman, a native of LaRue County, will offer the benefit of "changing one's lives." He said the center will open the door for many who otherwise would have a door closed to them.
He was given the first CU Brockman Center shirt, and Cruse presented Carter a key to the city.
Carter said he could not over emphasize the "gracious welcome" CU has received in Hodgenville and LaRue County.
"Campbellsville University is committed to assisting individuals of all ages improve their lives through the transformation of Christian higher education.
"We are committed to LaRue County and the City of Hodgenville," he said.
Carter said there are 96 students from LaRue County enrolled in courses offered from CU, and there are well over 100 alumni who live in the county "and we want to see that number grow substantially."
Carter said CU is in her 19th consecutive semester of record enrollment with slightly over 3,100 students. "We have set records this year for our freshman class, our transfer class, our dual enrollment students, and our off-campus locations in Louisville, Somerset, Elizabethtown, and now we are adding Hodgenville," he said.
Carter said the day would not be possible without the vision and generosity of Brockman and Hilpp.
"Both care deeply about the future and realize that education is the key to provide the quality of life we want for our region."
He said CU anticipates a blended set of offerings at CU Hodgenville. He said the center will begin with some general education courses, the organizational management degree completion bachelor's from the School of Business and Economics, and several "very innovative certificate programs from our Technology Training Center."
He emphasized the Tech Center training programs will be attractive because they are short in duration and prepare the adult learner for specific jobs such as hospitality management, medical service management, hospitality training, Six Sigma Certification, Workplace Health and Safety Certificate, Workplace Skills Certificate, Kids College and several technology based software skill sets such as Microsoft Office 2007 Application, Office Technology Program, A+ Computer Operating Systems and Network+ that are needed in most every work place today. These will be priced in a competitive package to assist adults in finding their calling in today's workforce.
In time, he said CU may be partnering with Elizabethtown Community and Technical College to deliver some additional options. He also said in time theology courses or others will be offered depending on demand.
Dr. Joe Owens of Lexington, vice chair of the CU Board of Trustees, said the Board of Trustees appreciates the generosity of the donors. He said the Brockman Center will help students to better themselves.
Dr. Keith Spears, vice president for regional and professional education, said CU offers the best in Christian higher education and said CU's outreach programs, including the Brockman Center, offer concern for the next generation.
"We are building nothing but the best quality" in facilities and academic programs, he said.
Spears was the master of ceremonies for the event.
John Chowning, vice president for church and external relations at CU who also serves as executive assistant to the president, led in the responsive reading and prayer which dedicated the Brockman Center in honor of God and to the carrying out of the Great Commission.
CU Sound sang at the event. They include students: Matt Hodge of Louisville, Ky.; Erin Johnson of Russellville, Ky.; Carmen Drake of Hodgenville, Ky.; MaryGrace Lee of Ponchatoula, La.; Sarah Smith of Brandenburg, Ky.; Rachel Crenshaw of Shepherdsville, Ky., and Chanelle Gardner of Campbellsville.
The Rev. Mike Rodgers, pastor of First Baptist Church-Hodgenville, led in the invocation. The LaRue County Band of Hawks is directed by Jaime Smith, a CU alumnus.
Campbellsville University is a private, comprehensive institution located in South Central Kentucky. Founded in 1906, Campbellsville University is affiliated with the Kentucky Baptist Convention and has an enrollment of 3,006 students who represent 97 Kentucky counties, 30 states and 37 foreign nations. Listed in U.S.News & World Report's 2010 "America's Best Colleges," CU is ranked 23rd in "Best Baccalaureate Colleges" in the South, tied for fifth in "most international students" and fourth in "up-and-coming" schools in baccalaureate colleges in the South. CU has been ranked 17 consecutive years with U.S.News & World Report. The university has also been named to America's Best Christian Colleges and to G.I. Jobs magazine as a Military Friendly School. Campbellsville University is located 82 miles southwest of Lexington, Ky., and 80 miles southeast of Louisville, Ky. Dr. Michael V. Carter is in his 11th year as president.