Appalachian Voice Fall 2024

APPALACHIANVOICE APPALACHIAN VOICE

EMPOWERING STUDENTS AND CAMPUS MINISTRIES TO IMPACT COMMUNITIES

FALL 2024

IN THIS ISSUE LOVING OTHERS

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MAKING A DIFFERENCE

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SHOES 4 THE SOUL

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PETE'S CLOSET 8 THANKS TO SCHOLARSHIPS

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AM volunteers built relationships with local children, showing them God's love.

LOVING OTHERS LIKE CHRIST Every summer is different. The team of college students working for Appalachian Ministries (AM) changes, the children they minister to are either new or have grown in new ways since the school year ended, and the Vacation Bible School (VBS) activities AM leads change every year.

But a few things stay the same: donors' help to fund the AM team's mission remains vital, the Holy Spirit is always at work, and the AM summer experience is still a transformative, memorable time for both the college students and the local children they meet.

Take the above photo, for instance. At the beginning of the summer, the young boy was more shy. But after attending a few weeks of AM summer VBS at different locations, he became attached to Jeremiah Behnke, a junior at Cumberlands. The bond touched both their hearts.

"Summer AM is important for the kids because we spend time pouring into them," said Dylan Spainhower, a junior on AM's summer team. "Some of them may not hear the Gospel otherwise, so it's an opportunity to do Story continued on page 2

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that. But also, it's a chance to build on the relationships we've started throughout the school year."

Dylan and other members of the AM summer team also served with AM during the prior school year, and many of them plan to serve with AM this academic year too.

The Godly love the AM team always tries to show the local children they serve matters.

"Making relationships with the kids matters. It's the main part of what we do," said Meghan Steely, a junior.

"We share the Gospel with them in the hopes that, not only will it save them, but also that they will share it with other kids in the community. We try to love them so they can see how Christ loves."

Rachel Li, one of AM's directors, added, "And the kids can see we aren't getting anything out of this. A few kids asked me, 'Is this free? Are these snacks free, is this craft free?' I said, 'Yes!' And they went, 'Oh, cool, I want to do this now!' So, I think they can see that we have no other purpose besides loving them and sharing the Gospel."

Of course, working with children all summer can be a challenge. Every college student has to grow in new ways if they want to effectively work as a team and portray Christ well.

"I learned a lot of patience," said Carmen Martinez, a junior. "Sometimes, kids have bad days, and you just need to let them because they're being stubborn. So you have to show them love even through that, keep including them and encouraging them."

Ebby Mathew, a junior, said, "I tried to work on being positive in front of the kids. Even when I'm in a good mood, sometimes my face is more serious, so I had to focus on smiling the whole time."

Looking at the summer as a whole, the students recognized how important it was to be part of a team.

When one person was exhausted, someone else had the energy to keep the lesson going. When a team member was discouraged, others uplifted them. In other words, they behaved like Christ to each other – and the little children saw and learned from it.

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Donations provided games, Bible lessons, & activities for kids.

Scholarship Recipients AAA Aidan McGinnis

Christian Leadership Scholarship A

William King

Cumberlands Commitment Scholarship A

Caleb Rose

Appalachain Scholarship A

Katie Ingram

Randall Rollins Scholarship A

Rachel Medlin

Christian Leadership Scholarship A

Alaina Johns

Christian Leadership Scholarship A

Donations made it possible for Jonathon to work for MO this summer.

IT'S ALL ABOUT MAKING A REAL DIFFERENCE

Anna Muse

Cumberland Scholar Scholarship A

Isaiah Laguna

Presidential Scholarship A

Jody Baker

Christian Leadership Scholarship A

Gracie Mason

Presidential Scholarship A

Jonathon McCullough has learned far more than just construction skills during his time as a work-study student on the summer team for Mountain Outreach (MO). Between the work he's done, friendships he's made, and living testimonies he's witnessed, he has a grounded approach to life and a reason why he does what he does for the Lord.

Emma Richie

A.S. Sullivan Scholarship A

Zachary Stump

Cumberlands Commitment Scholarship A

Alexander Doty

Christian Leadership Scholarship A

"You don't know what other people are going through," Jonathon said.

"And you can't control how people react to you. But at the end of the day, you've helped that person tremendously. So long as you're making a difference, that's what matters."

Right as summer began, the plans Jonathon had for his summer job and housing both fell through. Then he met Rocky Brown, director of MO, who had one spot left to fill on the summer team. Jonathon took him up on the offer. From tearing up old flooring and replacing it with new, to building wheelchair ramps, and much more, Jonathon now has important construction skills he'll carry with him throughout his life.

Nobody but God could have orchestrated Jonathon's summer plans so unexpectedly and yet so perfectly. He respects MO's purpose and work.

"Mountain Outreach gives an opportunity most people wouldn't have," he said. "And outside of the construction work, the MO staff is involved in the community. They'll wave at people, talk with them. It's rooted in their hearts for a change in Williamsburg."

Gavin Genoe

Dale Mayberry Scholarship A

Piper McGuire Berger Scholarship A

Xiang Li

Christian Leadership Scholarship A

Elijah Harrington Presidential Scholarship A

Elizabeth Saubern

Cumberland Scholar Scholarship A

Nikita Konovets

Randall Rollins Scholarship A

Dylan Spainhower Alden Scholarship A

Jeremiah Behnke

Christian Leadership Scholarship A

Precious Okonye

Cumberlands Commitment Scholarship A

Jessika Yaden

Christian Leadership Scholarship

SHOES 4 THE SOUL KEEPS KIDS SMILING

Donors provided new socks, shoes, and hygiene items to local children in need. And, all the kids had fun!

"This program is just amazing. Some of these kids, their shoes are in rough shape, and our resource officers can only do so much. This helps them," said Vanessa Sizemore, a teacher at Whitley East Elementary, one of the schools that attended Cumberlands' annual Shoes 4 the Soul event.

"Another thing, though, is that the kids come to a college campus. This might be the only time some of them come to a college. And having the church aspect at this event, some of the kids don't get that in their daily lives. This is beneficial all the way around. One of the little ones ran up to me earlier like, 'Look at my new shoes!' It's exciting for them."

The Office of Campus Ministries spent months in preparation for the event, working on it between other projects since March. The program served the highest-need children, as identified by the teachers and family resource officers at their respective

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schools. In all, between the in-person event and a special shoe delivery to a school that couldn't attend, UC donors provided shoes, socks, and hygiene supplies – not to mention a day of fun! – to approximately 750 children from nine local schools.

That's 130 more children served than in 2023.

"This is definitely something that's needed in our school," said Nicki Bryant from Whitley North Elementary. "These kids have very little. I like that the event is so Christ-centered. It's very needed."

Schoolchildren were greeted onto University of the Cumberlands' (UC) campus by UC students who smiled at them, gave them high-fives, and sometimes made "spirit-finger tunnels" for them to walk under. Inside the gym, upbeat Christian music filled the room, and UC students (as well as faculty and staff) paired up with the children, washed

their feet (reminiscent of how Jesus washed his disciples' feet in the Bible), and gave them new socks, shoes, and a drawstring bag full of travel-sized hygiene items like soap, toothpaste, and deodorant. Then the student-child pairs walked upstairs to the indoor track to have a Polaroid picture taken of them for the child to bring home. Finally, the children each received a free T-shirt and got to do a coloring page before returning to the stands to sit with their classmates.

Some of the kids attend Appalachian Ministries (AM) events during the year. So, naturally, they used the dance moves they'd learned at AM to dance along to the music playing in the gym.

Barek Williams, a sophomore basketball player at UC, said, "It's a 100 percent unique experience. It's awesome to be able to see these kids get the shoes they might not have been able to get. It makes you and the kids feel good. It's important to share God's love to everybody."

Scholarship Recipients AAA Mackenzie Babb

Christian Leadership Scholarship A

Jackson Estes Alden Scholarship A

Samuel Moore

Governor Scholarship A

Presley Anderson

Cumberlands Commitment Scholarship A

James Foster

Gorman Jones Scholarship A

Lucas Bargo

Christian Leadership Scholarship A

Laurel Yates

Berger Scholarship A

Joshua Gabbard

Harold Wortman Scholarship A

Randy Melby

Timothy Trout Scholarship A

Laney Fultz

Christian Leadership Scholarship A

Bailey Cummins

Troy Clark Scholarship A

Owen McClure

Cumberlands Commitment Scholarship A

Allison Hunter

Christian Leadership Scholarship A

Sophia Cornett

Dale Mayberry Scholarship A

Isaac Childers

Cumberland Scholar Scholarship A

Lilly Hoskins

Christian Leadership Scholarship A

Amaan ul Hassan Syed Randall Rollins Scholarship A

Amerah Steele

Christian Leadership Scholarship A

Jori Dowling

Cumberland Scholar Scholarship A

Jonathon McCullough Christian Leadership Scholarship A

Naomi Duenas

Cumberlands Commitment Scholarship A

Erin Bailey

A.S. Sullivan Scholarship A

Chelsea Murphy

Norma Brock Patrick Scholarship

MEET OUR STUDENTS

LUCIA GOMEZ, '26

EXERCISE & SPORT SCIENCE; BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

Lucia is from Madrid, Spain, and is receiving a soccer scholarship. Two years ago, she made the bold choice to cross an ocean and pursue a college degree in America. She believes it was a risk that was worth it for the promise of a brighter future.

Her experience at Cumberlands has already been a dream come true, as her team became the first team at Cumberlands to ever win an NAIA national championship. She credits much of the team's success, as well as her own joy and growth during college, to the soccer team's family atmosphere.

"My time here has been transformative," she said.

"With each passing day, I am encouraged to become the best version of myself through dedication and hard work. 'Family' is what makes us so effective as a team. The bond we cultivate 'juntas,' together, propels us. I will forever be grateful to everyone I've met during this chapter of my life."

CHAZ DISNEY, '25

MISSIONS & MINISTRY

Chaz is from Corbin, Kentucky. He's an active member of his church, a hardworking student, and a campus ambassador in the Office of Admissions, a position funded by his workship scholarship.

Some of his ambassador duties include giving tours to potential students, preparing Admissions materials, and assisting with campus events.

"Being an ambassador has given me the opportunity to form connections and get to know people," Chaz said. "I'm thankful for our donors, that they're being good stewards with the gifts God has given them and are blessing students like me with the ability to have experiences we wouldn't normally have."

Chaz now has a greater respect for the behind-thescenes work that UC offices perform, and he has learned how to make friends with anyone.

LUCAS BARGO, '27

MISSIONS & MINISTRY; ENGLISH

Lucas is a first-generation college student who currently lives in London, Kentucky, though his family's roots are in Harlan, Kentucky. He is receiving a Christian Leadership Scholarship.

"Being an ambassador for Christ is more holistic than what an official role brings," Lucas said. "It's living daily life through Christ. There are places where I have agreed to serve Campus Ministries through my scholarship, like Appalachian Ministries or Story Saturday. But both official and daily life are how I think anyone should follow Christ."

Through his ministry work on campus, Lucas has learned the importance of both Christian community and of rest. Community provides accountability and encouragement, and rest keeps him from burning out spiritually.

He is thankful to donors for supporting his college career, acknowledging that the funding helps current students and future missionaries.

SERLYVA M'BIMBI, '26 BIOLOGY

Serlyva is from Jiangsu, China, and is receiving a Student Government Association (SGA) Scholarship.

She served as director of diversity for SGA last year and is now serving as SGA vice president. As VP, she is overseeing various committees, organizing events, and representing student interests in meetings with university administration.

"I have enjoyed the opportunity to positively impact campus life, collaborate with a diverse group of students, and work to improve our campus, feeling that my voice as an international student can help shape a better experience for future students," said Serlyva. She also said SGA has taught her the importance of effective communication, teamwork, and advocacy.

She added, "Your contributions have made a significant difference in our lives. Thank you!"

PETE'S CLOSET

Donor-funded initiative provides essentials like clothing, hygiene items, and more to college students in need.

It’s not every day you get to go shopping in someone else’s closet – like the university mascot’s!

Okay, that isn’t exactly what’s happening, but what’s occurring is just as good.

Pete’s Closet (named after University of the Cumberlands' mascot, Patriot Pete) is the name Cumberlands gave to a donor-funded initiative which provides essentials like hygiene items, clothing, and bedding to Cumberlands students in need. As the university receives donations, it's able to provide what students need as they need it.

When international students fly across an ocean and run out of money to buy bedding for their new dorm rooms, Pete's Closet can purchase it for them. When a student's parent has a medical emergency, but the student is out of money to buy gas for their car so they can travel home, funding in Pete's Closet's

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budget can fill their tank for them. During winter, when some students feel their only option to stay warm is to layer sweater upon sweater, Pete's Closet provides them with a warm winter coat.

The list of items Pete's Closet provides for students in their moments of need is endless because students' needs are always changing. But thanks to donations, the metaphorical closet has remained stocked and ready to help.

"Students reach out about Pete's Closet all the time.

Often, people working in Residence Life will contact us and tell us about a student who needs some kind of help," said Dr. Jamirae Holbrook, vice president for student affairs at the university. "It's wonderful knowing there is a practical, and discreet, way for us to supply students with exactly what they need."

Life can be hard. Thankfully, Pete's Closet helps.

Scholarship Recipients AAA nathan Harville

Cumberlands Commitment Scholarship A

Annalyne Woodward

Christian Leadership Scholarship A

Serlyva M'bimbi

SGA Leadership Scholarship A

Caleb Bennett

Presidential Scholarship A

Maggie Moore

Christian Leadership Scholarship A

Kaibryn Mandell

Cumberlands Commitment cholarship A

Denver Caldwell

Presidential Scholarship A

Savana Shepard Alden Scholarship A

”

I COULD NOT HAVE PAID FOR SCHOOL WITHOUT THE HELP OF DONORS.

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Jesse Jones is from a small town in Tennessee that, in his words, has "a huge drug environment," but it also has "a pretty side to it in the food, places to shop, and good people to be around."

True, Jesse was already considering attending Cumberlands because it was close to home and had a nice environment. But what made it possible were the scholarships he received. While Jesse is pursuing a double major in exercise and sport science as well as sports management (and minoring in military science), he is also part of the Patriots Company, University of the Cumberlands' Army ROTC program.

The scholarship he receives for that, plus federal funding he earns by working on campus, make his college degree attainable.

"I could not have paid for school without the help of donors," Jesse said. "I want to thank you. You have helped me so much, and I am beyond thankful. I appreciate it, and I hope you know how much you really help students."

Michelle Weiss

Cumberland Scholar Scholarship A

Summer Rains

Timothy Trout Scholarship A

Cienna Blair-Robinson Appalachian Scholarship A

Anna Carey

Norma Brock Patrick Scholarship A

JD Cook

Christian Leadership Scholarship A

Greyson Stevens

Cumberlands Commitment Scholarship A

Peighton Closterman

Christian Leadership Scholarship A

Kaylee Burke

Harold Wortman Scholarship A

Emilee Bischoff

Gorman Jones Scholarship A

Lane Roberts

Christian Leadership Scholarship A

Myra Gammon

Deborah Childress Scholarship A

Cayden Rowe

Berger Scholarship A

Jesse is set to graduate in 2027 and plans on joining the military postgraduation. Following his retirement from the Armed Forces, he hopes to become a physical therapist and work for a large organization.

Madelynn Furtick Fred Roth Scholarship A

Skyler Sterling

Christian Leadership Scholarship A

It's because of his scholarships that his dreams are possible.

Gursheesh Singh

Cumberlands Commitment Scholarship

Honor or Memorialize a Friend or Loved One

Tribute Program at University of the Cumberlands At Cumberlands, we strive to provide an affordable, student-centered, quality education to students from all backgrounds. It is thanks to your generosity we are able to fulfill this life-changing mission.

What is a Tribute Gift?

A Tribute Gift (either an Honor Gift or a Memorial Gift) shows love and respect for the person being honored or memorialized. It says that the world is a better place because of this individual. Through a Tribute Gift to University of the Cumberlands, you can pass on the impact someone had in your life by impacting the lives of current students.

The size of the gift is up to you and is kept confidential, and all gifts are tax deductible as allowed by law.

For an Honor Gift, the person being honored is sent an appropriate card listing the honor giver, as well as the occasion for the honor. The name of the giver and the honoree will be listed in the next issue of Appalachian Voice.

For a Memorial Gift, the family of the departed friend or loved one you wish to memorialize is sent an appropriate card the same day the gift is received. The name of the giver and their loved one will then be listed in the next issue of Appalachian Voice.

Tribute Gifts are an essential avenue for students to receive the financial aid they need. Your gift will help provide scholarship and workship pay, room and board funding, and many other supportive services.

IN HONOR OF: CARLEE B. CORNETT

CLASS OF 1986

DEBBIE M. HARP

Given by:

Given by:

Given by:

Ms. Dale Marie Ballard

Mrs. Lara Koogler

SOPHIE CORNETT

ALAN C. LEFORCE

Given by:

Given by:

Mr. & Mrs. Wesley Cornett

Mr. Jeff LeForce

PIPER WOLFE, SALLY & MILES BIDWELL, AND NOAH IVEY

WILLIAM A. STEVENS

Given by:

TRINITY SHERROD

Ms. Patsy Cross

DR. JOE TARRY Given by:

Mrs. Melanie Bloomer

PENNY R. BOWLES

Given by:

Given by:

Prof. Mayur Shah Mrs. Anita M. Gilbert

MAEVE GIBSON Given by:

Given by:

Mr. & Mrs. James Bowles III

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Mrs. Shannon Gibson

TERRY LEMASTER Given by:

Mr. & Mrs. Eddie Bloomer

JOHN D. BROOME Given by:

Ms. Amanda Walton Mr. & Mrs. Hiram Bowlin

HAROLD F. HUBBARD Given by:

GEORGE BRICE DEGENHART

Mr. & Mrs. Wesley Cornett Given by: Ms. Mary Lu Moss Mr. Alan Bruce PATRICK & LEAH NORVELL Mrs. Melanie Bloomer Given by: Mrs. Courtney Bidwell

Ms. Janie Carter

COACH RICK REEVES Given by:

Randy Begole, State Farm

TRIBUTE GIFTS

February 1, 2024, THROUGH August 31, 2024

CREATE A LASTING IMPACT AT UCUMBERLANDS.EDU/GIVE IN MEMORY OF: TERRY STIGALL

ALFREDA A. FORRER

DR. J. WILLIAMSON

MAVIS BROOME

Given by:

Given by:

Given by:

Given by:

Mr. & Mrs. Eddie Bloomer

Mr. Ronald Forrer

Mr. Rell Smith, Jr.

Ms. Marsha Griffith

JAMES M. BOSWELL

KATHERINE G. LISENBEE

FRED AND MARY SWEENEY

RALPH C. EATON

Given by:

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Given by:

Mr. & Mrs. Charles Newton

Mr. Larry Lisenbee

Mr. & Mrs. Owen Sweeney, Sr.

DR. KOSSUTH M. MITCHELL

CAROLYN SILER BROWN

ANN AUSTIN ARNSPIGER

Given by:

Given by:

Given by:

Ms. Lenore Pollard

Ms. Elizabeth Miller

LUCILLE BROYLES

RUDY ABRAMSON

Given by:

Given by:

Mr. James Broyles

Mraz Charitable Trust

ANGELO EATON

REV. R.C. MEDARIS

Given by:

Given by:

Ms. Mary Esposito

Dr. William Payne, Sr.

Mrs. Elizabeth Eaton

Walter G. Canipe Foundation, Inc.

REV. SAMUEL AND MRS. SARAH TATEM Given by:

Mrs. Cynthia Washam

Listings reflect Tribute Gifts received February 1, 2024 through August 31, 2024. In preparing this list, every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and completeness. If a mistake was made in the way you were identified or if your name was omitted, we sincerely apologize. You can help us set the record straight. Please notify the Office of the President regarding any changes in the way your gifts should be recorded in future reports. Email presoff@ucumberlands.edu.

Anyone interested in making a donation to the university is encouraged to contact the Office of the President or visit www.ucumberlands.edu/give2uc. Please make support payable to University of the Cumberlands.

Office of the President 6191 College Station Drive Williamsburg, KY 40769

UNIVERSITY OF THE CUMBERLANDS

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Office of the President 6191 College Station Drive Williamsburg, KY 40769

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