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
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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.
IT'S ALL ABOUT MAKING A REAL DIFFERENCE
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.
"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."
ScholarShip recipientS
Donations made it possible for Jonathon to work for MO this summer.
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
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."
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
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
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.
Donor-funded initiative provides essentials like clothing, hygiene items, and more to college students in need.
I COULD NOT HAVE PAID FOR SCHOOL WITHOUT THE HELP OF DONORS.
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."
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.
It's because of his scholarships that his dreams are possible.
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
Given by: Ms. Dale Marie Ballard
SOPHIE CORNETT
Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Wesley Cornett
PIPER WOLFE, SALLY & MILES
BIDWELL, AND NOAH IVEY
Given by: Ms. Patsy Cross
DR. JOE TARRY
Given by: Mrs. Melanie Bloomer
PENNY R. BOWLES
Given by: Mr. & Mrs. James Bowles III
CLASS OF 1986
Given by: Mrs. Lara Koogler
ALAN C. LEFORCE
Given by: Mr. Jeff LeForce
WILLIAM A. STEVENS
Given by: Prof. Mayur Shah
TRINITY SHERROD
Given by: Mrs. Anita M. Gilbert
MAEVE GIBSON
Given by: Mrs. Shannon Gibson
DEBBIE M. HARP
Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Wesley Cornett
Mr. Alan Bruce
Mrs. Melanie Bloomer
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: Ms. Janie Carter
GEORGE BRICE DEGENHART
Given by: Ms. Mary Lu Moss
PATRICK & LEAH NORVELL
Given by: Mrs. Courtney Bidwell
COACH RICK REEVES
Given by: Randy Begole, State Farm
TRIBUTE GIFTS
February 1, 2024, THROUGH August 31, 2024
IN MEMORY OF:
TERRY STIGALL
Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Eddie Bloomer
JAMES M. BOSWELL
Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Charles Newton
DR. KOSSUTH M. MITCHELL
Given by: Ms. Lenore Pollard
LUCILLE BROYLES
Given by: Mr. James Broyles
ANGELO EATON
Given by: Ms. Mary Esposito
ALFREDA A. FORRER
Given by: Mr. Ronald Forrer
KATHERINE G. LISENBEE
Given by: Mr. Larry Lisenbee
CAROLYN SILER BROWN
Given by: Ms. Elizabeth Miller
RUDY ABRAMSON
Given by: Mraz Charitable Trust
REV. R.C. MEDARIS
Given by: Dr. William Payne, Sr.
DR. J. WILLIAMSON
Given by: Mr. Rell Smith, Jr.
FRED AND MARY SWEENEY
Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Owen Sweeney, Sr.
ANN AUSTIN ARNSPIGER
Given by: Walter G. Canipe Foundation, Inc.
REV. SAMUEL AND MRS. SARAH TATEM
Given by: Mrs. Cynthia Washam
MAVIS BROOME
Given by: Ms. Marsha Griffith
RALPH C. EATON
Given by: Mrs. Elizabeth Eaton
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.
