Development Newsletter | Winter 2023

SKILLS FOR SUCCESS

A Development Newsletter | Winter 2024

Lilli Vance Class of 2024

SKILLS FOR SUCCESS

Hello again friends,

Lilli loves sharing her passion for Cumberlands as a Campus Ambassador. She gives tours to prospective students and shares her experiences on campus with incoming students and families. Over the past four years, she has fallen in love with the local community and found an opportunity to pursue her interests as a social media intern for What’s Up Williamsburg. In this internship position, Lilli creates content that promotes businesses and events in Williamsburg, Kentucky. From a close-knit community to a myriad of locally owned businesses downtown, Williamsburg supports the unique Cumberlands experience unlike anywhere else.

The first months of the year are ideal for planning and making goals. That is just what our students, faculty and staff are doing at Cumberlands to make the best of 2024. Our students are hard at work tackling the new semester and reaching for their goals. For seniors, it will be their last few months on our wonderful campus as they embark on a new life journey after graduation.

What’s Up Williamsburg is an internship designed for Cumberlands students interested in gaining experience in social media, photography, video, and marketing. The purpose is to celebrate, explore, and engage with the community of Williamsburg. What’s Up Williamsburg is managed by college students passionate about Williamsburg’s growth and engagement. Lilli’s internship has fueled her passion for being involved in the local community. Lilli says, “I feel as though through my experience at What’s Up Williamsburg, I was able to bridge a gap between the university and downtown Williamsburg.

I helped create content that enticed people to see everything it had to offer, and it was always exciting to have local businesses reach out to us to ask for help.”

As you know, our mission is to provide a quality, affordable education to students from all walks of life. Through our One Price Promise we do just that, by starting with a price that’s feasible to as many students as possible. We continue to ensure this price reflects the most outstanding value within higher education—to give our students the most significant advantage in their learning experience and beyond. By implementing the One Price Promise tuition model, we have included everything needed for student success while eliminating all fees and hidden costs.

Originally from East Tennessee, Lilli is pursuing a double major in Psychology and Business Administration, emphasizing Strategic Marketing. This internship has given Lilli hands-on experience in a career she is prepared for and excited about. “My internship taught me photography, videography, content planning, and graphic design skills.

My education at University of the Cumberlands and my internship have set me up for a social media and marketing career,” said Vance. “Being a student at Cumberlands has always felt so welcoming, and it is a privilege to share that with others. When you invest in your community, you are not just helping the local economy.

I want to say thank you for your generosity to Cumberlands. Without you, we would not be able to offer an affordable education for all students. Your contributions fund textbooks, housing, dining, parking, tutoring, career services, new programs, counseling, and more. Together, we are building a better future for the bright and gifted students who chose Cumberlands to foster their education.

You are investing in all the small business owners who have worked tirelessly to make their vision and dreams a reality.

During my internship, I talked to many business owners who are extremely passionate about what they do. Getting to know and form relationships with these entrepreneurs is inspiring.”

My best wishes to you as we embrace this wonderful new year.

Photos by Lilli Vance and Lacie DeGough

To see all the content that Lilli has created, follow @whatsupwilliamsburgky on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. Check out this video to learn more about Lilli’s time here at Cumberlands and her marketing internship.

Bill Stohlmann Vice President of Development william.stohlmann@ucumberlands.edu

THE REIS BROTHERS

“WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES”

University of the Cumberlands remains committed to offering a high-quality, affordable education to students from all backgrounds. The following updates show how Cumberlands is growing while staying true to this original mission.

Enrollment: Undergraduate on-campus: 2,061 Undergraduate online: 3,477 Graduate & Executive Programs: 14,312 When brothers Miguel and Rafael Reis were looking for purpose in their lives, an internship at a small-town church led them to find that and more.

From Sao Paolo, the largest city in Brazil, the Reis brothers are from a large extended family with strong roots. Their parents divorced when they were young, so their mother picked up two jobs to make ends meet. Even with two jobs, her income only came to $500, half of which went to rent. They grew up humble, hardworking, and taught to selflessly serve others.

When older brother Miguel was leaving for college, an internship at Immanuel Baptist Church in the small town of Corbin, Kentucky changed his life forever. His internship led him to transfer to University of the Cumberlands – a decision for which he is grateful. Money was tight, but after praying, the door at Cumberlands opened and he was able to receive scholarships and a workship position to pursue his degree.

Along the way, Miguel worked in the campus bookstore and as a resident assistant but still struggled to afford the costs of attending. His family did not have the means to support him, so dropping out was a possibility. Praying for guidance and help, Miguel’s roommate along with a kind stranger on a mission trip answered his prayers by paying for his entire tuition bill. This kindness helped him to complete his degree at Cumberlands.

After graduating with his Bachelor’s in Psychology and Christian Studies in 2021, Miguel worked with his younger brother Rafael to help him learn English. Rafael was so moved by his older brother’s experience at UC that he followed suit and came to Cumberlands for his Master’s in Project Management. While attending, he qualified for financial aid as a graduate assistant to help with tuition costs and expenses.

“Having a degree and learning is up to us. The academic aspect is up to us. But the community, the people, the push to grow, and the investment is different at Cumberlands,” says Miguel.

Miguel is incredibly thankful for his Cumberlands experience, “A scholarship at University of the Cumberlands has changed my family’s direction. UC has offered me a world of opportunities that I couldn’t afford before. I can’t be thankful enough for all the generosity from Cumberlands’ donors and the great things Cumberlands has done for me and so many others,” said Reis.

Currently, Miguel is a College Ministry Director at Immanuel Baptist Church in Corbin, where his journey with Cumberlands first began. He helps pay for his brother’s living expenses while he takes classes and gives some of his salary to students in financial need.

Rafael completed his Master’s in Project Management and is currently pursuing his Master’s in Business Administration at Cumberlands. These two brothers are the definition of Cumberlands’ values.

65% of all undergraduate students are from Appalachia 77% retention rate for all students New program offerings: • Master of Science in Business Analytics • Master of Science in Supply Chain Management • Certificate in Entrepreneurship and New Venture Development Accolades: • Named a College of Distinction for 6th year in a row • UC students have the lowest debt and highest social mobility among national Kentucky universities – U.S. News and World Report

COMMITMENT Make your Cumberlands Commitment To arrange a campus visit with us, or arrange a charitable gift, please call: 606.539.3571 or visit ucumberlands.edu/give2uc

THE RED BANNER Jubilation. Pride. Unbridled joy.

Head Coach Steve Hamilton is completing his ninth season at the helm of the Patriots women’s soccer program with a NAIA National Championship. “I’d like to give all the credit to our players and coaching staff. There are about a million people I’d have to thank, but I am so humbled by the group. I wouldn’t have wanted to do it with any other group of people,” said Coach Hamilton.

"There are about a million people I’d have to thank, but I am so humbled by the group. I The championship game was a Feeling the raw emotion from his wouldn’t have masterclass in tactical prowess team being the first ever sports and sheer fighting spirit. The at Cumberlands to win a wanted to do it with team third-seed Patriots came into the NAIA National Championship title. championship match without went on to say, “For us, any other group of Hamilton surrendering a goal. They the most important thing to do is produced another stellar defensive to honor God in this situation, so all performance to earn a 1-1 tie praise and credit to him.” people." before ultimately capturing the These emotions painted the atmosphere as the University of the Cumberlands Women’s soccer team etched their names in program history, clinching the NAIA National Championship. The journey to this pinnacle was unwavering determination, overcoming formidable opponents, and rewriting the team’s narrative.

victory in penalty kicks 3-2 against the Crusaders of William Carey University.

The 2023 NAIA National Championship will forever be a part of Cumberlands women’s soccer history. It was a triumph and a testament to the unyielding spirit of a team that refused to be defined by limitations. The teams’ cheers in Foley, Alabama were deafening as the big red banner was given to them. But the sweetest sound of all was the cheers erupting back home on campus, where students had gathered to celebrate the win.

Steve Hamilton Women's Soccer Coach

This championship win caps off an outstanding season for the Patriots as they captured the Mid-South Conference championship and qualified for the NAIA final site for the fourth straight year. Rita Aguye Cots, Carola Fontan, and Jayden Boelter were named to the NAIA All-Tournament Team for their performance throughout the tournament. The team finished the year 18-1-3 and captured the first NAIA National Championship in Cumberlands’ history.

For the Patriots, the victory was more than just a trophy; it was a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and unwavering belief in one another.