Summer 2003 - University of the Cumberlands

Honorary Degrees
He is a much sought-after speaker and preacher. He has delivered
messages throughout the United States and literally around the world.
In 2002, on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Carter spoke to the
Cumberland College student body. Carter was a personal friend of
Dr. King.
Dr. Harold H. Smith has served as president of Pikeville College since
1997. “Throughout his presidency, the college’s academic and athletic
programs have been strengthened, and Pikeville College has become a
mainstay to students throughout Eastern Kentucky, Taylor said.
Before coming to Pikeville, he served as vice president for development
at Muskingum College in New Concord, OH, a position he
held from 1983 until 1997.
Smith earned his B.A. degree at Centre College, where he was an
outstanding student and athlete. He was selected captain of the track
and basketball teams, and earned all-conference honors in both sports.
Smith returned to his alma mater in 1968 to serve as associate director
of admissions and remained at Centre College until 1983, working
his way up to the position of vice president and dean of students.
During his long career as an educator, Smith also has compiled a distinguished
record of public service. “In addition to his leadership roles
in higher education, Dr. Smith has provided professional consulting
services to a number of colleges, written and published numerous articles
about higher education, and served as a member of many state,
regional and national professional associations,” Taylor remarked.
He has served as a leader in various capacities for the Rotary Club,
including district chair of the Rotary Foundation for Educational
Awards and Scholarships.
Smith also has contributed his business skills to economic and community
development activities by serving the YMCA, the Chamber of
Commerce and area development projects. A member of the First Presbyterian
Church of Pikeville, Smith has long been active in his church.
“In truth, people can generally make time for what they choose
to do; it is not really the time but the will that is lacking.”
— Sir John Lubbock
General and Mrs. Mason Receive
Honorary Doctorates From Cumberland
General Raymond E. and Margaret Mason were awarded
honorary doctorates from Cumberland College on
December 2, 2002, for their efforts to benefit mankind
and their dedication in service to education. General
Raymond E. Mason, Jr. was awarded an honorary doctor of laws
degree, and his wife, Mrs. Margaret Mason, received and honorary
doctor of humanities degree. These honors were awarded on behalf
of Cumberland’s Board of Trustees, which unanimously voted in
support of General and Mrs. Mason.
“We are grateful for all you have done to help make our institution
possible,” remarked Dr. Jim Taylor, president of Cumberland College.
The Masons, taking an active part in education, have generously
donated funds to colleges across the country, including Cumberland
College. The Masons expressed their appreciation for the honors
bestowed upon them and were thankful they could take a role in the
lives of Cumberland’s students. Mrs. Mason addressed the students
present for the ceremony by stating, “I hope you all go back and make
your communities a better place to live in honor of our country.”
General Mason graduated from the Ohio State University in 1941
and went on to serve his country during World War II in the Fourth
Armored Division of General George Patton’s Third Army. Prior to
retiring from the military, he held several high-ranking Pentagon
positions and was promoted to Major General in 1969.
General and Mrs. Mason met at the Ohio State University, and
since then have been involved in numerous charitable programs. In
1987 they created the Raymond E. Mason Foundation, which has
provided funding to Kentucky schools, including Berea College,
Alice Lloyd College, and Cumberland College. The Mason Foundation
has also given grants to the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International,
which helped to fund families and communities in Bosnia,
Croatia, and Serbia. In addition, Mrs. Mason has served as vice president
of United Appeal.
General Raymond E. Mason, Jr. was awarded an honorary doctor of
laws degree, and his wife, Mrs. Margaret Mason, received and honorary
doctor of humanities degree on December 2, 2002.
5