Major General Dowd - University of the Cumberlands

Dear Alumni and Friends of UC,Recently I attended the Madrigal Dinner at University of the Cumberlands. My wife Nina and I celebrated our 30th class reunion fromCumberland, and we would never have thought about attending that event back then, in college. I think this is my third in a row since joiningthe Alumni Board, and it gets better every time. The food, the music and the camaraderie are magnificent.Dr. Taylor had a few words at the beginning and a little as a closing, and in both talks he implored everybody to drive around campus.Truthfully, I am thinking, what for? I’ve lived in Williamsburg most of my adult life; from my home I could hear the outside activitiesdowntown and on campus. I go to church near campus. I cut through campus on Main St. at least weekly. Why did Nina and I need to drivearound? We are experts.Respectfully,In driving around, I gained a much deeper appreciation of Dr. Taylor and his staff. The University of theCumberlands and my Cumberland College are like leaving Earth and visiting Mars. What Dr. Taylor hasdone in his leadership role as president of our beloved University is nothing short of remarkable. EverythingI ever loved about Cumberland is still right there; there is just so much more.There is absolutely nothing at U of C that isn’t at an all-time high; from enrollment to student services, todegrees and programs to buildings and grounds. But perhaps the need for you is also at an all-time high. Forjust as many reasons, if not more, we want you back. Please make this the year you come to homecoming,earn another degree, come to a game, or encourage a potential student. Please, we really want you back.Rich Prewitt, ’80Alumni PresidentCumberland Alumni,As president-elect of your Alumni Board of Directors, I want to share a few words about the University and whatit means to me. Sounds easy, right? Well, it is more difficult than I originally thought.My immediate thoughts were the great memories; friends I met, cheering at football and basketball games, andmost importantly, meeting my husband. But, what does Cumberland mean to me now? Twelve years followinggraduation, I have a kind, honest and Godly husband. I have a career that I have been working at for twelveyears. I have great friends. I belong to a wonderful church that I try to serve.After much consideration, I came to the conclusion that I love my University and want to “pay forward” toothers the same experience I had at Cumberland. In my opinion, the years we spend in college are unmatched.It is the time that prepares us for how we will fulfill our futures. It is the time when we discover our interestsand talents that will shape us for our future career paths. Most people find their future spouse and that lays thegroundwork for children and family.Can you imagine any greater place to spend such a crucial, transitional time in life; the presence of God surrounding you each day as you arelearning and maturing? Well, I decided I want the same experience for my family and my loved ones, and as a Christian, I should want thatfor strangers. After all, I was a stranger at one point, and thanks to the grace of God and the generosity of the late Kentucky Governor BertT. Combs, ’30, I was given such an opportunity.As an involved alumna, I believe it is my turn to “pay forward” my blessings to future generations. I feel this alumni role is a ministry thatneeds to be filled through my service on the Alumni Board.I want to personally invite you back to campus. Bring your family and refer a student to Cumberlands. By coming back to campus regularly,you will get to know your University in new ways, and perhaps you will feel the same about giving back as Alumni Board members do. Youwill not regret the decision to pass along Cumberlands’ blessings to others.Susan Rice Bradley, ’98President-Elect, Alumni Board of DirectorsWinter 2011 • CumberlandToday • 1