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By: UPIKE Public Relations | September 6, 2018
The University of Pikeville formally embarked on its 129th academic year with the 2018 Opening Convocation Ceremony on Sept. 6. University faculty, staff and students were joined by community members for the event.
The keynote address was delivered by UPIKE Trustee Gregory Pauley and his wife, Kathryn Pauley.
“You are getting ready to walk down a path that I hope you remember for the rest of your life,” Gregory Pauley told students. “You have the opportunity to grow in character, to grow ethically, to grow in integrity and to grow spiritually.”
The Pauleys, both of whom are first generation college graduates, focused their message on serving others. For the Pauleys, the opportunity to serve came while Kathryn was helping with a free summer lunch program in Franklin County.
“What I was doing just wasn’t enough,” she said.
She recalled that after thoughtful prayer, God’s agenda for their lives became very clear. They presented their plan for a mobile home park neighborhood ministry to family, friends and churches. Once funded, the Pauleys allowed Matthew 25:35 to guide their ministry.
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.”
Following the keynote address, President Burton J. Webb honored UPIKE Trustee Emeritus William J. Baird III with the inaugural Baird Family Service Award, in recognition of his remarkable impact on the lives of others through steadfast service to the university, to the Appalachian region and to all humanity.
“Next year the University of Pikeville will celebrate 130 years, and few families have impacted the college more than the Baird Family,” said Webb. “In well over half of our 129 years, a Baird has been serving at UPIKE.”
“Christ made the difference in my life,” Baird said upon accepting the award. “He gave me the opportunity to serve in this way.”
Gregory and Kathryn Pauley were also presented with the Baird Family Service Award for their commitment to not only the university, but to the humble service of others.
-UPIKE-