Buies Creek, N.C. — Campbell University’s held its 123rd spring commencement ceremony Saturday. It was the first spring commencement to be held in the John W. Pope Jr. Convocation Center since its construction.

Over 600 undergraduate students and graduate students from the Lundy-Fetterman School of Business and the School of Education filed onto the arena floor to receive their degrees. Separate graduation ceremonies for the Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law, School of Pharmacy and the Divinity School were held on Friday, conferring an additional 228 graduate and professional degrees.

U.S. Representative and Campbell alumnus Bob Etheridge delivered the commencement address. Etheridge encouraged students to remain confident during tough economic times.

“Don’t despair. We will come out of this downturn. The very forces you have studied will generate tremendous innovation,” Etheridge said. “Your education received here at Campbell University will help make that success possible.”

Rep. Etheridge also received the J. A. Campbell Meritorious Service Award during Saturday’s commencement ceremony.