On July 28, nearly 350 Cumberland University student athletes and coaches gathered in the Dallas Floyd Phoenix Arena to hear from Gov. Bill Lee who recognized their successes on and off the field before sending them off for their day of service. Each semester kicks off with student athletes dispersing across middle Tennessee as a part of an initiative to give back to local communities through servant leadership spearheaded by Cumberland University Athletic Director, Ron Pavan. 

“Our athletes and coaches were encouraged by Gov. Lee before going out in the community to make a positive difference. They look forward to this every year, and it made the day even more special to have Gov. Lee visit campus with us.”

Cumberland believes part of earning a well-rounded education is through service. In the past, student athletes have partnered with Immanuel Baptist Church to pressure wash sidewalks and work on landscaping, as well as clean and clear trails at Cedars of Lebanon State Park. 

This year, fall athletes worked on various projects including, serving at the Wilson County Help Center and Salvation Army, making ice cream at a local senior center, and cleaning kennels and socializing animals at New Leash on Life. 

Photos from Gov. Lee’s visit can be found here.