Golden Club inducts three new members
BUIES CREEK — Three Campbell University alumni were formally inducted into the Golden Club on Friday afternoon during a luncheon held in the Oscar N. Harris Student Union Ballroom. More than 20 current Golden Club members attended the event and joined in welcoming the newest members into the distinguished group.
View photos of the event here.
The Golden Club consists of Campbell alumni who graduated 50 years ago or prior. The Campbell Alumni Associations hosts several events to celebrate and honor Golden Club members throughout the calendar year.
Cecilia Gregory ’70, Tonia Pridgen ’74 and Anne Quakenbush ’75 received a special certificate and medallion upon their induction. Campbell University President Dr. William M. Downs offered remarks and personally congratulated the inductees, noting the enduring impact Golden Club members have had on the university community through decades of loyalty and service.
“Campbell laid my foundation,” said Gregory, who still lives close to campus and frequently returns to walk the grounds. “Had I not come here, I don’t think I would have had the support I needed. The classes were small, people knew each other, and I always felt comfortable and encouraged.”
A life-long educator, Gregory shared that being inducted this year felt like the right moment to officially step into the Golden Club community. “It makes me feel like my time spent here really was special — and it truly was.”
For Anne Quakenbush ’75, the induction was a celebration of lifelong friendships. “There are seven of us who have stayed friends for 50 years,” she said. “We still get together every year. Campbell was, and still is, a great place to be.”
She recalled the energy of campus life, especially around athletic events, and said returning for the luncheon brought back memories of that same excitement.
Tonia Pridgen ’74 reflected on the day with gratitude for her family. “What I feel most is that my mother and father would be so proud,” she shared. “I graduated from Campbell and did not owe one penny. This honor is in memory of them — and I’m thankful to Campbell, too. They gave me my career.”
After the meal, each Golden Club member shared personal stories and reflections from their time at Campbell.