Golden Club Luncheon celebrates lifelong Campbell connections

RALEIGH, N.C. — Campbell University’s Golden Club Luncheon brought together nearly 50 proud alumni from the 1960s and 1970s at the Raleigh Country Club on Wednesday.

The annual event celebrates the legacy of those who helped shape Campbell University into what it is today. Attendees were treated to a warm welcome, enjoyed a delicious meal and reconnected with fellow Campbell alumni.

This year’s luncheon also served as an introduction to Campbell’s new president, Dr. William M. Downs, along with First Lady Kim Downs. Dr. Downs shared his vision for the University and expressed his gratitude to the Golden Club for their continued support.

“We are going to have the audacity to dream big,” said Downs, “and then we are going to deliver on that dream. The difference between the Campbell that Kim and I saw growing up in Raleigh years and years ago and the Campbell we see today is that there were leaders at Campbell that dared to dream big and then they delivered on it and made it happen. That to me is exciting: what do we dream about next, what do we deliver next for Campbell, the community, the region and beyond.”

“If you have dreams for your alma mater, share them with us. I want to talk to you. If you have ideas for Campbell, your alma mater, share them with us. I want to talk to you. Likewise, if you have concerns: I’m happy to hear those and work on those. I want to hear from you, I want to talk with you,” he continued.

Downs concluded by expressing his appreciation to those in attendance.

“Thank you for being here, thank you for inviting us. I look forward to meeting more of you, learning your names, learning your stories. Thank you for everything you do, for staying engaged and your support. God bless the Golden Club and God continue to bless Campbell University,” he said.

Following lunch, each guest also had the opportunity to share personal stories, memories, and reflections on what Campbell means to them.

“Today has been a wonderful day,” said Pastor Danny Watkins (’77, ’80), who gave the prayer before lunch was served. “We’ve had the opportunity for the first time to meet Dr. and Mrs. Downs. I feel extraordinarily confident and excited about the great days ahead for Campbell University. Indeed, the best is yet to be for Campbell University, and I’m personally excited.”

Kay Bissette (’79) shared her passion for Campbell and events like the Golden Club Luncheon. “I love Campbell because Campbell gave me so many lifelong friends,” said Bissette.

“We talked about that back in the seventies, that we were lifelong friends because we’d known each other for two years. Here it is, 2025, and we’re still friends! Events like this remind me of who we are as a community of faith and a community of Campbell. This is a great event, so the next time you hear that there is an event in your area, come join us! We’d love to have you.”