Homecoming week kicked off on Monday, September 15 on campus at Brescia University with a host of activities for students, alumni and staff as they celebrated the rich tradition of its nearly 65-year history.
As a part of that history, Brescia will honor three Distinguished Alumni at the annual banquet Saturday, September 20 at 7:00 pm. Since the inception of this prestigious recognition, Brescia has awarded more than 50 alumni with the title.
The award was created to honor graduates who exemplify the elements that encompass The Brescia Difference: Respect for the Sacred, Devotion to Learning, Commitment to Growth in Virtue, and Promotion of Servant Leadership.
Because of the breath and scope of their life’s work, the magnitude of their impact on the regional, national and often international scene, and their examples of service and leadership, alumni who receive this esteemed honor have distinguished themselves among their peers.
The 2014 Distinguished Alumni are Chief Art Ealum ‘06, Sister Vivian Marie Bowles ‘68, OSU, EdD and Rick Higdon ‘86.
Chief Art Ealum graduated from Brescia University in 2006 with A Bachelor of Arts degree in Integrated Studies and went on to obtain a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Eastern Kentucky University. Prior to attending Brescia, he was also awarded an Associate of Science Degree from Owensboro Community and Technical College.
He started his career at the Owensboro Police Department in April, 1991 and worked as a patrol officer for seven years before acquiring a position in the coveted Criminal Investigations Division. Ealum spent four years investigating serious felony offenses and other high-profile cases before being promoted to Sergeant in 2002.
He was promoted to Lieutenant in 2004 and eventually became Captain of Patrol Operations in 2008. From there he served as Deputy Chief from 2010 and was appointed Chief of Police in November, 2012 after a nationwide search.
Sister Vivian Bowles graduated from Brescia University in 1968 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and Social Studies. She later attended Murray State University, Western Kentucky University and the University of Arkansas where she received her Master’s degree in Counseling and Education, her Educational Specialist Degree in Counseling and Personnel Services and her Doctorate in Counselor Education with Cognate Area in Psychology and Specialty in Marriage and Family Therapy.
She began her career as an Elementary and Junior High Teacher and as President of Owensboro Diocesan Sisters Council. She served in numerous educational leadership roles throughout her career before being appointed the President of Brescia University in 1995. Here she served a 12-year term. She now serves as the Director of Faith Formation at St. Alphonsus Church in Owensboro.
Rick Higdon graduated from Brescia University in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and is a Certified Public Accountant. He has spent the last twenty five years in the computer software industry supporting early stage and high growth organizations.
He began his career in audit before serving as President of the Mobility workforce management division of Axiom. He served ten years in various positions of increasing responsibility with the software company, Mincom where he led Latin American operations, North American sales and was regional CFO.
Higdon has worked in more than 10 countries and eventually founded his own company, Turnpoint Solutions, in 2005. This boutique, global technology consulting company served customers in mining, transportation and the energy industry. Higdon sold the company in 2012 and is now the Executive Director at Ernst & Young.
Prior to the banquet on Saturday, Brescia will honor its veteran alumni with a ceremony to take place at 5:00 pm at Shelton Memorial Riverfront. Brescia University’s establishment in its current downtown location in 1948 was largely in part to meet the educational needs of WWII veterans returning home. As a result of this, veterans have long withstanding played a very integral part in the vibrant history of the university.
The ceremony will take place to honor those who fought for our freedom and will feature a flag recently flown in Afghanistan in honor of Brescia University and Michael Yates ’05, who is currently serving as Brigade Psychologist for C Co 526 Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 101st Airborne Division.
In addition to these events, various homecoming activities will be held throughout the weekend to celebrate the heritage of Brescia:
Friday, September 19
5:30 PM Society of the Arch Reception
6:30 PM Alumni Reception, Awards & Annual Meeting, Sponsored by GOLD
8:00 PM Campus Capers/BU’s Got Talent
Saturday, September 20
8:30 AM Chariot Race Staging & Tailgating
10:00 AM Chariot Races
10:00 AM Women’s Tennis
12:00 PM Women’s Volleyball Tri Match
12:00 PM Lunch Sponsored by SGA
12:45 PM Dedication of Flags
1:00 PM Women’s Soccer
Hall of Fame Inductees introduced at half-time; Homecoming Court post-game
3:00 PM Men’s Soccer
For more information regarding Homecoming festivities, visit the /BUHomecoming Facebook Fan Page or contact Jason Cox, Alumni Relations Director at 270-686-2111 or [email protected].