Brigadier General addresses Cumberlands convocation

U.S. Army Brigadier General Kenneth S. Dowd had a homecoming of sorts Monday morning as he returned to the campus of the University of the Cumberlands to speak during a convocation service similar to one of many he attended as a student at the college more than 20 years ago.
Dr. James Taylor, President of the University of the Cumberlands, noted that Dowd is the first graduate of the Cumberlands ROTC program to achieve the rank of general, and to come back and address the school.
Dowd, who graduated from Cumberland College in 1979, is the Director of Logistics, Engineering and Security Assistance for the United States Pacific Command, Camp H.M. Smith in Hawaii.
“Students and members of the Williamsburg community and Cumberland University, I am excited to be here today,” Dowd said. “My compliments to the color guard. Their posting of the colors was one of the most impressive I have seen in my career.”
Dowd admits he was pleasantly surprised when he was contacted by Dave Bergman, director of alumni services, who invited him to speak.
“My years at Cumberland served as the foundation for success,” Dowd said.
He told students that the educational foundation they receive at the university would serve them well when they are tested later in life.
Dowd encouraged them to forge strong bonds with professors and administrators, like many that served as mentors to him, such as Dr. Eric Wake and Dr. John Broome among others, and to contact these people in times of need.
“No matter how confident you are in your abilities, no matter how much success you make, you will be tested to your limits with experience, failures, and questions of how you move on,” Dowd said.
“When that happens, you should never be too proud to reach out for advice and encouragement. Often it is either kind words or strong direction that keeps you from quitting.”
Dowd admitted after the ceremony that as a student, he never envisioned himself coming back to speak.
“I knew from what I learned here that I would be successful at something. I learned a lot of good stuff here. It made a difference,” he added.
In addition, during Monday’s ceremony, the university recognized Whitley County Coroner Andy Croley, who donated a steel beam taken from the World Trade Center, which currently serves as a memorial to the 911 victims in front of the Hutton business building.
During the ceremony, Dowd and MSG. Mike Siler, an instructor of military science, presented Croley with a folded American flag.
“Also, we pause to recognize the volunteerism and contributions made by Whitley County Coroner Andy Croley.
“While many of us in this country were trying to put together our lives following the tragic aftermath of Sept. 11, 2001, Mr. Andy Croley was literally putting together the pieces of information necessary to identify those, who had lost their lives in New York’s ground zero.
“Andy, we want to thank you for serving this community, and we want to recognize you for your thoughtful service and dedication.”