Former Gov. Mike Huckabee was the keynote speaker Oct. 21 as Central Baptist College hosted its inaugural Scholarship Gala. CBC President Terry Kimbrow announced $510,000 had been raised to date through event sponsorships and private donations.

The black tie event was held at Legacy Acres in Conway.

In his remarks, Huckabee noted that “Central Baptist College is raising up leaders for the future that are not only academically prepared but also spiritually prepared.” He acknowledged the night’s financial contributors as supporters who not only lend their support to preparing students academically, but also preparing students to be moral leaders. He said that focus on the spiritual is “singularly more important than anything [students] will learn in the classroom. It is all worthless unless they know Christ is the centerpiece of their lives.”

The theme of the event was “Shine His Light” and the entire program focused on the mission and ministry of Central Baptist College which is “the integration of Christian faith and academic excellence in a Christ-centered environment.” Highlights of the event included the introduction of Huckabee by CBC alumnus Cody Hiland, who currently serves as the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas; a video produced by Lifeword specifically for the event that highlighted a dozen Central Baptist College alumni and the work they are doing all over the world to Shine Christ’s Light; and a performance by the Central Baptist College Choir. Director James Turner, also a CBC alumnus, wrote an original song titled “Shine His Light” for the event.

In his announcement of the $510,000 total that had been raised through this event for student scholarships, Kimbrow acknowledged an anonymous matching gift of $250,000, 35 table sponsors, and additional individuals and businesses who made contributions toward the total.  “I am truly grateful for the generosity of so many. The Central Baptist College Board of Trustees, businesses in the Conway and surrounding communities, and other individuals who are such faithful supporters of Central Baptist College all came together to make this an unforgettable night for the support of Christian Higher Education.”

Central Baptist College is a four-year, private, liberal arts college founded in 1952 by the Baptist Missionary Association of Arkansas. For more information, visit cbc.edu.