NEWS & PRESS RELEASES

To Whom Honor is Due

On Saturday, October 7, Baptist Bible College & Seminary hosted its first annual Hall of Honor induction ceremony, recognizing Dr. Wendell Kempton for excelling in the areas of individual achievement and Christian values while being involved in the College's athletics program. Induction into the Hall of Honor is currently the highest athletic honor the College provides. Mr. Jim Huckaby presented the award during the Athletic Reunion brunch held in the Phelps Student Center during the alumni homecoming weekend.

Dr. Kempton attended Baptist Bible from the fall of '54 until his graduation in '57, when he went and acquired a Th.M. from Dallas Theological Seminary. In the fall of '61, Kempton returned to Baptist Bible, then located in Johnson City, NY, to serve as the Director of Christian Education, the Athletic Director, and a basketball coach.

Dr. Kempton was particularly recognized for his work in the development and advancement of the College's athletics program.  He was greatly responsible for the founding of both the baseball team in the spring of '62 and soccer team in the fall of '62. It is also important to note that Dr. Kempton was working in the athletic department when the school relocated from Johnson City, NY to its current campus in Clarks Summit, PA in 1967. It was by his initiative that the school was able to locate and obtain the property on which the school is currently located. Wendell Kempton coached at the school for a number of years and coached his last team in 1968, finishing his coaching career by winning the conference championship. He served at the school from '68-'71 as the Director of Development and was recognized as the Alumnus of the Year in '74.

As of 1976, Dr. Kempton has been involved in the school by serving as a full trustee board member. Jim Huckaby, the presenter of the award, had close involvement with Dr. Kempton and commented: "He touches lives, and he touches lives deeply." Dr. Kempton currently resides in Lititz, PA, with his wife Ruth.

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