Published on August 24, 2014 by Philip Poole  

A service celebrating the life of Samford University student Trevelyn Campbell is set for 1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27, at Birmingham's Briarwood Presbyterian Church. Campbell was killed Aug. 22 in a car accident near her parents' home in the Birmingham suburb of Vestavia Hills

A memorial prayer vigil was held in Samford's Reid Chapel on Aug. 24. Speakers included Samford President Andrew Westmoreland, art department chair Larry Thompson and university minister Matt Kerlin.The Samford University Marching Band played "It Is Well With My Soul" as a tribute to Campbell, who was a member of the band's color guard. The band ends every post-game performance with the beloved 19th century hymn.

"Our campus community is shaken this weekend with the loss of Trevelyn Campbell, and we mourn alongside her extended family and many friends,” said Westmoreland. "Even in a life far too short, we celebrate her creativity, intellect, kindness and faith. Indeed, it is faith that will see us through these days."

Campbell, 19, was to be a junior art major when classes begin Monday (Aug. 25) for the 2014-15 academic year. Her father Clay, a 1986 Samford graduate, is minister of music and worship at Briarwood Presbyterian Church in Birmingham. Her mother, the former Penny Moore, is a 1987 graduate. Campbell's parents, brother and other family members attended the Samford prayer service.

In a message to the campus community, School of the Arts Dean Joseph Hopkins said, “We have lost one of Samford's bright lights. She has brought incredible joy and hope to the world through her contagious smile, her remarkable gifts, and a love large enough to embrace all of us.”

A scholarship fund is being established in Campbell's memory to benefit to benefit Samford visual arts majors. Contributions can be sent to the Office of University Advancement, 800 Lakeshore Drive, Birmingham, AL 35229.

 
Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Samford enrolls 5,791 students from 49 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks 6th nationally for its Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.