Best of Eastern 2017

BEST

of EASTERN

2017 ALUMNI AWARD WINNERS

EKU graduates have always gone on to do great things. They save lives in the medical field. They protect the safety and security of Americans as members of the military. They keep the economy strong as business owners and executives. They mentor the next generation of college students, so that others might follow in their tracks. And much more.

Then, there are alumni who do that while still finding time to stay involved with the University, raise families or perform volunteer work. These hardworking Colonels represent the best of us, and the annual EKU Alumni Awards are how we honor their dedication and acknowledge their personal and professional accomplishments.

Each award winner was nominated by a friend or peer who recognized the great work they do. Through this honor, we can all recognize it, too — and strive to reach the same heights. n

For more information about the winners, visit alumni.eku.edu/award-winners.

—2017—HALL OF DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI HONOREES

LARRY KIRKSEY, ’73

After his mother died when he was just 3 years old, Larry Kirksey’s father and great-aunt gave him this advice: “Keep moving forward, and do the right thing.” That’s just what he did, excelling in school and on the football field, which earned him a scholarship to EKU. He went on to coach 14 different college and NFL teams, and today mentors young coaches and athletes in Atlanta.

LT. COLONEL HARVE TURNER, ’62

Harve Turner came to Eastern to play baseball and learn how to teach and coach the sport, but quickly found his true passion when he joined the Army ROTC. He volunteered for four tours in Vietnam, where he earned more than 20 medals and badges. Today, the decorated aviator is director and secretary of the Retired Officers Corporation, the proud sponsor of Freedom Plaza, a retirement community in Florida.

—2017—

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE HONOREES

DR. MORIAH BECK, ’99

Dr. Moriah (Williams) Beck was a chemistry major and Honors Scholar at EKU. Now, as an associate professor of chemistry at Wichita State University, she prepares the next generation of scientists. She earned the 2016 Phenomenal Woman Award from WSU and has been designated a National Academy of Science Education Fellow.

VICKI JOZEFOWICZ, ’85 ’98 ’15

Dr. Vicki (Messer) Jozefowicz’s motto is “never leave a situation worse than you found it.” A former EKU social work student, she now works with Kentucky River Foothills Development Council, the largest human services agency in Madison County. She became executive director in 2002 and serves today as its chief administrative officer.

DANIEL ELLIS, ’05

Officer Daniel Ellis was killed in the line of duty in 2015, leaving a campus and community saddened but proud of the dedicated public servant and loving father. “His humility, his kind heart and willingness to admit his mistakes made him a great police officer,” said Katie Ellis of her late husband.

ALLISON ALLGIER, ’92As the clinical program manager for the Brachial Plexus Center at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Allison Allgier helps young patients and their families deal with a unique nerve injury that impacts motion and feeling in the arm. She also established an endowed scholarship to honor her late father, EKU administrator David Allgier.

—2017—

PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT HONOREES

THERESA KLISZ, ’78

As a reporter and news executive for the past 40 years, Theresa Klisz has covered everything from Miss America pageants to the Olympics to the 9/11 terror attack in Washington, D.C. “EKU made my world bigger,” she said, giving her “the confidence to walk into any door, any time.”

COLONEL CLAY TIPTON, ’92“EKU football taught and reinforced a commitment to a program, being part of something bigger than yourself,” said Clay Tipton. The highly decorated Marine turned that experience into a 25-year military career, having just returned from a seven-month deployment as commanding officer of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

ANDREW PAGE, ’92Andrew Page came to EKU on a track scholarship and studied physics, but realized he wasn’t “all in” on his science major. A roommate steered him toward accounting. Today, he is the vice president and corporate controller for Under Armor Inc., the $5-billion-a-year global leader in performance apparel.

KELLY BAKEHORN, ’96

People wondered whether Kelly (King) Bakehorn had lost her mind when she told them she purchased a 4,200-square-foot warehouse in an industrial part of Lexington. That acquisition became the first part of The Venues of The Grand Reserve, four unique special events spaces that now host 350 weddings and many other events a year.

—2017—

YOUNG ALUMNI HONOREES

DR. STEPHANIE STOCKBURGER, ’04

Dr. Stephanie Stockburger manages a full-time patient schedule in the University of Kentucky College of Medicine’s Adolescent Medicine Clinic, while also teaching and mentoring medical students and residents. She said her time as French horn player in EKU’s Horn Studio taught her the confidence and teamwork she needed to succeed.

JULIANA COFFEY, ’12

Juliana (Moore) Coffey represents clients in primarily family court cases with the law firm of Triplett & McCoy in Jackson County. She has come a long way since high school, where she said she was “a habitual truant.” EKU triggered the change. “For the first time, I felt challenged, which inspired me,” she said.

CHARLIE VANCE, ’05

An investor was seeking a self-starter with business and law expertise for his start-up company, which would help businesses with HR needs like hiring, compliance and payroll. He found it in Charlie Vance, who now serves as CEO. The company, ERIGO Employer Solutions, is one of the fastest-growing businesses in Northern Kentucky.

TYIANA THOMPSON, ’05

As enrollment manager for online learning at the University of Louisville, Tyiana (Watt) Thompson helps students further their education. As Mrs. Kentucky 2017, she is proud to represent married women who have families and successful careers. She earned her title after winning five of 10 categories, including career achievement and most photogenic.

ALLISON KILBURN, ’13

Allison (Miller) Kilburn found her calling in the male-dominated field of quality assurance. As a quality engineer for Mubea, she has stayed in touch with her roots at Eastern. She assists EKU’s Applied Engineering Management Program by serving on its Industrial Advisory Council, giving advice and encouragement to graduating seniors.