• EKU FOUNDATION REPORT 2019 •
A Very Fond Farewell and Thank You Finding the right time to step down as president of Eastern Kentucky University feels a little like preparing to jump off a merry-go-round while it’s still in motion. Such is the nature of higher education administration — the work is never truly complete. There is always another challenge to overcome, another partnership to initiate and another life to change. However, sometimes the only course of action is to brace yourself and leap. After six ½ years at EKU and 19 years as a public university president, I am stepping down to research and write my next book about Daniel Coit Gilman, the first president of Johns Hopkins University. The working title of the manuscript is “Every Epoch Requires a Fresh Start”: Daniel Coit Gilman and the Birth of the American Research University. The first part of that title is a quote from President Gilman himself. Dr. David McFaddin, senior vice president for operations and strategic initiatives at EKU, will serve as interim president during the coming search, and I couldn’t ask for anyone better suited to lead the University through this transition. I am especially comforted by the knowledge that there is such a large family of Colonels standing by, ready to carry the flag for Eastern. That family is you — each and every reader who has supported or plans to support EKU with your time, talents or treasure. While I have stewarded this great institution, you have been its true leaders, the immovable objects in a
“ Through your generous
sea of change, who work so hard to provide opportunity for each new generation of students.
support of student
It gives me great pride to look back over the last six years and see everything EKU has accomplished with your
scholarships, program
help. We have broken records in freshman retention rates, four- and five-year graduation rates and the number of
enhancements and
diplomas awarded. We have shattered fundraising records and continue to grow academically, both on campus
improvements to our
and online. We have replaced outdated infrastructure, transforming the campus skyline and, more importantly, providing the modern learning spaces and amenities students demand and deserve. We have addressed financial
learning environment,
needs, providing both immediate relief and future prosperity to the University.
you have played an
I can think of 27,000 other reasons to be proud as well. Yes, 27,000 — that’s how many students have graduated
integral role in the
during my tenure. I consider it a privilege to have shaken the hands of so many of them and wished them well as
success of our family.
they embark on their life’s journey, armed with knowledge, curiosity and practical skills they earned at EKU. Every
Thank you for all you
congratulation was shared on your behalf, and, in return, I extend students’ heartfelt gratitude to you for your selflessness and commitment. Through your generous support of student scholarships, program enhancements and improvements to our learning environment, you have played an integral role in the success of our family. Thank you for all you continue to do, and for allowing me to be a part of it. Sincerely,
continue to do, and for allowing me to
”
be a part of it.
— Michael T. Benson EKU President Emeritus
Michael T. Benson President Emeritus
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MARIBETH MCBRIDE BERMAN CHAIR, EKU FOUNDATION BOARD
FOREVER
COLONELS Dear Friends of EKU,
What an exciting fall we experienced at EKU! For two weekends in a row, we rolled out the maroon carpet for our Forever Colonel family. On September 27 we launched the Gala for the Make No Little Plans Campaign — the largest philanthropic campaign in the history of EKU. October 5 was Homecoming and Reunion Weekend, where thousands of Colonels came to reunite with friends and make new EKU memories. The Launch Gala was hosted by the EKU Foundation Board and was held at the beautiful EKU Center for the Arts. During the program, we highlighted the newest members of our donor societies and heard student testimonials. I was honored to usher six new inductees into the Ravine Society for their lifetime contributions of more than $100,000: Jan and Jim Barnes, Marcia and the late Jack Luy, Dr. Stuart Tobin, and Ted Green. Also recognized were Martha Mullins and Deborah and the late Richard Allison.
As Chair of both the EKU Foundation Board and the Make No Little Plans Campaign, I can assure you that philanthropy is thriving at EKU. However, it also has never been needed more! All educational institutions across the country are looking for ways to continue providing opportunities to students as they are receiving fewer resources from state budgets. This is causing a
After the Celebration of Philanthropy, the program focused on the impact of
greater need for philanthropic gifts from our alumni, community friends and
donor contributions for students. One of our student speakers, Erika Viva-Ramos,
supporters. As a volunteer leader, I feel a responsibility to make sure we are
shared that without donor support and the Chellgren Student Success Center,
reaching out to our alumni and friends, sharing with them the stories of our
she would not have been able to continue her pursuit of higher education. A
students and the needs of our institution, and helping them find the projects,
single scholarship gave her the financial support to pay off student debt and
programs and people they feel compelled to support.
enroll in the fall semester. It takes generous donors like you giving whatever you can to put higher education in reach for many prospective and current students.
As you read through this report you will read stories about donors and the student lives they have impacted by supporting revitalization and beautification projects
After the formal program, the attendees were invited to gather in a beautifully
on campus, athletic scholarships and projects, academic excellence and legacy
appointed white tent flying the EKU flags as featured on the cover. Guests
giving. I encourage each of you to consider offering a student the EKU opportunity
enjoyed fabulous food prepared by EKU Dining Services, live music by the band
of a lifetime through some type of charitable contribution. Visit our official website
Superfecta and a continued celebration. It was a truly inspiring and beautiful
to learn more about our priorities, view our regional event locations, and check in
evening — you could feel the energy and enthusiasm of all gathered.
on our progress toward our $50 million campaign at campaign.eku.edu. Sincerely,
Maribeth McBride Berman Maribeth Berman
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BETINA GARDNER, VICE PRESIDENT, DEVELOPMENT & ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT
PROVEN
SERVICE
GARDNER BRINGS FRESH PERSPECTIVE TO PHILANTHROPY
As the launch of the public phase of EKU’s Make No Little Plans campaign
Fortifying EKU by building a culture of philanthropy has long been a goal for
took shape this year, it did so under the watchful eye of a new leader who has
Gardner. As dean of libraries, she built a strong support network of donors
worked to better EKU for more than 20 years.
through her work with the Friends of EKU Libraries. She was a driving force in
Betina Gardner, who has served EKU since 1995, most recently as dean of
making John Grant Crabbe Library both a destination for EKU students and a
libraries and chief information officer, was named vice president for development
professional resource and recruiting tool for alumni donors.
and alumni engagement on July 1. In this role, she guides the philanthropic efforts
EKU President Michael Benson cited Gardner’s leadership on projects like the
of Eastern Kentucky University, focusing primarily on alumni giving.
Noel Studio for Academic Creativity, Noel Reading Porch and the Carloftis
“I look forward to the challenge and the responsibility of leading our fundraising
Garden as examples of her ability to helm projects that require philanthropic
and alumni engagement efforts,” Gardner said. “I’ve spent much of my professional
support, relationship building, vision for the future and fiscal management.
life serving EKU, and my goal in this role is to ensure future success for an
At the September 27 campaign launch that celebrated EKU’s generous donors
institution I believe in, and to continue to make improvements at EKU for the
and laid out plans for the future, Gardner gave an inspirational speech, sharing
students, faculty and staff.”
what she believes to be her responsibility in this new role.
Throughout her career, Gardner’s front-line work with students and faculty made
“In my opinion, there is no greater act than investing in the life of another
her an advocate for the purpose and mission of EKU. She has witnessed the
human being, and that is at the core of my responsibilities. My job is to present
powerful impact Eastern has on the lives of students firsthand and committed
donors with opportunities to change lives for the better, forever — for generations.
her professional life to strengthening the institution she calls home.
Not one life, but many.”
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MAKE NO LITTLE PLANS: THE CAMPAIGN FOR EKU $40M
TOTAL: $39,300,087
$8,350,245
$8,099,102
$30M
$9,170,448 $20M
$8,946,035 $10M
$4,734,257
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
These amounts include cash, new pledges and planned gifts
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FISCAL YEAR-END DATA SUMMARY DATE
ENDOWMENT
CASH RECEIPTS
NUMBER OF DONORS
NUMBER OF ALUMNI DONORS
2015
$60,167,000
$4,144,000
11,036
4,809
2016
$57,903,000
$4,027,000
11,091
4,606
2017
$65,639,000
$4,664,000
11,044
4,692
2018
$69,329,000
$3,633,000
10,233
4,228
2019
$69,139,000
$3,539,000
9,747
3,913
AVERAGE GIFT BY YEAR 2015
2016
2017
2018
FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED 2015
2019
500
2016
$375
$363
400 $355
$363
300 200
2018
1,400
1,000 800
2019
1,425
1,200 $422
2017
1,041
1,151
1,252
861
600 400
100
200 $624,793
$809,788
$1,024,672
$1,128,039
$1,224,675
7
$231,678
$1,045,237
$1,172,359
GIVING BY SOURCE
2016 $1,245,170
$332,160
$445,568 $186,851
TOTAL CASH GIVING: $4,026,604
2019
$1,497,412
$1,486,952
2017
$144,429
$1,075,408
TOTAL CASH GIVING
$3,539,058
$459,886
$1,057,563
TOTAL CASH GIVING: $4,664,087
$1,401,195 $328,234
$864,145
$281,572
2018 $753,514
TOTAL CASH GIVING: $3,632,509
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$447,882
$1,405,043
n Alumni
n Corporations n Friends
n Foundations
n Other
STUDENT ENROLLMENT 20,000 17,500
16,305
16,844
16,881
16,612
2015
2016
2017
15,816
15,000 12,500 10,000
2014
2018
UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES AWARDED 3,500 3,000 2,500
2,974
3,004
1,709
1,764
1,239
1,265
1,240
2016-17
2017-18
2018 -19
2,826
2,838
2,843
1,607
1,649
1,604
1,219
1,189
2014-15
2015-16
TOTALS
2,000 1,500 1,000 500
n Women
n Men
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COMPREHENSIVE
CAMPAIGN ENTERS PUBLIC PHASE
Eastern Kentucky University’s public phase of its comprehensive fundraising campaign launched at a gala at the University Center for the Arts on Friday, Sept. 27 with three new commitments totaling nearly $5 million. Entitled “Make No Little Plans-The Campaign for EKU,” the $50 million goal was
The evening also featured stories from students who are receiving an education
announced by EKU Foundation Board Chair, and Campaign Chair Maribeth
because of charitable giving. “When you give to the University, you might be
Berman. Berman announced that $39 million has already been committed.
helping one student, but really, you’re helping the world,” said Eyouel Mekonnen,
“I am passionate about this place. My devotion to this university is and will always be a part of who I am,” said Berman, who along with husband Louis Berman, announced a $4 million planned gift. “Every student who comes to this campus has a chance to change their life, and change the world. We advocate for greater opportunities for students to have this experience.” Recognizing donors like the Bermans, who helped the campaign launch with $39 million committed, was Vice President of Development and Alumni Engagement Betina Gardner. “We are here tonight to celebrate, no question … to express gratitude to those who have helped to strengthen and fortify EKU
who came to the United States from Ethiopia in high school and has several foundation scholarships that allow him to attend EKU. “My big plan is to the be the Minister of Education in Ethiopia,” the junior English and public relations major said emphatically. Mekonnen said he wants to empower the children of his home country by providing educational opportunities for all. Several donors were inducted into the Ravine Society, which recognizes those who have given $100,000 over their lifetimes. Jan and Jim Barnes, Marcia and the late Jack Luy, Ted Green, Dr. Stuart Tobin, Martha Mullins, and Deborah and the late Richard Allison were all honored.
so that our students have access to an exceptional education and have a
“I ask each of you to share your passion for this institution with those in your
life-changing experience while getting their degree,” Gardner said. “All giving
sphere of influence,” Berman said. “Tell your EKU story. Wave your EKU flag. Wear
levels are celebrated tonight.”
your maroon and help us inspire others to join us in this mission.”
EKU President Dr. Michael T. Benson announced two other large gifts. Foundation Board member and Hall of Distinguished Alumni member Jeri Isbell pledged $25,000 for a scholarship and made a six-figure bequest, and faculty member Jon McChesney and his wife Shellie gave a $400,000 bequest gift.
OPPOSITE, CLOCKWISE FROM LARGE PHOTO: English and public relations major
Eyouel Mekonnen; Dr. Michael T. Benson, Debi Benson and Dr. Skip Daugherty, ’69; Troy Ellis, ’87 and Andrew “Champ” Page, ’92; Foundation Board Chair Maribeth Berman, ’92, Regent Chair Lewis Diaz, ’00 ’02 and Alumni Board President Amy Jo Gabel; ’05, Dr. Tom Otieno and Dr. Iddah Otieno, ’01.
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STUDENT NEWS
While not every student directly benefits from a scholarship or gift, the indirect benefits are apparent in the stories of every single student who enjoys a life-changing college experience, attains their dream job and finds success in the heart of Richmond. Here are just a few of the headline-generating personal achievements EKU students and new alumni have attained in the past year.
STUDENT RESEARCH CREATES BUZZ Research conducted by an EKU student was selected as the cover story of a prominent peer-reviewed journal. Mary Sheldon, who earned her master’s degree in public health in 2017, worked with her mentor, Dr. Clint Pinion, to test locally sourced honey while she was a student. Their research uncovered heavy
Mary Sheldon with Dr. Clint Pinion
metals and pesticides, including the banned, synthetic insecticide DDT, at substantial levels in the vast majority of samples. The research was featured on the cover of the July/August issue of the Journal of Environmental Health.
YOUNG PARENT FINDS SUCCESS Jasmine Lofton became a mother at age 17, putting her college plans on hold for two years while waiting tables to support herself and her young son, Jasen. This summer, she graduated at the top of her class with a bachelor’s degree in Spanish teaching and accepted a job instructing students at Model Laboratory School. She credits EKU’s Center for Student Parents and resources for multicultural students for helping her succeed.
GRADUATES EARN DREAM JOBS Lofton isn’t the only graduate who attained her dream career right out of college. Two Colonels, in particular, shared their stories when they graduated in May. Richmond native Madison Pergrem began working as a reporter and anchor for WYMT News, after interning at WKYT, WAVE 3, Fox News and the offices of lawmakers Mitch McConnell and Andy Barr.
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Madison Pergrem
And at 23, Amanda Moses, from Harlan, became the youngest forensic computer examiner ever hired by the Kentucky State Police in Frankfort. She was acknowledged for outstanding work in her internship at EKU’s new on-site digital forensics laboratory.
COLONEL CHOSEN FOR NATIONAL RESEARCH PROGRAM Computer science major Alex Dixon was one of just two students chosen from throughout the nation for the prestigious Summer Cybersecurity Research program at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. The program immerses students in cybersecurity research for 10 weeks on topics such as malware detection and software vulnerability assessment, Amanda Moses
learning from top mentors in the field.
BIOLOGY STUDENT EARNS COMPETITIVE SCHOLARSHIP Nick Koenig is the fourth-ever student selected for the competitive Barry Goldwater Scholarship, a national award for students who will become the next generation of research leaders in engineering, math and the natural sciences. The junior biological science major has already participated in four research activities and is an EKU Honors student who participates on the Quick Recall Team, Green Crew, Student Alumni Ambassadors and Student Senate.
MANY COLONELS GAIN WORLD EXPERIENCE It was a big year for students who had always wanted to study abroad, but may have lacked the financial means to do so. More students received the nationally competitive Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship than any single year prior. Brookelyn Brindley, Peyton Brock, Jared Christian, Hannah Eagle, Andrea Patino and Savannah Sublette each earned one of the coveted study-abroad grants, which paid up to $3,500 for travel abroad. Additionally, 16 students won Nick Koenig
study-abroad grants from the University during its annual Spin the Wheel scholarship event.
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STUDENT SUCCESS
JUDITH MILLS FILLING A FINANCIAL GAP Eastern strives to create opportunity for students who are low-income and first-generation — but many students outside those categories also struggle to fund a college education. That’s why Judith Mills established the Drs. S. M. and Judith A. Mills and James Mills Endowed Scholarship Fund for students who have been declined federal financial aid through FAFSA.
ANDREW “CHAMP” PAGE, ’92
Mills, a former associate professor and director of continuing dental education at the University of Tennessee, started the fund in part to honor her late father, Dr. S. M. Mills, and brother, James A. Mills, both of whom were EKU graduates. Through their experience, Mills saw the difference EKU made in students’ lives. “Eastern gives the opportunity of an education to a lot of young people that may not have the opportunity otherwise,” she said.
Andrew “Champ” Page, ’92, excelled as a track athlete during his time at EKU. Now, he excels in the business world as chief accounting officer for Advance Auto Parts. He credits his success in large part to his Eastern Experience. With a generous gift, he hopes to help students bridge financial gaps that otherwise would prevent them from continuing their education, allowing them to “optimize their opportunity” at EKU.
From an early age, Mills’ father instilled in her the importance of education. Now, through the Mills scholarship, she hopes to give aid to students for whom little aid is available. “They’re hardworking families, and they’re actually doing well, but swinging college is very hard,” she said.
Originally from the Washington, D.C. area, Page was recruited by schools around the country for his athletic talent. Page also excelled in the classroom, so selecting a school that offered him an exceptional balance in both areas was key to his decision process. He knew quickly that Eastern was the right choice. “When I visited EKU during the recruiting process, the entire campus experience really felt like home,” he said. “I could envision myself walking across the stage and earning my degree at EKU.”
Three Mills scholarships have been awarded so far, much to Mills’ delight: “It’s a comforting feeling for me to know that I’m giving back because I’ve been blessed. I just want some kids to get an education because I gave them some money.”
CHAMPION OF EDUCATION
While Page was confident that attending EKU would be a good choice, the University exceeded his expectations. The people he encountered pushed him to grow academically, athletically and personally. “Having the support of a University that genuinely takes a personal interest in a student’s care and development is invaluable during the college years of a young adult. Looking back on those integral moments of development, I feel honored, compelled and blessed to give back to this institution that has meant so much and has done so much for me,” he said. When Page graduated, he did so debt-free and with a promising career ahead. The balance and discipline he learned from being an athlete, he said, was a primary reason for his success. His gift will ensure that other student-athletes in the School of Business have the same experience. “I want to make sure other students have a chance to optimize their opportunity,” he said. “We all should be driven to give because it enables faculty who give of themselves to better educate and mentor students.”
DR. SCOTT ARIAS
HARD WORK PAYS OFF Dr. Scott Arias is passionate about rewarding students who show the same type of work ethic as his late father-in-law, George Blanka. That’s why Arias, a former director of the EKU construction management program, has endowed the George Blanka Construction Management Endowed Scholarship, named for the man who helped him start his million-dollar construction consulting company, ACE Consulting. “I believe in the program so much that even though I’m not there, I want to help it grow,” he said. “It has really done some outstanding things for the community and for the young men and women who graduated from it.” The scholarship is awarded to construction management students with at least a 3.0 GPA and at least one co-op experience with exceptional reports from his or her supervisor. The first scholarship was awarded this year. Arias got his start in construction as a Navy Seabee, a member of the Naval Construction Force. It was in his subsequent position as a construction manager for Lexington-based Mason and Hanger that he first heard about EKU’s construction management program. He signed on as a non-tenure track faculty member in 2008, eventually becoming program lead five years later.
FORMER FACULTY GIVE BACK
Arias created a reward for students like Blanka, who show their work ethic through practical job skills. This scholarship creates a lasting legacy for Arias and the Blanka family.
Martha Luy and her late husband, Jack, served EKU for decades as faculty members. After retirement, Martha continues to show her pride through her generous support of EKU Libraries and scholarships for nursing students.
“I wanted to have something that would outlive me and my wife,” Arias said. “An endowed scholarship would be there forever, and keep his name out there, while doing a greater good.”
JACK AND MARTHA LUY
Two of her life’s passions are reading and travel — she worked as a nurse all over the United States before coming to Eastern and has visited more than 140 countries. Crabbe Library has always been special to Martha, both for her own love of books and learning, and the respite it offers to students. She serves on the Friends of EKU Libraries Executive Board and established the Jack and Martha Luy Endowed Fund for the library with her husband before he passed away. “The library has really become a home for students,” she said. “That’s why we decided to give, so that our gift could benefit the students at the library.” When Jack and Martha married, Jack had just finished military service and Martha had been working as a nurse in a Wisconsin hospital. Once Jack accepted a faculty position at Eastern, Martha enrolled in the master’s nursing program and became a nursing faculty member after graduation. She taught in the program for nearly 25 years until her retirement in the mid-90s. Memories of former students, both her own and her husband’s, inspired Martha to start the Jack and Martha Luy Scholarship in Baccalaureate Nursing as an award for undergraduate nursing students, with a focus on helping first-generation Colonels. The first Luy Scholarship will be awarded next year. “It was a very rewarding profession. My husband and I liked working with the kind of students who came here, who were going to be the first in their family to go to college,” said Martha. “It was quite a family-oriented university.”
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TRASE SUTTON STUDENT AMBASSADOR The Student Alumni Ambassadors program at EKU is known to afford students unique opportunities. Trase Sutton, a senior applied engineering and business major, became a member in 2017, serving as financial coordinator the following year. His membership enabled him to receive the Raymond E. Giltner and Rebecca Giltner Melching Memorial Endowed Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded annually to exceptional students who are members of SAA. Sutton learned about the award soon after joining the organization. “The scholarship has allowed me to not have to worry about money so I could focus on my classes,” said Sutton. “It’s been such a help to me while at Eastern and I’m so thankful to be fortunate enough to receive it.” Scholarship opportunities combined with the feel of the Campus Beautiful drew the Williamsburg native to EKU. “I loved the feel of the campus when I
RANDY ’79 AND SHARON SHAW REWARDING VETERAN SERVICE Randy Shaw, ’79, got a leg up at Eastern. Now, he and his wife Sharon want to offer the same for other veterans enrolled in the on-campus Occupational Health and Safety program with the Randy and Sharon Shaw Scholarship. Shaw understands the challenges veterans face while going back to school firsthand. Every semester, he juggled over 18 credit hours with part-time work. EKU eased the burden by offering the Ohio native in-state tuition, 11 credit hours for his military service, full-time work for Sharon in the financial aid office and housing in the old Brockton apartments. Most of all, Shaw recalls the above-and-beyond help he received from the faculty and staff. He still maintains contact with some of them, saying “they helped me be successful professionally... they were very welcoming.” After graduation, Shaw spent several years in the mining and explosives industry in eastern Kentucky before earning a master’s degree in safety management from Marshall University. Connections he made there led him to his first position in occupational safety at the former Ashland Petroleum, now Marathon Petroleum. He has spent the last decade as an online adjunct at EKU and recently became a full-time online lecturer. He is also an instructor for the OSHA training institute at EKU. During an OSHA training class, one of his students, a recent grad, had been a recipient of the scholarship created by the Shaws. The student thanked Shaw and told him the scholarship helped him “get over the hump” and kept him on track to graduate. “He graduated and was working for a construction company full-time and coming back through his company for continuing education,” Shaw said. “That was very satisfying for Sharon and I to know that the scholarship is working.”
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visited. It felt very welcoming to me and I felt very comfortable,” he said. After graduating in 2020, Sutton plans to earn a position as a quality engineer. That career may take him anywhere, but his Eastern Experience and the opportunities it has provided will always keep him connected to his alma mater. “I will always cherish my time at EKU and the memories I have made.”
EXPANDING KENTUCKY’S FINANCIAL LITERACY Kentucky has shown a great need for education on personal finance. A 2019 survey ranked the Commonwealth in the bottom five states in financial literacy. Barbara Redman, a professor of economics and accounting law at the University of North Georgia, understands that need firsthand. “As both an economist and a lawyer, I think financial literacy is very important,” said Redman, who is originally from Lexington, Kentucky. “I see a lot of people getting into trouble because they can’t manage their money.
DR. JOHN ROWLETT COLONEL ROOTS RUN DEEP Find the tallest tree on campus, and its EKU roots won’t run any deeper than those of the Rowlett family.
College students don’t have a lot of understanding of the ins and outs of the financial world. If students can get a good foundation in high school or even earlier, they’ll be much better off.” That’s why she has supported the EKU Center for Economic Education with eight gifts from the Nora L. Redman Fund
Long-time Eastern professor and administrator Dr. John Rowlett met the former
of the Community Foundation of Louisville. The fund was
Mary Anne Mason after arriving from Texas to teach in 1951. From a home he built
established by Barbara Redman’s late mother, Nora, for the
on a nearby street, he and his wife reared four children who all graduated from
purpose of bettering the lives of children in Appalachia.
Model Laboratory School and Eastern and went on to their own successful careers. Two grandchildren also became Eternal Colonels, and Dad himself received an honorary doctorate when he retired in 1993 after 42 years.
The EKU Center for Economic Education aims to improve the financial literacy of Kentuckians by providing education, training and materials for K-12 teachers, especially those
But what good are deep and sturdy roots if they don’t sustain trees that grow to
in the counties within EKU’s service region. Part of the
provide shade for future generations? That’s why Dr. John Rowlett, the third child
nationwide Council for Economic Education, EKU’s
and now a physician in Savannah, Georgia, established two endowments at his alma
center trains teachers to integrate content on economics,
mater. The first, the Dr. John D. Rowlett Endowed Fund for Faculty Scholarship,
personal finance and entrepreneurship into their classes.
Research, or Professional Development, honors the work of his late father. More recently, Dr. Rowlett honored his mother by establishing the Mary Anne Mason Rowlett Endowed Scholarship for deserving young women from Mom’s native Bourbon County.
“Financial literacy has not been a required area for testing in Kentucky schools, and this has made it easier to omit when faced with tough choices about scarce resources,” said Cynthia Harter, the center’s director
“My mother benefited from a small scholarship from some people in her hometown,”
since 2001. “People often think that financial education is
he recalled. “Dad would have taken an offer from the University of Illinois in the
common sense and can be learned as financial decisions
early ’60s, (but) Mom loved Richmond and wanted to raise our family at 208 Eastway.
are made. However, this leads us not to teach the
Dad chose to stay, and EKU was the beneficiary.
underlying methods to use in making those decisions.”
“Whatever I am that is good has its roots in my parents, Model, EKU, First Presbyterian
Redman’s most recent gift of over $16,000 will fund
Church and Richmond,” said Dr. Rowlett, who with wife Sharon has also paid it
a program titled “Inquiring Minds Want to Know:
forward by providing medical services in quake-ravaged Haiti. “I am so blessed to have
Implementing New Kentucky Academic Standards in
been raised in such a wonderful nourishing environment, not just at 208 Eastway,
Social Studies,” which will help teachers integrate
but the entirety of my childhood. It is an honor and a privilege to be able to support
economics while implementing Kentucky’s new social
the institution that has been so formative for so many generations.”
studies standards.
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
BARBARA REDMAN
BRYCE FAVORS-CHARLESTON SCHOLARSHIP HELPS KEEP ACADEMIC CAREER ON TRACK Thousands of Colonels are able to pursue their dream careers because of generous Foundation Scholarships. Bryce Favors-Charleston, a sophomore marketing major and student-athlete from Louisville, gets to follow his thanks to the Robert B. Rogow C.P.A., Ph.D. Endowed Scholarship. Several institutions sought out Favors-Charleston for his track skills, but EKU stood out for its reputable School of Business. He had fallen in love with the field of business — specifically marketing — during a senior-year project. His class had been charged with running the school’s coffee shop, and he had landed on the marketing team. His creative ideas helped the shop earn the highest sales of the school year. The Rogow Scholarship is awarded to exceptional students like Favors-Charleston who are enrolled in the College of Business and Technology. In combination with other institutional scholarships, the Rogow scholarship allowed him to pursue his marketing degree at little to no cost. “If it wasn’t for the scholarship, it would be a struggle for me to attend EKU,” he said.
DON ’86 ’95 AND APRIL ’86 ’96 PERRY COLONEL COUPLE MAKE A RETURN ON THEIR EKU INVESTMENT At EKU, Don Perry, ’86 ’95, and April Russell Perry, ’86 ’96, met, fell in love and gained an education that enabled them to excel in the banking industry. Now, with a generous gift to the banking and financial services program, they hope to help students find similar success. “We want to give back to EKU because we feel like EKU has given a lot to us, both during our time as undergraduates and working on our masters,” said April. “I definitely think that my education at Eastern has given me an edge in the business world.” April serves as CEO and Don as senior vice president and investment manager for Kentucky Farmers Bank, a community bank headquartered in Ashland, Kentucky. They have seen firsthand the changes taking place in the banking industry. As banking becomes more complicated, financial institutions need skilled employees with degrees. The Perrys believe the banking and financial services program can help Eastern students fill that gap. “The hope is that we’re able to give EKU students an edge when it comes to obtaining jobs in the banking industry,” said Don.
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JIM GUICE ’69 FORMER ATHLETE COACHING BUSINESS STUDENTS Jim Guice, ’69, enjoyed an impressive college football career at Eastern under legendary coach Roy Kidd. Now, as a top executive for transportation company Corcentric, he is investing in the future careers of College of Business and Technology students while honoring the legacy of his former coach. As the Colonels’ quarterback, Guice set passing records that remained unbroken for over 40 years and was among the first to join the EKU Athletics Hall of Fame. He later found similar success in the business world. He held a corporate position with Ryder, the largest transportation and logistics company in the world, for 28 years before becoming executive vice president at Corcentric. That success brought Guice back to his alma mater to mentor School of Business students. During his visit, Guice found himself impressed with the diversity of programs offered within the college. “I think it opens the University up to a variety of students that wouldn’t necessarily be there with a traditional school of business offering,” he said. In addition to supporting business and technology programs, Guice has also funded efforts on campus to honor Roy Kidd. Behind Kidd’s statue in the end zone of Roy Kidd Stadium, a player’s wall featuring the names of all the athletes who played for Kidd has been constructed. The wall was unveiled Sept. 29, with Guice and several other players in attendance. The President’s Circle celebrates those dedicated alumni and friends who demonstrate their support of EKU’s mission and vision through leadership-level annual gifts of $1,000 or more.
462 DONORS ————
$2,605,145 RAISED
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CAMPUS REVITALIZATION
Education has been the key which has unlocked so many doors in my own life. Endowing a perpetual scholarship to aid deserving EKU students who are academically gifted and passionate about their education fulfills that need to honor those who came before and lessen the financial hardship of those who come afterward.
DR. STUART TOBIN A LEGACY OF LEARNING When Dr. Stuart Tobin’s dermatology patients learned he was originally
He retired from his successful private practice nearly a decade ago and now
from New York, they often asked what brought him to Richmond, Kentucky.
serves as chief of the Division of Dermatology at the University of Kentucky.
“That’s the closest place to midtown Manhattan I could find a parking
While he didn’t earn his degrees from EKU, he has always strived to support
spot,” he replied.
the University that empowered his career and provides educational
His good humor elicited many laughs, but the truth is even more serendipitous.
opportunities in his adopted home state.
In 1977, he was driving from Georgia, where he was stationed in the military,
He endowed the Louis, Eleanor, Edward and Morris Tobin Memorial
to apply for a job in Lexington. He saw a sign for Eastern Kentucky University
Scholarship — in memory of his late parents and brothers — and gave to
along I-75 and decided to explore. He has stayed since.
the Science Building Fund. Tobin, who served on the library board, is also
In Richmond, Dr. Tobin found a shining example of a small, friendly Kentucky
considered a Friend of the Library as he has generously donated to several
town bolstered by a major educational institution at its heart. It was the
funds in support of their efforts on campus. This year, his lifetime giving
perfect place to open a private practice and live out one’s life.
surpassed $100,000.
“When you look at our medical community in Richmond, you’ll see that it
“I’m getting at the age where you survey your life and question, ‘Where
has more specialty care and number of physicians compared to towns of similar size without a university,” he said. “So many professions and occupations, from legal, to retail, to medicine have been attracted and thrived because of the presence of EKU.”
is there a legacy? What can I do to help establish a significant, positive memory for my family?’” he said. “Education has been the key which has unlocked so many doors in my own life. Endowing a perpetual scholarship to aid deserving EKU students who are academically gifted and passionate about their education fulfills that need to honor those who came before and lessen the financial hardship of those who come afterward.”
WHITNEY UNDERWOOD STATE-OF-THE-ART EDUCATION Recent campus revitalization efforts have enhanced thousands of Colonels’ experiences on the Campus Beautiful. Whitney Underwood, a senior, first-generation student from Grayson, Kentucky, is a prime example. As a biomedical science/pre-physician assistant major, Underwood is getting a scientific education that is unmatched in the state of Kentucky thanks to the state-of-the-art New Science Building. “I always knew I wanted to help people through the medical field,” Underwood said. EKU’s respected biomedical science program drew her to Eastern, where she earned the Student Alumni Ambassador Award. The SAA award allowed her to pursue a paid internship with Walt Disney World in Fall 2018 and afford an extra semester of classes. Underwood’s Eastern Experience has been greatly improved, she says, by the new facilities on campus. “The New Science Building has become my home,” she said. “It was designed to help innovative minds research and explore, and I have had opportunities to do that in every single one of my classes held there.” Outside the classroom, Case Dining Hall has become a hub for building community. “Almost every single day, I and a few friends make time to
GENEVIEVE CLAY
eat upstairs at Case Kitchen or downstairs at one of the restaurants,”
THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES
said Underwood. “It is so beneficial to my mental health. Being happy is a key component of success.”
“Thanks for the memories.” It was Bob Hope’s theme song, and it’s Genevieve Clay’s motivation as a long-time supporter of the EKU Libraries. Both Genevieve and her late husband, EKU professor Dr. William Wilson Hume Clay, found EKU Libraries to be a worthy investment. “Library work is the only work I’ve ever had,” said Clay, who began at the University of Kentucky. Clay found her way to EKU as a teen when she met and married a UK librarian and “tagged along” with him to Eastern, where she earned a master’s degree in library science. After her first husband, Larry Pope, passed away unexpectedly in 1975, she remarried and held various positions in EKU Libraries throughout a career that spanned parts of four decades and countless changes. “I look at my support of the Capital Improvement Campaign as a way to give back.” She began in the circulation department then housed in the Case Hall basement while an addition to Crabbe Library was nearing completion. Clay went on to head Periodicals, Central Serials, and Acquisitions. Even a couple of knee surgeries couldn’t keep her away. She retired in 2002 as a member of the Archives staff, “a learning experience which is still benefiting me today.” Despite her busy work schedule, Clay found time to complete a bachelor’s degree in voice performance in 1986. She’s still singing the praises of EKU Libraries after all these years. “The support Eastern has given me, the people I met, the experiences I underwent, and the things I learned have all melded to help make me the person I am today.”
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ATHLETICS
JANE WORTHINGTON AND EDWIN THOMPSON SPORTSMANSHIP, PERSONIFIED Jane Worthington, head coach of the EKU softball team since its inception,
“This team room will give our players the opportunity to better use their
and Edwin Thompson, head coach of the EKU baseball team, have worked
time studying and preparing during breaks between class and practice,” said
closely with each other during their time at EKU. The two teams shared an
Worthington. “ Every donation we receive goes back in some way to the
indoor facility for three years, and Worthington and Thompson faced many
student-athlete.”
of the same challenges. “I have a great relationship with her and she really helped me out when I first got to EKU,” Thompson said of Worthington.
“I see what a great job she is doing with the program and just wanted to help out,” said Thompson. The camaraderie between the softball and baseball teams goes beyond
That may be why the two coaches each donated $1,000 to the other’s team.
financial support. Each coach enjoys the other’s sport and their teams
Those funds will be used for projects that enhance the student-athlete
have become close. They share a season and often travel to watch each
experience, such as the new team space that Worthington is furnishing
other’s games.
for her players.
“I want all EKU teams to be successful,” said Worthington. “I encourage all teams to support each other, the rest of the institution and the community.”
COLONEL CLUB Colonel Athletics enhances the full collegiate experience, offering students educational and personal opportunities in the stands, on the field of play and beyond. Eastern Kentucky University supports over 300 student-athletes in their pursuit of academic, athletic and personal excellence. The Colonel Club helps provide the resources necessary to maintain a first-class athletics program.
YEHOR VITEL RESILIENCE MEETS OPPORTUNITY Yehor Vitel, a senior exercise and sport science major, understands setbacks. He and his family came to the United States from Kyiv, Ukraine, in 2014. Thanks to EKU, he didn’t have to put his education on hold. With the help of the Dr. Lonnie J. Davis Endowed Scholarship, he is pursuing his dream of helping patients overcome setbacks as a physical therapist. Vitel and his family left Kyiv as tensions ran high between Ukraine and Russia. A seemingly random connection led them to settle in the Bluegrass state. Through professional development efforts back home, his mother had connected with an English professor from Kentucky. The family ultimately landed in Richmond, which led Vitel to EKU.
733 DONORS ————
$362,764 RAISED
Vitel was determined to finish his degree in the States and become a physical therapist, a choice heavily inspired by his time as a high-school and college basketball player. “Throughout my short athletic career, I’ve experienced multiple injuries,” said Vitel. “I wanted to know how to properly address those to get back to playing my sport. That’s one of the reasons I decided to pursue physical therapy.” Through the exercise and sport science department, he learned about and applied for the Lonnie Davis Scholarship, awarded annually to exceptional students in the College of Health Sciences. As he nears graduation, he is applying to graduate programs in physical therapy.
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PLANNED GIVING
A primary goal for every institution should be teaching its students critical thinking skills, which enable them to assess information and arrive at thoughtful decisions. Public radio stations are essential support to society in this regard.
NORA BRASHEAR ’71 THE GIFT OF TRUTH: A DEDICATION TO NEWS AND INFORMATION Nora Brashear, ’71, has enjoyed a rich and varied career. She has served in
Like many EKU students, Brashear was a first-generation college graduate.
social work positions all over the country and in many types of organizations,
Defying the odds, she went on to earn a master’s degree in social service
visited 14 countries and even taught EKU social work students.
administration from the University of Chicago and have a successful 42-year
Her diverse experiences have led her to value “any aspect of our culture
career in social work. She served in medical centers, detention centers,
that supports a strong democratic society, equal rights for every resident of
crisis centers and universities before retiring in 2015.
our country, and an accurately informed citizenship.” Her gift in support of
Recent cultural shifts have reinforced to Brashear the importance of public
the WEKU radio program will help keep that cultural institution in place for
radio programming, inspiring her support of WEKU. “A primary goal for every
generations. Brashear made this gift by designating WEKU to be the
institution should be teaching its students critical thinking skills, which
beneficiary of her IRA/Retirement plan.
enable them to assess information and arrive at thoughtful decisions,” she
“I consider public radio an invaluable source of news and information
said. “Public radio stations are essential support to society in this regard.”
about the world,” said Brashear.
DR. JON AND SHELLIE MCCHESNEY KEEPING FAMILY TRADITIONS The McChesney family legacy at EKU already spans two careers and more than four decades. The late Dr. James McChesney chaired the Department of Recreation and Park Administration from its inception in 1966 through his retirement in 1990. His son, Dr. Jon McChesney, joined the EKU faculty in 2000 and has chaired the same department since 2010. But their legacy will carry on for generations to come, thanks to a recent estate gift that established the Dr. Jon and Shellie McChesney Scholarship, which joins the James McChesney Scholarship, aided by an annual golf fundraiser, in helping students in the department reach their educational goals. “Seemingly, with each passing year, the financial need of students increases,” Dr. McChesney said. “Our students are too often working full-time jobs while completing their degrees, thus the challenges are immense. These students will make that proverbial difference in the world by enriching the lives of others through their services as recreation, parks and tourism professionals.” For the McChesneys, Eastern is a family affair. Dr. McChesney and wife Shellie are both two-time Eastern grads. His mother, Gwen, earned a master’s and Rank I, and two siblings and a niece also earned EKU degrees. Thanks to the scholarships, it’s a name that will long be remembered.
The Legacy Society recognizes alumni and friends who have provided for EKU in their estate plans. These charitable contributions greatly benefit Eastern while often offering substantial tax advantages to the donors. The most common form of an estate or “planned” gift is a will bequest in which a donor names EKU as beneficiary of a specific dollar amount or percentage of an estate. Other planned gift options include charitable gift annuities, charitable remainder trusts and gifts of life insurance. A number of unique variations are possible with these plans, many of which provide donors with lifetime payments.
7 NEW
COMMITMENTS
————
$5,462,800 PLEDGED
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YADIRA CRISANTOS IN SCHOLARLY PURSUIT Yadira Crisantos, a senior accounting major at EKU, became a mother as a high school senior. She soon learned that juggling school and parenthood can be challenging. Thanks to the Rick and Debbie McQuady Scholar House Endowed Scholarship, Crisantos can strike a successful balance. At the age of 6, Crisantos moved from Mexico to Georgetown, Kentucky, with her mother and youngest sibling. Shortly after enrolling in the EKU College of Justice and Safety, she learned she was pregnant with her daughter. As a result, she took her first year of classes online. Once Crisantos decided to change her major to accounting, online classes were no longer an option. A degree seemed out of reach until a fateful meeting with Dr. Socorro Zaragoza, associate professor in the Languages, Cultures and Humanities department. When Crisantos explained her dilemma, Zaragoza
RICK ’77 ’78 AND DEBBIE MCQUADY SUPPORTING STUDENT PARENTS Rick McQuady, ‘77 ‘78, and his wife, Debbie, have seen the opportunity that education can create for individuals and families. The education they received opened the door to successful careers; for Rick in upper-level management at affordable housing organizations, and for Debbie, in the coal industry. Now, they’re using that success to create opportunity for student parents living in the Eastern Scholar House by funding the Rick and Debbie McQuady Scholar House Endowed Scholarship. “We believe the best legacy we can leave is providing scholarships to deserving students of Eastern Scholar House who believe perseverance is essential in the pursuit of higher education,” said Debbie. “Education changes lives. Perseverance builds character and character builds hope.” Rick earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a master’s of business administration from EKU. Those degrees kickstarted a long, successful career, which began in public accounting. He went on to work in the finance and program areas of Kentucky Housing Corporation for 28 years before being named CEO in 2008. He retired from KHC in 2013 and is now the Affordable Housing Fund Manager at Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government. Debbie earned her bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of Kentucky as a non-traditional student in 1991. She served in various administrative and managerial roles for several coal companies before retiring in 2012. Through the McQuady Scholarship, the couple hopes to help Eastern Scholar House students earn their degrees by offsetting the cost of tuition. “The Scholar House removes several barriers single parents face in pursuing their dreams,” they said. “The only remaining barrier for these single parents is the cost of tuition, and that’s where we would like to help.”
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pointed her to the Eastern Scholar House, where she and her daughter now live. In addition to the McQuady Scholarship, Crisantos earned the Dr. John A. Wade Endowed Latino Scholarship and the Cecil A. Washburn Endowed Scholarship. Thanks to those scholarships, she will graduate in May 2021, after which she plans to work for an accounting firm. Eventually, she hopes to become a forensic accountant. “The McQuady scholarship has impacted me greatly,” said Crisantos. “I am able to focus on my studies without taking out loans or getting a second job to pay for classes.”
SHARON GRAVES HALL OF FAME TEACHER PAYS IT FORWARD A daughter of Rockcastle County tenant farmers, Sharon (Farthing) Graves is now a member of the Kentucky Teacher Hall of Fame. She knows her success didn’t happen by accident, and she wants to honor all those who helped mentor her by “paying it forward.” Her $100,000 bequest gift endows a scholarship fund that will bear her name and assist EKU students charting a similar career path. “A scholarship is my way of giving back to a profession which I dearly loved and miss every day of my retirement,” said Graves, who, after receiving her “wings” at EKU, taught American history for 27 years at Clark-Moores Middle School in Richmond. “With the state budget being what it is, universities are suffering, and costs are passed on to students, which makes affordability difficult for some. I was one of those students. There are many qualified potential students who would greatly benefit from a helping hand.” The scholarship targets students planning to teach and pursuing a major in the social sciences, such as history, political science, pre-law, anthropology, geography, globalization and sociology. “The areas of study I chose are of great interest to me and have not been a priority in education for a number of years,” Graves said.
Friends of the Center is the annual giving group for the EKU Center for the Arts, the region’s primary performing arts and entertainment venue. The organization provides sustaining support for the EKU Center to enhance the patron experience. It performs educational outreach, funds facility improvements and brings together a fun-loving, like-minded community for amazing experiences. Friends of the Center members enjoy exclusive access to performance-enhancing benefits such as premier parking, meet-and-greets with performers, advance notice of shows and early ticket purchasing opportunities.
499 DONORS ————
$92,243 RAISED
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EASTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES President Michael Benson EKU President Richmond, KY Maribeth Berman, ’92 Board Chair Louisville, KY Don Bornhorst, ’87 Vice Chair Excelsior, MN Paul Chellgren Ft. Lauderdale, FL Melissa Combs, ’00 Lexington, KY Lewis Diaz, ’00 ‘02 Board of Regents Chair Cincinnati, OH Troy Ellis, ’87 Ann Arbor, MI Matt Evans, ’91 Lexington, KY Suzanne P. Fawbush, ’83 New York, NY Amy Jo Gabel, ’05 Alumni Board President Smyrna, TN
Betina Gardner Vice President of Development and Alumni Engagement Executive Director of EKU Foundation Richmond, KY
completely changed my education and career trajectory. When I first arrived on campus, I was nervous,
Jim Guice, ’11 Coral Springs, FL
worried and insecure. (The center)
Jeri Isbell, ‘79 Naples, FL
in the past and let the future be
Richard Mattingly, ’78 Potomac, MD Mary Ousley, ’74 ’86 Secretary Richmond, KY Andrew Page, ’92 Raleigh, NC April Perry, ’86 ’96 Ashland, KY Barry Poynter, ‘92 Senior Vice President of Finance and Administration Treasurer of EKU Foundation Richmond, KY William Reddick, ‘87 Marietta, GA John Wade Richmond, KY Donald Whitaker, ‘62 Muncie, IN
Eastern Kentucky University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and educational institution and does not discriminate on the basis of age (40 and over), race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, ethnicity, disability, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information in the admission to, or participation in, any educational program or activity (e.g., athletics, academics and housing) which it conducts, or in any employment policy or practice. Any complaint arising by reason of alleged discrimination should be directed to the Office of Equity and Inclusion, Rice House, Eastern Kentucky University, 521 Lancaster Avenue, Richmond, Kentucky 40475-3102, (859) 622-8020 or the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, Lyndon Baines Johnson Department of Education Building, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC. 20202 1-800-421-3481 (V), 1-800-877-8339 (TDD). 2019 Foundation Report_MT18
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The Chellgren Success Series
was a start to leave the past the future. I began to step out of my comfort zone, challenge myself academically and put myself first. I applied to be in the Honors Program, applied to be a residence hall adviser and joined a student organization.
— Lexas Priddy Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education Major, Louisville, KY
PICK YOUR PASSION. MAKE YOUR GIFT. CREATE OPPORTUNITY. When you make a gift to the Eastern Fund, you are giving more than an education — you are creating opportunities! Scholarships allow students to focus on their classes and take some of the burden off of figuring out how to pay for college. Gifts to programs provide the resources for students to have more hands-on experiences and better prepare them for their professional careers. Giving to the University’s greatest needs is a worthy investment in student success.
HOW TO GIVE You can invest in EKU student success, academic excellence or campus revitalization with a gift or new pledge. Please use the included envelope or visit go.eku.edu/give to make a gift by debit or credit card. If you want more information about establishing a named scholarship or need instructions for specialized gift options (such as naming EKU in your will or gifts of real estate and stock), please contact us at:
859-622-GIVE or email
giving@eku.edu Find more stories about your impact at: campaign.eku.edu
@EKUalums
EKU Alumni & Friends
development.eku.edu Office of University Development and Alumni Engagement CPO 19A Eastern Kentucky University 521 Lancaster Avenue Richmond, Kentucky 40475-3102
FRONT COVER PHOTO:
EKU Campaign Launch Event on September 27, 2019
Nonprofit Organization US Postage PAID Permit #1 Lexington, KY