EKU Magazine Spring 2022

A PUBLICATION FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS OF EASTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY | SPRING 2022

Contributors EKU Magazine is a collaborative effort between EKU Alumni Engagement and EKU Communications and Brand Management.

SPOTLIGHT ON EKU ALUMNI

EKU President

Alumni Engagement Staff

David T. McFaddin, ’99 ’15

Associate Vice President of Development and Alumni Engagement

Vice President for Development and Alumni Engagement Betina Gardner

Check out the Alumni Spotlight Series

Chief of Staff /Chief Communications Officer

by visiting alumni.eku.edu/spotlight to hear

Colleen Chaney, ’18

the great stories of fellow Eternal Colonels!

Photography Carsen Bryant, ’19 Benjamin Evin Keeling, ’07 Matthew Phelps, ’11 Chris Radcliffe, ’04 Writers Sarah Bashford Lanny Brannock, ’99 Stacey Gish Rixon Lane Eyouel Mekonnen, ’21 Elise G. Russell, ’06 Jerry Wallace

Senior Director for Engagement and Communications Steve Greenwell, ’06 Assistant Director of Engagement and Communications Alex Hanavan, ’15 ’17 Coordinator of Alumni Programming and Student Philanthropy Ashley Turner, ’19 ’21 Administrative Assistant II, Alumni Engagement Jessica Duerson International Alumni Association Board President Bob Sullivan, ’72

Editorial

Vice President

Director, Brand Management/ Managing Editor

Lucy Riffle, ’77

Brandon Moore, ’14 ’21 Design and Layout Art Director/ Senior Graphic Designer Mickey Thomas Graphic Designer Ashley Reaves, ’19 Design Management Jessica Holly

Eastern Kentucky University

521 Lancaster Ave. Richmond, KY 40475-3102 eku.edu

PHOTO BY DANIEL FRANK. PEXELS.COM

Dan McBride, ’89

Secretary; Chair, Development Allison Allgier, ’92 Board Members: Joe Bentley, ’82 ’88; Josh Bleidt, ’00; Rodney Bussell, ’95; Mikayla Courtney, ’19; Stephen EdwardsMortley, ’01; Kelvin Ford, ’93; Doug Hampton, ’71; Roger Hardin, ’75; Ann Harris, ’07 ’09; Allison Helsinger, ’07; Zach Lawrence, ’11 ’13; Kenna Middleton, ’79 ’81; Alvin Miller, ’81; Lori Murphy-Tatum, ’99; Iddah Otieno, ’01; Tom Reeves, ’99 ’02; Liz Ross, ’86; Laura Rudolph, ’08; Ashley Shofner, ’21; Katie Siahkoohi, ’16; Gracie Staude, ’22; Lelani Turrentine, ’71; Quaid Watwood, ’23; Randy White, ’90

Visit us online:

campaign.eku.edu stories.eku.edu alumni.eku.edu development.eku.edu

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, Eastern Kentucky University, Jones Building 416, Richmond, Kentucky 40475, (859) 622-8020, or the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20202, 1 (800) 421-3481 (V), 1 (800) 877-8339 (TTY).

EKU has taken considerable precautions to keep students, faculty, and staff healthy and safe during the coronavirus pandemic. All photos were either taken pre-pandemic or in an environment designed to ensure the safety of all participants.

SP 2022 –—— CONTEN TS ——––

2

A Letter from President David T. McFaddin

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EKU Stories

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A World of Opportunity First-Gen Grad Susan Wolfinbarger, ’04, Makes Global Impact With U.S. Department of State

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Stronger Together Working Toward Common Goals With Businesses Across the Commonwealth and Beyond

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Inspired by the Past Inspiring the Future

Best of Eastern

Dr. Derrick Morton, ’09, A “rising star” among 100 Inspiring Black Scientists

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2020/2021 Alumni Award Winners

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Socks and Scholarships Donors and Students Cozy Up to Socktober

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14

24

34

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A Passion for Helping Others Student Pursues Nursing Career Thanks to General Endowed Scholarship

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EKU Athletics

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Alumni News

A LE T T ER from P RESI DENT DAVI D T. MCFADDI N

THE EASTERN

EXPERIENCE WITH EDUCATION AND HARD WORK, NO DREAM IS TOO BIG

As EKU Colonels, we’re proud of our longstanding and hard-earned reputation for helping others in our lives and professions, leading by example and striving to make a positive impact in our communities and the lives of those around us.

At Eastern Kentucky University, we proudly serve a variety of student populations. As you might be able to relate to, many EKU students are the first in their families to attend college; many come from low-income families; and many arrive from areas with little economic opportunity or progress.

Regardless of their situation, students choose EKU to provide a better life for themselves and their families; to broaden their horizons and worldview; and, ultimately, to give back in meaningful ways to their communities and regions.

Because of their backgrounds and upbringings, students understand the value of hard work, integrity and resilience.

Because of the transformative experience offered at EKU, they graduate equipped with the skills and knowledge to succeed and make a difference.

The life-changing potential of an Eastern education is clearly evident in the Best of Eastern Award winners, highlighted in this issue of EKU Magazine. The 2020/2021 award winners embody excellence and showcase what’s truly possible as a result of the Eastern Experience. With education and hard work, EKU alumni prove that no dream is too big. Our alumni award winners stand as amazing products of this university, and I’m incredibly proud of each of them and each of you.

Many EKU alumni exhibit service through distinguished military careers, such as Dr. Thomas Hennessey, ’65 ’73, a recipient of two Purple Hearts and a 28-year army veteran.

Many EKU alumni choose careers in non-profit organizations to better their communities and give back to those in need, like Jennifer Lainhart, ’09, executive director of the Hope’s

2 SPRING 2022

Wings Domestic Violence Program in Richmond. Many EKU alumni put themselves on the front lines in order to protect others, such as Jordan Burton, ’13, a quarantine public health officer for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

While the list continues and the accomplishments vary, one constant remains: EKU alumni are propelled by their Eastern Experience and selflessly give of their time and talents in service to others.

Cheryl Duncan, ’83, said it best: Eastern taught her “how to deal with life experiences in a positive way and to never give up on your dreams.”

You’ll read more about the exceptional work of the Best of Eastern Award winners throughout this magazine. The theme of excellence is also emphasized through alumni features on Dr. Derrick Morton, ’09, a 100 Inspiring Black Scientist, and Susan Wolfinbarger, ’04, an advanced analytics team lead at the U.S. Department of State.

Join us in acknowledging and celebrating the success of our alumni. Take pride in your Eastern Experience; be confident in your education and background; and, together, let’s show the world what it means to be an EKU Colonel.

One Eastern,

David T. McFaddin President, Eastern Kentucky University

EKUSTORIES IN THIS

ISSUE

EKU BookSmart Delivers Free Textbooks to Thousands

———— • ———— Alumna Karen Ann Hawkins Leaves Largest Single Gift in EKU’s History

———— • ———— EKU First in Kentucky in Best for Vets

———— • ———— Marling Wins Trow Scholarship

———— • ———— Eastern Progress Named to Pacemaker 100 List

———— • ————

EKU students during the BookSmart launch at Big E Welcome, August 2021

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Launches Healthcare Scholarships at EKU

EKU BOOKSMART DELIVERS FREE TEXTBOOKS TO THOUSANDS

———— • ————

Over the course of a year, the average college student spends more than $1,200 on books and materials, according to the College Board. As part of the EKU Advantage, the university partnered with Barnes & Noble College to provide free textbooks for all EKU undergraduate students for the 2021–22 academic year.

School of Nursing Celebrates 50th Anniversary at EKU

———— • ———— Divine Nine Plaza Honors Legacy of NPHC Groups

———— • ———— Chemistry Professor Celebrates 50 Years at EKU

———— • ———— EKU Named Tree Campus

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With the EKU BookSmart program, students receive all required textbooks and course materials for the semester before classes start, at no additional cost.

Kaitlyn Ritchie, an elementary education major from Paris, Ky., said, “It feels like a reward.

Attending a university that strives to help students achieve their dreams in any way they can, is simply a reward.”

The program is an investment in students and is meant to ensure that all undergraduate students have every opportunity to succeed and earn a college degree. EKU BookSmart gives students an additional level of financial support in their educational experience by lowering the overall cost of attendance for the 2021–22 academic year.

ALUMNA KAREN ANN HAWKINS LEAVES LARGEST SINGLE GIFT IN EKU’S HISTORY Eastern Kentucky University had a record-breaking year in development for the 2021 fiscal year, with cash gifts increased by a significant amount and the average pledge amount increased.

A large portion of the cash increase was because of Karen Ann Hawkins, ’68, who left the single largest gift in the school’s history, more than $2.5 million.

Hawkins’ gracious donation not only provides scholarships for students from all over Kentucky but provided the opportunity to celebrate her and her family in her hometown of Lawrenceburg. She was a retired program analyst for medical assistance for the Commonwealth of Kentucky and carried a quiet love for the university since her graduation, her family said.

“Eastern Kentucky University has an enduring legacy of impact on this state and its people. Karen Ann Hawkins and her incredible gift are proof that EKU is more than just a place where you come to get a degree,” said EKU President Dr. David McFaddin. “It’s a place where you can transform your life, and in her case, transform the lives of so many with her incredible gift.”

EKU FIRST IN KENTUCKY IN BEST FOR VETS Eastern Kentucky University continues to climb the Military Times’ Best for Vets ranking, moving up to No. 9 this year among public institutions. This makes it the top-ranked school

in Kentucky for veterans and other students connected to the military. The university ranked No. 15 in 2019, the last time the survey was conducted.

Improving campus infrastructure for student veterans has been a priority for Barbara Kent, director of the Office of Military and Veterans Affairs at EKU. The Veterans Education and Transition Support (VETS) Center opened in August 2020 as a key feature of infrastructure improvements.

“We are proud to earn this achievement as we strive to better serve our military veterans and their families,” said EKU President Dr. David McFaddin. “Being known as a ‘Best for Vets’ school is the direct result of the dedication of our faculty and staff to providing the services needed in helping these students achieve their academic goals.”

ROTC student at National Roll Call remembrance on November 11, 2021

EKU joined campuses nationwide on Veterans Day in November for the annual National Roll Call remembrance event paying tribute to American military service members who have fallen since the Global War on Terror in 2001.

EKU MAGAZINE 5

EASTERN PROGRESS NAMED TO PACEMAKER 100 LIST The Eastern Progress, the collegiate newspaper at Eastern Kentucky University, has been awarded the Pacemaker 100 award from the Associated Collegiate Press (ACP). Founded in 1921, the ACP has trained and honored collegiate journalists through conventions, workshops and awards for a century. Its Pacemaker Award is the most coveted award in college journalism.

The Progress in its current iteration is housed in the EKU Department of Communication, which is under the leadership of Director Dr. Ginny Whitehouse. Whitehouse said that, as journalism has evolved, so too has the method of delivery for news publications.

MARLING WINS TROW SCHOLARSHIP Joanna Marling, a junior with a double major in psychology and forensic biology and a double minor in criminal justice and veterans studies from Louisville, recently earned the prestigious JoAnne J. Trow Scholarship from the Alpha Lambda Delta national honor society.

“My first reaction to receiving the Trow Scholarship was disbelief,” Marling said, adding that she had a glimmer of hope of receiving funds but thought it impossible to earn a nationally competitive scholarship. “Receiving this scholarship relieves my parents of the financial burden of helping pay for college.”

Marling is one of 50 scholarship recipients from across the country, and this marks the second year in a row an EKU student has been recognized by Alpha Lambda Delta.

Alpha Lambda Delta celebrates academic success during the first year of college. Students who earn a 3.5 or higher GPA in their first semester or academic year are eligible for membership.

Besides Alpha Lambda Delta, Marling also is active in other areas of campus life, working as a resident advisor for North Hall, a first-year leader and a mental health peer advocate.

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“Being named one of the Pacemaker 100 campus publications is such an incredible honor for our current and former student journalists.

Having this recognition will certainly encourage our newest slate of editors to continue the good work done during the last century of Progress,” said current Progress Adviser Tricia Fulks Kelley, assistant professor in the Department of Communication.

EKU is joined on the ACP Top 100 Pacemaker list by three other Kentucky university news publications: The Murray State News at Murray State, The Kentucky Kernel at the University of Kentucky and the College Heights Herald at Western Kentucky University.

Eastern Progress editor Zachery Combest

ANTHEM BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD LAUNCHES HEALTHCARE SCHOLARSHIPS AT EKU Quality healthcare starts with education. Driven by a commitment to improve rural healthcare access, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Kentucky launched a new scholarship opportunity at Eastern Kentucky University to support students in their studies.

The Anthem Rural Medicine Scholarship will address access to care and improve health equity in Kentucky’s rural areas by expanding the number of primary care providers (PCPs) in the Commonwealth. “Anthem continues to invest and work with our community partners to find innovative solutions that bring more providers to practice in traditionally underserved and non-urban areas,” said Leon Lamoreaux, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s Medicaid president in Kentucky.

“We are proud to work with Eastern Kentucky University to make healthcare education a priority and help to ensure that quality care is available in the areas that need it most.”

Leon Lamoreaux (LEFT) with EKU President David McFaddin

Eight nursing students were selected for this year’s Anthem Rural Medicine Scholarship based on academic excellence, an understanding of the Kentucky communities in need and a commitment to serve in a rural area with a health professional shortage after graduation.

SCHOOL OF NURSING CELEBRATES 50TH ANNIVERSARY AT EKU Eastern Kentucky University began its baccalaureate nursing program more than 50 years ago, in 1971. To celebrate, the School of Nursing recognized the achievements of its alumni and programs through a variety of events in October 2021.

“EKU nursing was a school of opportunity at that time and still is today,” said Dr. Brooke Bentley, chair of the School of Nursing. “We are proud to be a part of the education of many first-generation college students. Over the past five decades, each nursing student and faculty member has contributed to the highly-regarded reputation held by all of the EKU nursing programs.”

The nursing program has experienced tremendous growth over the past 50 years, as it now includes seven opportunities for students at all levels of education.

EKU’s School of Nursing boasts award-winning programs, ranging from being named the top nursing program in the Commonwealth to international online teaching excellence. Nearly 100 percent of graduates are employed by the time they graduate, according to Bentley.

“We are proud to salute each graduate of the School of Nursing and the difference they have made in 50 years of impacting the health of communities,” Bentley said.

Dr. Brooke Bentley (LEFT) presents the Outstanding Alumni Award for nursing to Dr. Mendy Blair, vice president and chief nursing officer with Baptist Health Richmond.

EKU MAGAZINE 7

PHOTO: TIM WEBB

DIVINE NINE PLAZA HONORS LEGACY OF NPHC GROUPS Nestled in the Carloftis Gardens in front of Martin Hall, the Divine Nine Plaza features nine stone pedestals representing each fraternity and sorority in the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC). Each pedestal displays the organization’s crest, national founding date and motto to recognize the history and achievements of historically black fraternities and sororities.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Plaza was held in October in conjunction with EKU’s Homecoming. Alumni and current members from each of EKU’s NPHC organizations joined in the celebration.

The Divine Nine NPHC groups, eight of which are represented at Eastern, include sororities Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Sigma Gamma Rho and Zeta Phi Beta, while NPHC fraternities are Alpha Phi Alpha, Kappa Alpha

8 SPRING 2022

Psi, Omega Psi Phi and Phi Beta Sigma. Nationally, these groups comprise more than 1.5 million members and work cooperatively with community organizations and one another to provide leadership, service, and brotherhood and sisterhood.

“It was important to us to show the university is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as honor the long legacy of NPHC groups on campus,” said Dr. Dannie Moore, vice president for student life and chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer.

ABOVE, LEFT TO RIGHT: EKU Board Chair Lewis Diaz, CIEGE Director Ronald Jackson, EKU Foundation Board Chair Troy Ellis, Jazmin Cain, EKU President David T. McFaddin, Andrew Page, Timothy Wimbley, Arlena McCutchenMontgomery, Student Life Vice President Dannie Moore

CHEMISTRY PROFESSOR CELEBRATES 50 YEARS AT EKU In a world where the average worker changes jobs 12 times throughout their lifetime, it is remarkable that someone has served in the same profession and at the same institution for 50 years. Eastern Kentucky University Chemistry Professor Dr. Vernon Stubblefield is that unique character.

A love for students and the topic he teaches— organic chemistry—has kept him at the front of the classroom all these years.

“The students are my legacy,” he said. “It’s interesting to see where they go and how they live their lives.

It makes you feel good to see them be successful.

I hope, in some small way, I’ve been a positive influence on them.”

Stubblefield still feels a pull toward the students and the topic he’s taught for more than half a century.

“I find that you don’t need to retire from something, that it’s best to retire to something,” he said. “I’ve had a good life. Fifty would be a good number to finish on. But this is my calling.”

BELOW: Professor Vernon Stubblefield teaching

organic chemistry, Fall 2021

EKU NAMED TREE CAMPUS Eastern Kentucky University has been named a Tree Campus Higher Education institution by the Arbor Day Foundation for the 11th consecutive year.

The Tree Campus recognition reflects the university’s ongoing commitment to the preservation of 892 acres of the Campus Beautiful as well as its three natural areas: Lilley Cornett Woods, Maywoods and Taylor Fork Ecological Area.

The Tree Campus Higher Education program honors colleges and universities nationwide that work to “create greener, healthier spaces on campus through their trees,” said Dan Lambe, president of the Arbor Day Foundation, in a video message to EKU President Dr. David McFaddin. EKU is one of 392 campuses nationwide to receive the designation.

EKU has a tree care committee that hosts a variety of events, service-learning projects and other activities dedicated to preserving the diverse tree species and natural areas.

“As humans, we depend on trees; and trees, to some extent, depend on us,” said Dr. David Brown, EKU biology professor and manager of the Taylor Fork Ecological Area. “The trees on campus, which are really part of an urban forest, provide shade, carbon sequestration, hammock-hanging spots, food and shelter for wildlife, and are a major contributor to the beauty of campus.”

ABOVE: An EKU student climbing a tree in the Ravine, Fall 2019

EKU MAGAZINE 9

DR. DERRICK MORTON, ’09, A “RISING STAR” AMONG 100 INSPIRING BLACK SCIENTISTS “I’ve always been interested in science and how things work and how the body works,” said Derrick Morton, ’09, Ph.D. Growing up in Lexington, Kentucky, he hadn’t known of examples of actual scientists­— besides Einstein and other big-name scientists he learned about in school. He thought the only path in science was pre-med. Then, at EKU, he realized his love for research and the potential for a career as a scientist.

“There was a professor at EKU who told me about research, how you can do things in the lab, and really make discoveries,” Morton said. “Unknowingly at the time, I didn’t really appreciate how even one person could have such an effect on your outlook and your progress and what you expect of yourself.”

Morton’s undergraduate work in biology led to a research internship, and soon after, he decided to apply to graduate school and pursue his research interests.

After attending graduate school at Clark Atlanta University, a historically Black university, Morton continued his training at Emory University as a postdoctoral fellow. There, he studied a complex that is responsible for degrading and processing genetic material. When defective, this complex preferentially affects distinct cell types within the brain.

Morton’s work utilized a commonly used genetic model system, fruit flies, to provide the first evidence for a critical function of this complex in neurons. “Before this work, there were no studies modeling the disease-causing changes of

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this complex in an intact, developing nervous system,” Morton stated.

Now, just over a decade after graduating from EKU, Morton runs his own independent lab at the University of Southern California. As an assistant professor in the department of biological sciences, he guides the vision of a $1-million-plus research enterprise studying the underlying molecular defects that contribute to a devastating inherited neurological disease, pontocerebellar hypoplasia. Individuals affected typically do not live past the first year of life, due to defects in brain development and function.

Building upon his scientific discoveries at Emory, his lab at USC seeks to understand how defects in machinery critical for processing and degrading genetic material contribute to neurological disease. Backed by USC’s strong reputation for molecular and computational biological research programs and combined with an impressive stem cell institute, Morton’s lab uses the fruit fly model to study the fundamental biology of machinery responsible for processing, surveillance and

PHOTOS: TIFFANY LUONG

———— • ———— As Morton continues to realize success in science and research, he wants future generations to see positive, real-life examples and know that they, too, can pursue a similar path. Just as he discovered his true calling through the support of professors and mentors at EKU, he’s now providing hands-on research experience to others and allowing them to see first-hand what it’s like to be a scientist.

———— • ————

decay of genetic material in neuronal tissue, as well as stemcell-derived cerebellar organoids, to unravel human cerebellar development and disease.

Through this important research, Morton strives to better understand how essential and ubiquitous regulatory machinery contributes to neurological diseases, hoping that these discoveries can serve as a basis for the development of therapeutics to effectively treat disease.

For his contributions to science, Morton was included in Cell Mentor’s list of 25 Rising Stars as part of the 100 Inspiring Black Scientists in America featured in 2020.

Honored by the recognition, Morton said, “It’s always nice for students out there that look like me to be represented in science.”

Morton draws his own personal inspiration from mentors, encouragement from his parents, and the leaders of the Civil Rights Movement.

“I take a lot of what they were able to not only give themselves but to give to others as motivation myself,” he said. “The examples of the past really have inspired me and kept me going.”

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Morton started his position at USC in August and is currently setting up his lab, ordering equipment, hiring, recruiting students and conducting foundational experiments to begin his groundbreaking research endeavors. As he gets situated at the university, he plans to get involved in service and develop pipeline programs in science for underrepresented students.

Just after his postdoctoral fellowship at Emory, Morton took on a one-year appointment at Caltech and the Kaiser Permanente School of Medicine. There, he implemented a grant program funded by the Burroughs Wellcome Fund for underrepresented minority students to participate in a summer research program.

Morton hopes to implement a similar program at USC. He’ll also be teaching at USC and looks forward to giving back through mentorship.

As Morton continues to realize success in science and research, he wants future generations to see positive, real-life examples and know that they, too, can pursue a similar path. Just as he discovered his true calling through the support of professors and mentors at EKU, he’s now providing hands-on research experience to others and allowing them to see first-hand what it’s like to be a scientist. n

PHOTOS: CASSIDY DuHON. MAP OLEG CHEPURIN @ ISTOCK.COM

Susan Wolfinbarger at the Reflecting Pool near her Pentagon office in Washington, D.C.

A WORLD OF

OPPORTUNITY FIRST-GEN GRAD SUSAN WOLFINBARGER, ’04, MAKES GLOBAL IMPACT WITH U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

From Irvine, Kentucky, Susan Wolfinbarger, ’04, came to EKU as a first-generation college student with little knowledge of what she wanted to major in or do with her life, but after taking a required geography course, she found a career path she was passionate about. She now uses her geography degree with the U.S. Department of State, where she is the team lead for advanced analytics in the Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations.

“The geography department really opened my eyes to the broader academic community and what I could think about doing in the future,” Wolfinbarger said. During her time at EKU, opportunities to study abroad in Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands and Oaxaca, Mexico solidified her decision to follow a career in geography.

“It settled me on the fact that geography was the coolest major you could possibly have,” she said. “I’d always been very interested in maps and places and things like that. Learning I could build a career around my interests was exciting.”

Wolfinbarger attributes the jumpstart of her career to EKU’s NOVA program—a federally funded student support services project that aims to increase the retention and graduation rates of first-generation students. The NOVA and McNair Scholars programs provided Wolfinbarger

with mentoring and financial support opportunities, allowing her to pursue her education and career further.

“I didn’t know anything about grad school as a firstgeneration college student. NOVA helped launch me out of Kentucky and into grad school,” she said.

Wolfinbarger went on to attend George Washington University in Washington, D.C., for a master’s in geography.

Later, she attended Ohio State University, where she earned her Ph.D. in geography.

Wolfinbarger’s background in geography provides a unique perspective for her work in the Conflict and Stabilization Operations Bureau of the U.S. Department of State.

“Our job is to help policymakers understand conflict around the world, do deep dives into different countries, help

EKU MAGAZINE 15

I feel like I’m making a difference. I hope my career will help people think about something they hadn’t thought of before as an opportunity for what they might be able to do. If you are looking for a way to make an impact or want to make the world a better place, this is one of the ways you can do it.

them understand the different conflict actors and the different types of events happening,” she said.

The Conflict and Stabilization Operations Bureau focuses on obtaining better and more reliable information to make foreign policy decisions, she explained. More specifically, Wolfinbarger researches where conflicts are arising, observes spatial patterns, conducts surveys and analyzes statistics.

Recently, they launched a village monitoring system in Nigeria to monitor cycles of conflict. Satellite systems help detect signs of burning and then release alerts to people on the ground, so they can help de-escalate conflicts.

Before her time at the U.S. Department of State, she worked for the American Association for the Advancement of Science as an advocate for human rights. That experience fuels her work in different programs like the village monitoring system in Nigeria.

Wolfinbarger also mentors other analysts on her team. Her team works around the globe, and she mentors them as they create analyses and try to better understand what’s happening in the regions and countries they’re responsible for.

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On top of mentoring and monitoring programs, Wolfinbarger runs the GIS@State working group. “It’s a group of a couple hundred people all across the State Department who are interested in geographic information systems and geospatial analysis. I focus on bringing the perspective of a geographer and spatial analysis into the State Department. And that’s some of the most exciting work for me,” she said.

Wolfinbarger has been with the U.S. Department of State for five years and feels a strong pull to encourage students to consider careers with the State Department. She wants others to know: “Whatever topic you are interested in, there’s a job for you at the State Department. It’s something I wish I had known was a career path.”

As Wolfinbarger reflects on where she started as a firstgeneration college student, she said, “I feel like I’m making a difference. I hope my career will help people think about something they hadn’t thought of before as an opportunity for what they might be able to do. If you are looking for a way to make an impact or want to make the world a better place, this is one of the ways you can do it.” n

JOIN US as ONE EASTERN for the INSTALLATION of

DR. DAVID T. McFADDIN — 14th PRESIDENT OF — EASTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY

FRIDAY • APRIL 29 • 2022 9:30 a.m.

EKU CENTER for the ARTS See the full schedule of One Eastern presidential installation events and RSVP at eku.edu/installation

STRONGER

TOGETHER WORKING TOWARD COMMON GOALS WITH BUSINESSES ACROSS THE COMMONWEALTH AND BEYOND

Jeffrey Edwards, Chief of Staff for the City of Somerset

As she was settling into classes and life as an Eastern Kentucky University student in 2017, Elizabeth Cordle received news that no child wants to hear: a parent diagnosed with cancer. Leaving school and going back home to Floyd County was a no-brainer for Cordle, as she knew she needed to help care for her mother. She eventually earned an associate’s degree from the local community college, but the desire to complete a bachelor’s degree remained.

Cordle, now a finance clerk for the Madison County Fiscal Court, is one of more than 25,000 city and county employees across the Commonwealth now eligible to receive significantly discounted tuition, free undergraduate books, and a locked-in tuition rate for two years in a recent agreement between EKU, the Kentucky League of Cities (KLC) and the Kentucky Association of Counties (KACo).

KLC and KACo are just two out of more than 15 organizations that Eastern has worked with over the past few years to establish educational programs for its employees, said Benton Shirey, director of corporate educational partnerships.

Other organizations partnering with EKU include Google, Kentucky Farm Bureau, Fayette County Public Schools and Hyster-Yale Materials Handling. Shirey said there are at least 15 more organizations who have expressed interest in having the university help develop their employees.

EKU President Dr. David McFaddin said these types of corporate partnerships affirm the university’s commitment to the region. By establishing a corporate partnership with EKU, a company’s employees have access to quality online programs, discounted tuition and enhanced customer service, among other benefits.

“We believe in the power of education in helping people better themselves and their communities,” McFaddin said. “EKU has a long history of providing degrees that focus on practical career areas that empower employees to contribute to workplace objectives immediately.”

Russ Asher, plant manager at Hyster-Yale in Berea, said educational partnerships like those available through EKU are vital to companies that are competing in an ever-evolving market where continuous innovation and education are keys to success.

“This allows us to help define the shape of the future workforce by having students ready to engage in a fast-paced environment with the skills needed to compete in the global market,” he said.

Chief of Staff for the City of Somerset Jeffrey Edwards is a prime example of the long history between EKU and students across the Commonwealth who wish to attain a degree that will help them achieve their personal and professional goals.

“Not everyone can take the same path to a degree,” Edwards said. “I finished mine while taking classes online with EKU and working full-time as mayor of Monticello, and I’m grateful I had that opportunity.”

Edwards said that Eastern’s willingness to provide an affordable and convenient option to earn a degree is important to building an organizational culture where people feel empowered and valued.

“If we want to build a thriving workforce, we must provide our employees with opportunities to succeed while also honoring and encouraging work-life balance,” Edwards said. “This is the beauty of non-traditional education.”

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This opportunity helps make that long-term dream a reality. A finished degree would open up a new level of opportunities.

That knowledge and sense of pride is something I would carry for the rest of my life.

Elizabeth Cordle, finance clerk for the Madison County Fiscal Court.

EKU CORPORATE EDUCATIONAL PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMS EKU CAN DEVELOP A PLAN CUSTOMIZED TO MEET YOUR COMPANY’S NEEDS. Visit us online at corporate.eku.edu or contact Benton Shirey, Director of Corporate Educational Partnerships at benton.shirey@eku.edu or 859-200-0162.

Non-traditional students have changed the face of education over the past decade. Almost three-quarters of enrolled students are those who have delayed enrolling in university until after age 24, according to the U.S. Department of Education. Most of those non-traditional students are full-time employees. Helping them achieve their goals faster and less expensively are a couple of the objectives of EKU’s corporate partnership initiative.

EKU works to build educational programs and services that will specifically benefit each organization. Some organizations desire to allow their employees to complete educational requirements in order to earn a degree or certificate, while others wish to provide professional development or training in a specific area.

“We do not partner with just companies of one size or type,” Shirey said. “We also work with agencies that have various roles, and we need an approach that serves each one best.”

Shirey points to the KLC/KACo partnership as an example of a unique approach. “As the supporters of public services, cities and counties have fixed budgets and are limited to what they can afford to pay their employees. Our partnership allows KLC and KACo member cities and counties to offer discounted tuition to their employees for the purpose of retaining current employees and as a recruiting tool to attract new talent.”

Organizations use the opportunity to partner with EKU as a bridge that connects their business with faculty and students, faculty being the subject matter experts who can provide leadership with the latest research and students serving as new talent for the business through internship opportunities.

Relationships between the insurance industry and EKU have allowed dozens of students each year to serve in internships, co-ops and other part-time opportunities, according to Dr. Lisa Gardner, Robert B. Morgan Chair of Insurance and director of the RMI program in the EKU School of Business.

“Not everyone can take the same path to a degree. I finished mine while taking classes online with EKU and working full-time as mayor of Monticello, and I’m grateful I had that opportunity.”

— Jeffrey Edwards, chief of staff for the City of Somerset

22 SPRING 2022

“We have more opportunities than we can possibly fill with current numbers of majors and minors,” she said. “The insurance industry continues to be an outstanding supporter of our program, and we love having that support. It makes every difference for the future of our students.”

Being a School of Opportunity means being creative in offerings and partnerships to find ways to help people reach their dreams.

“A higher education degree can be expensive, and a lot of students work to help pay for or offset that cost,” Cordle said. “This opportunity helps me to be able to make that long-term dream a reality by offering something that not many employers can say they do. A finished degree, on a professional level, would open up a new level of opportunities. On a personal level, a finished degree would give a sense of pride for me and all those who cheered me on. That knowledge and sense of pride is something I would carry for the rest of my life.” n

EK U Comes with Perks In addition to the vast benefits associated with attending and graduating from Eastern Kentucky University, students interested in becoming a Colonel now have access to added perks through the EKU Advantage.

— FREE BOOKS — With EKU BookSmart, textbooks are free for all undergraduate students.

— FREE APPLICATION — Apply to EKU for free! Both undergraduate and graduate application fees are automatically waived.

­— SCHOLARSHIPS — Based on high school GPA and optional test scores, merit scholarships make EKU even more affordable.

SEE THE EKU ADVANTAGE

advantage.eku.edu

“EKU has provided me with the skills I needed in order to succeed and focus on my career path.

It has also made me discover new opportunities that students have advantage of.”

Kaitlynn Carney, ’21 RECREATION AND PARK ADMINISTRATION

From the Turner Gates to the commencement stage and beyond, Colonels carry a spirit of excellence.

They use their education and experience from EKU to make a difference in their communities and the world.

They are trailblazers, barrier breakers and status-quo challengers; they represent the best of Eastern.

The 2020/2021 Best of Eastern include the inductees into the Hall of Distinguished Alumni and recipients of the Professional Achievement Awards, Distinguished Service Awards and Young Alumni Awards.

Congratulations to the winners as they continue to make an impact.

HALL OF

Distinguished alumni

— J. Thomas Hennessey Jr., ’65 ’73 — As a 28-year army veteran and, later, as a college administrator, Dr. Thomas Hennessey (LEFT) received many honors, including two Purple Hearts, and was recommended and endorsed for the Silver Star, the third-highest award for valor in combat. “There is no higher honor,” he said, “than to be recognized by those you have led in combat.” Coming from a military family, he attended 16 different schools in five states and three countries but found a home at Eastern, where he earned bachelor’s degrees in English and history and an MPA degree, and met and married his wife of 56 years, the former Barbara Lynn Nolan, ’64.

— Delma Francis, ’75 — The first Black editor-in-chief of The Eastern Progress, Delma Francis (NOT PICTURED) went on to a distinguished journalism career as a writer and editor with prestigious metro daily newspapers in several states. At EKU, Francis became Progress editor-in-chief in 1974. The student-produced campus weekly earned an All-American Award that fall semester. She spent the bulk of her career in the Minneapolis (Minnesota) Star Tribune covering education, children and families, and faith and values, among other topics. In 2007, she accepted a buyout during the sale of the Star Tribune and has since reported for regional online news sites and freelanced, along with substitute teaching.

— Charles K. Childers, ’62 — Col. Charles “Ken” Childers (NOT PICTURED) is among the few army officers that have earned a Navy Commendation Medal, and that is just one of many achievements and honors in a lifetime spent in selfless service to his nation and his fellow man—throughout his nearly 30-year military career, in private business and by helping others. Upon retirement, Col. Childers served six years as project manager for a private company contracted to design, develop and implement updated army automated logistical systems. He then served six years as director of the eastern regional office of the National Industries for the Severely Handicapped, now known as SourceAmerica.

24 SPRING 2022

C. Richard Mattingly, ’78 Approximately 30,000 Americans are afflicted with cystic fibrosis, but their outlook is much brighter today, thanks in part to the work of Richard Mattingly with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. In 1980, the CFF presented him with the President’s Award as the Nation’s Outstanding Executive.

The honor was foretelling of a distinguished career, capped by his promotion in 1993 to COO. Mattingly retired from CFF in 2015 after the tragic death of his wife, Carolyn (Combs) Mattingly, ’79. He and daughter Christin established The Luv u Project, a non-profit to honor their wife and mother with a mission to advance understanding and treatments for mental health issues.

THE BEST OF EASTERN

EKU MAGAZINE 25

BEST OF EASTERn

YOUNG ALUMNI Awards — Jordan Christine Burton, ’13 — Jordan (Robinson) Burton (OPPOSITE) joined the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, because she wanted to make the world a healthier, safer place. After serving 2015–18 as a public health adviser with the Westchester County (New York) Department of Health, she accepted a similar position in New Mexico, where she helped increase immunization efforts for children and adults and reduce the pneumonia and influenza death rates among American Indian and Alaskan Native populations. She returned to New York City in late 2019, serving as a quarantine public health officer on the front lines of response protecting the nation from diseases, including COVID-19.

— Angela Bailey, ’13 — When Angela Bailey (TOP RIGHT) committed to college in her early 40s, “EKU was there for me and changed my life,” she said. In just six years at Frontier Nursing University, Bailey has advanced from associate director of development and alumni relations to director of clinical outreach and placement and then to her current role as chief advancement officer, overseeing public relations, fundraising, alumni affairs and a summer internship program. At every step of her Frontier career, Bailey found that her Eastern Experience had challenged and prepared her well. Bailey went on to earn a master’s degree at Indiana Wesleyan University and the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential.

— Travis L. Martin, ’09 ’11 ’20 — Eastern’s lofty reputation as a favored destination for veterans and their families is no accident. As a student veteran and then faculty member and administrator, Dr. Travis Martin (CENTER RIGHT) joined with like-minded administrators and others to make it happen.

Martin designed EKU’s success seminar for veterans. Later, with the support of administrator Dr. Brett Morris, he also founded EKU’s veterans studies minor and certificate program, the first of its kind.

As director of the Kentucky Center for Veterans Studies and EKU’s first-year courses administrator, Martin shares lessons in hard work and resilience with each student he encounters.

— Zach Lawrence, ’11 ’13 — As a student and then staff member at EKU, Zach Lawrence (BOTTOM RIGHT) earned a reputation as intelligent, hard working, dependable and passionate about helping others. Now, as director of economic development for the Hazard-Perry County Economic Development Alliance, he’s applying those same traits to boost his native southeastern Kentucky. Lawrence didn’t want to leave Eastern, but his departure to become a project manager with the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development led a year later to his current position. Lawrence met his wife, the former Amanda Fisher, ’11 ’13, while at EKU, and his mother, brother and several cousins are also alumni.

BEST OF EASTERN

PROFESSIONAL achievement Awards — DeVone Holt, ’95 — DeVone Holt (TOP LEFT) returned to his childhood neighborhood of West Louisville to make a positive difference and serves as vice president of external affairs for Goodwill Industries of Kentucky. Holt, who earned bachelor’s degrees in journalism and English and worked for The Eastern Progress, attributes his success to a college experience that taught him how to engage with people of all backgrounds and ideologies. His bestselling book, “Hip-Hop Slop: The Impact of a Dysfunctional Culture,” decried a hip-hop culture that Holt viewed as increasingly obsessed with greed, sex, drugs and violence and has been deemed required reading for college students on many campuses.

— Lisa Michele Anderson, ’87 — Lisa Anderson (CENTER LEFT), a commercial pilot, has led the development of the United Nations’ first Aviation Risk Management Office since 2011, overseeing the program and managing the safety assessment process for more than 5,200 commercial air operators in 195 countries. Anderson also values her volunteer work, including the Tim Tebow Foundation, Women in Aviation, City Critters (feline rescue and adoption) and other charities. In 2006, she led the creation and operation of The Purple Acorn Gift Shop, a non-profit military hospital gift shop at the National Naval Medical Center. “There’s tremendous value in caring about others,” she said.

— Adam C. Lanzarotta, ’05 — Dr. Adam Lanzarotta (BOTTOM LEFT) graduated with high honors in forensic science as an Honors Scholar. Today, he is a highly accomplished, award-winning chemist with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Lanzarotta works in the Forensic Chemistry Center at an FDA facility in Cincinnati but also collaborates with other divisions in providing lab support on a number of initiatives, including the FDA’s nationwide Opioid Project and criminal investigations, in concert with other government agencies. Lanzarotta has demonstrated his research methods to congressional and senior FDA leadership. He returns often to EKU and discusses his research with chemistry and forensic science students.

— Steve Lyons, ’80 — Growing up poor in southeastern Ohio, he arrived at EKU in 1976 with little more than $100 and a blanket. Steve Lyons (NOT PICTURED) went on to become a world-renowned artist before passing away in March 2021 after a lengthy illness. His “sculptural paintings” were showcased in prestigious settings throughout Europe, Mexico and the U. S., and his “Painted Ladies” series became a favorite with collectors worldwide.

Art Tour International Magazine listed him as one of the “Top 15 Artists in the World to Watch” in 2018, and he was a two-time nominee for “Top 60 Masters of Art in the World” by Art Tour International Magazine.

william “BILLY GLENN” Turpin — ’69 ’74 ’80 — He learned at an early age to respect the land, and, as an award-winning farmer, educator and highly respected community leader, William “Billy Glenn” Turpin has devoted a lifetime to modeling that commitment for others. After earning his bachelor’s in agriculture at EKU, where his “inspirations” were Jack Taylor and William Householder, Turpin began his own teaching career at Madison Central High School. His 30 years at Central were distinguished by being a part of 28 state championship land judging teams, three reserve national champion squads and nine national grand championships. Among other honors, he is a former state agriculture Teacher of the Year.

BEST OF EASTERN

Distinguished Service Awards — Jennifer L. Lainhart, ’09 —

At age 33, married and with two young children, Jennifer Lainhart (OPPOSITE) came to EKU in pursuit of a social work degree. Today, just across town, she serves as executive director of the Hope’s Wings Domestic Violence Program, whose mission is to empower victims of domestic violence. Lainhart was the driving force in bringing a federally funded “Blueprint for Safety” program to Madison County. At the time, it was one of only five areas in the U.S. to implement the program, which partners stakeholders to facilitate a more coordinated, community-wide approach to domestic violence cases. Recently, the shelter broke ground to expand its facility and programming.

— Dale Morgan, ’09 — Dale Morgan (TOP RIGHT) is an investment analyst with LexingtonFayette County Urban Government, but that doesn’t begin to describe the countless lives this accounting graduate has enriched in his hometown as a community leader, volunteer, radio show host, motivational speaker, mentor, advocate and father of two children. Morgan has served on the advisory boards of the Charles Young Center and Partners for Youth. He also works with hundreds of students in the Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences professional development program at the University of Kentucky. The extensive list of Mr. Morgan’s community activities is matched only by his love for Lexingtonians.

— Deanna L. Frazier, ’91 — Throughout her career as audiologist and award-winning businesswoman, Dr. Deanna Frazier (CENTER RIGHT), a communication disorders major, has always been “a helper at heart.” Frazier, who added master’s and doctoral degrees in her field and previously served as adjunct faculty at Eastern, opened a private practice in Richmond in 1997, providing audiology services to residents of Madison County and beyond. In 2018, Frazier took the opportunity to represent the 81st District in the Kentucky House of Representatives. Among the bills she has sponsored are several designed to aid EKU and public schools, support family preservation and enhance communication systems for citizens on the autism spectrum.

— Cheryl L. Duncan, ’83 — Cheryl Dabney Duncan (BOTTOM RIGHT), who earned a nursing degree from EKU, said Eastern taught her “how to deal with life experiences in a positive way and to never give up on your dreams.” After the suicides of her sister, Thomasine Elaine Dabney, ’87, in 1995 and 17-year-old daughter, Ashley Jadine Duncan, in 2012, Duncan vowed to raise awareness about the growing prevalence of teen suicides and erase the stigmas associated with depression and mental health. Today, the Ashley Jadine Foundation (AJF) shares her “beautiful, smart and talented” daughter’s story, provides various educational programs, and sponsors a “One Wing Scholarship” for high school seniors.

SOCKS AND DONORS AND STUDENTS COZY UP TO SOCKTOBER

SCHOLARSHIPS There’s something special about autumn on the Campus Beautiful. The weather turns crisp and cool, vibrant fall leaves adorn campus, excitement fills Roy Kidd Stadium as fans cheer on the Colonels, and students and alumni cozy up with their EKU maroon gear.

October 2021 boasted yet another fall icon for EKU—the inaugural Socktober campaign. The goal was two-fold: raise funds for the general endowed scholarship fund and provide socks to EKU students in need of warmth. Each donor who gave $60 or more to the general endowed scholarship fund during October received a pair of limited-edition EKU socks, and an additional pair was donated to the EKU Colonel’s Cupboard.

At the start of the campaign, Director of Annual Giving Krista Rhodus hoped for 100 donors, but by the end of Socktober, 203 gifts had been made. The impact: 203 pairs of socks donated to Colonel’s Cupboard, and $17,021 raised for the general endowed scholarship fund.

As an initiative of Student Life and First-Year Experience, Colonel’s Cupboard started in 2014 to address food insecurity issues for students. According to the Colonel’s Cupboard website, one in six EKU students experiences food insecurity during their first semester on campus. More recently, the Cupboard also began offering clothing and toiletry items in addition to food. The donation-driven initiative ensures students have full access to basic needs and also provides referrals to help with any long-term challenges students may be facing.

32 SPRING 2022

“A lot of students are stopping by to use the Cupboard to get food items for the weekend or evenings when the food service hours on campus are limited,” said Madelynne Banderman, AmeriCorps VISTA and education specialist for Colonel’s Cupboard. “There are some students that live off campus and need some food or toiletry items throughout the week.”

Banderman said the needs of students vary and depend on the season, but “right now socks are a need at the Cupboard.”

Items are provided on a first-come, first-served basis, and students can visit the Cupboard during walk-in hours or make an appointment.

“I wish to extend a huge thank you to all who donated to the Socktober campaign!” said Banderman. “Students that have their basic needs met and supported feel better prepared to succeed academically.”

With the success of the inaugural Socktober campaign, Rhodus says she plans to make it an annual EKU tradition, with a new sock design each year. When the weather begins to turn cool again this autumn, remember to give in October 2022. You’ll get a pair of limited-edition EKU socks, give a pair of socks to a student in need and provide scholarship assistance with your fall support to the general endowed scholarship fund. n

Turn the page to read about nursing major Justin Truax and the impact of the general endowed scholarship fund.

Help elevate Eastern's excellence on

EKU Giving Day! —————

April 13, 2022

—————

APRIL 13 IS EKU’S ANNUAL GIVING DAY! HELP US REACH 2,022 DONORS Will you join Eastern’s alumni and friends from all around the country and help us reach the goal of 2,022 donors in 24 hours?

Every dollar makes a difference for students and supports excellence at EKU. Your gift helps fund scholarships to make education more affordable, provides basic needs through the Student Assistance Fund for Eastern (SAFE), feeds students through the Colonel’s Cupboard, enables important educational opportunities through college greatest needs funds, and so much more.

go.eku.edu/givingday #GiveBigE

STUDENT PURSUES NURSING CAREER THANKS TO GENERAL ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP

A PASSION FOR

HELPING OTHERS

As one of EKU’s highest-need scholarships, the general endowed scholarship fund supports students who need financial assistance but are not eligible for other scholarships. For nursing major Justin Truax, the general endowed scholarship helps him continue with his education goals and pursue his passion.

“I have always enjoyed helping people,” Truax said. “With nursing, you get to help people when they need it most.

Whether it may be physically saving someone’s life or even just making someone smile, these are some of the reasons I am pursuing nursing.”

Truax, from Lexington, Kentucky, chose EKU for the closeknit culture and, of course, the reputable nursing program.

“The general endowed scholarship has taken off the financial burden and allowed me to focus more on academics.” For those who give to the general endowed scholarship fund,

Truax says, “Thank you to each and every one of you. You have and will significantly help all recipients of the general endowed scholarship by supporting their academic endeavors and supporting their future aspirations.”

The number of students receiving assistance from the general endowed scholarship fund has more than doubled over the past few years, with awards ranging from $500 to $1,000. As the fund continues to grow with support from campaigns such as Socktober, even more students like Truax will have the opportunity to pursue their dreams at Eastern Kentucky University. n

EKU MAGAZINE 35

main EVENTS E3 BRINGS STUDENTS TOGETHER

Last fall, EKU launched the Exceptional Eastern Experience (E3)—a series of events and programs for students to connect with each other and the campus community. In addition to traditional events like Rec the Ravine and CityFest, students were invited to a J.D. Shelburne concert in September and a students-only T-Pain concert in November.

“My favorite event so far, without question, was the T-Pain concert held in the Center for the Arts,” said Student Government Association President Jenna Grace Smith.

“Students lined up and waited outside the venue for hours, and because the concert was exclusive to undergraduates, it was a special experience for many of us who have come through Eastern together since freshman year.”

Dr. Tanlee Wasson, senior vice president for student success, engagement and opportunity, stated, “Every time we offer an E3 opportunity, students have responded by showing up and engaging. Their excitement shows how important these types of experiences are to them.”

For the spring semester, E3 highlights include the MLK Day Celebration, comedians Pete Davidson and Ricky Velez, singer-songwriter JP Saxe, athletic events and various other opportunities for students to build and strengthen connections on campus.

“Research shows that students who find a sense of belonging on campus excel inside and outside of the classroom,” said Dr. Dannie Moore, vice president of student life and chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer. “E3 is intentionally creating an engaging campus life where all students feel as if they belong at EKU.” n

CLOCKWISE FROM THIS PHOTO: J. D. Shelburne concert

in the Ravine; Homecoming tailgating; Homecoming BINGO!; T-Pain in concert; Students at the T-Pain concert; Homecoming. OPPOSITE, TOP TO BOTTOM: T-Pain concert; Rec the Ravine; City Fest.

EKUATHLETICS TENNIS RETURNS IN 2022 After a three-year hiatus, the Eastern Kentucky University Department of Athletics announced the reinstatement of the men’s and women’s tennis programs. EKU tennis will resume competing in the 2022–23 academic year. Men’s and women’s tennis will become the 17th and 18th varsity programs at Eastern Kentucky University. Both programs will compete in the ASUN. EKU previously sponsored men’s tennis from 1951– 2018 and women’s tennis from the early 1970s until the spring of 2018. Tennis facilities on campus include the first-class Greg Adams Indoor Tennis Center and Tom Higgins Outdoor Courts.

With nine combined regular season championships, eight conference tournament titles and seven NCAA Tournament appearances from 2009–15, the Eastern Kentucky tennis programs were a formidable presence in the Ohio Valley Conference. The Colonel men claimed four conference tournament titles in a six-year span (2010, 2011, 2012 and 2015), and EKU’s women won four consecutive regular-season titles from 2012–15. From April 5, 2011 through April 2, 2014, the Eastern Kentucky women’s team won 30 straight conference regular season dual matches.

The men’s team put together a streak of 25 straight regular season conference dual match victories from April 12, 2008 through March 21, 2012. Throughout its history, the men’s program has had 39 allconference selections, three conference Player of the Year honorees, two Freshman of the Year Award winners and five Coach of the Year selections. The women’s program has totaled 44 all-conference choices, seven Player of the Year winners, one Freshman of the Year and three Coach of the Year recipients.

38 SPRING 2022

RECORD-BREAKING YEAR FOR WOMEN’S GOLF Women’s golf put together a record-setting season as the Colonels compiled three tournament wins in their first six events.

FOOTBALL FINDS SUCCESS IN 2021 EKU Football put together a strong 2021 campaign, winning seven games and garnering multiple postseason honors.

Head coach Walt Wells led the Colonels to the biggest turnaround in program history as EKU went 7–4 after a 3–6 season in 2020. EKU won five consecutive games, climbed as high as No. 19 in the national rankings and defeated three teams that were ranked in the preseason top 25. The Colonels ended the year with a double-overtime win over Jacksonville State.

Cornerback Davion Ross, offensive lineman Payton Collins and kicker Patrick Nations earned All-American distinction. Ross was named the ASUN Defensive Player of the Year, Nations earned the ASUN Special Teams Player of the Year Award, and Wells was honored as the AFFCA FCS Region 3 Co-Coach of the Year and the ASUN Coach of the Year.

EKU opened the season with a victory at the Redbird Invitational and then claimed back-toback victories at the Lady Red Wolves Classic and Terrier Intercollegiate.

At the Redbird Invitational, the Colonels shot an 861, breaking the program’s 54-hole record and setting a new tournament record.

Ragnhildur Kristinsdottir broke the program record for 54-hole total at the Johnie Imes Invitational, shooting a 12-under 204 to claim the individual title.

Rylea Marcum fired an 8-under 64 in the first round of the Lady Red Wolves Classic to establish a new program record and claim individual medalist honors. EKU broke its own 54-hole record again with an 858 total. Marcum repeated as individual title winner at the Terrier Intercollegiate, and EKU rallied from a deficit in the final round to win its third team title.

Ross, Nations, Collins, defensive lineman Quinten Floyd, linebacker Matthew Jackson and quarterback Parker McKinney, who set a school record with 229 pass completions during the season, were selected to the All-ASUN team. Defensive lineman Roland Walder was selected to play in the FCS National Bowl and SPIRAL Tropical Bowl.

Linebacker Ubong Udom was named the ASUN Scholar-Athlete of the Year and was joined on the conference All-Academic Team by McKinney, linebacker Je’Vari Anderson and defensive lineman Shane Burks II.

EKU MAGAZINE 39

Homecoming HAPPY

From campus tours to the tailgating before the big game, the Homecoming 2021 weekend was one for the books. Colonels from near and far came back to the #CampusBeautiful on October 2 –3, 2021 to celebrate all things EKU.

@eku_saa

@ekubands

@easternkentuckyu

@easternkentuckyu

SEE MORE PHOTOS AT go.eku.edu/HCphotos

FALL SEMESTER Highlights

BIG E WELCOME AUGUST 14-16, 2021

AUGUST

FAMILY WEEKEND SEPTEMBER 23-24, 2021

CITY FEST SEPTEMBER

SEPTEMBER

17, 2021

HOMECOMING OCTOBER 2-3, 2021 DIVINE NINE PLAZA CEREMONY OCTOBER 2, 2021

FRIGHT NIGHTS OCTOBER 2021

GRAD FEST OCTOBER 20-21, 2021

OCTOBER

STAY CONNECTED AS A

@ekubands

@easternkentuckyu

Forever Colonel @ekualums @EKUAlums EKU Alumni and Friends

@easternkentuckyu

@ekusports

@ekuhealthsciences

@eku.danceteam

VETERANS DAY CEREMONY NOVEMBER 11, 2021

COMMENCEMENT DECEMBER 3-4, 2021

T-PAIN CONCERT NOVEMBER 13, 2021

ROY KIDD’S 90TH BIRTHDAY DECEMBER 4, 2021 OPPORTUNITY BOWL NOVEMBER 20, 2021

SPOTLIGHT DAY NOVEMBER 20, 2021

NOVEMBER

WINTER SESSION STARTS DECEMBER 6, 2021

DECEMBER

ALUMNINEWS IN THIS

ISSUE CLASS NOTES

——––———— • —————––—

PROFILES Dr. Julia Bohannon, ’03 —— • ——

Lori Walker,’94 EKU-Educated Family —— • ——

Chloë Wooton, ’20, and Angelina Record, ’20 ——––———— • ———––———

IN MEMORIAM ——––———— • ———––———

2021 EKU Athletics Hall of Fame Class

For a comprehensive list of Class Notes or to share your good news with fellow alums, visit

alumni.eku.edu/ Class-Notes.

We want to hear from you!

Giving Back For several years, I had the honor and opportunity to serve on the EKU Alumni Board prior to my current role as president.

Working on the Scholarship and Student Success Committee and the Awards and Recognition Committee and also serving as the ROTC representative to the Board has made me aware of the great number of our outstanding alumni who continue to serve their communities and who give back to Eastern through time, talents and treasures.

Additionally, I meet our great alumni at many university-hosted events, such as homecoming weekend and EKU Day at the Races.

By the time the Spring 2022 EKU Magazine is published, we will have visited our fellow alumni in Florida at Fort Myers and Orlando.

This trip will have coincided with EKU men’s and women’s basketball games as we take on new ASUN Conference opponents.

As president of the Alumni Board, I have the great privilege of welcoming new graduates to the Eastern Kentucky University International Alumni Association during the commencement ceremonies. In doing so, I ask them to consider giving of their time, talents and treasures back to EKU. I am truly astounded by the number of graduates who do just that! EKU alumni give of their time through volunteer opportunities and by staying connected with their alma mater. They give of their talents by serving on various EKU boards, and they give of their treasures by donating to help current and future students.

Another way for alumni to give back to Eastern is coming up soon. On April 13, 2022, Eastern will be hosting Giving Day, a great opportunity to share your “treasure.” I recently learned that, from fiscal year 2020 to 2021, the number of alumni donors increased by 11 percent, and total dollars raised increased by 32 percent. These significant increases are due in large part to the efforts of Giving Day. Our goal this year is 2,022 donors on the day. The amount of your gift matters much less than simply joining in. We encourage you to reach out to all of your Eastern family and friends and ask them to donate on Giving Day so that we can continue to increase the number of alumni investing in Future Colonels.

Go Colonels!

Bob Sullivan Bob Sullivan, ’72

Class Notes

Dr. Julia Bohannon, ’03 Charles Crowe, ’73, was elected to serve on the Berea College Board of Trustees for a sixyear term through June 30, 2027. He previously served a six-year term as an alumni trustee from 2014–20.

Vicki Reed, ’75 ’80, was appointed commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice by Governor Andy Beshear and Kentucky Justice and Public Safety Cabinet Secretary Kerry Harvey.

Glenn DuBois, ’78, will retire at the end of June 2022. He has been Virginia Community College Systems’ longest-serving chancellor.

Lori Stewart Gonzalez, ’81, was named interim president at the University of Louisville. This follows her role as executive vice president and university provost.

Kim DeCoste, ’82 ’98, founder and board member of Hope’s Wings Domestic Violence Shelter, retired in November 2021.

Evelyn Parrish, ’86, Ph.D., was named 2021 Psychiatric Nurse of the Year.

Jenny Hildebrand, ’87, has been named warden at London Correctional Institution in Ohio.

A Life of Service Dr. Julia Bohannon, assistant professor of anesthesiology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, is researching therapies that could help prevent infections in patients with severe burn injuries.

Bohannon received a grant from the National Institute of Health (NIH) in 2017 to start her own lab.

Bohannon’s contributions to the scientific community go beyond her research.

Crediting her success to having great mentors, Bohannon, a mother of three, has made it a priority to mentor students who are or want to become parents. “I’ve had a lot of women ask me for advice on how to be a mom and pursue a career in academia, and it’s been a really cool experience to be able to share that with students and trainees,” said Bohannon in an article published on the NIH-NIGMS Biomedical Beat Blog. “I truly am living my dream job right now.” n

Lisa Napier Martin, ’89, has been named chief financial officer for Premier Health.

Ben Robinson III, ’89, was appointed as District 1 Magistrate by Governor Andy Beshear. Robinson was sworn in by his wife, Circuit Court Judge Brandy Brown, ’90.

Tami Wilson, ’89, is the new vice president of public affairs for the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce.

Angie Barnes, ’90 ’97, has been selected as the new interim principal at John W. Bate Middle School.

Porter G. Peeples Sr., ’91, was awarded the Flame of Excellence Award by the Leadership Kentucky Development Program.

Shawn Platt, ’93, was promoted to the rank of major by the Ridgefield Connecticut Police Department.

DeVone Holt, ’95, vice president of external affairs at Goodwill Industries of Kentucky, has been inducted into 2021 Louisville Business First’s Forty Under 40 Hall of Fame.

EKU MAGAZINE 43

Derek Paulsen, ’96, current interim dean of EKU’s College of Justice, Safety, and Military Science, will now fill the role permanently. Paulsen has worked for the university since 2002 and has served as interim dean since 2020.

Anthony C. Bradshaw, ’97, was promoted from staff lieutenant to the rank of captain and will serve as commander at the Findlay District Headquarters in Ohio.

Brian Decker, ’97, was named the Indianapolis Colts’ director of team development. He enters his fifth season with the team and previously served as the director of player development from 2018–19.

April Curtsinger, ’99, published her first Christian children’s book, “Boone,” in 2019. She went on to write and publish “Winnie” in 2021.

Christopher Dempsey, ’00, has become senior vice president and EMEA division manager of FM Global.

Barry Lee, ’01, was named as the new Casey County school superintendent by their Board of Education.

Lori Walker, ’94

Leading the Way Lori Walker serves as executive vice president and chief operating officer of the Executive Leadership Council (ELC), a global membership organization dedicated to providing leadership development opportunities for Black executives within the business world and in their communities.

Walker is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the organization and manages three programmatic departments: Corporate Partnerships, Member Services and Events and the Institute for Leadership Development and Research.

Her previous companies include Cigna, Cardinal Health, Mead Westvaco, Ashland Oil and Limitedbrands.

Walker earned a bachelor of business administration degree in accounting and finance from EKU and a master of business administration degree from Benedictine College. She is a Certified Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt. n

44 SPRING 2022

Adam Noe, ’01, was promoted to the rank of lieutenant in August 2021 by Fort Thomas Police Chief Casey Kilgore. Noe was named Policeman of the Year in 2017 by the Campbell County Rotary Club.

Chad Davis, ’02, was appointed assistant principal at Stanford Elementary School in Lincoln County.

Karla Vanhooser, ’02, and Jennifer Cain, ’93 ’00, were chosen as the Pulaski County School District honorees by Campbellsville University’s 35th annual Excellence in Teaching Award program. The program honored 205 teachers throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky from 72 districts and/or private schools.

Dr. Molly McComas, ’03 ’19, was named superintendent of Clark County Public Schools.

Mary Nelson, ’03, has returned to the newsroom at KMTV in Omaha, Nebraska. Mary was co-host of The Morning Blend at KMTV back in 2007.

Starr Wentzel, ’06 ’08, director of EKU’s first-year courses and learning communities, was recently named Outstanding First-Year Student Advocate by the National Resource Center for the First-Year Experience.

Natasha Parsons, ’07 ’12, a Garrard Middle School teacher, won the M.K. Dickerson Outstanding Educator Award for Excellence in Environmental Education from the Kentucky Association of Environmental Education.

Tara Beth Anderson, ’09 ’13, has been appointed chief nursing officer of the Capital Regional Medical Center, an affiliate of HCA Healthcare North Florida Division.

Jodie Carnes, ’10, a teacher at Lynn Camp High School, was named a semifinalist for the 2022 Kentucky Teacher of the Year.

Brittany Jamison, ’10, has been named a 2021 Health Care Hero by the Dayton Business Journal. Jamison is an advanced practice provider clinical manager and lead advanced practice provider at Premier Health-Fidelity Health Care, overseeing seven urgent care centers in the Premier Health network.

Charles “Chuck” O’Neal, ’10 ’15, was recently elected chair of the National Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council.

O’Neal is the Kentucky Board of Emergency Medical Services deputy executive director.

Brian Perry, ’10, was named director of government relations for the Kentucky Department of Education.

Anthony Jones, ’13 ’21, will become the first chief diversity officer for Slippery Rock University.

Tenth Colonel in Family Joins EKU If you were to draw a family tree starting with freshman Connor Josselyn’s great–grandparents, Ferrell Crosthwaite and Lois Grey, 10 of his family members have either graduated from EKU or are attending, including his entire nuclear family.

His parents, Tony, ’93 ’94, and Dawn, ’92 ’95, met at EKU. His sister Sam got her undergraduate degree in 2019, and his sister Katie graduated in May 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in communications sciences and disorders. His cousin, Sydney Shepherd, lives in Grand Campus.

Ask the Josselyns, the Shepherds or the Crosthwaite families—almost all descendants or linked by marriage to the lineage of Ferrell and Lois—why they attended Eastern, and they’ll each give you reasons that seem to be different on the surface.

When boiled down to their essences, they all come back to Eastern’s people, places or programs.

“We all loved the nostalgic aspect of Eastern but also how we felt safe and secure. The location is ideal, centrally located in Kentucky, and accessible by many, major Kentucky cities. It was a great investment for all of us, and a springboard for many future great successes,” Tony said. n

Patty Sanders, ’13, released “My Journey to Freedom: When Seasons Change,” published by Christian Faith Publishing.

Miguel Bautista, ’14, has become the new division chief of the Scappoose Rural Fire Protection District in Oregon.

Travon Carter, ’14, joins Baylor’s Student-Athlete Center for Excellence team as an academic coach with the track and field program after previously serving as an assistant academic coach within SACE working with football.

Tyler Gillum, ’14, took over Somerset High School boys’ soccer program in fall 2021. Gillum is a fourth-generation EKU graduate.

Emily Covey, ’15, serves as the environmental and preparedness manager at the Montgomery County Health Department, where she promotes food safety, helps with COVID-19 efforts and assists with preparedness efforts.

EKU MAGAZINE 45

JOY ANDERSON 193 3 — 2021

After a short illness, Joy Anderson passed away Sept. 3, 2021. Anderson had a long, distinguished career in occupational therapy and was instrumental in building EKU’s Occupational Therapy Department into the nationally ranked program that it is today. Anderson began teaching at EKU as an associate professor in 1978 and became acting department chair of the Occupational Therapy Department in 1980 and department chair in 1981. She returned to teaching full time in 1996, retiring as professor emeritus in 2006. Anderson was awarded a Baptist Health Women of Courage Award, among many other recognitions.

A scholarship at EKU is named in her honor: the Joy Anderson Occupational Therapy Scholarship.

ROBERT “SANDY” GOODLETT, ’63 ’69 1 9 4 1 — 2 0 2 1

As an educator and administrator, Robert “Sandy” Goodlett spent his career in service.

He earned his bachelor’s and master’s from EKU and his doctorate in education from the University of Tennessee.

Goodlett taught social studies and coached basketball in Anderson County. He was an administrator at Midway College, Marshall University, University of Georgia Student Education Institute and Hazel Green Academy.

In Frankfort, he worked on developing the family resource and youth services, as part of the Kentucky Education Reform Act (KERA).

Goodlett served as assistant superintendent of Anderson County Schools, served three terms on the Lawrenceburg City Council and was elected mayor from 2012–18.

46 SPRING 2022

STEVE LYONS, ’80 1 9 5 8 — 2 0 2 1

In time, Steve Lyons became recognized as one of the world’s best modernday expressionist artists. He graduated with a B.A. from EKU, received an M.A. at Louisiana State University and then moved to New York City and worked for notable employers, including Judith Crist of the TV Guide and Pia Zadora. After settling in Provincetown, Massachusetts, Lyons discovered his future success in painting through the salvaging of old pumpkin plank boards while renovating their home. He began painting coastal scenes of the local area on the boards and displayed them on the town streets for sale.

Due to the success of his art, he moved his gallery to Chatham, Massachusetts, in 2014. He passed away March 21, 2021.

CHRIS, ’88, AND GRACIE HAGER, ’94 1 9 6 6, 1 9 6 8 — 2 0 2 1

Christopher Lynn and Gracie Ann Talley Hager, ages 54 and 52, tragically lost their lives on August 3, 2021, in Richmond, Kentucky. Chris and Gracie met at Belfry High School in Pike County, Kentucky, at the ages of 16 and 14, and married on June 13, 1987. They moved to Richmond and graduated from EKU. Richmond became their home.

Chris and Gracie were active entrepreneurs in the community and touched many lives through their work. They served in many different capacities with several congregations in Richmond and the Prince of Peace Home for Girls in Guatemala. A celebration of life for the couple was held in the Ravine on EKU’s campus.

BILL CLEMENTS, ’68 1 9 4 4 — 2 0 2 1

Bill Clements graduated from EKU with a degree in business before serving in the United States Army. After his tour, he began a successful career in financial services and investment, leading a Hilliard Lyons branch in Henderson, Kentucky.

Clements was inducted into EKU’s Hall of Distinguished Alumni in 2009 and was awarded an honorary doctor of humanities degree at EKU in 2010. He served several years on the EKU Foundation Board. He was an avid supporter of his alma mater, particularly the College of Business and Technology, and funded many other needs of the university. Clements passed away on January 1, 2022, after a short illness.

Suzanne Byrd

Rick McGee

Dana L. Kearns

Donald E. Rist

Samuel S. Leung

Richard W. Snarr

David MacKinnon

Frank Williams

Mary McGlasson, ’61 ’65

Robert Barlow, ’64

Mary C. Hutton, ’51 ’74

Jackie Walker Bellman, ’79

Linda J. Korn

Beverly T. Bernstrom, ’72

Thurman M. Parsons, ’72

Jack M. Burkich, ’49 ’50

John H. Schulte, ’65

Clyde Donald Counts, ’63

Richard K. Smart, ’80

Louise Eversole, ’55

Marjorie J. Stull, ’70

James Flowers, ’70

Wayne T. Wilson, ’74

Theodore B. Holcomb, ’68

EKU MAGAZINE 47

EKU Announces 2021 Athletics Hall Of Fame Class

The Eastern Kentucky University Athletics Hall of Fame inducted four distinguished individuals in its 2021 class: Joe Blankenship (football, 1962–65 and 1977–95), Amandine Faouzi (women’s tennis, 2012–15), Sue Fetter (volleyball, field hockey, basketball, 1966–69) and Lorenzo Fields (football, 1986–91).

The 2020 class was also recognized: Mike Cadore ( football, 1984–88), Jeff Cruse (baseball, 1984–87), Felecia (Hawkins) Hardy (women’s track, 1994–98), Jack Hissom (baseball/men’s basketball assistant coach, 1967–79), Arlando Johnson (men’s basketball, 1991–95), Alvin Miller (football, 1977–80), Charles Mitchell (men’s basketball, 1970–73) and Pat Stephens (men’s golf player/coach, 1982–2018).

Blankenship played football for three years until sidelined with a neck injury. He began his coaching career at EKU in 1977. He retired as an assistant in 1995 and as an assistant professor in health science in 2000. He passed away in April.

Faouzi was a four-time first team All-OVC selection in tennis.

She graduated with a 4.0 grade-point average and was named an NCAA Academic All-American.

48 SPRING 2022

Fetter certainly could be considered a “pioneer” for women’s intercollegiate athletics. She played three sports at Eastern from 1966 to 1969: volleyball for legendary Hall of Fame coach Geri Polvino, field hockey under longtime physical education teacher and administrator Gertrude Hood, and basketball for Millie Maupin.

As a sophomore quarterback, Fields gained honorable mention All-OVC honors while setting an EKU single-season record— which still stands—for highest pass completion percentage at 62.7 percent.

Learn more about the Athletics Hall of Fame at go.eku.edu/hall-of-fame.

Ole Hesselbjerg, ’15, is EKU’s first-ever two-time Olympian, competing in 2016 and 2021.

Caleb Watkins, ’15, was announced in Corbin High School’s 2021 Redhound Varsity Club Hall of Fame class.

Lawrence Weathers, ’15, Lexington Police chief, has been presented with the prestigious Ethical Courage Award by the Center for American and International Law. Nate Mathews, ’16, was promoted to equipment manager for Ball State sports programs.

Jessica Casebolt, ’17, recently joined Oddball Creative design and advertising agency as vice president of business development.

Richard “Logan” Kidd , ’17, was named the assistant athletic director for sponsorships for the Indiana State Athletic Department.

Esther Rugerio, ’17, joined the Danville Board of Education as new school board member.

Billie Dawn Stokes, ’17, proud co-owner, opened Infinity Family Care PLLC in Cadiz, KY. Colleen Chaney, ’18, was selected to be Eastern Kentucky University’s chief of staff and chief communications officer.

Chloë Wooton, ’20, and Angelina Record, ’20

Traveling Muralists Catch the Eyes of Many Longtime best friends and EKU alumnae Chloë Wooton and Angelina Record dove headfirst into their traveling muralist business Pink Merl Design in August of 2021.

Just two months later, Wooton and Record traveled to Texas to create three special murals for Valvoline.

“When the opportunity to work with Valvoline came about we were equally excited and nervous, but we are glad to have tackled all of the challenges that came from the experience early on in our careers,” Wooton and Record said.

Wooton is a graphic designer, illustrator, lettering artist and painter who loves coaxing out the special worlds hidden within blank walls.

Record is a skilled photographer, painter and multimedia artist with a passion for facilitating human connections.

Wooton and Record are currently learning Portuguese in preparation for overseas muralist opportunities.

“We hope to make murals and connections all around the world,” they said. n

Ben Slusher, ’18, married Marah Lee Crusenberry September 4, 2021.

Chris Botsoe, ’19 ’21, has been added to New Mississippi Gulf Coast Baseball coaching staff. He spent three seasons as an outfielder at EKU and spent the 2021 season as a graduate assistant with the Colonels.

Emily Haneline, ’20, has been named the new assistant principal at Lynn Camp Schools.

Allante Leapheart, ’20, journeys to Allendale, Michigan, to play football for Grand Valley State University.

Mollie Paulick, ’20, has joined Bellarmine University Softball as a full-time assistant coach.

Lincoln Kilgore, ’21, graduated from Officer Candidate School, joining the ranks in naval leadership.

EKU MAGAZINE 49

Nonprofit Organization U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

Lexington Ky Permit #879

Office of Alumni Engagement Alumni Center at Blanton House Eastern Kentucky University 521 Lancaster Avenue Richmond, KY 40475-3102 EKU.EDU

— A TRADITION OF —

HOSPITALITY AND EXCELLENCE The University Club at Arlington is pleased to welcome alumni who reside outside of Madison and surrounding counties to enjoy its numerous amenities and southern hospitality. Special Alumni Membership packages that include golfing, swimming, dining and EKU sporting events are now available.

The University Club is a place where you will feel welcome as you rekindle friendships and forge new ones. It’s a place where you and your family can build lasting memories and start new family traditions.

ALUMNI GOLF MEMBERSHIP

ALUMNI SOCIAL MEMBERSHIP

(Annual Fee $99)

(Annual Fee $49)

Membership Benefits: •

Two golf rounds and cart (membership holder only)

Membership Benefits: •

Club dining access

•

Two tickets to EKU sports event of your choice

•

Five complimentary pool passes

•

Personalized EKU/University Club bag tag

•

Two tickets to EKU sports event of your choice

•

Discounted alumni green fee rate of $45 (plus tax)

•

Club special event access

•

Complimentary member practice range

•

Member rate on banquet rentals

•

And much more

•

And much more

Visit go.eku.edu/arlington to learn more.

NOTE: These packages are only available to alumni who do not live in Madison County or a contiguous county and do not own a business in Madison County.