Spring 2022 Kentucky Alumni Magazine by UK Alumni Association

Un iversit y of Kent uck y A lu m n i Associat ion

Alumni

A Crowning

VICTORY

Spring 2022

UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

Photo by Felipe Espinal

Contents 12

18 21 22 24

RECOVERY IS SLOW BUT STEADY IN WESTERN KENTUCKY By Sally Scherer and Jill Smith The tornadoes that swept through Western Kentucky in December 2021 caused unimaginable devastation. Alumni and others share their stories of an area that’s rebuilding.

ON THE COVER UK’s Elle Smith is Miss USA 2022. Photo by Mark Cornelison, UK Photo

TEACHING THE ECONOMICS OF ALTRUISM By Gavin Colton A professor at the Gatton College of Business and Economics is teaching altruism by giving her students the opportunity to learn the importance of giving with the help of local nonprofits.

HISTORIC $5 MILLION SCHOLARSHIP GIFT FOR UNDERSERVED By Jay Blanton A $5 million gift from the University of Kentucky’s largest single donor will target three critical areas for Kentucky’s future workforce and health care needs.

WORKING TO MAKE THE FAMILY FARM THRIVE By Meg Coyle and Dave Quigg UK graduate Juwan Page isn’t spending his hardearned paychecks on cars, clothing and a bigger place to live. He’s helping his hometown become a better place.

ATTITUDE STUDY RESULTS In 2021, we asked alumni about their relationship with their alma mater and their attitudes and perceptions toward the University of Kentucky. Here’s what they had to say.

MEET THE 2022 GREAT TEACHER AWARD RECIPIENTS By Sally Scherer Six UK faculty were recognized with Great Teacher Awards in February. Learn all about them and what their student nominees had to say about the ways they inspire students and help them excel.

THIS UK GRADUATE CREATED A VISION BOARD AND THEN GOT TO WORK TO EARN A CROWN By Sally Scherer Elle Smith found her passion at UK when she began taking journalism classes at UK. Then she took those skills and imagined her dream of becoming Miss USA. And she made it happen.

AIMEE GRIFFITH: OFFICIAL ARTIST FOR DERBY 2022 By Akhira Umar She took a watercolor workshop while she was on vacation. It changed her life, her career and her purpose.

Plus... 5 6 8 11 38 39

From the President Pride in Blue News Research Club News Alumni News

40 44 55 52 56

Sports Class Notes Creative Juices In Memoriam Quick Take

www. u kal u mni. net

We customize. You could save $842.* The University of Kentucky Alumni Association has chosen to partner with Liberty Mutual Insurance, so now you could save $842* with customized auto and home insurance. For your free quote, call 1-866-477-4111. Client #7296

This organization receives financial support for offering this auto and home benefits program. *Savings validated by countrywide survey of participating new customers from 3/1/2018 to 3/1/2019 who switched to Liberty Mutual and saved. Savings may vary. Comparison does not apply in MA. Coverage provided and underwritten by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates, 175 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA 02116. Equal Housing Insurer. ©2019 Liberty Mutual Insurance 13586396

NEW BOOK

AFF_686950-12 CW 2019/09

Playing Black & Blue STILL I RISE

OWN A PIECE OF BIG BLUE LEGACY...

Get an autographed copy when you order on Amazon.com from STILL Publication (only ordering from STILL Publications offers an autographed copy)

LIMITED TIME OFFER...LIMITED AUTOGRAPHED COPIES! valeriestill1@gmail.com

@valeriestill1

@playingblackandblue

BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND LEADERSHIP ADVISORY COUNCIL KENTUCKY ALUMNI MAGAZINE Vol. 93 No. 1 Spring 2022 Kentucky Alumni (ISSN 732-6297) is published quarterly by the University of Kentucky Alumni Association, Lexington, Kentucky, for its members. © 2022 University of Kentucky Alumni Association, except where noted. Views and opinions expressed in Kentucky Alumni do not necessarily represent the opinions of its editors, the UK Alumni Association nor the University of Kentucky.

HOW TO REACH US Kentucky Alumni UK Alumni Association King Alumni House Lexington, KY 40506-0119 Telephone: 859-257-8905 800-269-ALUM Fax: 859-323-1063 Email: ukalumni@uky.edu

UPDATE YOUR RECORD UK Alumni Association King Alumni House Lexington, KY 40506-0119 Telephone: 859-257-8905 Fax: 859-323-1063 Email: ukalumni@uky.edu Web: www.ukalumni.net For duplicate mailings, please send both mailing labels to the address above. Member: Council for Advancement and Support of Education

ASSOCIATION STAFF Executive Director: Jill Holloway Smith ’05 ’11 Editor/Sr. Associate Director: Meredith Weber Managing Editor: Sally Scherer Graphic Designer: Whitney Stamper Graphic Designer: Lauren Tecau Brenda Bain ’15: Records Data Entry Deja Brooks ‘21: Programs Assistant Nancy Culp: Administrative Services Assistant Caroline Francis ’88 ’93 ’02: Director, Alumni Career Services Jack Gallt ’84: Sr. Associate Director Ellie Goodman ‘13: Special Projects Coordinator Leslie Hayes: Membership and Marketing Specialist Marissa Hillman ‘16: Administrative Support Associate I Kelly Hinkel ’11 ’18: Marketing & Communications Coordinator Marci Hicks ’87: Director of Philanthropy Albert Kalim ’03 ’16 ‘20: Technical Support Specialist Jesse McInturf ’10: Principal Accountant William Raney ’14: House Support Kathryn Schaffer ’12: Alumni Engagement Coordinator Amanda Schagane ’09 ’10: Associate Director Samantha Seitz: Program Coordinator Pam Webb: Administrative Services Assistant Don Witt ’82 ‘84: Assistant Vice President for Philanthropy Christina Yue ‘11: Associate Director

Officers Mary L. Shelman ’81 EN: President Antoine Huffman ’05 CI: President-elect Janie McKenzie-Wells ’83 AS, ’86 LAW: Treasurer Jill Holloway Smith ’05 BE, ’11 AFE: Secretary In-State Representatives Michelle Bishop Allen ’06 ’10 BE Jeffrey L. Ashley ’89 CI Heath F. Bowling ’96 BE Emmett P. “Buzz” Burnam ’74 EDU John S. Cain ’86 BE Kevin L. Collins ’84 EN William “Bill” M. Corum ’64 BE Robert “Rob” L. Crady III ’94 BE Abra Akers Endsley ’98, ’01 CI James F. Gilles III ’10 AFE Emily C. Henderson ’01 PHA Vicki S. Hiestand ’93 BE Mark Hogge ’97 ENG Kelly Sullivan Holland ’93 AS, ’98 ED Dr. H. Fred Howard ’79 AS, ’82 DE Shelia M. Key ’91 PHA Kent T. Mills ‘83 BE Sherry R. Moak ’81 BE Dr. W. Mark Myers ’87 DE Tonya B. Parsons ’91 AS Peggy Barton Queen ’86 BE John D. Ryan ’92 BE, ‘95 R. Michael Stacy ’95 BE Jonell Tobin ’68 ’95 BE Kendra Lorene Wadsworth ’06 ED Allen O. Wilson ’03 AFE, ’06 LAW Out-of-State Representatives Brooke C. Asbell ’86 BE Robert Price Atkinson ‘97 CI Shane T. Carlin ’95 AFE Amanda Mills Cutright ’06 CI Robert M. “Mike” Gray ’80 ’81 BE Dr. Michael L. Hawks ’80 AS, ’85 DE Vincent M. Holloway ’84 EN Susan L. Liszeski ’84 AFE Erin Carr Logan ‘06 BE Thomas K. Mathews ’93 AS Ronald “Ronnie” M. Perchik ’82 BE R. Brian Perkins ’97 EN Charles “Chad” D. Polk ’94 DES David L. Shelton ’66 BE Robert J. Riddle ’11 AFE Lynn Spadaccini ’80 AFE Mary “Kekee” Szorcsik ’72 BE Nicholas D. Wilson ‘03 AS, ‘06 GS Alumni Trustees Dr. Michael A. Christian ’76 AS, ’80 DE Paula L. Pope ’73 ’75 ED Rachel Watts Webb ’05 CI Living Past Presidents George L. Atkins Jr. ’63 BE Richard A. Bean ’69 BE Michael A. Burleson ’74 PHA Bruce K. Davis ’71 LAW Scott E. Davis ’71 LAW Marianne Smith Edge ’77 AFE Franklin H. Farris Jr. ’72 BE William G. Francis ’68 AS, ’73 LAW W. P. Friedrich ’71 EN Dan Gipson ’69 EN Brenda B. Gosney ’70 HS, ’75 ED Cammie DeShields Grant ’77 LCC, ’79 ED John R. Guthrie ’63 CI Diane M. Massie ’79 CI Robert E. Miller Susan V. Mustian ’84 BE

Hannah Miner Myers ’93 ED John C. Nichols II ’53 BE Dr. George A. Ochs IV ’74 DE Sandra Bugie Patterson ’68 AS Taunya Phillips ’87 EN, ’04 BE Robert F. Pickard ’57 ’61 EN Paula L. Pope ’73 ’75 ED David B. Ratterman ’68 EN G. David Ravencraft ’59 BE William Schuetze ’72 LAW David L. Shelton ’66 BE J. Fritz Skeen ’72 ’73 BE J. Tim Skinner ’80 DES James W. Stuckert ’60 EN, ’61 BE Hank B. Thompson Jr. ’71 CI Henry R. Wilhoit Jr. ’60 LAW Elaine A. Wilson ’68 SW Richard M. Womack ’53 AFE Leadership Advisory Council In-State Representatives Lu Ann Holmes ’79 DES Grant T. Mills ’09 AS Ashley S. “Tip” Mixson ’80 BE Glen H. Pearson ’87 AS Dena Stooksbury Stamper ’84 AS Lori E. Wells ’96 BE Blake Broadbent Willoughby ’11 ’12 ’12 BE Out-of-State Representatives Shiela D. Corley ’94 AS, ’95 AFE Ruth Cecelia Day ’85 BE John T. “Jay” Hornback ’04 EN College Representatives Michelle McDonald ’84 AFE, ’92 ED: Agriculture, Food and Environment Winn F. Williams ’71 AS: Arts & Sciences Michael R. Buchanan ’69 ’71 BE: Business & Economics Jeremy L. Jarvi ’02 CI: Communication & Information Dr. J. Clifford Lowdenback ’99 AS, ’03 DE: Dentistry G. Haviland Argo III ‘03 DES: Design Cathy Crum Bell ’76 ED: Education Dominique Renee Wright ’08 EN: Engineering Joel W. Lovan ’77 FA: Fine Arts Benjamin D. Gecewich ‘03 HS: Health Sciences Janis E. Clark ’78 GS, ’85 LAW: Law Dr. Debra J. Sowell ’82 MED: Medicine Laura B. Hieronymus ’81 ‘15 NUR, ’83 ED: Nursing Lynn Harrelson ’73 PHA: Pharmacy Keith R. Knapp ’78 AS, ’05 PH: Public Health Willis K. Bright Jr. ‘66 SW: Social Work Appointed Jo Hern Curris ’63 AS, ’75 LAW: Honorary Katie Eiserman ’01 ED: Athletics Thomas W. Harris ’85 AS: University Relations Stan R. Key ’72 ED: Honorary D. Michael Richey ‘74 ‘79 AFE: Office of Philanthropy Marian Moore Sims ’72 ’76 ED: Honorary Michaela Taylor: Student Government Association

www. u kal u mni. net

Growth

Learning

Connection

A perk of UK Alumni Association membership, UK Alumni Book Clubs are private online communities where alumni and friends can connect with each other and explore books on a wide variety of topics. IT’S FREE - All you have to do is get a copy of the book. IT’S FLEXIBLE - Participate in discussions when convenient for you. IT’S FUN - Network with fellow Wildcats in a safe environment.

PICK ONE OR BOTH!

If you love expanding your knowledge across a range of topics, cultures and ideas then this book club is for you!

Whether you are in a period of career transition, growth or exploration, this book club will be beneficial and help you achieve your professional goals!

Sign up and learn more at: www.ukalumni.net/bookclub The book clubs are managed by PBC Guru. PBC Guru manages professional book clubs for companies and alumni associations and will be moderating the group to help make this program a great experience for all participants.

www. u kal u mni. net

From the President And, of course, we will continue to embrace members of our community who are hurting. Our hearts are with our brothers and sisters across Kentucky who were touched by the tornadoes that devastated parts of our state in December. Our teams are continuing to work with impacted individuals to ensure we do everything we can to help. After all, we are many people. We come from many places. But we are one community: one family. We are united behind a common purpose: to advance our state and the citizens we serve. That has been our promise for more than 157 years. It guides us still today. Sincerely,

Eli Capilouto President

Photo by Mark Cornelison, UK Photo

s we enter this new year, it is the people of this university — our people — who give me hope for what’s to come. Over the past two years, we have witnessed time and time again the power of a community united behind a common purpose. While the past two years have tested us, we never lost sight of our purpose. We were created to advance Kentucky. That is what we have done. It is what we will continue to do. You see examples across our campus of this unstinting commitment to our state. This semester, for example, we will join in our annual celebration of great teaching, honoring instructors across our campus who have stirred souls and stoked passions for learning through the precious art of teaching. Educators from across disciplines were nominated by their students as examples of our most fundamental calling: to prepare the next generation of scholars, workers, artists and problem solvers. We continue to celebrate the success of our alumni, from Elle Smith, who is using her Miss USA platform to educate communities about cervical cancer prevention; to Juwan Page, an alumnus working in Atlanta for Amazon while trying to make his hometown of Lamar, Mississippi a better place; to Aimee Griffith, the official Derby artist for 2022.

University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto spoke at the December 2021 commencement ceremonies at Rupp Arena.

www. u kal u mni. net

Pride in Blue Photo by Meredith Weber

UK Alumni Association President Mary Shelman ’81 EN posed with the Citrus Bowl trophy which made a guest appearance at the January Board of Directors meeting.

appy 2022! Wildcat fans certainly got the year off to a great start with a football team victory in Orlando, Florida on New Year’s Day. The University of Kentucky football team beat No. 15 Iowa 20-17 on Jan. 1 at the 2022 Vrbo Citrus Bowl. Go Cats! It was my first bowl game and, honestly, I was a little out of my comfort zone. But it was a hugely exciting day and even more exciting to join the University of Kentucky Alumni Association for all the fun. UK friends and alumni gathered at not one, but two, men’s basketball game watch parties prior to the football game. The Central Florida UK Alumni Club held game-watch events on Dec. 29 and 31. Pre-bowl game activities included the Cat Walk with the UK band and cheerleaders getting fans inspired for the game. A sea of blue Kentucky fans and alumni turned out for the fun. And though it was hot at the stadium — or “wicked hot” as we say where I live in Boston — it was a super, super happy time. And it was wonderful seeing so many alumni enjoy themselves and cheer on the Cats. Kentucky has now won four consecutive bowl games for the first time in school history. Wow! I know this all may sound like fun and games, but we do all this cool stuff for a reason. Activities like these help us to grow networks and increase opportunities to connect with the university and its students. The Alumni Association Board of Directors and Leadership Advisory Council met on campus in mid-January. We had excellent participation — about 40 people online and 60 in person. Our agenda was packed with time to listen to speakers who represent the top leadership at the university and time to listen to each other. We discussed what’s important to our alumni and how we can better serve them. We reviewed our annual report. We celebrated some successes. And, in conversation about the university’s strategic plan, we imagined our future and how we as alumni can contribute to student success.

K E N TUCKY A LU MN I MAG A ZIN E Spring 2022

Some of the university’s success was celebrated in February when we gathered to honor six UK faculty and the students who nominated them for the 2022 Great Teacher awards. The inspiring teachers were recognized at a dinner and on the court at Rupp Arena during the UK men’s basketball game. The UK Alumni Association has recognized the greatest teachers on the University of Kentucky campus since 1961. It is the oldest, continuously given award for teachers on campus. And it’s just one of the ways we celebrate and draw attention to the teachers here. We want you to know what the Alumni Association is doing. We care about what our recent Alumni Attitude Survey says, and we are trying to understand and act on that information in concert with the university’s strategic plan. If there’s something you want to tell us, something you’d like to help with, please let us know. Our mission statement says our vision is to enhance the lives of alumni, the university and its students and provide opportunities for increased engagement by current and future alumni in service to each other, to the university and to the communities that the university serves across the Commonwealth and beyond. It’s a vision we’re committed to. Go Cats!

Mary L. Shelman ’81 EN UK Alumni Association President

REWARD YOURSELF WITH THE CENTRAL BANK PLATINUM EQUITY LINE. 1

NEW CUSTOMERS EARN 5,000 BONUS POINTS WITH FIRST ELIGIBLE CREDIT CARD PURCHASE. Central Bank’s Platinum Equity Line lets you turn the equity you have in your home into cash for the things you want – from home improvements to college tuition to the trip of a lifetime. We also made using our Platinum Equity Line easy and convenient. You just write a check or use our credit card. But the rewards you earn every time you use it are what make our Platinum Equity Line so special. THE REWARDS ADD UP FAST2 • New customers earn 5,000 bonus points with first eligible purchase. • Earn one reward point for every dollar spent on eligible purchases. (Points do not expire for five years.) • Redeem for gift cards, merchandise, travel and cash back. THE BENEFITS ARE IMPRESSIVE • Access to your account with checks and Visa® Platinum Equity Card. • Competitive interest rate. • Up to 89% financing. APPLYING IS QUICK • Apply in person or online at centralbank.com. • Approval based on combination of your income, credit history and equity in your home.

1.99% APR 3.50% APR 1

INTRODUCTORY RATE FOR THE FIRST 6 BILLING CYCLES

VARIABLE RATE THEREAFTER

centralbank.com • 859-253-6222 • 800-637-6884

Member FDIC Subject to credit approval.

Credit subject to approval. This line of credit is offered to individuals who will secure the line with a primary home or second home that is not currently securing an existing Central Bank home equity line of credit. The credit line term is 10 years and a balloon payment may result. The minimum and maximum line amounts are $5,000 and $200,000, with a $20 annual program fee. A 1.99% introductory Annual Percentage Rate (“APR”) will apply during the first six billing cycles. Depending on the origination date of the line, the first billing cycle may be shorter than the remaining five billing cycles when the introductory APR is in effect. After the first six billing cycles, the APR can vary and is based on the U.S. Prime Rate (index) that is published in The Wall Street Journal plus a margin of .0%, .25% or .50%; as of July 9, 2021 the APR (index plus .25% margin) for this line was 3.50%. The APR is subject to change monthly on the first business day of each billing period, based on the previous month’s last published U.S. Prime Rate; resulting payment amounts may vary. The minimum APR (floor rate) is 3.25% and the maximum APR is 21%. The minimum monthly payment is the accrued and unpaid interest charges or $100, whichever is greater. Borrower pays for appraisal or property evaluation. Closing costs range from $100 to $400 for properties in Central Bank’s general markets. Closing costs for properties outside Central Bank’s general markets range from $500 to $10,000 depending on the state. A lien release fee of $25–$100 is assessed at termination of the line. An early termination fee of $195 is assessed for lines paid and closed within 24 months of line origination. Property insurance is required and flood insurance is required, if applicable. Consult your tax advisor regarding the deductibility of interest. Please contact us for more information regarding this product. Terms and conditions are subject to change without notice.

Refer to Visa® Package brochure that will accompany your card for complete details.

News

UK is continuing its support for the new Commonwealth Institute for Black Studies, by providing the institute with annual funding of $200,000 through UK’s Office for Institutional Diversity. The institute was created with $250,000 of seed funding from the university last fall. “Black studies is for everybody, and by funding the institute, UK is supporting all of us,” said Anastasia Curwood, director of CIBS and African American and Africana Studies at UK. “It’s hard to find an issue in the Commonwealth of Kentucky and our present world that does not have a connection to Black studies.” This funding helps establish the institute as a regional — and national — leader in the field of Black studies, said Derrick E. White, associate director of AAAS and CIBS affiliated faculty member. “There are only a handful of institutes like CIBS in the nation, and most are considerably older,” White said. “Although we are brand new, we come in with a head of steam to really make a national impact, and I think that is being quickly seen — given the depth and quality of our faculty, the institutional support and a fantastic student body who is hungry for this kind of information.” Housed in AAAS, a program in the UK College of Arts and Sciences, CIBS is a multidisciplinary research institute that serves as a think tank for Black studies. The institute hosts nearly 50 nationally and internationally recognized researchers with expertise in fields such as Black futures and 21st century race in digital cultures; slavery and inequality in Central Kentucky; race and sport; global Blackness (from Appalachia to Zimbabwe); and gender and sexuality in Black lives. CIBS also collaborates with, and is supported by, the United in True Racial Equity Research Priority Area, a five-year, $10 million commitment that was established last year to support UK research on racial disparities and inequity. CIBS’ affiliated faculty represent 11 colleges across UK. ■ 8

K E N TUCKY A LU MN I MAG A ZIN E Spring 2022

NEW PURCHASE HELPS RESEARCHERS AT UK LIBRARIES Access to quality research methodologies is essential for researchers at every level, from undergraduate to graduate to faculty. University of Kentucky Libraries is supporting the mastery of these methodologies with the recent purchase of SAGE Research Methods, a comprehensive platform designed to support the teaching and learning of research methodology, step by step. SAGE Research Methods is outfitted with an array of tools and materials for researchers of any discipline, including case studies, downloadable sample datasets, streaming video and the complete Quantitative Applications in the Social Sciences (Little Green Books) and Qualitative Research Methods series (Little Blue Books). “A deep gold mine of research design, quantitative and qualitative methods research, linguistics, text analysis, visualization and more, UK Libraries’ new SRM purchase will benefit our whole campus and our growing interdisciplinary research,” said Antje Mays, UK Libraries director of collections. “Students can now deep-dive into research methods at their own pace, and instructors will benefit from supplemental teaching tools to share with students.” Teaching tools available to UK instructors through this new purchase include interactive tools like the Methods Map and Project Planner, research design and methods manuals, lectures with research methods experts and more. Through SRM, instructors can also incorporate content into their course management system, create assignments, curate public reading lists and guide students through every step of the research process. “SRM has every step of the research process covered from writing the research question to dissemination of the final project,” said medical librarian Stephanie Henderson. ■

UK File Photo

Photo by Eleazer Wilson

COMMONWEALTH INSTITUTE FOR BLACK STUDIES RECEIVES PERMANENT FUNDING

The University of Kentucky Board of Trustees approved a purchase agreement for $6.9 million to acquire residential parcels across from UK Albert B. Chandler Hospital on South Limestone for the construction of a new outpatient cancer treatment center and advanced ambulatory complex. The parcels, owned by the Chesney family, are located primarily in the 100 block of Conn Terrace, State Street, University Avenue and Waller Avenue. The design phase of the capital project has been approved by the UK Board of Trustees’ health care committee. “Kentucky continues to rank first in the nation for cancer rates and our expansion of outpatient services at UK Markey Cancer Center as well as other ambulatory services, is critical to our mission to take care of the health care needs of Kentuckians,” said Dr. Mark Newman, UK executive vice president for health affairs. The new complex — with an estimated 260,000 square feet for cancer services — may include multiple buildings but will primarily allow for the needed expansion of patient care services and increased ease of access for the UK Markey Cancer Center. As the only National Cancer Institute designated center in Kentucky, Markey can offer leading-edge and early phase therapies not available to patients being treated

Photo by Brandon Turner

CI, GATTON ALUMNI MAKE BOURBON HISTORY The bourbon business is a Kentucky trademark, and a University of Kentucky alumni couple is beginning to make their mark on the industry. Tia Edwards, a 2001 integrated strategic communication graduate from the College of Communication and Information, entered the world of spirits by helping found a bourbon distilling company. In 2017, she started Fresh Bourbon with her husband, Sean Edwards, a business management graduate from the UK Gatton College of Business and Economics. Together the Kentucky natives are hoping to put a new spin on a local tradition while also reaching some historic milestones. “People in bourbon are big on age,” Tia Edwards said. “‘Fresh Bourbon’ is not an age statement — it is a fresh approach to an older industry.”

Artist Rendering

UK BOARD OF TRUSTEES APPROVES LAND PURCHASE FOR NEW MARKEY CANCER OUTPATIENT CENTER

anywhere else in the state. “The Markey Cancer Center has grown exponentially over the last 10 years. We must expand our physical footprint to keep up with the growing demand for the highest quality and most accessible cancer care,” said Dr. Mark Evers, director of the UK Markey Cancer Center. “With Kentucky still ranked first in the U.S. in overall cancer incidence and mortality, this new complex is vital for our multidisciplinary cancer team in diagnosing and treating our current and future patients to make positive progress toward our goal of conquering cancer in the Commonwealth.” Since becoming an NCI-designated center in 2013, the Markey Cancer Center outpatient clinic visits increased by 57%, including more than 120,000 patient visits in fiscal year 2021. In addition, cancer-related research funding has increased by 109% since 2012; as of June 30, Markey researchers hold grants in excess of $59.3 million in total costs. The proposed complex includes space for other advanced ambulatory (outpatient) clinics and structured parking as well as space for services such as outpatient operating rooms, procedures rooms, diagnostics and imaging services. ■

According to the Kentucky Distillers’ Association, bourbon adds $8.6 billion in economic impact annually, and 95% of the world’s bourbon is produced in Kentucky. After learning this, the couple decided to try their luck in the industry. Combining her love of public relations, communications and advertising with her more than 20 years of sales experience, Tia Edwards was ready to tackle branding and marketing a new and unfamiliar product in a well-established space. What makes their product, Fresh Bourbon, different from its competitors is its recipe and flavor profile. While most bourbons use three-grain recipes, Fresh Bourbon uses four: corn, honey malt, malted rye and malted wheat. Although it isn’t a honey bourbon, this bourbon has a honey flavor thanks to its unique blend. In February 2020, Fresh Bourbon was recognized by the Kentucky Senate as “the first Black-owned bourbon distillery in Kentucky” and that the distillery “produces bourbon with an African American Master Distiller, the first in Kentucky since slavery.” “It’s that big of a deal to make an impact because it’s not only for us and our children but for other people that came before us that didn’t get recognition,” Tia Edwards said. “We’re benefiting from slaves that worked and never got the recognition they deserved. It is such an honor to have that recognition.” Currently, Fresh Bourbon is being distilled at Hartfield & Co. in Bourbon County, Kentucky. ■ www. u kal u mni. net

Photo provided by the Schroder family

COLLEGE OF SOCIAL WORK PROGRAM CONNECTS, SUPPORTS ADOPTIVE PARENTS

Though Chris and Amy Schroder were ecstatic about their growing family when they received a placement call in 2019 for a 6-year-old boy, adopting a child comes with a unique set of challenges. “Parenting our biological children and parenting a child with trauma does not look the same,” Amy explained about the adoption of their son, AJ who became an official member of their family in December 2020. “It was challenging to have a child who had been disrupted not once, but several times in a six-month period. It became the norm for him to have disruptive behaviors, then tell us he wants a new home.” When looking for somewhere to turn, the Schroders were directed to Adoption Support for Kentucky — Virtual Interaction Program.

“I wanted to join to be able to meet other foster parents and make connections with people who were ‘in our boat,’ that sometimes felt like it was sinking fast,” Chris said. Research shows that adoptive parents are often faced with burdensome legal processes, complicated youth histories and feelings of isolation. COVID-19 has made those challenges even more complex. ASK-VIP, which launched as a pilot program in the College of Social Work at the University of Kentucky in 2018, is a virtual service initiative that connects and supports adoptive parents across Kentucky. The online discussions are a safe space for caregivers to share their experiences without fear of judgment. Additionally, the program offers specialized training provided by a peer facilitator, who is also an adoptive parent. “ASK-VIP was a lifesaver to be able to connect with people who were ‘in the trenches with us,’ and who had lots of words of wisdom,” Amy said. In response to COVID-19, College of Social Work staff also developed a new web-based portal and implemented condensed training models. For many — like the Schroders — access to these support services remains vital.    “We would have never stuck with it or survived, had it not been for the ASK-VIP support groups,” Amy said. “They were small and very easy to connect to people you had never met before but felt like instant friends that you could call on day or night.” ■

UK NEUROSURGEON, PATIENT FEATURED ON EPISODE OF ‘ACCESS HEALTH’ The story of UK HealthCare Parkinson’s patient Ann Hanley and her doctor, Dr. Craig van Horne, was recently shared on the Lifetime Network’s “Access Health.” Hanley was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at age 49. A degenerative disease that damages and eventually destroys neurons in the brain, Parkinson’s causes muscle rigidity and tremors, difficulty moving, unstable posture and ultimately death. An estimated 10 million people worldwide have the disease, which has no cure. Instead of letting the news of her diagnosis get her down, Hanley found a way to help other Parkinson’s patients by shadowing van Horne, Virginia T. Barrow Endowed Chair at the UK, and a professor of neurosurgery at the University of Kentucky’s College of Medicine. Her shadowing included following them into the operating room and observing DBS surgery — a technique that can relieve Parkinson’s symptoms for some patients. On the episode, van Horne explains DBS surgery saying, a stimulating electrode is implanted to pass an electrical current that will alleviate some of the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. “The right time for a patient to consider deep brain stimulation is when a patient is experiencing symptoms on a daily basis that are not well controlled with medication after multiple attempts of adjusting the medications,” he said explaining that some symptoms are more effectively treated with deep brain stimulation. Hanley remembers her first time seeing a patient undergo the surgery. “Once I saw the very deep brain stimulation, my mind was completely blown. I was just so enthralled by what they could do,” she said. Hanley decided to make DBS herself. During the episode, she explains what her life is like post-surgery. “I just wish I had done this so much sooner,” she said. “It’s like going from watching a movie in black and white to a bigscreen Technicolor. ■

K E N TUCKY A LU MN I MAG A ZIN E Spring 2022

Photo by Pete Comparoni, UK Photo

Research SANDERS-BROWN CENTER ON AGING CLINIC GETS A NEW HOME, OFFERS EXPANDED CARE The University of Kentucky’s Sanders-Brown Center on Aging opened a new home on UK HealthCare’s Turfland Campus in December. The facility provides a seamless, less stressful experience for a fragile population and is essentially a one-stop shop for memory care and support. At 15,000 square feet, the new clinic has many benefits including: • Multiple disciplines in support of healthy aging: medication management, lifestyle adaptations, addressing sleep disturbances, reducing fall risk and improving financial management. • Co-located services, including cognitive testing, gait analysis, retinal analysis, EEG/EMG testing, dedicated space for social work consultations and patient education/resource rooms. “UK is focused on solving the health problems of Kentuckians and beyond. That is exactly what is being done by the research team at Sanders-Brown,” said Dr. Mark Newman, UK executive vice president for health affairs. Sanders-Brown has been around for nearly half a century. During that time, it has built an international reputation for best-in-class research into a disease that kills more people every year than breast and prostate cancer combined. “We are the envy of Alzheimer’s research centers around the country for our leadership in the fight against dementia,

including one of the largest groups of research volunteers who have agreed to be followed for their lifetimes and donate their brains upon their death, providing valuable longitudinal data that could unravel the mystery of how this disease develops - the first step toward a cure,” said Linda Van Eldik, Sanders-Brown director and Dr. E. Vernon Smith and Eloise C. Smith Alzheimer’s Research Endowed Chair. The Sanders-Brown Memory Clinic is the place where research intersects with patient care. Leaders say this expanded clinic space is critical to the mission of advancing research and patient care. “Our new clinic allows us for the first time to truly integrate clinical care with our many beneficial research programs that can support brain health and the discovery of new ways to prevent Alzheimer’s and related disorders. We also can provide more comprehensive care and family support, all while giving our patients access to cutting-edge experimental medicines that they deserve as part of their clinical care at UK HealthCare,” said Dr. Greg Jicha, director of clinical trials at Sanders-Brown. Sanders-Brown has offered 42 clinical trials in the prevention and treatment of dementia since 2015. ■

RESEARCH TEAM SEEKS BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF ACL INJURY Researchers at the University of Kentucky are working on three National Institutes of Health grants, totaling over $8 million, to better understand one of the most common sports injuries among athletes — anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. The research team from the UK College of Health Sciences Biomotion Lab is headed by physical therapist Brian Noehren, professor and interim associate dean for research in the college, and Chris Fry, associate professor in Health Sciences’ Department of Athletic Training and Clinical Nutrition. They are collaborating with Dr. Darren Johnson, chief of UK HealthCare Sports Medicine and a nationally recognized orthopedic knee surgeon, to better understand how movement and muscle dysfunction affect pain and function within injured orthopedic populations. “Everybody in the country knows what an ACL is. It is the most commonly-injured knee ligament that we operate on,” Johnson said. “Do patients return to sport? Yes. However, I had a patient yesterday — a family with three daughters, and I

did the fifth ACL reconstruction. That tells you, we don’t have it solved.” As part of this research, Noehren’s team takes muscle samples directly from Johnson’s operating room into the lab. “That is one of the reasons I came to UK. The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and the College of Health Sciences are both in close proximity to each other, literally, and in terms of research missions and ideals,” Noehren said. This research is helping all Kentuckians. “If you are involved in our clinical trials, you receive complimentary physical therapy and the absolute top tier of therapy. Our clinic is custom built to provide rehabilitation for individuals with have had an ACL reconstruction,” Nohren said. “We have been able to reach out to a lot of different communities that traditionally have been disadvantaged from receiving adequate health care to bring them in and have W W W.RESEARCH.UK Y.EDU them receive the services we provide.” ■ www. u kal u mni. net 11

The Club at UK’s Spindletop Hall offers

TWO THIRDS OFF THE INITIATION FEE with 12 months’ dues paid in advance

MEMBERS ENJOY: 3 Heated Pools plus a Baby Pool 8 Tennis Courts 7 Pickleball Courts

(A $500 savings for a Family Resident Membership)

Roxie’s Dining Room Al Fresco Dining

Life Members of the UK Alumni Association can join The Club at UK’s Spindletop Hall at any time with No Initiation Fee.

The Spectacular Spindletop Hall Mansion

Incredibly affordable Young Alumni/Student Memberships are available to Members of the UK Alumni Association, ages 21 to 29. Are you UK Faculty or Staff? You can PAYROLL DEDUCT your dues. Please inquire.

Access to Lexington’s Legacy Trail Basketball & Volleyball Courts Summer Tiki Bar and Grill Special Club Events Expansive Grounds Summer Camps Picnic Areas

Please call 859-255-2777 or email membership@spindletophall.org for an application and more information. Also, visit our website at www.spindletophall.org.

Is your Little Wildcat part of the UK Legacy family? The Legacy Initiative is an exclusive Life Member and Active Member benefit of the University of Kentucky Alumni Association, designed for the children of UK graduates. Not only does the Legacy Initiative provide a great benefit to both UK graduates and their children, but also excites Legacy children about their future at UK. Future Wildcats From birth, registered and eligible Legacy children will receive an annual birthday card. For milestone birthdays, they will receive a free UK gift. Milestone Birthdays and Gifts Birth: Monthly milestone stickers 3 Years: Coloring pennant 6 Years: UK Legacy Activity Book 9 Years: UK wall pennant 12 Years: UK drawstring backpack 16 Years: UK key chain and University of Kentucky viewbook 18 Years: UK picture frame

To register your child or to learn more, visit www.ukalumni.net/legacy

By Sally Scherer

More than 30 tornadoes were reported across six states overnight on Dec.10, 2021. Western Kentucky, along with Arkansas, Illinois, Missouri, Mississippi and Tennessee received damage, the National Weather Service tweeted. One of those tornadoes — or perhaps a cluster — chiseled a path of destruction about 250 miles long. If that destructive storm was in fact a single entity, it was the longest path of a single tornado in U.S. history, according to the National Weather Service. The aftermath of the damage received lots of attention in the days after, but not as much in recent days. But UK alumni who live in the area will tell you that while debris is being cleared and repairs are being made, much of the area still looks deserted and destroyed. But the recovery effort is moving forward.

Carrie Knott ’02 ’07 AFE conducted research at the UK’s Research and Education Center at Princeton, Kentucky in the early 2000s when she was working on her masters and doctorate degrees. “I remember thinking, ‘Wow! When I get a real job, I want to work somewhere like this,’” she said about the center. Eight years ago, she started working at the center. Today she’s the managing director there. But the work she’s doing right now isn’t quite what she imagined. She and the center staff of 80 are all still working from their homes because 49 of the facility’s 58 buildings are a total loss after the December 10 tornadoes tore through the area. In a normal year, field researchers would be planting right now. Instead, because of the tornado damage, they’re discussing things like where seed can get delivered since many buildings on the site are gone and where chemicals that can’t freeze can be stored. Faculty and staff are having to approach their work in a very different way. That’s true for graduate students, too, said Knott. While some are in the writing phase of their thesis and dissertation and are now working from space on the UK’s Lexington campus, others are revising their research goals while field clean up — there are about 1,000 acres — and demolition are taking place at the center.

Carrie Knott

Princeton, Kentucky

Knott said about 700 acres have been cleaned up by volunteers and staff so far. Despite the upheaval and destruction, Knott said faculty and staff are grateful. No staff members lost their lives and fewer than 10 lost their homes. “If the path of the tornado had been a mile north of us it would have hit an impoverished area and there could have been loss of more life,” she said. And, although making plans for how to rebuild the massive complex is overwhelming, it will include all new modern facilities, said Knott. “We won’t have to be retrofitting something from the 1930s anymore,” she said. “We can’t rebuild it all, but we’re going to try to rebuild what we need.” Fellow faculty members have stepped in to help. One is helping to summarize the work at the center and develop a plan that will help them as they move forward. And Knott has found a research center directors group with two members who’ve endured similar tragedies to their facilities. She plans to reach out to them soon. Insurance won’t cover the cost of all the losses. Knott said they are looking into creative ways to fund all the needs. Other than that, “We could use many prayers,” she said.

www. u kal u mni. net

Photo by Matt Barton

Life After the Storm

This drone photo shows the damage done at the UK Research and Education Center in Princeton, Ky., after it took a direct hit from a tornado on Dec. 10, 2021. Forty-nine of the center’s 58 buildings were a total loss.

Days after the storm hit, alumna Hannah Myers ’94 ED joined the efforts in her home county of Hopkins County to start a toy drive. With Christmas approaching, some area residents feared that children would go without gifts and, on top of the trauma many of them were already facing, they didn’t want to see that happen. “Hopkins County’s Make Christmas Happen Gift Drive” was organized and word went out. The effort would take donations for cash or new toys that were appropriate for children 0 to 17 years old. The gift drive also accepted donations of wrapping paper, scissors, bows and tape. “We wanted $5,000 or $5,000 toys,” said Myers who is a Hopkins County Fiscal Court magistrate and lives in Madisonville (pictured with two drive volunteers). “We ended up with $50,000 and 50,000 toys from at least 60 counties. We were able to serve 600 families.”

The response was overwhelming. But more than two months later, the community is still seriously suffering. Myers said, “the most fragile areas of the county were hit.” Many residents are still staying for free in the state-run lodge at Pennyrile Forest State Park in Dawson Springs. All the rental properties and hotels are still full of people who have no home to go to. “The first 30 days were debris clean up. Every day we face a learning curve about where to help next. The shock and awe have worn off. But most of what we’re facing can’t be taken care of quickly. We’re in it for the long haul,” she said. The number one need at this moment? Housing, she said. “FEMA shipping containers are starting to pop up, but we need money to help people and it’s not coming yet. We were hit hard, but we’re going to stay strong,” she said.

Trey Barclay

Hannah Myers Hopkins County, Kentucky

Tornado Path

Mayfield, Kentucky

Trey Barclay ’05 BE grew up in Mayfield, the community that was hit the hardest by the Dec. 10 tornadoes. His family’s business, Barclay Metal Co., is still there. His mother’s home and the business were not damaged, but he knew lots of people and plenty of other business owners who lost everything. Barclay wanted to help people who were in need. He started posting photos and stories on his Instagram account. On Dec. 12 he posted, “So many people, not from Mayfield, have asked how they can help from afar. We’re trying to identify some families that were hit hard on Friday night. We’re gonna start with basic needs as clothes and then work on Christmas presents. We are up to four families so far and I will share some of their needs in the stories. It’s not a lot, but small gestures can add up quickly.” He suggested that people who saw the posts either Venmo him or order something online and have it delivered to his mother’s house in

Mayfield. He also encouraged readers to give to funds the state had established or to World Central Kitchen, a nonprofit that had set up and was serving warm food in Mayfield to victims and volunteers. One of his posts was about his friend Chris, who is pictured with Barclay at left. They played high school football together and graduated the same year. “He has been the connector (in his network) for the people that have needs and the people that want to help meeting those needs. I could write a long list of things he’s done, but we don’t have time,” Barclay wrote. “Chris lost his apartment in Mayfield that night, too. He has been staying in a hotel along with so many other displaced families. And not once has he complained or even asked for anything from anybody. He’s just put his head down and continued to take care of his family and serve others.” Instagram readers responded. At first Barclay and his family used the donations to buy clothes

K E N TUCKY A LU MN I MAG A ZIN E Spring 2022

for those who had lost all theirs. Then, they paid for hotel rooms for people who lost their homes and they bought food so they’d have something to eat. “People are really working hard here, but it still looks like a bomb went off,” Barclay said. “There are vacant lots, people are living here and there. It’s just hard to describe.” Barclay Metal Co., is open and helping to support people who want to rebuild, he said. But many people are still waiting for state and FEMA funding to help them get back on their feet. And the wait is frustrating. “We were able to get some money directly to some people who needed it,” he said of his Instagram effort. On Dec. 29 he wrote, “Thanks so much to everyone that has given, called, texted and looked for ways to continue to help the people of Mayfield. It’s more than appreciated.”

Jhonatan Barro Princeton, Kentucky

Jhonatan Barro was living in housing affiliated with the UK Research and Education Center in Princeton when the tornadoes blew through Western Kentucky. A Brazilian graduate student working on a dual degree with UK and the Federal University of Vicosa in Brazil, Barro is doing research in epidemiology and plant disease management. Barro was the only graduate student living in one of three houses the research center makes available for student housing. That evening, his advisor, Dr. Carl Bradley, called him and warned him about the weather radar warnings. Ironically enough, Barro was an undergrad at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas, and had undergone tornado preparedness training while there. “I got my computer, all my documents, all that I could fit in my backpack and went to the basement. I didn’t expect it to be that bad. I was there for two minutes and it hit,” Barro said. After the tornado passed, Barro dug out from under the roof of the basement that had fallen on him. That’s him in the photo at the site after the tornado. It was about 10:30 p.m. CST and pitch dark. He couldn’t see much, he said, but he ran across fields to

the nearest structure he could see and asked for help. People he didn’t know took him in. He spent the night with their friends, one of whom was a nurse who was able to clean up some of the bruising and wounds on Barro’s back. Somewhere along the way he’d lost his backpack with his phone and his computer. Eventually, the director of the research facility found out that Barro was safe. Bradley drove to Princeton the following morning, picked him up and drove him to a hospital in Paducah. Amazingly, his backpack was found. Though his phone was broken, his computer was unhurt. His passport was safe inside. He has relocated to Lexington and he hopes to finish with his dissertation by December. Barro said he received lots of help and support from UK, including the UK Center for Support and Intervention. He recently had some surgery on his back because one place where a rather large piece of wood had entered his skin was not healing. Other than that, he said he’s busy with his work and he’s sleeping well at night. “I have told my story a lot of times. It’s a very exciting story. It’s a story for my whole life,” Barro said.

Mike Hawks

Mayfield, Kentucky The building inspector who examined the Mayfield dentist office of Mike Hawks ’80 AS, ’85 DE following the December tornado described it as racked, meaning the building tilts because its structure was forced out of plumb. It’s the type of damage that’s most often caused by severe wind. “It’s twisted,” Hawks said in describing the office he’d bought in 2014 that has since been torn down. “It wasn’t off its foundation, but it was twisted. The tornado twisted it and twisted several trees up out of the ground on the property.” Hawks and his son Corbin Hawks ’13 AFE, ’17 DE share practices in South Fulton, Tennessee, and Mayfield. The sign that stood outside their Mayfield office, as you can see in the picture, said, “We Cater to Cowards.” Now, their Mayfield patients are driving 23 miles to South Fulton for their appointments. The day after the tornado Mike Hawks drove from his home in South Fulton to Mayfield to check on his office. “It was such a mess I didn’t know where I was. I didn’t recognize the place and none of the landmarks were still there. I never expected the damage and destruction I saw. It was a blessing that it happened at night and not when we were seeing patients,” he said.

A lot of the debris in town has been cleaned up now, he said. “It’s just barren now. In a lot of ways it looks worse than it did. There’s a lot of heart ache and loss here.” In October he’d ordered six new dental chairs for the office. “They weren’t in stock, thankfully,” he said, noting that the expensive chairs would have been destroyed by the tornado. Fortunately, none of Mike Hawks’ staff were harmed or lost their homes. But nearby businesses were leveled and a neighbor two doors down from the practice was killed. Prior to the tornado Mike Hawks had plans to upgrade the Mayfield office or find a new location. He has found a new space and is updating it and recently ordered the dental equipment for it. He hadn’t planned to go into that kind of debt, but “I want to have a nice facility and serve the people of Mayfield. It’s about the community.” A billboard in Mayfield announces the new office: “Hawks Family Dentistry. We Will Be Back. Mayfield Strong.” “We’re going to be OK,” he said, speaking about his practice and Mayfield. “But it will be years before Mayfield gets back to normal.”

www. u kal u mni. net

Close to Home Jill Smith ‘05 BE, ‘11AFE is very familiar with the area that surrounds Mayfield in Western Kentucky. In fact, she called it home for all of her childhood. As the Executive Director for Alumni Engagement and Executive Director of the UK Alumni Association, Smith shares her memories of this part of Kentucky and her first thoughts after seeing the tornado devastation there.

he phrase, “It hits close to home,” has never rung truer to me in terms of a natural disaster than it did on Dec. 10, 2021. Nearly the entire state of Kentucky was under tornado watches and warnings that night. I was in Lexington and anxious about what might happen in Central Kentucky. By 10 p.m. EST, I began growing more concerned about Western Kentucky, the area I called home for my childhood. My parents were in Lexington that weekend, so I knew they were safe, but my grandparents and extended family were all home in Western Kentucky. I was watching the weather developments in Western Kentucky on my phone and keeping up with Lexington developments on TV. Around 11 p.m. EST, I learned that a tornado had struck Mayfield, Kentucky. Images of the courthouse and downtown area were the first to surface. What devastation! Mayfield is my dad’s hometown and the town my paternal grandparents have always called home. My great-great grandparents’ farm was the property where Mayfield High School sits. Thankfully, my family and their property were OK, but others were not so lucky. Downtown businesses and restaurants that were staples in Mayfield were suddenly gone. Blocks of homes were destroyed. Landmarks that were well known in the community were severely damaged or destroyed, all in a matter of minutes. My second thought of concern turned immediately to our UK alumni family. We have five UK Alumni Clubs in Western Kentucky and many alumni and friends who reside in the area. I did my best to check on our volunteers the morning of Dec. 11, learning that some had been impacted but that all were thankfully safe. In the following days, stories of resilience and support began to surface from various communities across Western Kentucky. UK alumni volunteers helped neighbors and friends begin the road to recovery and our UK Extension Service community came to the aid of a number of residents who suffered tremendous crop, livestock and infrastructure damage. The following weekend, I went to Western Kentucky to celebrate Christmas with my family. As we approached the impacted area, the damage was immediately evident.

K E N TUCKY A LU MN I MAG A ZIN E Spring 2022

From Muhlenberg County west, the trees along the Western Kentucky Parkway were either broken or leaning the same direction. Parts of the guard rails were missing and debris was scattered throughout fields. When we got to the Symsonia exit on the Purchase Parkway, it was a sight like I’ve never seen. Houses we had seen for years were completely flattened. The amount of debris from trees is hard to describe. The most astonishing sight was that you could see all the way to the Hall Hotel in downtown Mayfield from the parkway exit — all the trees were completely gone! We made our way through downtown later that day. There were no stop lights, no streetlights and members of the National Guard were directing traffic. Boarded up windows, tarps on roofs and piles of sticks, logs and bricks were everywhere. But, even with all the damage, you saw neighbors helping each other, flowers on the courthouse square as a memorial to an officer lost in the tragedy and encouraging signs with phrases of support for Mayfield. On our return trip to Lexington, we made our way past Princeton. The University of Kentucky work at Princeton is vital to the region and unfortunately, 49 of the 58 buildings are a complete loss. We saw trucks turned completely upside down, multiple buildings destroyed and materials like tin completely wrapped around trees. It looked like a war zone. But like we saw in Mayfield, people were outside helping with the cleanup efforts. As a native to the area, I’ve witnessed the resilience and neighborly love of community members throughout the region all my life. In time, I’m confident that these communities will recover thanks to strong determination by the residents of Western Kentucky. I was so proud to be part of the UK community and the ways our university responded to the critical needs in the area. The donations to the Basic Needs and Persistence Fund, the Red Cross/UK Athletics telethon that raised over $5 million, the deliveries of supplies and toys to the area and the significant outreach by our UK Extension Service are all significant ways the university helped in the cleanup efforts. As the UK Fight Song says, “Wildcat stars will shine,” even through catastrophes. ■

The Economics of Altruism

ail Hoyt checked her inbox in her home oﬃce while her husband watched a British murder mystery show. There was an email from Chuck Sonsteby ’75 BE, the retired vice chairman of The Michaels Companies, Inc. He and his wife, Valerie, wanted to increase their donation to Hoyt’s Economics of Altruism (ECO 410) class from $10,000 to $45,000. “I just got up and left the room,” said Hoyt. She thought she hadn’t read it correctly. She returned to her screen a few minutes later. She wasn’t mistaken. “I cried. I was completely ﬂoored.” Hoyt is a professor of economics in the UK Gatton College of Business and Economics. Each fall, she teaches the ECO 410 class, which is inspired by the — Chuck

Doris Buffet Foundation’s Learning by Giving model. Over the course of the semester, students gain foundational knowledge in economic theories and study what economists say about the nonprofit world. They participate in an intensive group project in which they work with local nonprofits to understand their mission and apply their economic skills in ways that will have a positive impact on the organization. At the end of the semester, each group presents a report on their respective nonprofit and supplies a $10,000 budget proposal. The class then votes on which organization should win the money. Hoyt first learned about the Learning by Giving model while attending a conference at Yale during her sabbatical. She knew of classes doing the $100 challenge, where they ask, If we had $100 to give somebody, how could we get the maximum impact? But by the time Hoyt learned about the Learning by Giving Foundation, she had missed the deadline to apply for funding – a vital component to the course. So, she went to her college development officer to seek funding, and was told about Chuck Sonsteby, who had expressed interest in supporting special projects. “He was all on board,” said Hoyt. Since that first semester in 2017, the Sonstebys have continued to bolster the money that students award the nonprofits through the Davisson/Sonsteby Charitable Family Trust. The Doris Buffet Foundation’s financial contribution is structured to diminish over time. Last fall, Hoyt’s ECO 410 class awarded $50,000, which meant that every nonprofit the students worked with received an imSonsteby ’75 BE pactful sum.

“Our shared hope is students who participate will continue to engage in ways to positively impact their communities.”

KE N TUCKY A LU MN I MAG A ZIN E Spring 2022

Photo by Pete Comparoni, UK Photo

By Gavin Colton

“The idea of students using their business acumen to help the community resonated with us,” said Sonsteby. “It provides students with real world experiences on how to apply their skills while impacting the community in a positive manner. Our shared hope is students who participate will continue to engage in ways to positively impact their communities.” Having taught the course for six semesters, Hoyt continues to be impressed by the students’ tenacity. Most of them are seniors, double and triple majors and are incredibly skilled in their disciplines. “That’s our value added,” said Hoyt. The self-led structure of the course accommodates a wide range of learning and working styles. “Something about this class pulls a diﬀerent level of eﬀort out of students,” said Hoyt. “They become engaged in ways that they haven’t before and feel like they’re doing something real.” Colby Ernest, executive director of The Explorium of Lexington—a children’s museum of interactive exhibits and educational programs — and a 2010 UK College of Law alumnus, had just started in his new role when the ECO 410 students started volunteering. For him, it provided a jolt of energy. “When I went and listened to their presentation, that was impactful. I was like, ‘Yeah, this place is awesome. It should be here for a thriving community,’” said Ernest. Students compiled data and research that demonstrated a correlation between children’s hands-on, immersive experiences like the ones The Explorium provides, and

“When we give out the money, it seems like children win. We’ve given out money to a lot of organizations, but often when it’s something that involves children, it rises to the top.” — Gail Hoyt, professor of economics and Gatton College of Business and Economics teaching fellow

Gail Hoyt teaches a class in the fall of 2019.

www. ukalumni. net

“I’ve been a competitive dancer my whole life. I had worked with kids with special needs at my studio back home. To know we’re making an impact is really special.”

some of these nonprofits, that’s a better GPAs in high school and game changer.” college. In democratic fashion, the Senior marketing, managestudents voted for two organizament and economics major and tions to receive a $10,000 award: UK Dance Team member Emily The Explorium of Lexington, and Harmon treasured the opportunity New Beginnings, Bluegrass, a to blend her passions for dance local nonprofit that helps people and philanthropy working with battling serious mental illness and A Chance to Dance, a nonprofit homelessness to get back on their based in Georgetown, Kentucky, feet. Then the class distributed the that offers free dance classes to remaining $30,000 evenly among students with various special the other four nonprofits: Foodneeds. Chain, Jubilee Jobs of Lexington, “I’ve been a competitive dancer — Emily Harmon, senior marketing, Child Advocacy Center of the Bluemy whole life. I had worked with kids with special needs at my management and economics major grass and A Chance to Dance. For the Explorium, the money studio back home,” said Emily. is going to fund a new exhibit: An interacportant career skills and life lessons which “To know we’re making an impact is really tive sandbox that uses augmented reality stretch far beyond the class.” special.” technology to transform the sandbox into When selecting which nonprofits to Jenna Lyon, director of A Chance to realistic 3D textures of water, mountains, partner with, Hoyt says students gravitate Dance, appreciated the economic tools volcanoes, snow and more. It will become a toward organizations that address issues the students brought to her organization. around the environment; labor and employ- new focal point at the downtown location. Lyon’s studio was a runner-up and awarded Ernest believes that the work the students ment; drug addiction and rehabilitation; $7,500. With the money, they will be able to do in the class, made possible by Hoyt’s mental health; homelessness; children and purchase Marley flooring, an industry-stanguidance and the Sonstebys’ generosity, animals. dard surface that is safer and more versawill prepare them for meaningful impacts “When we give out the money, it seems tile, as well as new shoes and costumes for beyond college. like children win,” said Hoyt. “We’ve given performances. “They’re creating philanthropic leaders out money to a lot of organizations, but “They offered a lot of great insight,” said of the future,” said Ernest. “All of them will often when it’s something that involves Lyon. “The impact they made in one semessomehow be connection with nonprofits for children, it rises to the top.” ter was incredible.” the rest of their lives.” In class, before the awards ceremony last Hoyt’s class has inspired Kentucky Hoyt hopes her course encourages fall, students presented a summary of their graduates to pursue careers in the nonprofit students to think beyond themselves and 50-page reports on their nonprofits. Then world. Avelyn Heltzel ’19 BE was just a juask how they can be good stewards of their they prepared to vote for the organization nior when she enrolled in Hoyt’s inaugural talents in their communities. that would win the $10,000. Hoyt underECO 410 course in 2017. For her, the class “There’s a perception that business colstands that deciding who gets the money is expanded her understanding of the nonleges are just here to promote business, but a difficult undertaking for students who’ve profit world and gave her the opportunity to I think helping students understand that the apply what she had learned as an economics spent all semester investing their time and tools they learn as young economists and student to real situations. Heltzel now works skills into a particular organizabusiness students – things that can make tion. She is preparing them as a research analyst with Community us more efficient in the business world and to make hard decisions. Science, a consulting company outside of increase profitability – are the same But before they voted, she Washington, D.C., that supports nonprofthings that can make a nonprofit announced that Sonits and government programs working to more efficient,” said Hoyt. steby had increased his address social issues. While she hopes students donation to $45,000. The Sonsteby is not surprised by alumni’s class now had $50,000 to success after participating in Hoyt’s class. walk away from her class with donate. “Organizations are always looking for new economic knowledge and “If you’ve only got this talented people who are multi-dimensional skills that can be useful in the much money, how can you give it in their thinking and perspectives,” said business and nonprofit world, out to have the biggest impact? How Sonsteby. “A class where individuals donate Hoyt also hopes that the experican you be a good steward of that substantial amounts of time to help others ence working with these organimoney?” said Hoyt. She informed demonstrates leadership, compassion and zations inspires students to ask them that they could decide to give all self-sacrifice for the good of others. Those themselves: “Am I responsible $50,000 to just one organization. “For who engage in the experience learn imfor more than just me?” ■

KE N TUCKY A LU MN I MAG A ZIN E Spring 2022

Photo by Mark Cornelison, UK Photo

Left to right: Mike Richey, Bill Gatton and UK President Eli Capilouto (2018).

Historic $5 Million Scholarship Gift to Increase Access for First-Generation, Medical, Gatton Academy Students By Jay Blanton A historic $5 million gift from the University of Kentucky’s largest single donor will help thousands of young Kentuckians from underserved areas obtain a degree from UK. The scholarship program will also target students from medically underserved areas who want to attend medical school at UK. The gift from philanthropist Bill Gatton will target three critical areas for Kentucky’s future workforce and health care needs: • Current UK students from each of Kentucky’s 120 counties will be eligible for awards with an average scholarship of $5,000-6,000 based on financial need and academic progress toward graduation. The first set of awards will occur this spring. • First-year UK students from Muhlenberg and McLean counties and undergraduate students who attended the Gatton Academy — an early college entrance program for gifted students — will be eligible for scholarship awards. • Forty scholarships of up to $25,000 will be awarded for Kentucky students at UK’s College of Medicine. Preference will be given to students from medically underserved areas. The scholarship program will also prioritize and support first-generation students across these three areas. Gatton has set a standard for philanthropy for more than 25 years. The college of business and economics at UK bears his name as does the university’s student cen-

ter. He has provided the foundational gifts for both the Gatton College facility and the Gatton Student Center. But his philanthropy for UK — and needs across his native Kentucky — extend far and wide. The total impact of his gifts at UK now total more than $70 million. “Mr. Gatton deeply understands that our mission is to advance Kentucky in everything that we do — the education we provide, the research we conduct and the care and service we render,” President Eli Capilouto said. “He believes in that mission. And he believes that it is Kentucky’s children — this generation of young people and those who will follow — who will secure a future for a state that is healthier, wealthier and wiser.” Mike Richey, who recently retired as UK’s vice president for Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement, continues to work closely with Gatton and his foundation. “Bill Gatton appreciates what education meant for him and for his family. He has a particularly deep understanding of the importance that the University of Kentucky’s university has for the future of the Commonwealth,” Richey said. “He has spent a lifetime giving back and paying it forward, knowing that the seeds he plants today will yield a much brighter tomorrow for our state.” Details of the scholarship program include: • UK will utilize its nationally regarded LEADS program in identifying eligible

students in terms of financial need. • The LEADS program uses unmet-need modeling to match scholarships, grants and targeted one-time aid to students. • The initiative already has attracted considerable philanthropic support from donors and alums to direct aid to students with unmet financial need from counties throughout the state. UK’s Vice President for Student Success Kirsten Turner will oversee the undergraduate scholarships awarded because of Gatton’s gift. Turner said UK’s mission to advance Kentucky depends on ensuring more young people from the state have access to the distinctive education the university provides. Addressing unmet financial need is one of the key strategies UK is employing to meet the needs of Kentucky’s workforce. Thus far, more than 600 UK LEADS awards have been given to students, with the average award being more than $5,700. “Kentucky’s future depends on an engaged, skilled and nimble workforce. This gift and how it will be utilized will help power our work to reach a graduation rate of 70% — a figure that would place UK among the top institutions in the country,” Turner said. “Most important, though, because of Mr. Gatton’s continued generosity, more bright and promising young Kentuckians — who otherwise wouldn’t have this opportunity — will have the chance to realize their potential. Kentucky and its future will be the beneficiary for generations to come.” ■

www. ukalumni. net

‘SENSE OF HOPE’ Photo by Lucas Jackson, Aboutamazon.com

HE’S COMMITTED TO MAKING THE FAMILY FARM THRIVE

By Meg Coyle and Dave Quigg

“

One family, one piece of land, and one big dream to make this place a better place” is the vision for Amazon area manager Juwan Page ’21 AFE of Lamar, Mississippi. Getting into the University of Kentucky gave Page a way out of little Lamar, Mississippi. Now, at age 23, he’s out, graduated and rising in the ranks at Amazon as an area manager at an Atlanta-area delivery station hundreds of miles from his hometown. But staying out of his hometown isn’t Page’s idea of success. Getting back is, and he does it as often as possible — back to farmland his ancestors claimed after slavery and back to soil he believes can once again be a source of pride, nutrition and possibility for his family and his community. “Others may see poverty,” Page said of Lamar, a small unincorporated community about an hour’s drive southeast from

K E N TUCKY A LU MN I MAG A ZIN E Spring 2022

Memphis, Tennessee. “Others may see no opportunity. We don’t have a stoplight. We don’t have a police station. We don’t have a grocery store. It’s a food desert, meaning people have to travel over 25 miles to access fresh, affordable and healthy foods. A lot of things we don’t have. “But when I think about home, I think about this sense of hope. I can swing on a hammock and just sleep without being bothered and not worrying about somebody coming up and doing harm to me. It’s that feeling of the wind. It’s hearing the horses in the background. It’s hearing my sister on the four-wheeler. It’s just a country feel. This is what I believe people consider the American dream — that type of freedom, that type of peace, you know?”

DREAMS FOR THE FARM It’s a fragile peace. The farm doesn’t support itself at this stage of its multiple generations in the family. So, Page lives as modestly as he can in Georgia and devotes as much of his paycheck as possible to buying agricultural machinery and supplies back in Mississippi to help his family run the farm. He started at Amazon in January 2020, and his dreams for the farm become more feasible with each promotion and pay raise. “I have more farm bills than I have personal bills, let’s just say that,” he said. “I’ve never made a profit off of this farm. Everything that we get in, I put it right back into either land taxes or my equipment. It’s for love. It’s for long-term vision.” Page dreams of a future when the farm pays for itself, creates local jobs and gives his community a reliable source of healthy, affordable, farm-fresh food. “I don’t get to talk to many people about the farm or my passion,” Page said, chuckling as he thinks back on baffled looks from friends and from women he’s dated. “Because when I do that, it’s kind of like, ‘Dude, what in the Mississippi are you talking about? Why this? Out of all the things you could do, why this?’” Chadwick George ’20 CI and Eli Caldwell ’20 CI — college friends of Page’s who also work at Amazon — don’t question his priorities. “Honestly, I commend him,” George said. “People can

spend a lot of their paychecks on cars and clothes and getting bigger apartments. He’s putting it into something he loves.”

HELPING OTHERS Being there for people is at the core of Page’s farming in Mississippi and his work life in Georgia. Describing the way he starts his shift as a manager, he said: “I walk around, see the people, speak to everybody, let people know before I sit down ‘I see you. I’m here.’” He intends to excel, create opportunity for others and keep earning more responsibility. He summed up his farming with the words “one family, one piece of land and one big dream to make this place a better place.” He, his family, and his church community make sure that people who normally struggle to afford fresh, nutritious food benefit from each harvest. “This land has been a safe haven,” he said, thinking back over the generations. “It means everything to say next year we’ll potentially be a small business and employer. The biggest thing I want to do is to be a part of a new era of light in the community.” ■ This article originally appeared on aboutamazon.com

Photo by Lynsey Weatherspoon, Aboutamazon.com

Juwan Page, who started at Amazon as a temporary associate, is now an area manager near Atlanta.

THE BIGGEST THING I WANT TO DO IS TO

BE A PA RT O F A NEW ERA OF LIGHT IN THE COMMUNITY.

www. u kal u mni. net

TAKING THE PULSE ALUMNI ATTITUDE STUDY RESULTS

In 2021, the University of Kentucky Alumni Association commissioned an in-depth Alumni Attitude Study that examined alumni relationships with their alma mater and their attitudes and perceptions toward the University of Kentucky. Links to the online survey were sent to all UK alumni with a valid email address and 2,152 alumni completed the survey. The results will be used to help shape the association’s strategic plan. Here is a snapshot of what we learned.

To view more results from the Alumni Attitude Survey, visit: WWW.UKALUMNI.NET/SURVEY.

WHO RESPONDED

27%

live within 50 miles of the University of Kentucky

60% 21% 18%

earned an undergraduate degree earned a graduate degree earned both types of degrees

95%

$ 24

64%

of our alumni give and plan to continue to give.

KE N TUCKY A LU MN I MAG A ZIN E Spring 2022

46%

TOP ACTIVITIES THAT ALUMNI WOULD BE MOST LIKELY TO ENGAGE IN:

rated their UK student experience as good to excellent.

79%

Male

Female

YOUR EXPERIENCES

said they are likely to promote UK to prospective students.

54%

Attending the University of Kentucky athletic events

Networking with other alumni

Providing leadership by serving on boards and committees

Mentoring students

Attending general alumni and UK events

PASSING IT ON Respondents were asked to rate how important it is for alumni to do the following things and how well UK supports alumni in doing them. IDENTIFYING JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR GRADUATES SERVING AS AMBASSADORS TO PROMOTE UK RECRUITING STUDENTS MENTORING STUDENTS NETWORKING WITH OTHER ALUMNI PROVIDING LEADERSHIP IMPORTANTANCE

PERFORMANCE

NOT IMPORTANT

SOMEWHAT IMPORTANT

VERY IMPORTANT

STRONG CONNECTIONS

LOYALTY TO UK

NOT LOYAL

SOMEWHAT LOYAL

LOYAL

UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY IN ATHLETICS MY MAJOR OR DEGREE PROGRAM MY COLLEGE/SCHOOL WITHIN UK A FACULTY MEMBER OR INSTRUCTOR A STUDENT ORGANIZATION OR ACTIVITY I WAS ASSOCIATED WITH

58-73%

TOP THINGS IMPACTING OVERALL OPINION OF UK:

VERY LOYAL

UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY IN GENERAL

CRITICALLY IMPORTANT

Value/respect for degree

Availability of scholarships

Accomplishments of students

History/tradition

A diverse and inclusive environment

FEEL THE FREQUENCY OF COMMUNICATION (email, printed materials, social media presence, invitations, solicitations)

IS “ABOUT RIGHT.” www. u kal u mni. net

A Big Blue Thanks

to all of our new Life Members*!

Life Members are among our most loyal alumni and friends. We salute your commitment to strengthening UK’s alumni community and honor your dedication to the university’s past and future. Stanley Abell Keith Allen Holly Allum Doug Antle Brian Austin Jaye Beeler Mary Bell John Boone Larry Burton Ronald Calhoun Benson Campbell Scott Carpenter Melissa Carter Jon Chellgren Tim Chesney Mary Clough Joseph Cochran Tressa Davis Gary Deaton Johnny Duggins Carrie Dynis

Lloyd Edens James Edwards Patricia Fairbanks Timothy Ferguson Lori Fishman Rhandi Gallegos Kyle Garner Ryan Garner Thomas Gaston Benjamin Gecewich Adam Georgel Matthew Gibb Bradley Gilbert Leah Giordano Emily Gockley Daryl Graves Anna Hall Mark Handloser Jim Harty Catherine Haworth Luis Hernandez

Traci Hersey Mitchell Hoying John Hudson Brian Hunt Diego Hurtado Jennifer Jackson Daniel Johnson Todd Johnson Jo-Jean Keller Joseph Keller Carlene Laseter Neal Lemmerman William Mattingly Nicole Mayhew Michael McKinney David Meyer John Miller Mark Miracle Shaun Moffett Stephen Morgan Bryan Morgenthaler

Christine Myers Gerald Netzky William Nixon Kate Northcott Michael Parks Cynthia Pennington Jeremiah Pickett Keith Pierce James Powers Joshua Proffitt Robert Quarles Terra Quick Bobby Rainey Juli Ratinaud James Richmond LynnAnne Rose Travis Sanders James Schadler Amy Schmidt Paul Schneider Charles Schultz

Elizabeth Sergent Matthew Setters Edward Simpson Edward Spain Sandra Summe Joanne Talbott Suzanne Taldone Nancy Theobald Cory Thomas Laykin Tucker Kristi Utley Steven Vance Stephanie Wagner Peggy Williams Rick Wilsey Susan Zeller *New paid-in-full Life Members Oct. 20, 2021 – Jan. 23, 2022

You can help make Big Blue Nation stronger than ever! Become a Life Member today! www.ukalumni.net/membership or call 800-269-ALUM (2586) 26

K E N TUCKY A LU MN I MAG A ZIN E Spring 2022

TOGETHER WE ARE WILDCAT STRONG

THE OFFICIAL UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY CLASS RING The official UK Ring represents all that Wildcats hold dear. The official ring collection captures the spirit of pride and promise that has built

SAVE $50

the University of Kentucky tradition of excellence since 1865. Your official ring will

on your qualifying College Ring purchase now through 3/31/2022.*

keep you forever connected to the time and dedication spent earning your degree.

WITH CODE: JEWELRY50

Shop now at jostens.com/college *Save $50 when you design and purchase a qualifying college class ring or jewelry item, through March 31, 2022 by using promo code JEWELRY50 at checkout on Jostens.com. Promotion applies to college jewelry catalog offering only and excludes any other products. Product collections vary by school and offer not eligible at all schools. Offer excludes: keepsake jewelry boxes, nursing pins, watches, military academy rings, and high school jewelry. Limit one promo code per order. Promotion cannot be combined with any other offer or discounts. Discount will not be applied to taxes, applicable shipping/handling and other fees. Offer subject to adjustment due to returns, cancellations and exchanges. Not valid on prior purchases. Not valid for cash or cash equivalent. Valid only for online orders placed on Jostens.com and shipped to U.S. addresses. Expires 3/31/2022 at 11:59pm CT. Offer may be modified or discontinued at any time without notice.

Yours for the taking We want individuals with energy, enthusiasm, and—above all—a passion for learning. If you communicate well, multitask, and take care of business quickly and responsibly, we want you.

longship.us/careers

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2021 AND 2022 GREAT TEACHERS On Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2022, the 2021 and 2022 Great Teacher Award recipients were recognized together before the LSU vs. Kentucky men’s basketball game. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the 2021 Great Teacher Award recipients were unable to be recognized on the floor of Rupp Arena at a Kentucky men’s basketball game. Pictured from left to right are: Janie McKenzie-Wells (2020-2021 UK Alumni Association Awards Committee Chair), Clark Kebodeaux (2021), Christopher Crawford (2021), Hannah Miner Myers (2020-2021 UK Alumni Association President), Chad Risko (2021), Mary L. Shelman (2021-2022 UK Alumni Association President), Wayne Sanderson (2021), Zachary Bray (2022), Beth Rous (2022), Cortney Lollar (2022), Beth Barnes (2022), Olivia Davis (2022), Jack Groppo (2022) and Tonya Parsons (2020-2021 UK Alumni Association Awards Committee Chair).

K E N TUCKY A LU MN I MAG A ZIN E Spring 2022

www. u kal u mni. net

Photo by Elliott Hess, UK Athletics

INTRODUCING

Our 2022

GREAT TEACHER AWARD

Recipients!

By Sally Scherer

or more than 60 years, the University of Kentucky Alumni Association has recognized what is at the core of making UK a great university — great teachers. The Great Teacher Award, the oldest continuously given award for teachers, has honored six faculty members based on outstanding teaching, concern for students inside and outside of the classroom as well as involvement in the academic community. Nominations are accepted by current students. Recipients are selected by a committee appointed by the UK Alumni Association’s Board of Directors and representatives of the student organization Omicron Delta Kappa. Recipients receive an engraved award and stipend.

KE N TUCKY A LU MN I MAG A ZIN E Spring 2022

Photos by UK Photo

BETH BARNES

Professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies, College of Communication and Information, Integrated Strategic Communication

Beth Barnes is a professor and the director of Undergraduate Studies in the Department of Integrated Strategic Communication in the College of Communication and Information. She also heads up international studies programs for the college and represents it on the university’s International Advisory Council. For 13 years she was director of the School of Journalism and Telecommunications. Barnes teaches the introductory course in the ISC major as well as courses in account

management, public relations and sales promotion and sponsorship. Her nominator, Courtney Cavallo described Barnes’ lectures as “thoroughly engaging.” “Her experience and knowledge were evident in each course,” Cavallo wrote. She teaches study abroad courses in London, England and Cape Town, South Africa. Her students in the Cape Town program develop communications campaigns for non-profit organizations in the region’s townships. With Barnes’ extensive experience abroad, “she was able to provide numerous examples of how what we were learning in class could apply to real-world applications on a global scale,” Cavallo wrote. To date, UK students have assisted 19 Cape Town-area non-profits in promoting their organizations. Barnes has also worked with the Zambia Institute of Marketing to develop a post-graduate curriculum in integrated marketing communication. Barnes’ “overall approach to teaching is an outstanding method in itself,” wrote Cavallo. “Every assignment and project she assigned was purposeful and important.

Added Cavallo, Barnes made it clear that student success and wellbeing is her priority. “I have never had another professor who care for their students like Dr. Barnes does. She would start every class by asking how everyone was doing and what they had planned for the weekend. It’s the little things,” wrote Cavallo who added that as a senior who’s preparing to graduate, “I have never felt more prepared as Dr. Barnes exposed us to numerous resources that made us already feel like true ISC professionals.” Barnes’ professional background is in advertising and public relations. She is the co-author of two textbooks and has written articles on a range of topics, most related to ISC teaching issues. She holds a bachelor’s from the College of William and Mary and master’s and doctoral degrees from Northwestern University.

Nominator: Courtney Cavallo,

Communication and Information, senior, Integrated Strategic Communication

ZACHARY BRAY James and Mary Lassiter Professor of Law, Rosenberg College of Law Zachary Bray’s ability to keep students engaged in special ways during the COVID-19 pandemic is one of the reasons Bray stands out as a great teacher for nominator Michaela Taylor. Bray provided pre-class videos that covered basic class materials and concepts that helped students receive an advance understanding of the subject before it was taught, Taylor said. “This led to better in-class discussion because we did not have to spend class time going through the basics and instead got to dive deeper into topics,” she wrote. Bray “went above and beyond to facilitate good discussion to make Zoom class seem as interactive and normal as possible.” A Lexington native, Bray returned home to teach at the Rosenberg College of Law in 2016. He was promoted to full professor in 2020. Prior to UK, he taught at the University of Houston Law Center where he was recognized with a university-wide Provost’s Teaching Excellence Award based on student and colleague nominations and the assessment of previous award-winning

teachers from across that university. In addition to being creative while teaching, Bray has served on the University Senate and he regularly serves on student organization panels and as a faculty advisor for student publications. Bray makes himself available to students, often keeping in-person and virtual office hours until late at night, Taylor wrote. Bray’s research focuses on monument law, private land trusts, low-income housing, the Endangered Species Act, groundwater conflicts, and religious land use has been published in several law journals. Bray has taught as a visitor at the Washington University School of Law and the William & Mary Law School. He has taught undergraduate students considering law school in the Kentucky Legal Education Opportunity Summer Institute and the University of Houston Law Center Pre-Law Pipeline Program. Prior to entering academia, Bray worked for the Honorable Jennifer B. Coffman of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern and Western Districts of Kentucky, for the

Honorable Carolyn Dineen King of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, and as an attorney at Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP in Los Angeles, California. Bray is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and the Yale Law School.

Nominator: Michaela Taylor,

Rosenberg College of Law, second year, law

www. u kal u mni. net

OLIVIA DAVIS

Associate Director and Lecturer, Gatton College of Business and Economics, Accountancy

It’s Olivia Davis’ experience as a CPA that helps make her a great teacher, said her nominee, Adam Rogers. Davis is “always able to illuminate a point with real-world applications that make the digestion of the material much more enriching,” Rogers wrote. Prior to joining the UK faculty in 2018, Davis was in public accounting with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. Davis invites students to go beyond the technical accounting and auditing concepts.

She “always delves deeper, which enhances the understanding of everyone in the class. She provides students with the ‘why’ to their questions, not just the ‘how,’” Rogers wrote. Her “encyclopedic knowledge of current events related to the business and accounting world is impressive enough, but the most remarkable part is her ability to integrate these events into class discussion and student questions.” Her greatest superpower, according to Rogers, is her willingness to be there for students. “Almost every time I’ve walked past her office in the past three years, her door has been open for students. More often than not, she is helping a student with academic, professional or general life concerns.” In addition to her work in the classroom, Davis is the faculty advisor for the UK Student Chapter of the National Association of Black Accountants and she has been a professional member of NABA since 2005. She has served in a variety of leadership roles with the Greater Louisville NABA Chapter. She is on the Board of Directors for the Kentucky Society of CPAs and is a member

of the KYCPA Diversity and Inclusion Committee. In 2019, she founded the Gatton College’s FASTrack program which provides opportunities for high school students to learn about professional career fields and gain experience in them. Davis believes strongly in community service in areas where one has both skills and passion. She serves on several community boards including the Explorium of Lexington and Providence Montessori School Board of Directors. She was awarded the Gatton College Teaching Excellence Award in 2020, the 2021 Gatton College Faculty of the Year (student selected), and 2021 University of Kentucky Provost’s Award for Outstanding Teaching. Davis holds a bachelor’s and master’s in accounting from the University of Kentucky.

Nominator: Adam Rogers,

Gatton College of Business and Economics, graduate student, accounting

JACK GROPPO Professor, Director of Undergraduate Studies, College of Engineering, Mining Engineering Mineralogy and its impact on mineral processing engineering can be taught through lectures and slideshow presentations, but not in Jack Groppo’s class. It’s not unusual for Groppo to bring samples of an ore or mineral, mineral concentrate and refined metal to class to explain how the art of mineral processing allows the mining industry to turn copper ore into copper metal for use in consumer good such as household wiring and cell phone circuit boards. And don’t be surprised if Groppo’s classes include field trips to generating stations to illustrate the complexities of coal, natural gas, hydro and solar power use. If you’ve taken his EGR 542 class, it’s very likely you’ve visited UK’s heating and cooling facilities. Nominee Zebulon Hart describes both these teaching methods as “pretty unique and incredibly effective.” And when students are asking questions that UK courses are not addressing, Groppo develops new courses. It’s Groppo’s ability to present material in an understandable manner while not compromising the rigor of his profession that

make him a great teacher, Hart wrote. In addition to his classroom role, Groppo co-created the sustainable campus electronics recycling program at UK, he developed the Center for Applied Energy Research “Energy 101” outreach program for underserved elementary schools, he’s the faculty advisor for the UK Society of Mining Engineers Student Chapter and he is the advisor and mentor for numerous multidisciplinary capstone and senior design projects. Also, he has developed a short course to increase understanding of scientific aspects of coal utilization byproducts that is now offered annually. He was the inaugural adviser for the University of Kentucky Energy Club and he has voluntarily stepped in as the department’s recruiter, regularly engaging with prospective students, first-year students and student within other disciplines, write Hart. The door is always open to Groppo’s office, Hart wrote. He “knows every single mining engineering undergraduate student, a fact he is quite proud of. He is familiar with students’ internship experience, future job

KE N TUCKY A LU MN I MAG A ZIN E Spring 2022

interests and even details like hobbies. He views his role as a professor as more than just a lecturer, but also a mentor,” Hart said. Groppo earned his bachelor’s and master’s from Virginia Tech and his doctorate from the University of Kentucky.

Nominator: Zebulon Hart,

College of Engineering, graduate student, mining engineering

CORTNEY LOLLAR James and Mary Lassiter Professor of Law, Rosenberg College of Law Cortney Lollar’s work in the courtroom representing adult and juvenile defendants at the Federal Defender Program in Atlanta and the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia has impacted her teaching. Student Michaela Taylor nominated Lollar. She wrote, her “practical knowledge allows her to field student questions with a modern and thoughtful approach that facilitates lively discussions about topics that are pertinent to the nation, especially in the areas of social justice.” Taylor also said that Lollar went “above and beyond” in creating methods of student engagement during the pandemic. “In class she facilitated discussion outside of the normal Socratic method. She incorporated group work even though we were on Zoom,” Taylor wrote. “Discussion in our criminal procedure class gets to the core issues of our criminal justice system and although there are many opinions in the room, Professor Lollar makes sure to allow all voices to be heard.” Lollar’s expertise in criminal law and procedure have led to her testimony before the Department of Defense Judicial

Proceedings Panel on sexual assault in the military and Chief Justice Roberts’s Ad Hoc Committee to Review the Criminal Justice Act Program (also known as the Cardone Commission). During the pandemic, when classes were being held remotely, Lollar set up time to meet students and socially distance, Taylor said. Also, she set up Netflix movie parties so students could watch films about criminal law topics together virtually. Taylor specifically remembers Lollar spending time with her the day of the sentencing of the Louisville police officers who were involved in the shooting death of Breonna Taylor. “I had an office hour scheduled with her. As soon as I got on the Zoom she could tell that I was upset. She spent over an hour with me talking through the situation and asking how I was feeling as a black woman in Kentucky.” Lollar received her bachelor’s degree from Brown University, and her juris doctor from New York University School of Law, where she was Editor-in-Chief of the Review of Law and Social Change.

Nominator: Michaela Taylor,

Rosenberg College of Law, second year, law

BETH ROUS Professor, College of Education, Educational Leadership Studies

Beth Rous has spent her career working to advance knowledge on how people design and lead complex human service systems. She believes that all children have a right to high-quality educational experiences and has generated more than $98 million in grants and contracts to help realize this vision. Christopher Joseph Hayden IV nominated Rous. A teacher himself, he wrote, “She is able to make clear and meaningful connections with the course content and what is going on around us and in our

professional lives. I would describe what she is doing as four-dimensional teaching: we learn theory, connect that theory to what is happening in the real world, evaluate the potential impact of exploring such an area practically and then at the same time seek to engage through our on research and work.” Rous has worked at the state and national levels to help build and implement programs and services for children from vulnerable populations. All that experience has served her students well, said Hayden. “She designed an incredible approach to developing research area expertise and research design procedures that I continue to draw on as a student and she used a variety of techniques in her classes that scaffold the process of learning and mastery very well,” Hayden wrote. Rous chairs the doctoral program in Educational Leadership Studies. She has a long history of serving as a mentor to graduate students and early-career faculty, including serving as chair on over 35 dissertation committees and as a mentor for seven postdoctoral scholars.

Hayden added “Her deep understanding of the personal obstacles that can occur during a doctoral journey allow her to be a steadfast guidepost and often a beacon of light during any dark part of the journey.” Rous has been trained in special education, early childhood, and leadership. Rous regularly serves as a technical advisor/ consultant at the national level for both the U.S Department of Education and Health and Human Services. She has a bachelor’s degree from Morehead State University and a master’s and a doctorate from the University of Kentucky.

Nominator: Christopher Joseph Hayden IV, College of Education, graduate student, educational leadership

www. u kal u mni. net

Photo by Mark Cornelison, UK Photo

A Crowning

VICTORY

CI alumna credits UK for her win of coveted crown and sash By Sally Scherer

K E N TUCKY A LU MN I MAG A ZIN E Spring 2022

verything Elle Smith needed to know about becoming Miss USA she learned at the University of Kentucky. Well, almost. A ’20 CI graduate with a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism and a minor in political science, Smith was crowned Miss USA in December 2021. She won the Miss Kentucky USA pageant — her first time competing — in 2021. As Miss USA 2021, Smith, who’s 23 and from Springfield, Ohio, will spend a year participating in charity and community events while living in Los Angeles. Her crown and sash come with plenty of travel and a six-figure salary. She’ll be working with the National Cervical Cancer Coalition and advocating for cervical cancer awareness and education. It’s a cause that’s very close to her since her grandmother died of the disease in 2015. Being a pageant contestant — much less a winner! — wasn’t in the forefront of Smith’s mind when she came to UK. She had a high school friend who won Miss Ohio Teen USA and Smith had done some modeling in high school, but otherwise she’d only ever had the occasional thought about competing. Smith decided to attend UK for two reasons: generous scholarship offers and the beauty of the campus. She received the Bluegrass Spirit Scholarship and the William C. Parker Scholarship. And she was impressed with her first view of the campus from the walkway over Limestone that connects the parking garage with main campus. “I looked at campus from that angle and I said, ‘Mom, I’ve found the school I’m going to. I’m going to UK,’” she said of the view from the pedway. In high school, Smith participated in choir, orchestra, volleyball and musical theatre. She plays the viola and piano. Her dad is a photographer. Her mother, a classically trained pianist. Once at UK, she was undecided about a major until her advisor suggested she combine her love of writing and history and take Journalism 101. She really enjoyed the class, she said, so she signed up for others and after taking Journalism 204, “That’s when I really fell in love with journalism.”

She became involved on campus as a reporter at the UK Student News Network and as a videographer for the university’s Athletics and SEC Network. She served as vice president of the campus chapter of National Association of Black Journalists. So many of those opportunities, “really prepared me for my first role as a reporter,” she said, adding the experience also confirmed what she was good at. She spent a summer as a Fox News College Associate in Washington, D.C., after graduating. Her campus involvement benefited her in ways she never imaged at the time, she said. “There are just so many skills you learn as a reporter that transfer to pageantry,” she said. “You have to learn how to be able to speak to anyone.” Plus, she had to learn how to be comfortable in front of a television camera, often a live television camera. Also, she had to learn how to ask thoughtful questions and how to be able to professionally answer any questions that were asked of her. Her relationship with her UK advisor, CI Associate Professor Kakie Urch, had a profound impact on her, too. “She played a prominent role in my college career and also landing my first job,” Smith said. “I could not have gotten my first job without her. I would advise all journalism students to go hang out with her.” Being in Alpha Delta Pi sorority was beneficial as well. Not only did she build friendships, but several of her sorority sisters had participated in, or were participating in, pageants and shared their stories with Smith. “Living in the (ADPi) house was so fun. My sorority sisters have been so supportive. They’ve been messaging me. They had watch parties for Miss USA. I watched their pageant journeys. They gave me some advice.” Throughout her four years, “I just fell in love with the campus, the culture, the people and so it was a fun four years at UK,” she said. After graduating in 2020, Smith went to work as a reporter for WHAS-TV, the ABC affiliate in Louisville. She called it her first “big girl job.” Two months after starting her TV job she registered for the Miss Kentucky USA pageant.

www. u kal u mni. net

To prepare, she met with a pageant coach and a personal trainer three times a week. She competed against 46 others, including friends and sorority sisters, and she said the two-day competition seemed more like a fun weekend with girlfriends. The pageant included swimsuit, evening gown and interview segments. She won the title in May 2021. “I had worked hard and prepared myself. For all my girls that are considering competing, do it. Take it from me, it is 100% worth it,” she said after winning the title. She continued to work at WHAS while serving as Miss Kentucky USA and traveling across the Commonwealth, attending ball games, festivals, parades, meeting people and getting ready for her next competition, Miss USA.

4 6 1. Elle Smith won the coveted crown and sash at the

5 36

K E N TUCKY A LU MN I MAG A ZIN E Spring 2022

2021 Miss USA pageant on Nov. 29, 2021 at the River Spirit Casino Resort in Tulsa, Oklahoma. 2. Elle Smith and her grandmother Amy Deer Smith in 2015. Her grandmother died from cervical cancer. Smith is now working with the National Cervical Coalition and advocating for awareness and education. 3. While serving as Miss Kentucky USA, Elle Smith spoke to some children at the Hip Hop Festival in West Louisville. 4. Elle and her mom, Lydia Smith, attended a UK home football game in 2016. 5. Elle Smith poses with her father Samuel Clayborne in front of Bowman on graduation day at UK in 2020. 6. Throughout her journey to her Miss USA title, Smith’s vision board helped her keep focused on her dream.

Photos provided by Miss USA and Elle Smith

USA, I struggle to find the words. Surreal, a whirlwind, unbelievable are just a few I like to use,” she said. Smith made it to the top 10 of the 80 contestants in the Miss Universe pageant, competing in the swimsuit and evening gown categories. Miss India Harnaaz Sandhu was crowned the winner. Now fully in her role as Miss USA, Smith will be moving to LA where, in addition to cervical cancer, she will be an advocate for the Smile Train, a nonprofit that repairs cleft lips and palates and for Best Buddies, a nonprofit dedicated to establishing friendships, employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She plans to take full advantage of the opportunities that come her way this year and she’s looking forward to visiting all 50 states. And after that? “I’ll show people my 2022 vision board when it’s done,” she said, recently. ■

Photo by Chet White, UK Athletics

It was like having two full-time jobs, she said. After working at the station, she spent at least three hours a day working with a coach from the state pageant system to prepare for Miss USA. Her days were long, she said. As part of her preparation, she created a vision board which she placed near her bed so she could see it every morning when she woke up and every evening when she went to bed. Making the collage board was part of her New Year’s resolution for 2021 and she was committed to what it represented for her. In an ordinary black photo frame, she placed words — “pray”, “put the phone down” and “Philippians 4: 6-7” — and pictures — shelves lined with books, groups of beautiful black women, someone writing in a notebook and sunlight peering through clouds. In the bottom right hand corner of the collage is a photograph of a woman being crowned Miss USA. “For me it was beneficial,” she said. “It made me ask ‘Where am I?’ ‘Am I working toward these goals?’ I wanted it so badly.” Smith was crowned Miss USA on Nov. 29 at the River Spirit Casino Resort in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Almost immediately she flew to Eilat, Israel, to represent the U.S. at the 70th Miss Universe pageant on December 12. “Every time I get asked about what it was like to win Miss

Elle Smith was the ceremonial Y when the cheerleaders spelled out Kentucky during half time at the UK men’s basketball game on Jan. 8. www. u kal u mni. net

Club News 1

2 1. The Greater Birmingham UK Alumni Club gathered for a Christmas party. It was their first face-to-face party since March 2020. From left to right are: Teresa LeForge, Mark LeForge, Robert Thomas, Cynthia Thomas, Betsy King, Kaitlyn Thomas, Pamela Stumbo, Bill Stumbo, Sallie Bryant, Mike Kendrach, Dewey Purvis, Mick Murrell and Jim Bryant.

2. The PrideCats had a game watch get together at Chill Bar in Louisville in November when the football Cats played the University of Louisville. From left to right are: Michael DeLeon, Jacob Boyd, Greg Bourke and Tuesday Meadows. 3. The Greater Hardin County UK Alumni Club donated two bicycles and helmets to each of the six law enforcement agencies in Hardin County in 2021. Greater Hardin County UK Alumni President Brooks Collins dedicated the donation in memory of Carol Bosley Kimberlain, the late wife of the late chapter president Larry Kimberlain. From left to right are: Kentucky State Police Capt. Daniel White, Elizabethtown Police Chief Jeremy Thompson, Collins, Hardin County Sheriff John Ward, West Point Police Chief Butch Curl, Vine Grove Police Chief Kenny Mattingly, Radcliff Police Chief Jeff Cross and Leann Staley with Sign Pro.

5 38

K E N TUCKY A LU MN I MAG A ZIN E Spring 2022

4. The Big Sandy UK Alumni Club hosted a football gamewatch party at Buffalo Wild Wings in Pikeville in October when UK played the Georgia Bulldogs. Clockwise in the photo are: Hazel McKenzie, Gloria Smith, Dr. Gary T. Smith, Jamie Todd, Rachel Bevins, Jonah Varney, Brittany Varney, Kent Varney, Derrick Bevins, Les Todd, Jim Keenan, Frank Wells, Janie McKenzie-Wells and Thomas Smith. 5. Greater Nashville UK Alumni Club members attended the University of Kentucky men’s basketball game against Vanderbilt in December 2021 and presented an MVP trophy to player Keion Brooks. From left to right are: Karen Williams, Marilyn Coffey, Cassandra Wit, Brooks, Darrell Smith, James Williams and Jarrod Ledford.

Alumni News 1

1. The College of Design’s Architecture Alumni Reunion was held in October. About 125 alumni attended. Those who enjoyed an afternoon at Keeneland Racetrack included (top row, left to right): Lillian Vega, James Black, Tate Overton, Chip Oakley, Joey Nolasco and Mike McKay; (bottom row, left to right): Dan Piselli, Lily Le, Carey Llazari, Christy Pinholster, Ann Bao and Jason Scroggin. 2. Michael Jacobs and Jeff Bennett stood outside the Gatton Student Center during an alumni reunion facility’s tour in the fall. Both work for Omni Architects in Lexington. Jacobs also teaches in the design studios in the School of Architecture in the College of Design. Omni Architects served as the architect of record for the Gatton Student Center and partnered with global design firm Perkins + Will on the $176 million renovation/expansion.

3. College of Arts & Sciences Interim Dean Christian Brady (center) stands with the 2021 alumni and faculty inductees to the College of Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame. From left to right are: Paul M. Eakin (faculty inductee, Department of Mathematics), William H. Turner, Brady, Barbara Bailey Cowden and Gurney Norman. 4. Students, staff, alumni and faculty of the College of Public Health Master of Health Administration program gathered on Oct. 21 at The Elwood Hotel in Lexington to welcome Maureen Jones (center) to the MHA program. She became the director in the fall of 2021.

5. The College of Engineering inducted five of its alumni into Hall of Distinction in the fall of 2021. Those recognized from left to right are: Joan Coleman, Dean Rudy Buchheit, R.D. “Rickey” James, Harlen Wheatley, Richard Simpson and Malgorzata “Margaret” Marek Sturgill. 5 www. u kal u mni. net

Sports Joe B. Hall, who faced the unenviable task of following the winningest coach in Kentucky men’s basketball history and carved out his own legacy with a national championship and three Final Four appearances, died Jan.15. He was 93 years old. Walking in the footstep of a Kentucky giant — the Baron of the Bluegrass, Adolph Rupp — Hall’s crowning coaching achievement was the 1978 national championship, the school’s fifth title but the first in 20 seasons. He also guided the Wildcats to Final Fours in 1975 and 1984. “Some people are larger than life. Others make life larger and better for all of us. In a life that knew the biggest of victories on the biggest of stages, Joe B. Hall did both,” University of Kentucky President Dr. Eli Capilouto said. “He helped coach some of the greatest figures in college sports, won championships and helped expand and enlarge the greatest tradition in college basketball. That’s the Joe B. Hall we all admired.” A native of Cynthiana, Hall was UK men’s head basketball coach from 1972-1985. He played one year of junior varsity and one year of varsity basketball during the “Fabulous Five” era at UK before transferring to the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee, where he finished his eligibility and set a single-game scoring record. Following his college basketball career, Hall played on a college all-star team that accompanied the Harlem Globetrotters in Europe and Africa in 1951. He returned to UK and completed his degree requirements in 1955. Hall was one of only three people to play and coach NCAA championship teams, the only one to do so at the same school. “Coach Joe B. Hall — my friend, my mentor, and an icon in our state and in our profession — took over a program and carried on the winning tradition and legacy of excellence of Kentucky basketball,” UK men’s basketball head coach John Calipari said. “He made it the job it is today with his hard work, his ingenuity and his great basketball coaching. Hall compiled a record of 297-100 (74.8%) during his time as Kentucky’s head coach. He won National Coach of the Year honors in 1978 and four Southeastern Conference Coach of the Year awards. He had seven players win All-America honors 11 times. Hall’s squads recorded a 172-62 (73.5%) record versus SEC competition during the regular season, winning eight regular-season titles in 13 seasons and one league tournament championship in seven tries. 40

K E N TUCKY A LU MN I MAG A ZIN E Spring 2022

Photo by Chet White, UK Athletics

LEGENDARY MEN’S BASKETBALL COACH JOE B. HALL DIES AT 93

Cheerleaders presented former men’s basketball coach Joe B. Hall with a birthday cake on his 90th birthday at the men’s basketball game against UNC Greensboro in Rupp arena on Dec. 1, 2018.

Hall saw 24 players drafted during his 13-year tenure, six in the first round. Off the court, Hall earned many recognitions. Hall was named to the 1995 University of Kentucky Alumni Association Hall of Distinguished Alumni and he received a National Service Award in 1988, a recognition given annual to honor and recognize someone to has provided extraordinary service to UK and the UK Alumni Association. He served two three-year terms the UK Alumni Association Board of Directors from 1987-1992. “Coach Hall is an iconic figure in our state and was our greatest link to the history and tradition of Kentucky basketball,” UK Director of Athletics Mitch Barnhart said. “The impact he made on our program, the University and the Commonwealth cannot be overstated. “After retiring from coaching, Coach Hall stayed close to the program, continuing to live here and giving so much to our community. Representing this place was immensely important to him. He supported everyone in the Kentucky coaching chair and had a special bond with Coach Calipari, whom he embraced from day one and I know will dearly miss Coach Hall’s insight and wisdom. Our deepest condolences are with his family, friends and all who knew him throughout the Big Blue Nation.” Hall played a large role in the integration of Black student-athletes into the Kentucky men’s basketball program, first as an assistant coach under Rupp, then recruiting Reggie Warford as the program’s second Black recruit in his first freshman class. His wife of 55 years, Katharine Dennis Hall, preceded him in death. He is survived by his daughters, Judy Hall Derrickson (Rick) and Kathy Hall Summers (Mike), and his son Steven Dennis Hall, as well as three grandchildren and three great grandchildren. His sister, Laura Jane Maltby (Bill) also survives him. ■

STOOPS: “THIS IS THE BEST CLASS THE UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY HAS EVER SIGNED” Kentucky football, coming off a 10-3 season which included its fourth-straight bowl win, signed 24 players to the class of 2022. Ranked 14th overall in the team rankings (5th in the SEC), this is arguably the best class in school history, said head football coach Mark Stoops. “By national experts, it’s my understanding that this is the best class the University of Kentucky has ever signed,” said head football coach Mark Stoops. “That’s the way we understand it.” This year’s class: • Alex Afari, Lakota West, West Chester, Ohio • Kobi Albert, Fairfield Prep, Fairfield, Alabama • Jordan Anthony, Tylertown, Tylertown, Mississippi • Javon Baker, Alabama, McEachern, Powder Springs, Georgia • Grant Bingham, Johnson Central, Paintsville, Kentucky • Barion Brown, Pearl-Cohn, Nashville, Tennessee • Tomiwa Durojaiye, Middletown, Middletown, Delaware • Tyreese Fearbry, Perry Traditional, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

• • • • • • • • •

Kiyaunta Goodwin, Charlestown, Charlestown, Indiana Nik Hall, Akins, Austin, Texas Quentel Jones, Peach County, Fort Valley, Georgia Josh Kattus, Archbishop Moeller, Cincinnati, Ohio Dane Key, Fredrick Douglas, Lexington, Kentucky Tashawn Manning, Auburn University, Apopka, Florida Noah Matthews, Woodbridge, Bridgeville, Delaware Elijah Reed, Pleasure Ridge Park, Louisville, Kentucky Tayvion Robinson, Virginia Tech, Cox, Virginia Beach, Virginia • Jackson Smith, Boyle County, Danville, Kentucky • Andre Stewart, North Cobb, Kennesaw, Georgia • Destin Wade, Summit, Spring Hill, Tennessee • Keaten Wade, Summit, Spring Hill, Tennessee • Deone Walker, Cass Tech, Detroit, Michigan • Brandon White, Archbishop Moeller, Cincinnati, Ohio • Darrion Henry-Young, Ohio State, Princeton, Cincinnati, Ohio Kentucky football is slated to play eight homes games this fall. The schedule includes matchups against South Carolina (Oct. 8), Mississippi State (Oct. 15), Vanderbilt (Nov. 12) and defending national champion Georgia (Nov. 19). UK will also host nonconference Miami University (Sept. 3), Youngstown State (Sept. 17), Northern Illinois (Sept. 24) and Louisville (Nov. 26). ■

STUNT, a head-to-head competition between two teams that focuses on the technical and athletic aspects of cheer, has been added to the varsity athletics program. Kentucky is one of 56 universities, including NCAA and NAIA varsity and club teams, that are sponsoring the sport for the 2022 season. Nine more schools are committed to begin in 2023. Kentucky has a club team in place, with many of those athletes expected to become part of the first varsity squad. STUNT will be the 23rd varsity team sponsored by UK, which has the largest sports lineup among Southeastern Conference schools. “We’re excited to add STUNT to our varsity program,” UK Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart said. “It is enjoying rapid growth and we believe the University of Kentucky can be a leader in this emerging sport.” UK named Bair Bergmann interim head coach in December. Bergmann came to UK in the summer of 2020 as an assistant cheerleading coach. Bergmann cheered collegiately at Alabama. “Being named interim head coach of the UK STUNT program has been incredible,” Bergmann said. “Our current student-athletes have such a love for the University of Kentucky and seeing this opportunity present itself for them really motivates me to give my best every single day. Additionally, the opportunities this program will provide for other female student-athletes that want to attend UK and compete at a

Photo by Chet White, UK Athletics

UK ATHLETICS ADDS SPORT OF STUNT TO VARSITY ATHLETIC PROGRAM

STUNT has been added to UK’s varsity athletic program.

high level are second to none.” Catherine Ruslavage was named assistant coach in February. She was a member of the STUNT and small coed cheer teams at Oklahoma State from 2015-2019. She and her team won four consecutive national champions in STUNT and one in small coed cheer. STUNT is a four-quarter game. The skills that athletes learn through cheer — partner stunts, pyramids, jumps, tosses, tumbling — define the routines that must be performed in each of the four quarters by both teams head-to-head on the floor at the same time. The team that executes the skills best wins the round and the point. That team then can determine which routine level will be called next. This allows the coaches to employ strategy throughout the game to advantage their team and affect the outcome of the game. UK Athletics added STUNT after researching and reviewing current and emerging women’s sports to find one that addressed the interests and abilities of young women attending UK and demonstrated great growth potential. ■ www. u kal u mni. net

Photo by Watercolors by Aimee

Aimee Griffith ’06 CI:

Running for the Roses

Photo by Tim Webb

By Akhira Umar

Aimee Griffith, a 2006 CI graduate, was recently named the official artist of the 148th Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks.

K E N TUCKY A LU MN I MAG A ZIN E Spring 2022

he Kentucky Derby is known for its athletic horses and unique fashion. For 2022’s Derby, one University of Kentucky College of Communication and Information alumna is going to be known for her paintings. Aimee Griffith, a 2006 integrated strategic communication graduate, is the official artist of the 148th Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks to be held May 6-7. The Kentucky artist is taking the title not as a well-known, classically trained painter but as a full-time mom turned nearly full-time painter. Becoming a professional artist was never in Griffith’s life plan. Her career was in advertising and marketing, and she loved it. But when she quit her job and moved to Australia for her husband’s career, she found herself taking a watercolor workshop while vacationing on Hamilton Island in 2016. Combining her new knowledge on the basics of painting with the inspiration she got from the art she discovered during her travels, Griffith figured she’d try her hand at making her own paintings. “I feel like the biggest lesson I’ve learned is to not limit myself,” Griffith said. “We’re all capable, but it doesn’t hurt to try because if you try and it doesn’t work out, so what? Throw it away. It’s no big deal. Even if it’s not something that grows into a business, it can be very therapeutic, and it can bring joy to people that you make it for. One of the biggest things I just love is making art for other people.”

Love of watercolor

Though others might find the unforgiving nature of watercolors intimidating, Griffith finds it magical. Watercolor is her specialty because she loves its unpredictability and transparency. She can simultaneously narrow in on the details of her paintings while also allowing the watercolors to freely flow. What started as a hobby to fuel her lifelong love for art turned into a side hustle when she started an Etsy shop for the people who wanted prints of her paintings. Though she wasn’t sure what she was doing when she started her business, she used what she learned in ISC in the design of her Etsy shop, website, wholesale line sheets and social media marketing. Now her art business has grown enough to establish itself and become Griffith’s job instead of just a pastime. “When I left my job and became a mom full time, I was really unsure of what my purpose was going to be past being a mom,” Griffith said. “And art has been an outlet for me. I’m just glad that I’ve found something that I enjoy doing so much that is able to help support me.” Right when Griffith hit a low point in her new art career after taking a hiatus from painting to help her kids through virtual learning, she was surprised with a request in early 2021 to submit her art for consideration of becoming the official art for the 148th Kentucky Derby. She never imagined being selected, but she knew this was a once in a lifetime opportunity she couldn’t pass up.

One of the biggest things

I just love is making art for other people. To Derby and beyond

She created two 2 feet by 3 feet watercolor paintings, one for the Derby and the other for the Oaks. Her goal was to create paintings with lots of energy. The Derby painting features racehorses and their jockeys mid-run. Griffith wanted to capture the “bright spot” she felt when painting this — the feelings of hope, kids going back to school and the vaccine being released. As such, this painting is full of color, excitement and joy. For the fashion-forward Oaks painting, she wanted to create a fun atmosphere showcasing the pageantry and anticipation leading up to the race. Griffith wanted this piece to tell a story with the people and fashion it features. Griffith hopes the exposure from the Derby and Oaks will open more doors for her art career in the future, not just to support her but to support others as well. “I really want to try to find a way to use my art to help other people,” Griffith said. “I think that some things are a gift, and it’s good to give that gift to other people so that it can help others. I’m trying to figure out that for me.” “Official Art of the Kentucky Derby” will be featured on the 2022 Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks official racing programs and a variety of merchandise, including Derby and Oaks 148 limited edition artist-signed and numbered posters. If you like to purchase other merchandise featuring the “Official Art of the Kentucky Derby,” visit the Kentucky Derby Museum and www.kentuckyderbystore.com. If you would like to purchase Griffith’s other paintings or prints, visit www.watercolorsbyaimee.com. ■

www. u kal u mni. net

Class Notes 1960s David Williams ’66 ’68 AFE was named to the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association 2022 Hall of Fame. Williams is the owner and president of Burkmann Industries based in Danville. He owns and operates 13 animal feed manufacturing plants and 17 retail locations throughout Kentucky and Tennessee. He also owns Forever Spring Farm in Danville.

1970s

John Collins ’77 LAW was recognized by Continental Who’s Who as a Distinguished Attorney for his work in law at the Law Office of John Collins in Salyersville. He has been practicing law for 44 years in Eastern Kentucky. His specialty is personal injury law.

served with the Executive Office for the United States Attorneys in various roles including National Heroin and Opioid Coordinator, National Controlled Substances Coordinator and Acting Assistant director in the Office of Legal Programs. He earned his law degree at the University of Louisville School of Law.

John E. Kuhn Jr. ’78 AS was recently appointed as U.S. attorney for the District of Alaska by Attorney General Merrick Garland. Kuhn

Greg Parsons ’79 BE, ’82 LAW was inducted as a Fellow of the American College of Construction Lawyers at the annual meeting

Truman H. Claytor ’79 AS is a licensed chemical dependency counselor with Unison Health. He was inducted into the 2020 Ohio High School Athletic Association Officials Hall of Fame for basketball. He lives in Toldeo, Ohio.

The Blue Marlins Aquatic Ballet Club performed in 1955. The club performed as a synchronized swimming group.

in Laguna Beach, California. Parsons is a partner of Stites & Harbison, PLLC in Lexington. He is a member of the Construction Service Group and has represented construction and business clients for 39 years. Elizabeth Lee Thompson ’79 BE, ’82 LAW was named Woman of the Year for 2021 by the Fayette County Bar Association’s Women Lawyers’ Association. Thompson is a partner at Stites & Harbison, PLLC in Lexington. She is chair of the firm’s Creditors’ Rights & Bankruptcy Service Group.

1980s Samuel N. Hazen ’82 BE is CEO of HCA Healthcare Inc. in Nashville, Tennessee. He was previously president and chief operating officer of the company. Charles Teter ’84 ’88 NUR is a finalist for the President’s Award presented by the American Academy of Nursing. He has worked at UK in MICU for 20 years and works for Hospice Navigators at St. Joseph Hospital. He has been a nurse for 40 years.

Photo courtesy of ExploreUK

George Wright ’72 ’74 AS is the University of Kentucky president’s senior adviser and served as UK Interim Vice President for Institutional Diversity. He was named to the Duke University Board of Visitors, serving in an advisory function for the dean of The Graduate School. Wright was previously president of Prairie View A&M.

Zach Elkin ’78 BE was inducted into the National Kitchen & Bath Industry Hall of Fame. Elkin has more than 40 years in the kitchen and home appliance industry. He is president of Beko Home Appliances and is known for using innovative marketing, product design, positioning strategies and a pass for great home and kitchen design to build global businesses and brands. This honor comes on the heels of Elkin’s induction into the 2022 Dealerscope Magazine Hall of Fame. He was recognized based on his career contributions to the consumer technology industry.

K E N TUCKY A LU MN I MAG A ZIN E Spring 2022

Thomas M. Kreuger ’88 BE is the J.R. Manning Endowed Professor of Innovation in Business Education and chairman of the Texas A&M-Kingsville Accounting and Finance Department. He was previously a professor of finance and chairman of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Finance Department and internship coordinator of the East Central European Scholarship Program.

1990s

Shauna L. Patton ’88 ED was inducted into the University of Pikeville 2021 Distinguished Educators Hall of Fame. She is a retired primary teacher, district science resource teacher, K-12 supervisor of instruction and personnel director with the Johnson County School District after a 33-year career.

Karen D. Grant ’91 LAW is the founder of Overlook Strategics in Washington D.C. She was named to the East Tennessee State University Research Corporation Board of Directors. Grant was previously managing partner of the Washington D.C. office of Russell Reynolds Associates.

George “Lisle” Cheatham II ’89 AS is a former fourterm mayor of Greensburg, president of American Financial Consultants, Inc., and managing partner of Commonwealth Capital Development, LLC. He has been appointed by Governor Andy Beshear and confirmed by the Kentucky State Senate as a member of the Kentucky County Employees Retirement System Board of Trustees representing the Kentucky School Board Association.

Zhiqiang An ’91 AFE has been named a fellow with the National Academy of Inventors. An is a professor and director of the Texas Therapeutics Institute of the Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine at McGovern Medical School. An’s lab works on innovative treatments for cancer and other diseases.

Mike Chaffins ’92 BE is the vice president of supply chain at Xos, Inc., a leading manufacturer of Class 5-8 commercial electric vehicles and powertrains and provider of charging infrastructure and fleet management software. Chaffins was global head of supply chain for Nikola, leading the sourcing, landing and certifying of parts for electric and hybrid vehicles. Brady Dunnigan ’95 AS joined Stites & Harbison’s Lexington office as a partner in the real estate and banking service group. Dunnigan was a partner with an Am Law 200 law firm with in Lexington.

Cawood Ledford, the Voice of the Wildcats Radio, appeared at the Medical Center Book Fair in 1992 to sign his new book, “Hello Everybody, This is Cawood Ledford.” Ledford was a radio play-byplay announcer for the UK football and basketball teams. A native of Harlan, Kentucky, Ledford began broadcasting high school football and basketball games for WHLN radio in Harlan in 1951. He began broadcasting Kentucky Wildcat games after moving to Lexington in 1953.

Donna T. Ward ’96 MED is an attorney, founder and senior partner at DT Ward PC, an intellectual property law firm in Groton, Massachusetts. She was named to the Providence Therapeutics Board of Directors. She was previously chief patent counsel at Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Inc. Ward earned her law degree from the Thomas Jefferson School of Law. Larry T. Weddle ’96 DE is the owner of Weddle Orthodontics in Westminster, Colorado.

Jennifer J. McChord ’97 CI is vice president of enrollment and marketing at Asbury University in Wilmore. She had been director of strategic communications at Asbury. Craig Farmer ’98 EN is director, capital improvement program, at the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority which owns and operates the Nashville International Airport and John C. Tune Airport. Farmer served 15 years as chief aviation engineer for the State of Kentucky before joining Lexington’s Blue Grass Airport as manager of design and construction. www. u kal u mni. net

Class Notes Maraskeshia Sabree Smith ’98 BE is the city manager of Santa Rosa, California. She had been deputy city manager for the City of Stockton and assistant city administrator for the City of Oakland. John M. Loyd ’99 BE is treasurer and senior vice president at Old National Bank in Fort Branch, Indiana. He was appointed to the Alpine 4 Holdings, Inc. Board of Directors and was named chairman of the Audit Committee. Robert K. Weber ’99 CI is an assistant rowing coach at Syracuse University in Syracuse, New York. He had been chief women’s and lightweight coach for the Cambridge University Boat Club.

2000s Mary Conway Dato-on ’01 BE is the George D. & Harriet W. Cornell Chair and Professor of International Business & Social Entrepreneurship in the Rollins College Crummer Graduate School of Business in Orlando, Florida. Jonathan Mirgeaux ’01 ’05 EN is the director of Noblesville Utilities. Mirgeaux has 18 years as a wastewater and storm water engineer. Prior to joining the city of Noblesville, Indiana, he worked as a consultant at R. W. Armstrong, CHA Consulting and HWC Engineering. Shannon Bishop Arvin ’02 LAW is president and CEO of Keeneland Association Inc. in Lexington. She was named to The Jockey Club

Safety Net Foundation Board of Trustees. Arvin was previously a partner at Stoll Keenon Ogden PLLC. Emily Janoski-Haehlen ’02 AS, ’07 CI has been named dean of the University of Akron School of Law. Janoski-Haehlen was associate dean of academic affairs and law technology programs for Akron Law as well as director of the Law Library. She joined the faculty in 2017. Prior to that she served as associate dean of the law library at Valparaiso University Law School and as a faculty member and librarian at Northern Kentucky University, Chase College of Law.

where he was the assistant director of player personnel from 2017-2021 after two seasons as the Bears’ director of pro scouting. Prior to the Bears, Kelly spent eight seasons with the Denver Broncos. Kelly was a wide receiver and defensive back at UK from 1998-2001. Jason Wright ’02 EN is the operations vice president at Messer Construction Co. Wright began his career with Messer in 2001 and has provided leadership across a diverse portfolio of complex commercial construction projects and renovations for health care, industrial, higher education, aviation and distillery customers.

Anthony “Champ” Kelly ’02 ’05 BE is the assistant general manager of the Las Vegas Raiders. He joins the staff after seven seasons with the Chicago Bears

Members of the 1922 women’s basketball team included, from left to right: Margaret Jameson manager, Mildred Morris, Dorothy Potter (captain), Nacy Stephenson and Harriet Felsenthal. The team was originally organized in 1902 and competed for the first time in 1903. However, in 1924, despite a perfect 10-0 season, the University Senate passed a bill to abolish women’s basketball in part because, according to state politicians, “Basketball had proven to be a strenuous sport for boys and therefore was too strenuous for girls.” The team was given varsity status in 1974.

K E N TUCKY A LU MN I MAG A ZIN E Spring 2022

2022 TOURS * March

The Galapagos Islands Amazon River Expedition and Machu Picchu Legends to Lagoons Hawaii 3 Island Adventure

Dutch Waterways featuring Floriade

April May June July September October

French & Italian Rivieras Romantic Rivieras

Southwest National Parks Utah’s Mighty National Parks Isle Overture The Great Journey Through Europe

Bevy of British Isles Oberammergau Passion Play Medieval Montage: Baltics & Scandinavia Vistas and Glaciers of Alaska Toronto to Vancouver by Rail Great Pacific Northwest

Byzantine Antiquity Northern Lights and the Wildlife of Northern Manitoba Iberian Treasures: Undiscovered Spain and Portugal

Flavors of Sicily Landscapes & Lighthouses of Coastal Maine Florence in the Serene Season Island Life Ancient Greece: An Aegean Odyssey The Charm of the Amalfi Coast Polar Bears of Churchill

For more information and to view details on all the trips visit www.ukalumni.net/travel.

*All trips and dates are subject to change.

Class Notes Taylor Stuckey ’07 BE, ’13 LAW is a member at Stites & Harbison PLLC. Stuckey’s practice focuses on estate planning, estate and trust administration, estate and gift tax planning, business succession planning and elder law. He is a certified public accountant. Karl Hennig ’08 FA was promoted to associate at Pickard Chilton, an award-winning architecture studio best known for its innovative and cutting-edge design of corporate headquarters and high-performance office towers. Hennig is currently a key team member for 2401 McKinney, a new 27-story Class-A high performance office tower in Dallas, Texas. The university’s first commencement ceremony to take place in Memorial Coliseum was on May 3, 1950. Originally an 12,000-seat multi-purpose arena, it was the largest arena in the south at the time. The facility opened in 1950 as a memorial to Kentuckians who had died during WWI, WWII and the Korean War. Later, the names of Kentuckians who died in the Vietnam War were added.

Josh J. Owen ’03 LAW has joined Sturgill, Turner, Barker & Moloney, PLLC in Lexington as a partner in the Torts & Insurance practice group. He has more than 18 years’ experience successfully representing corporations, businesses and insurance providers in defense claims. Owen is based in Pikeville. Richard Svindland ’05 EN is president of Missouri American Water, a division of American Water Works 48

Company Inc. headquartered in Creve Coeur, Missouri. He was previously president of California and Hawaii American Water. John Sumrall ’05 BE is the head football coach at Troy University. He had been Kentucky inside linebackers coach in 2019 and co-defensive coordinator in 2021. Sumrall previously coached as an assistant head coach at Troy from 2015-2018.

K E N TUCKY A LU MN I MAG A ZIN E Spring 2022

Jonathan E. Coleman ’09 ’10 ’14 AS is executive director of the Blue Grass Trust for Historic Preservation in Lexington. He had been assistant executive director and curator of the Mary Todd Lincoln House. Megan George ’09 AS, ’13 LAW is a member at Stites & Harbison PLLC. George counsels clients on construction matters and routinely drafts, negotiates and reviews contracts for clients.

2010s Stephanie Cooley ’10 AS is the international racing liaison for the Dubai Racing Club at Meydan Race-

course. She is the point of contact for all Dubai World Cup international trainers, owners and stable staff. She creates the Meydan horseman’s guide, is a member of the selection committee and handles all horse nominations and invitations for the International Racing Carnival and World Cup Day. Shannon Bauer ’12 AS is an attorney and associate at Lavelle Law Ltd. in the Estate Planning and Administration practice group in the firm’s Schaumburg, Illinois, office. She had been an incoming associate and law clerk at the firm. Bauer earned her law degree from the Loyola University Chicago School of Law. Nichole M. Knutson ’12 ED is the provost for student success in the Northern Illinois University Division of Academic Affairs in DeKalb, Illinois. She had been the associate vice provost at the University of Illinois Chicago. Jonathan C. Pruitt ’12 GS is the University of Texas executive vice chancellor for business affairs. A native of Pikeville, Pruitt previously was the chief operating officer for the University of North Carolina higher education system.

Drake Staples ’13 BE, ’16 LAW has joined the Lexington office of Stites & Harbison in its construction service group. Staples was an attorney with two law firms in Lexington. Prior to his law firm experience, he was a tax associate with PricewaterhouseCoopers in Cincinnati. Jeffrey Moad ’14 LAW is a member at Stites & Harbison PLLC. Moad practices complex business and commercial litigation, class action litigation, consumer finance litigation and professional liability defense. Jeremiah Sloan ’15 ’16 EN is the CEO of Craighead Electric Cooperative of Jonesboro, Georgia. Sloan joined Craighead Electric in 2016 and has held positions including engineer, manager of fiber assets and chief operating officer of empower, the corporation’s internet service. Sloan previously was an officer in the U.S. Air Force. Harper L. Smith ’15 BE, ’15 FA is senior manager of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Foundation in Frankfort. She received the Kentucky Board of Education Kelly Award for Business and Education Partnership, given to a Kentucky businessperson or business who has partnered with a public school or district to provide leadership that promotes school improvement and student success.

Katlyn Daniel Shaw ’16 HS is the owner of Bluegrass Kids Therapy Center LLC in Madisonville. Lindsey Holthaus Fryman ’17 ED is a second-grade teacher at Creekside Primary School in Harvest, Alabama. She was named the school’s 2021-2022 Teacher of the Year. She previously taught at St. Joseph Catholic School. Alexander B. Hyman ’17 BE is an associate attorney at Reminger Co. LPA in the firm’s Louisville office. He earned his law degree from the University of Louisville Louis J. Brandeis School of Law. Susan Germann Yackzan ’17 NUR is associate vice president and nurse scientist for the Baptist Health System in Lexington. She received the Vanderbilt University School of Nursing Lulu Wolf Hassenplug Alumni Award for Distinguished Career in Nursing. She is chairperson of the National Oncology Nursing Society. Derek W. Moser ’18 CI is the adult programming librarian for the Joplin Public Library in Missouri. He was previously the library’s children’s library assistant and assistant circulation supervisor and director of the Seth Wilson Library at Ozark Christian College.

The Centennial Founders Day Convocation took place on Feb. 22, 1965. The featured speaker was President of the United States, Lyndon B. Johnson (far left on platform, head bowed). At the podium is Kentucky Governor Edward T. Breathitt. To his right stands University of Kentucky President John W. Oswald.

Amelia H. Iliohan ’19 AFE is manager of industry relations for the U.S. Grains Council in Washington. She had been project coordinator for the leadership,

education and engagement team at the American Farm Bureau Federation.

Information in Class Notes is compiled from previously published items in newspapers and other media outlets, as well as items submitted by individual alumni. Send us your class note by emailing ukalumni@uky.edu or submitting your information in the online community at www.ukalumni.net/class. COLLEGE INDEX Fine Arts — FA Agriculture, Food The Graduate School — GS & Environment — AFE Health Sciences — HS Arts & Sciences — AS Business & Economics — BE Law — LAW Medicine — MED Communication & Nursing — NUR Information — CI Pharmacy — PHA Dentistry — DE Public Health — PH Design — DES Social Work — SW Education — ED Engineering — EN www. u kal u mni. net

Career Corner hagane

by Amanda Sc

HERE’S HOW TO GROW YOUR LEADERSHIP LEGACY What makes a great leader truly great? What will you be remembered for as a leader after you move on? In an informal survey with our career clients, we asked them what they think are the most essential characteristics or skills for a great leader and as expected, the responses were varied. They included: • Awareness of strengths and growth areas • Ability to communicate your vision for the future • Willingness to listen and incorporate feedback from others • Practice transparency with how progress is measured/ evaluated • Motivating employees; helping them see the goals and mission of the organization in their own role • Have a growth mindset; being eager to learn Courage and conviction matter Looking to expand this list, we reached out to UK alumni Glenn Stith ’78 CAFÉ, president of Top Hand Consulting, Inc., to get his perspective. What are some of the most essential skills or characteristics of great leaders? He said, “to have the courage and conviction to accept any challenge and the skills to inspire others to follow.” A recent article from Forbes aligns with this idea that strategic courage is essential, and even more important than being the office hero. Stith aspires to have a positive, lasting impact on the professional and personal development of those with whom he has worked. Doing this while also practicing transparency, self-reflection and motivating others is no easy task for a modern leader. How to keep growing Stith continues to grow by refusing to become obsolete and by learning from and accepting these new challenges. He truly has the growth mindset factor many of our career clients respect in organizational leadership. Also, he finds enrichment in the community through volunteerism on professional boards like the National FFA Foundation Board of Trustees and the National Educational Foundation of Alpha Gamma Rho. Serving on non-profit boards taught him that giving back is truly more satisfying than receiving. It allows Stith to associate with and learn from interesting new people, build valuable new relationships and exponentially enhances his legacy potential. Looking to grow your leadership legacy and network with other developing leaders? Consider joining our second annual Leadership Week offered virtually for UK Alumni and friends. Presented April 25-29, the free series will focus on leadership topics for today’s managers, supervisors and aspiring leaders. You can find more information on www.ukalumni.net/leadershipweek. Amanda Schagane is associate director of UK Alumni Career Services. UK Alumni Association Life/Active Members are eligible for two complimentary appointments per year with a certified career counselor. Visit http://www.ukalumni.net/career to learn more about resume critiques, Central Kentucky Job Club, encore careers and other Alumni Career Services. Alumni Career Services: Celebrating 20 years of helping UK alumni advance their careers.

K E N TUCKY A LU MN I MAG A ZIN E Spring 2022

ALUMNI CAREER SERVICES (ACS)

CELEBRATES 20 YEARS •

ACS began in 2002 with a small endowment from the Jane I. Morris Foundation.

•

The UK career counseling team holds the highest level of career credentials.

•

Thousands of alumni each year benefit from job search, assessments, career transition and career management assistance.

•

ACS has partnered with UK Extension and UK Human Resources to launch the award-winning Central Kentucky Job Club.

•

Signature events include Leadership Week, networking events and professional development webinars.

•

ACS has a long track record of working with employers to hire UK alumni.

Alumni Feature AN INSPIRATIONAL LEADER IN THE PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY By Caitlyn Romanski

n today’s goal-oriented world, we are often told that we can accomplish anything we put our mind to. This is especially true when, like Dr. Verneda Hawkins ‘85 PHA, you believe in yourself and find passion in what you do. Hawkins, a leader in the pharmaceutical industry, has dedicated her professional life to building up strong skills and a remarkable level of self-confidence. This has allowed her to make a clear difference in her career while positively impacting the lives of so many others.

Association’s (NPhA) Chauncy I. Cooper Award, the University of Cincinnati’s Robert J. DeSalvo Distinguished Alumni Award, and the 2021 Lyman T. Johnson Torch of Excellence Award from the University of Kentucky.

Hawkins often reflects on the benefits of attending UKCOP and how the rigorous training has enabled her to experience non-traditional roles in pharmacy. “My education from UK made me more confident in my abilities as a pharmacist. After graduating from the University of I encourage students and early career Kentucky College of Pharmacy (UKCOP) professionals to be open to using their skills and completing a residency at Children’s in diverse ways,” said Hawkins. “I view my National Medical Center in Washington, experiences and interests from the inside Dr. Verneda Hawkins encourages D.C., Hawkins launched her career at Metro- students to believe in themselves. out. Instead of concentrating on traditional Health Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio. pharmacy sectors, I opt to focus on how I Hawkins was hired as the first pediatric and high-risk obstetric enjoy applying my pharmaceutical knowledge while developing clinical pharmacist, where she pioneered programs to improve people, thinking strategically, being innovative and leading project patient care. After four years, Hawkins was promoted to Clinical teams. I then chose jobs to engage myself in all these areas. There Pharmacy Manager of Decentralized Services and Education, are so many diverse and fulfilling opportunities available to address eventually being recruited into the pharmaceutical industry by unmet medical needs that still exist to improve health outcomes, Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS). At BMS, she worked as a Medical which is one of the key reasons I encourage pharmacists to consider Science Liaison (MSL) for 25 years, where she led several projects careers within the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry.” of national scope. She was the first Black employee at BMS to be Hawkins’ advice for pharmacy students is to build self-confidence. promoted to the executive level of the MSL role. “My success is aligned with my level of confidence and believing

After a successful career at BMS, Hawkins accepted a position at Biogen in 2018. She started as a Field Excellence Coach for the U.S. Medical Department within the multiple sclerosis (MS) therapeutic area. Biogen wanted experienced leaders to collaborate with a new management team during a challenging transition, so Hawkins was brought in to guide new and existing field medical liaison team members. Eventually, the role evolved into her current position as Associate Director of U.S. Medical Excellence. Hawkins primarily works as a project leader for continuous improvement initiatives. She focuses on creating and enhancing the strategic framework across training, career development, communication, culture and functional capabilities that impact all neuroscience therapeutic areas.

A lifelong learner, Hawkins recently became credentialed as a career coach and certified as a diversity, equity, and inclusion practitioner. She readily utilizes these skill sets as a mentor and as a Global Ambassador for the Women of Color in Pharma (WOCIP) organization. Because of her sustained contributions to the healthcare industry, Hawkins has received several nationallevel recognitions. These include the National Pharmaceutical

in my aptitude, talent and skillsets as a first step,” said Hawkins. “In life, you are going to occasionally encounter people who think they know what you ought to be doing. While I respectfully acknowledge and consider constructive feedback, I ultimately decide what I want to do with my life and career. Always remember that people are entitled to their own opinion, but you are the chief executive officer of your career journey.” As for pharmacy students who feel like they are not fully prepared to enter the workforce, Hawkins shares encouraging words of wisdom. “Everyone has to start somewhere to launch their career, so most likely, we have all had similar thoughts of inadequacy in the beginning. It’s a journey, not a destination,” said Hawkins. “Be courageous enough to take the necessary steps towards accomplishing your career aspirations. You have worked very hard through a challenging pharmacy curriculum, so you can be successful at whatever you choose to do. It all starts with believing in yourself. In the spirit of UK, keep your thoroughbred blinders on! Stay focused and persevere because it will make you stronger in life and lay a solid foundation to have the fulfilling career journey that you deserve and desire.”

In Memoriam James M. Huey ‘37 AS Cincinnati, Ohio

Marian W. Givens ‘51 AFE Davidson, N.C.

William R. Gaines ‘55 PHA Tampa, Fla.

Ed P. McClanahan ‘58 AS Lexington, Ky.

Helen H. Evans ‘41 AFE Lexington, Ky. Life Member, Fellow

Harold L. Hancock ‘51 BE Lexington, Ky. Life Member

Joe B. Hall ‘55 ED Fisherville, Ky. Life Member

Betty Jaynes McDavid ‘58 ED Columbus, Ohio

Sara M. Noland ‘41 CI Irvine, Ky.

E. Lee Baker ‘52 AS ‘91 LAW Lexington, Ky. Life Member

Mack N. McGraw ‘55 CI Whitehouse, Texas

Robert E. Smith ‘58 CI Weeki Wachee, Fla. Life Member

Elizabeth H. Rogan ‘42 AS Middlesboro, Ky. Elizabeth A. Hodge ‘46 AS Prospect, Ky. Mary S. Brandon ‘48 AS Lakeland, Fla. Life Member William J. Donovan ‘48 EN Houston, Texas Sue Flynn Sutherland ‘48 AFE Paris, Ky. William H. Allen ‘49 AS Lebanon, Ind. Life Member Charles R. Ham ‘49 EN Hackensack, N.J. William S. Johnson ‘49 PHA, ‘66 AS Versailles, Ky. Life Member Jack D. Amis ‘50 AS Lexington, Ky. William E. Danhauer Jr. ‘50 PHA Owensboro, Ky. James E. Linville Jr. ‘50 CI Flower Mound, Texas Stewart L. Waits ‘50 AFE Frankfort, Ky.

Frank W. Godbey ‘52 PH Campbellsville, Ky.

Conley G. Wilkerson ‘55 LAW Danville, Ky.

Simon Wolf ‘58 PHA Louisville, Ky. Life Member

James E. Thompson ‘52 AS Lexington, Ky.

Rebecca J. Beam ‘56 ED New Albany, Ohio Life Member

Jane Venable Brown ‘53 AFE Winchester, Ky. Life Member, Fellow

J. Wesley Johnson ‘56 AS Ashland, Ky. Life Member, Fellow

Richard T. Longbons ‘60 ED Crescent Springs, Ky.

Robert W. Hoagland ‘53 ‘56 ED Frankfort, Ky.

Charles F. Judd ‘56 EN The Colony, Texas

Garland L. Miller ‘60 ED Shepherdsville, Ky.

Reedus Back ‘57 ‘70 ED Morehead, Ky.

Samuel R. Kegley ‘61 EN Westerville, Ohio Life Member

Thomas A. Kemp ‘53 PHA Brawley, Calif. Patsey Field Madden ‘53 AS, ‘60 ED Lexington, Ky. Coleman Coffey ‘54 BE Bonita Springs, Fla. Life Member

Charles E. Harris ‘57 AS Wichita, Kan. Life Member Paul E. Richardson ‘57 AS Stillwater, Okla. Life Member

William T. Maxson ‘64 MED Nicholasville, Ky.

Charles H. Sampson ‘57 FA, ‘59 AS San Diego, Calif.

Christe M. Shekro ‘54 EN Cincinnati, Ohio

Joe L. Travis ‘57 LAW Lexington, Ky.

Richard D. Baldwin ‘55 EN Danville, Calif.

Leonard L. Cameron ‘58 AFE Cadiz, Ky. Life Member

Leon D. “Joe” Ball ‘55 AFE Somerset, Ky. Life Member

Frederick A. Coots ‘58 EN Amesbury, Mass.

Wilton H. Fuller ‘55 ‘59 ED Lexington, Ky.

Richard K. Lehman ‘58 EN Louisville, Ky.

K E N TUCKY A LU MN I MAG A ZIN E Spring 2022

Sue E. Johnson ‘59 FA Nicholasville, Ky.

Edward P. Smith ‘61 ‘65 AS Campbellsburg, Ky. Life Member, Fellow Thomas O. Glenn III ‘62 ‘63 EN Saint Charles, Mo. Life Member Thomas C. White Jr. ‘62 PHA Zionsville, Ind. James C. Carr ‘63 AFE Georgetown, Ky. Life Member, Fellow Michael B. Hargrove ‘63 AS, ‘66 BE Longview, Texas Kathryn Hale Hopkins ‘63 ‘67 AS Atlanta, Ga.

Robert C. Roberts ‘63 ‘65 EN Lynchburg, Va.

Richard W. Snarr ‘68 ‘72 AS Lexington, Ky.

William E. Rea ‘72 AS Lexington, Ky.

Roger T. Crittenden ‘64 ‘66 BE West Springfield, Va.

Fred J. Giglia ‘69 AS Bellevue, Ky. Life Member

Jack L. Dyer ‘73 BE Richmond, Ky.

Edward C. Gieseke ‘64 EN Greenfield, Ind.

George C. Kung ‘69 AS Stevens Point, Wis.

Gene Ewing ‘73 BE Bonita Springs, Fla. Life Member, Fellow

William T. Maxson ‘64 MED Nicholasville, Ky.

Ronn J. Leaf ‘69 EN Lexington, Ky.

Allen K. Whaley ‘73 AS Lexington, Ky.

Sushil G. Munshi ‘64 EN Shawnee Mission, Kan.

Mary H. Welch ‘69 AS, ‘70 CI Louisville, Ky.

Woodhull S. Irwin ‘74 PHA Monticello, Ky.

Clyde P. Baldwin ‘65 ‘68 EN Frankfort, Ky. Life Member

Jack H. Ballard II ‘70 DES Cincinnati, Ohio Life Member, Fellow

Terry K. Jones ‘74 BE Frankfort, Ky.

Ronald L. Cole ‘65 AS Lexington, Ky.

Karl J. Klein ‘70 MED Cookeville, Tenn. Fellow

Anita M. Richardson ‘65 ED Chesapeake, Va. Steven J. Fellner ‘66 EN Paramus, N.J. Ray H. Heffington ‘66 AFE Deland, Fla. Janet C. Longbons ‘66 ED Crescent Springs, Ky. Ronald L. Reid ‘66 AS Eastern, Ky. George R. Gunn ‘67 DE San Antonio, Texas Jesse Whitehouse ‘67 AFE Nicholasville, Ky. Life Member Marion H. Hargrove ‘68 CI Longview, Texas Charles B. Reasor Jr. ‘68 BE Nashville, Tenn.

John E. LaRue ‘70 ‘76 EN Lexington, Ky. Life Member Paul E. Mace Jr. ‘70 AS Winchester, Ky. Jerome P. Redden ‘70 ED Covington, Ky. Paul E. Fuller ‘71 AS Chattanooga, Tenn. Stephen M. Howerton III ‘71 AFE Stanford, Ky. John H. Sanders ‘71 BE Greenville, S.C. Thomas N. Sanders ‘71 ‘83 AS Washington, D.C. Michael Montgomery ‘72 PHA Nicholasville, Ky.

Jerry B. Young ‘74 AS, ‘82 AFE Lexington, Ky. Margaret A. Segrest ‘75 AFE Hoover, Ala. Kathy R. Bennett ‘77 ED Lexington, Ky. Peggy L. Muse ‘77 BE Florence, Ky. Wade M. Hughes ‘78 Southeast CC, ‘84 AS Frankfort, Ky. John Claude Cavendish ‘79 HS Richmond, Ky. G. Scott Smith ‘79 AS, ‘84 DE Lexington, Ky. Life Member, Fellow Ronald L. Southworth ‘79 Lexington CC, ‘79 Lexington CC/LTI Salvisa, Ky.

David C. Trimble ‘79 BE, ‘82 LAW Georgetown, Ky. Elizabeth E. Cooke ‘80 AFE Georgetown, Ky. Fellow Terry M. McClain ‘80 BE Lexington, Ky. Billy A. Webb ‘80 AS Pikeville, Ky. Rafael A. Aguirre ‘82 AS North Chesterfield, Va. Ray A. Bucklin ‘82 EN Gainesville, Fla. Fellow Bruce A. Barnett ‘83 FA, ‘00 ED Lexington, Ky. Blanca I. Brashear ‘83 ‘95 AS Lexington, Ky. Life Member, Fellow Christopher W. Frost ‘83 BE, ‘86 LAW Lexington, Ky. Vernon E. Long ‘83 AS Bowling Green, Ky. Janet B. Davis ‘86 NUR Lexington, Ky. Krystal D. Jones ‘86 CI Lexington, Ky. James F. Cashman ‘87 BE Mount Juliet, Tenn. Jean G. Tattershall ‘87 CI Lexington, Ky. Bryan D. Bonzo ‘90 Ashland CC, ‘96 HS Redondo Beach, Calif. www. u kal u mni. net

In Memoriam Daniele C. Hunter ‘94 CI Lexington, Ky.

Gerald W. Bennett ‘99 AFE Crestwood, Ky.

William E. Johnson Jr. ‘93 LAW Nicholasville, Ky.

William E. Cassie ‘95 AS Jenks, Okla.

Jim W. Simpson II ‘07 EN Frankfort, Ky. Life Member

FORMER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR BOBBY CHARLES WHITAKER

Early in his career he worked for the Cynthiana Democrat newspaper and was co-owner of M. Goldberg’s Men’s Clothing Store. He served in Gov. Wendall Ford’s cabinet as Commissioner of the Department of Public Information. He was executive director of the Kentucky Bicentennial Commission. He finished his career at the University of Kentucky Alumni Association. He retired after 24 years of service to UK and was the executive director from 1990-1998. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Frankfort. A veteran of the United States Army, he also served in the Army Reserves 100th Division and the Kentucky National Guard, retiring with the rank of major. His work allowed him to travel across Kentucky and the country where he never met a stranger. He enjoyed traveling the world with the Alumni Travel Program. He especially loved traveling to numerous UK football and basketball games including seven Final Four games. ■

Bobby Charles Whitaker, 85, passed away Feb. 11. A native of Cadiz, Kentucky, Whitaker ‘58 CI, was a graduate of Bardstown High School, where he was a threesport athlete. He graduated from the University of Kentucky College of Journalism and was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and the ROTC.

JACK JONES EARLY Jack Jones Early ’53 ’56 ED passed away on Jan. 22 at age 96. Early was born in Corbin, Kentucky. He earned a master’s degrees and doctorate in education from the University of Kentucky. Simultaneously, he earned a bachelor of divinity in religious education from Lexington Theological Seminary. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Union College in Barbourville, Kentucky, in 1948. At the time of his death, he was the only living member of the 1965 Hall of Distinguished Alumni. Early’s career in education started in 1948 at Hindman High School and Hindman Settlement School, Hindman, Kentucky. He became a professor at Athens College, Athens, Alabama,

Sarah C. Schuetze ‘10 ‘15 AS Green Bay, Wis.

Ann Beatty Gilkey ‘91 SW Cincinnati, Ohio

K E N TUCKY A LU MN I MAG A ZIN E Spring 2022

in 1953. After completing his doctorate, he was named dean at Iowa Wesleyan University in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. In 1958, he became president of Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, South Dakota, the youngest college president at that time. In 1969, he served as president of Pfeiffer University in Misenheimer, North Carolina. After that, he worked as the executive director for education for the American Bankers Association in Washington, D.C. Returning to academia in 1973, he became president of Limestone University in Gaffney, South Carolina. In 1979, he became vice president for education and communications at Combined Insurance Company of America and later vice president for education at W. Clement Stone PMA Communications, Inc., in Chicago. After full-time retirement, he taught until age 90. He was a lifelong Methodist, who was ordained as a minister in 1954. He received a leadership award from Religious Heritage of America and later served on its board. Early was a lifelong Republican. At a young age, he was elected to the Kentucky General Assembly, serving during the 1952 to 1954 term. He was a delegate from South Dakota to the 1968 Republican National Convention. ■

Creative Juices Margaret Verble ’68 AS, ’73, ’76 ED has written her third novel, “When Two Feathers Fell from the Sky.” Set in 1926 Nashville, the book follows a death-defying young Cherokee horse diver, Two Feathers, who’s on loan to Glendale Park Zoo from a Wild West show. Two’s closest friend at Glendale is Hank Crawford, who loves horses almost as much as she does. He is part of a high-achieving, land-owning Black family. Neither Two nor Hank fit easily into the highly segregated society of 1920s Nashville. When disaster strikes during one of Two’s shows, strange things start to happen at the park. Vestiges of the ancient past begin to surface, apparitions appear, and then the hippo falls mysteriously ill. To get to the bottom of it, an eclectic cast of park performers, employees and even the wealthy stakeholders must come together, making “When Two Feathers Fell from the Sky” an unforgettable and irresistible tale of exotic animals, lingering spirits and unexpected friendship. Verble’s first book, “Maud’s Line” was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2016, and her second novel, “Cherokee America” was named by the New York Times as one of the 100 Notable Books of the Year in 2019.

Mike Pratt ’75 ED and Tom Leach ’83 CI have written, “Kentucky Basketball: Two Decades Behind the Scenes” about their careers as broadcasters of University of Kentucky men’s basketball games. Pratt and Leach’s perspective is one from the inside. That historic buzzer beater? They were there. The Platoon System? They were there. The Calipari hiring? They were there! The coaches, the players and the media have all changed over the last two decades, but Pratt and Leach have been the constant and now they are sharing their expert knowledge of one of the most iconic programs in sports.

Jayne Moore Waldrop, ’83 AS, ’86 LAW is the author of “Drowned Town,” a book that explores the multigenerational impact caused by the loss of home and illuminates the joys and sorrows of a group of people bound together by western Kentucky’s Land Between the Lakes and the lakes that lie on either side of it. The linked stories are rooted in a landscape forever altered by the mid-20th-century impoundment of the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers and the seizing of property under the power of eminent domain to create a national recreation area on the narrow strip of land between the lakes. The narrative follows two women whose lives are shaped by their friendship and connection to the place and their stories show how the creation of the lakes both healed and hurt the people connected to them. John Tuttle ‘73 MED has published “O’Donovan’s Travels: A Healer’s Potion,” a book that tells the story of a man who attempts to appease the Gods and fulfill his destiny. A sojourner in strange, foreign lands, O’Donovan, the apostle of the First Order, Healer of the Celtic Goddess, Airmid, dwells in the veil separating the Green World and Otherworld to bring moral balance. To do this, he must accomplish what no mortal has done, appeasing the Moon Goddess Boann by finding her lost daughter. Kyle Macy ’80 BE, ’05 ED and John Huang ’80 AS, ’95 DE have published “From the Rafters of Rupp – The Book.” Beginning in 2017, UK Wildcat legend Kyle Macy hosted “From the Rafters of Rupp,” a series of video interviews with many of these players of yesteryear. This special series of interviews has now been packaged in an all-new, full-color “coffee-table” book containing firsthand accounts of what it was like to play for UK in the players’ own words, complete with vintage photographs. John Craig Hammond ‘02 ‘04 AS and Jeffrey L. Pasley have edited “A Fire Bell in the Past: The Missouri Crisis at 200, Volume II: ‘The Missouri Question’ and Its Answers.” Many new states entered the United States around 200 years ago, but only Missouri almost killed the nation it was trying to join. The Missouri Crisis divided the U.S. into slave and free states for the first time and crystallized many of the arguments and conflicts that would later be settled violently during the Civil War. Drawn from the participants in two landmark conferences held at the University of Missouri and the City University of New York, those who contributed original essays to this second of two volumes — a group that includes young scholars and foremost authorities in the field — answer the Missouri “Question,” in bold fashion. UK and the UK Alumni Association do not necessarily endorse books or other original material mentioned in Creative Juices. The University of Kentucky and the UK Alumni Association are not responsible for the content, views and opinions expressed on websites mentioned in Creative Juices or found via links off of those websites.

www. u kal u mni. net

HOW SWEET IT IS University of Kentucky football quarterback Will Levis celebrated the Wildcats’ Jan. 1 Citrus Bowl victory against Iowa by enjoying some of Florida’s tastiest produce — an orange. After falling behind in the fourth quarter, the No. 22 Wildcats beat No. 15 Iowa 20-17.

56 KENT UCKY A LUMNI M AG A ZIN E Spring 2022

Photo by Elliott Hess, UK Athletics

Quick Take

On April 21, 2022, donors around the world will come together on

to raise funds that will positively impact current and future Wildcats. Mark your calendar and plan to join us for 24 hours of fun!

WWW.ONEDAYFORUK.UKY.EDU

400 Rose Street King Alumni House Lexington, KY 40506

WHERE YOU CAN TURN TO THE EXPERTS Extraordinary care is right here. ukhealthcare.com/why

The Power of Advanced Medicine

Spring 2022 Kentucky Alumni Magazine

Articles inside

Sports

Creative Juices