With the largest teaching distillery in the United States and in the world, UK is helping to provide a trained workforce for Kentucky’s $9 billion bourbon industry.
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HOMECOMING 2024
Thousands of alumni came back to campus to join in Homecoming festivities. From the Homecoming block party to the Lyman T. Johnson Awards Luncheon and the Golden Wildcat Society Induction and Pinning Ceremony, alumni young and old celebrating coming home.
BOURBON’S BEST BATCH
By Tom Wilmes
Kentucky’s booming bourbon industry is being served by a well-trained workforce thanks to UK’s James B. Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits and a number of UK graduates.
THE NEW FLAT WILDCAT
Our brand-new Flat Wildcat is ready for basketball season and to hit the road with you!
FOR THE GOOD OF ALL
By Dan Knapp
Orthodontist Greg White exemplifies a profound commitment to community and the dental profession, passionately uniting practitioners to preserve personalized care and empower future generations.
INVESTING IN THE FUTURE
By Ava Bumgarner
Nearly 200 students were awarded scholarships at the recent annual scholarship dinner.
A MENTOR. A DANCER. A PAGEANT WINNER.
By Brandon Brown
Connor Perry is using her new title to inspire young girls across the Commonwealth, proving that dreams can become reality.
‘THIS IS ABOUT ME AND WHAT I LOVE’
By Ava Bumgarner
Glass artist Dan Barnes says his UK classes in architecture, art and interior design helped him expand beyond the traditionality of the glass art industry.
THE HIGHEST HONOR
Patt Maney’s life has always focused on service to his country and his community. A recent award testifies to that.
ONE YEAR LATER
By Jill Smith
What was once just an idea is now part of the campus fabric, leaving a lasting impact.
Photo Illustration by Whitney Stamper
CREDITS
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Jill Holloway Smith ‘05 BE, ‘11 AFE: Associate Vice President for Stakeholder Engagement and Executive Director of the UK Alumni Association
EDITORS
Meredith Weber: Director of Marketing and Communications
Sally Scherer: Managing Editor
DESIGNERS
Whitney Stamper: Graphic Designer, Alumni
Kaylynn Comer: Graphic Designer, Philanthropy
CONTACT US
King Alumni House
400 Rose St. Lexington, KY 40506
859-257-8905
800-269-ALUM
Fax: 859-323-1063
Email: ukalumni@uky.edu Web: www.ukalumni.net
ukalumni
@kentuckyalumni
@kentucky_alumni
ukalumni.net/linkedin
@kentuckyalumni
Kentucky Alumni (ISSN 732-6297) is published quarterly by the University of Kentucky Alumni Association, Lexington, Kentucky, for its members.
Wondering why you received Kentucky Alumni magazine?
All current Life and Active Members of the University of Kentucky Alumni Association automatically receive the Kentucky Alumni magazine quarterly. All who give $75 or more ($25 for recent graduates) to any UK fund, including UK Athletics/K Fund and DanceBlue, are recognized as Active Members regardless of alumni status.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND LEADERSHIP ADVISORY COUNCIL
Officers
Robert “Rob” L. Crady III ’94 BE: President
Thomas K. Mathews ‘93 AS: President-elect
Kelly Sullivan Holland ’93 AS, ’98 ED: Treasurer
Jill Holloway Smith ’05 BE, ’11 AFE: Secretary
In-State Representatives
Michelle Bishop Allen ’06 ’10 BE
Jeffrey L. Ashley ’89 CI
Christopher J. Crumrine ‘08 CI, ‘10 GS, ‘23 AS
James F. Gilles, III ’10 AFE
Emily C. Henderson ’01 PHA
Michael H. Huang ’89 AS, ’93 MED
Lee Jackson ’73 AS
Frank Kendrick ’90 ’92 DE
Scott Mason, ‘94 AS, ‘03 LAW
Michelle McDonald ‘84 AFE, ‘92 ED
Tonya B. Parsons ’91 AS
Quintissa S. Peake ’04 CI
Robin Simpson Smith ‘79 BE, ‘82 LAW
Sarah Webb Smith ’05 CI
Anthony Thornton ’05 BE
Jonell Tobin ’68 ’95 ED
Blake Broadbent Willoughby ‘11 ‘12 ‘12 BE
Allen O. Wilson ’03 AFE, ’06 LAW
Out-of-State Representatives
Erin Burkett ’01 EN
Shiela D. Corley ‘94 AS, ‘95 AFE
Ruth Cecelia Day ’85 BE
Michael L. Hawks ’80 AS, ’85 DE
Anthony G. Hester ‘86 EN
John T. “Jay” Hornback ’04 EN
Mark Ison ’99 FA
Erin Carr Logan ’06 BE
Beatty London ’00 BE
Sylvester D. Miller II ’08 AFE
Chad D. Polk ‘94 DES
Ronald Sampson ‘83 EN
Nicole Segneri ’91 CI
Quentin R. Tyler ’02 ’05 AFE, ’11 AS
Dominique Renee Wright ‘08 EN
Stephanie D. Wurth ‘05 CI
Alumni Trustees
Brenda Baker Gosney ‘70 HS, ‘75 ED
Hannah Miner Myers ‘93 ED
Paula Pope ‘73 ‘75 ED
Living Past Presidents
Richard A. Bean ’69 BE
Michael A. Burleson ’74 PHA
Bruce K. Davis ‘71 LAW
Scott E. Davis ‘73 BE
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
Antoine Huffman ’05 CI
Diane M. Massie ’79 CI
Janie McKenzie-Wells ’83 AS, ’86 LAW
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
Mary Shelman ’81 EN
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
Elaine A. Wilson ‘68 ‘23 SW
Richard M. Womack ’53 AFE
Leadership Advisory Council
In-State Representatives
Jacob Broderick ’05 BE
John Cain ’86 BE
Kevin L. Collins ’84 EN
Donna G. Dutton ‘87 BE
Cassidy Hyde ‘16 AS
Sheila Key ’91 PHA
Kent Mills ’83 BE
Sherry R. Moak ‘81 BE
Michaela Taylor ‘19 HS, ‘23 LAW, ‘23 PH
Kendra Wadsworth ’06 ED
Lori Wells ’96 BE
Out-of-State Representatives
Nicole Blackwelder ’86 AS, ‘87 PHA
Kyle Aaron Bosh ‘08 GS
Mike Gray ’80 ’81 BE
James F. Hardymon Jr. ‘87 BE
Vincent M. Holloway ‘83 EN
Michael McNeely ’98 AS, ’03 PH
Carolyn C. Riticher ‘81 BE
Winn F. Williams ‘71 AS
College Representatives
Will Nash ‘06 AS: College of Arts & Sciences
Lynnette Canedy ‘88 CI: College of Communication and Information
Dr. J. Clifford Lowdenback ’99 AS, ’03 DE: College of Dentistry
Regina Summers ‘94 DES: College of Design
Cathy Crum Bell ’76 ED: College Education
Joel W. Lovan ’77 FA: College of Fine Arts
Deana Paradis ‘03 ‘03 BE: Gatton College of Business and Economics
Kathy Panther ‘76 HS: College of Health Sciences
La Tasha A. Buckner ‘97 AS, ‘00 LAW: Lewis Honors College
Michaela Mineer ’18 CI, 18 AFE, ‘21 GS: Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment
Dr. Debra J. Sowell ’82 MED: College of Medicine
Tukea L. Talbert ‘89 ‘94 ‘06 NUR: College of Nursing
Dr. Joseph R. Mashni ‘91 ‘92 PHA: College of Pharmacy
Amna Al-Jumaily ‘19 EN: Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering
Emily Clear ‘06 ED, ‘09 ‘13 PH: College of Public Health
Shaye Page Johnson ‘02 AS, ‘05 LAW: J. David Rosenberg College of Law
Cheryl Talbert ‘95 ‘00 ‘23 SW: College of Social Work
Constituency Group Representatives
James R. Aaron ’04 CI: PrideCats
Brian Hunt ‘80 ‘05 FA: Alumni Band
Keith L. Jackson ’87 CI: Lyman T. Johnson Alumni Constituency Group
Steve Stevens ‘83 BE: Alumni Band
Appointed
Dalton Bertram: Student Government Association
Dr. Michael A. Christian ’76 AS, ’80 DE: Honorary
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
Jake Lemon: Office of Philanthropy
D. Michael Richey ’74 ’79 AFE: Honorary
Marian Moore Sims ’72 ’76 ED: Honorary
Rachel Watts Webb ’05 CI: Honorary
We want motivated individuals with energy, enthusiasm, and–above all–a passion for learning. If you communicate well, multi-task, and take care of business quickly and responsibly, WE WANT YOU on our winning Longship team.
Balance competition and collaboration in an engaging work environment. With the right resources and opportunity for unlimited earning, you will grow at Longship.
Your University of Kentucky Alumni Association membership comes with a valuable slate of benefits from special offers and discounts to insider information and event invitations. We don’t want you to miss a thing!
Make sure your email address is up to date so you can stay in the loop. Visit www.ukalumni.net/update today. At the University of Kentucky Alumni Association, family is everything. That’s why we’re rolling out the Big Blue carpet of benefits just for you! See a full list at www. ukalumni.net/benefits.
Thank you for your membership!
From the President
One reason I look forward to Homecoming each fall is because, among many other things, it signifies a return to home for so many in our community. Being surrounded by our community, from near and far, brings warmth and comfort to many. And I relish those opportunities to speak with members of our community during Homecoming, to greet old friends and to create new connections.
This year, Homecoming Week held particular significance as we marked the 75th anniversary of Lyman T. Johnson’s landmark court case that integrated UK in 1949. At the Lyman T. Johnson Awards Luncheon, our community celebrated his staunch determination to fight against segregation and racial inequality by honoring those at UK who follow in his footsteps — forging a path for others to follow.
I cherish making those connections and celebrating UK’s greatest legacies because they remind me of what it means to be a member of the UK family.
It means that we stand together in all we do.
It means that UK is always home — no matter where our journeys take us. This year, we held more than 50 events during Homecoming Week, with Wildcats returning to hallowed halls and discovering new ones, reconnecting with old friends and finding common ground among strangers.
It means that we are one community, united in our purpose — to advance Kentucky and its people in all that we do.
I see that sense of purpose in stories like Loka Ashwood’s, whose work in addressing the ecological, economic and social challenges rural communities face, earned her a prestigious 2024 MacArthur Fellowship, often known as a “Genius Grant.”
That sense of purpose is evident in Asa O’Neal, a senior studying mechanical engineering and physics, who was recently named a 2024 Astronaut Scholar and hopes to push the boundaries of scientific research and spacecraft propulsion technologies one day.
I see it also in the newly launched Kentucky Heritage Emergency Response Network, our state’s answer to calls for preserving Kentucky’s cultural heritage during natural disasters.
Together, as one community, we are committed to doing more and being more for our Commonwealth — and we wouldn’t be able to do it without you, our alumni.
President Eli Capilouto addresses students in August during K Week at Big Blue U where a class photo is taken on the football field.
You are continually furthering UK’s mission in all that you do, whether you are discovering new treatments, creating dynamic learning environments, or unearthing new understandings of past civilizations — and so much more.
You uphold what it means to be part of the UK family, to be part of something bigger than oneself — a community where anything is wildly possible.
Thank you for representing the University of Kentucky so well in all you do.
Sincerely,
Eli Capilouto President
Photo by Carter Skaggs, UK Photo
Pride in Blue
Afun fact about me is that I’m a long-time University of Kentucky football tailgate enthusiast. One of my favorite traditions is gathering with friends (both those who are local and from out of town), fellow alumni and fraternity brothers near Kroger Field on beautiful fall days to tailgate before University of Kentucky football games.
I’ve enjoyed these gatherings for years — they’ve become my Homecoming tradition. But this October, during our 109th Homecoming, things felt different. My tailgate was the same: a full cooler, plenty of blue and white decorations, and a great crowd. Yet Homecoming this year was more than a football game with a great tailgate. I saw firsthand what the UK Alumni Association and its dedicated staff bring to this annual tradition.
Every year, UK Alumni Association staff orchestrates a week of events, beginning months ahead with brainstorming, planning, reserving venues, scheduling speakers and designing and ordering everything from T-shirts to event programs, to flowers and awards.
This year’s celebration kicked off with a block party for students and ended with a farewell breakfast for our Golden Wildcats who celebrated their 50th reunion. And in between there were receptions, luncheons, open houses, recognition dinners, campus tours, Big Blue Day at Keeneland and lots of rides with UK celebrities in the Swag Cab.
For me, I was able to attend the Golden Wildcat Society Induction dinner and pinning ceremony, the Lyman T. Johnson Awards Luncheon, Keeneland, Big Blue Madness, an amazing tailgate and a football game that I’d rather not discuss the score of. I rode in the Swag Cab across campus — with Executive Director Jill Smith driving! — handing out Homecoming swag to students who correctly answered trivia questions about UK. I also talked with them about my days at UK and it was so much fun.
A highlight for me was seeing our diverse alumni community everywhere I went. In addition to the awards luncheon, the Lyman T. Johnson Alumni Constituency Group held additional activities like a Black Student Union Alumni basketball game and a pickleball social. Our Young Alumni were busy too, from a scavenger hunt at Keeneland to their Young Alumni Basketball Night on Nov. 22. They have had a pre-game reception and discounted tickets — a great way to stay connected.
At the officers’ retreat earlier this year, one of our strategic priorities emerged: connecting with Young
UK Alumni Association President Rob Crady joined in the fun during Homecoming by riding in the Swag Cab around campus and testing the trivia knowledge of UK students. Those who answered questions correctly received fabulous Homecoming swag.
Alumni. With enrollment growing, this group of alumni is multiplying rapidly. By engaging students while they’re on campus, we’re helping them build a relationship with the university that lasts beyond graduation. This is part of the association’s broader commitment to ensuring all alumni feel welcome and involved.
If you attended Homecoming, it was great seeing you. If not, I hope to see you next year. I hope you will view Homecoming as a time to reconnect, celebrate and experience what the UK Alumni Association has to offer and how you can get involved. The association is doing so much for the betterment of our alumni, the University of Kentucky and the Commonwealth. We want you to be a part of it, too.
Go Cats!
Sincerely,
Robert “Rob” L. Crady III ’94 BE UK Alumni Association President
Photo by Joe Bandy
THE BIG BLUE NATION.
MACARTHUR “GENIUS GRANT’ AWARDED FOR WORK IN RURAL COMMUNITIES
Loka Ashwood, an associate professor in the Department of Sociology in the College of Arts and Sciences, is a recipient of a prestigious 2024 MacArthur Fellowship, often referred to as the “Genius Grant.” She is among 22 fellows recognized by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation this year.
The fellowship provides each recipient with $800,000 over five years — offering complete freedom to use the award in ways that further their creative work and societal impact.
Ashwood is being honored for “shedding light on rural identity and culture, and for addressing the ecological, economic and social challenges many rural communities face.”
“I first came to these issues through engagement with communities that were suffering. That suffering — that heavy
burden that one cannot shake — is what sticks to my bones,” she explained.
Ashwood’s research examines the intersection of environmental injustice, corporate and state power and antigovernment sentiment — revealing how state support for some corporate interests can come at a prohibitive cost for rural residents and community well-being. She also investigates how rural communities confront environmental degradation, economic hardship and social alienation.
“The way I approach working with communities is understanding their grievances and turning that into a question — to help galvanize action around that issue,” she said. “I hope that my work will help people have more empathy toward rural communities and their experiences. And I hope seeding that empathy produces change.” ■
RECORD HIGH ENROLLMENT FOR FALL
Fall enrollment figures have reached new highs, President Eli Capilouto told the university’s Board of Trustees in September.
• For the first time, UK’s preliminary fall enrollment is over 36,000 students — 36,161 — about a 7% increase over last year. Of that number, 25,774 are undergraduates, a 7.5% increase over the previous year.
• The first-year class of 6,571 is also a record high and a little more than a 2% increase over last year’s class.
• In addition, 1,162 transfer students represent the largest number of transfers in more than a decade and about a 16% increase over last year.
• A record 18.8% of UK’s first-year students come from underrepresented backgrounds as defined by state policymakers and more than 17% of the overall enrollment does as well, according to preliminary figures; 26.1% of UK’s firstyear class is first-generation.
Capilouto told the Trustees that UK is making “historic strides in its mission to advance the state in terms of the numbers of students we are educating, retaining and graduating.”
“We know that what our students do here — and how successful they are at UK — will determine, in large measure, whether we are successful in advancing Kentucky,” Capilouto said. “Our mission — now more than at any time in our history — is to open our doors as wide as possible to more and more students, who will shape the future of this state.” ■
Photo by MacArthur Foundation
FROM FOOTBALL TO FARMING
Once Brock Vandagriff steps off the football field, operating his own farm is “the dream.”
The starting quarterback for the 2024 University of Kentucky football team, Vandagriff is working toward his master’s degree in community and leadership development in the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.
The CLD program appealed to Vandagriff as a continuation of his studies at the University of Georgia, where he received his bachelor’s degree in communication studies and was on the football team from 2021-2023.
“It had some carryover, and it was in agriculture,” Vandagriff said. “That is something I want to do when I’m done playing ball, so it’s a two-for-one deal.”
Vandagriff’s first exposure to agriculture was on his grandparents’ and great-grandparents’ farms in Alabama. More recently, his hands-on experience has come from his girlfriend Layton Glisson’s family beef operation in Georgia during their five years of dating.
“Working with them has definitely sparked my interest,” Vandagriff said. After a lifetime of working with cattle and loving the outdoors, Vandagriff hopes to have a cow-calf operation of his own someday. “Just being on the land, just hanging out with family — the dream,” he said. ■
PIGMAN COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING OFFERS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE CERTIFICATE
As industries worldwide integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into their processes, the demand for talent with AI proficiency is no longer a futuristic vision — it’s an urgent reality.
The Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering, in collaboration with various colleges and departments across campus, is stepping up to meet this need, preparing the next generation of innovators through its Department of Computer Science.
Starting spring 2025, undergraduate students will have the opportunity to enroll in the new AI Certification program. The 12-credit certificate offers mostly hands-on, in-person coursework.
According to the 2024 Work Trend Index Annual Report, the need for AI talent is at an all-time high, with
technical AI talent hiring up 323% in the past eight years.
Brent Harrison, director of the AI certificate program and associate professor of computer science, said, “It’s quickly becoming apparent that AI will be a mainstay in our lives. Because of this, AI competency and understanding are skills that are important for everyone.” ■
Photo by Mark Pearson,
STUDENTS IN SPANISH COURSE TRANSLATE DOCUMENTS FOR NONPROFITS
Students in an advanced Spanish translation course worked with campus partners to translate documents for nonprofits in health, education and legal fields.
“I feel strongly that one of the things our students really need is an idea of how this skill can translate into their greater community and their workplace,” said Heather Campbell-Speltz, associate professor in the Department of Hispanic Studies.
Students connected with three UK nonprofits: The J. David Rosenberg College of Law Legal Clinic; a conference for teachers in Guatemala through the College of Education; Shoulder to Shoulder Global in Ecuador through the International Center.
In the Legal Clinic, students worked with law students to translate intake/interview materials and other legal forms and to help create do-it-yourself materials so clients can advocate for themselves.
Joe Mattingly ’24 AS and a Spanish language graduate worked on the translations for the Legal Clinic, and is now a UK law student.
“I think translation is so interesting. It’s a science, but also an art. For me, this project solidified my desire to go to law school. Seeing the real world impact the legal field has on people’s lives has been meaningful,” Mattingly said. “I want to be part of that solution.” ■
COLLABORATION BRINGS ‘FOOD
AS HEALTH’ VIDEOS INTO PATIENT ROOMS
UK HealthCare is revolutionizing patient education by bringing a series of cooking videos directly into hospital patient rooms. This project aims to support patients with chronic dietsensitive conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke and heart disease by providing easy-to-follow, medically tailored recipes. The videos, available on the Get Well Network, offer accessible and affordable solutions, empowering patients to take control of their diets and improve their health outcomes.
Lindsay Turner, a UK HealthCare dietitian, emphasized the importance of making these resources available to patients.
IMPROVED HEALTH OF STATE IS GOAL OF NEW PROGRAM
A plan for addressing dramatically growing health, education and workforce needs across the state called the Advancing Kentucky Together Network was approved by the University of Kentucky Board of Trustees.
The network will invest millions of dollars in new resources and intellectual property by UK HealthCare as part of the establishment of a new model for to advance health – health care outcomes, workforce training and education – across the state. The Advancing Kentucky Together Network will start with clinical partnerships and then expand into other areas, depending upon the needs of partners.
The creation of the Advancing Kentucky Together Network was approved as part of a resolution adopted by the UK Board of Trustees at its annual retreat in October.
“UK has an opportunity — and, we believe, a responsibility — to be the university in this country that does the most for the health of the state it serves. As such, we must be, and we are, focused squarely and strategically on the holistic health needs of the state,” Capilouto said. “Doing that successfully is the single most important way we can advance this state.” ■
“A common theme I hear from patients is, ‘I just don’t know where to start,’” she said. “There’s often a disconnect between a heart-healthy diet education and actually putting together a meal. These videos provide affordable recipes, and I’m excited about the impact they will have.”
The video series is the result of a collaboration between UK HealthCare, the Food As Health Alliance and Kentucky’s pork and beef councils. The videos are designed to be short and engaging, mimicking the popular BuzzFeed “Tasty” videos with overhead shots, simple voiceovers and straightforward instructions.
“We wanted to do something a little more digestible,” said Lauren Batey, the program coordinator for the Food As Health Alliance and a registered dietitian. “We figured patients in a hospital setting
aren’t going to sit through a 30-minute cooking show. So, we modeled the videos after a format that’s quick and easy to absorb, while still being informative and practical.” ■
GRANT TO HELP REPLICATE KENTUCKY’S LUNG CANCER SCREENINGS
A groundbreaking lung cancer screening project co-led by the UK Markey Cancer Center and the University of Colorado Cancer Center is set to expand its reach, thanks to a $6.8 million grant from the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation, an independent charitable organization.
QUILS™ (Quality Implementation of Lung Cancer Screening), led by Markey Cancer Center researchers Jennifer Redmond Knight and Dr. Timothy Mullett has helped to transform Kentucky’s approach to lung cancer screening over the past decade.
Despite grappling with the nation’s highest lung cancer incidence and mortality rates, Kentucky now has the second-highest rate of lung cancer screening in the U.S. The turnaround is due in part to QUILS™ System, which has helped Kentucky’s health care providers improve their lung cancer screening processes.
Building on this success, the four-year grant will support the new effort led by UK and CU to replicate and adapt the program in Mississippi and Nevada — states chosen due to their high lung cancer burden, low screening rates, opportunities to address health disparities as well as coalition capacity and readiness.
“Our experience in Kentucky has taught us that improving lung cancer screening rates requires a collaborative, quality-focused approach,” said Knight, co-principal investigator of Kentucky LEADS Collaborative and an assistant professor in the UK College of Public Health. “This funding will allow us to … potentially set a new standard for lung cancer screening nationwide.” ■
RESEARCHERS UNCOVER GENETIC KEYS TO DECODING DEMENTIA
Alzheimer’s and dementia are complicated conditions, and there’s not just one thing that causes them. Many distinct problems in the brain can add up and lead to these diseases. Each of these brain problems, called neuropathologies, has its own set of genes that can make someone more or less likely to develop it. So, when scientists study Alzheimer’s and dementia, they’re not just looking at one thing — they’re trying to understand how all these varied factors work together to cause these diseases.
Work in this area by several researchers at UK’s Sanders-Brown Center on Aging was recently published in the prestigious journal Nature Genetics.
David Fardo, the inaugural Stephen W. Wyatt Endowed Professor of Public Health and professor in the department of biostatistics in UK’s College of Public Health, led the study.
“We know that Alzheimer’s disease
and other dementias are highly genetic, and great strides have been made in understanding the basis of genetic risk in dementia. However, most studies focus on clinical diagnoses or family history of dementia. While this approach allows for large sample sizes, it overly simplifies the complex nature of brain pathologies that contribute to dementia,” said Fardo.
Examples of diseases defined by neuropathologies include Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington’s disease, epilepsy, neuropathic pain disorders and others. ■
POLITICAL SCIENTIST EXPLORES SOCIAL MEDIA’S IMPACT ON CAMPAIGN STRATEGY
In an era where political discourse often unfolds online, a UK researcher is examining the evolving communication strategies used in American politics with a focus on social media.
Maggie Macdonald, assistant professor in the Department of Political Science in the UK College of Arts and Sciences, studies elite political behavior in the United States. Most of her work has concentrated around congressional campaigns and how they use social media to achieve their electoral goals.
“I started graduate school in 2015 and decided to study Congress and Twitter (now known as X),” said Macdonald. “I developed a theory that the use of social media is not for the voters but instead politicians use it to reach several elite audiences simultaneously.”
Macdonald points out that various political platforms attract different audiences, noting that Facebook typically appeals to an older demographic compared to TikTok or Instagram.
Before accepting anything as reliable and to encourage more critical thinking, Macdonald suggests the following tips to keep in mind when viewing political content online: Who is posting the content? Is it a news organization? Is it an influencer? Is it an organization that has been fact checked? ■
Photo by Mark Cornelison, UK
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UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY
HOMECOMING 2024 HOMECOMING 2024
Kentucky provided a picture-perfect week for those who came to campus to observe the university’s 109th Homecoming this fall. And what a celebration it was!
From the Homecoming Block Party held at Alumni Commons to the Homecoming tailgate party adjacent to Kroger Field, alumni, friends and community members showed their Big Blue spirit at more than 50 events around Lexington.
The class of 1974 was honored at the Golden Wildcat Society Induction Dinner and Pinning Ceremony. And, finally, Homecoming Queen Carol Elam received her crown. (See page 19.) DeShonne L. Jackson ’95 BE, ’99 ED spoke at the 33rd annual Lyman T. Johnson Awards Luncheon. In his remarks, the senior director of global store operations for Nike, Inc., encouraged the students in attendance to repeat, “Don’t quit. I believe in you. Excellence is within reach.”
Big Blue Day at Keeneland included a day of racing and a lot of UK pride. The UK Cheerleaders, Dance Team and Alumni Band performed, Scratch and Wildcat and the Homecoming Court were in attendance, the Golden Wildcats were recognized in the Winner’s Circle, and the national anthem was sung by country singer and Curb Records recording artist Hannah Ellis ’13 CI.
The Swag Cab cruised through campus multiple times during the week-long bash with UK and local celebrities giving students the chance to win fabulous UK Homecoming swag by correctly answering trivia questions.
And, if all that wasn’t enough, several colleges welcomed their alumni back with receptions, luncheons, tailgates and get-togethers.
It was another Homecoming to remember! Can’t wait to see you there next year.
Photos by Tim Webb, Scott Hayes, 859
Photography, Joe Bandy and Carter Skaggs and Mark Cornelison, UK
Photo.
FORMER UK HOMECOMING QUEEN RECEIVES HER CROWN — 50 YEARS LATER
By Jenny Wells-Hosley
More than 50 years after her historic crowning as the first Homecoming Queen in Commonwealth Stadium (now Kroger Field), Carol Elam ’74 ’79 AS, ’90 ED finally received her crown.
The crowning took place during the Golden Wildcat Reunion — part of UK Homecoming Week — celebrating the Class of 1974.
Don Moss ’75 AS, ’89 LAW, who presented Elam with the overdue crown, served as chairman of the 1973 Homecoming committee. He says he forgot to order the crown during the original event, and recalls being on the sideline during the game when someone handed him a silver tray and flowers, but no crown.
“I assumed President (Otis) Singletary or the university had taken care of it. We were both surprised,” Moss admitted. “I dropped the ball, or rather, the crown!”
Over the years, Moss said the missing crown has weighed on his mind.
“I’ve mentioned it to my wife dozens of times and thought about fixing it during past homecomings, but it never happened,” he said.
However, a recent Kentucky Alumni Magazine article, featuring Elam’s career and contributions to teaching behavioral health at UK, motivated him to finally make things right.
“Seeing Carol, Alan Stein, and Dr. Singletary brought back those memories. I was NOT going to let it go undone any longer.”
Moss finally made his amends when he presented the
Carol Elam placed her Homecoming Queen crown on her head 50 years after she received the recognition. With her was Alan Stein (left) who was her escort at the crowning ceremony and Don Moss, chairman of the 1973 Homecoming committee.
crown to Elam in front of the guests at the Golden Wildcat Reunion — a moment of shock and surprise for Elam.
Alan Stein, who escorted Elam in the homecoming court in 1973, escorted her to the stage during the reunion dinner.
“I appreciate the roar of the crowd,” she laughed, as the class of 1974 applauded.
While Moss humbly reflected on the moment, he emphasized that it was all about Elam.
“She hasn’t had that crown on her mantle to show her friends and family. I hope this belated effort brings her some joy — and that Dr. Singletary is smiling down in approval.”
A three-time UK College of Education graduate, Elam is a highly respected educator in the UK College of Medicine, where she serves as a professor in the Department of Behavioral Science, teaching first-year medical students, and associate dean for admissions and institutional advancement.
With a career spanning more than three decades, Elam has made significant contributions to medical education, particularly in areas of student admissions and support. Her leadership has helped shape the academic and professional journeys of countless medical students, and her work has been recognized with numerous awards, including the College of Education’s Alumni Excellence Award and hall of fame induction in 2018. In 2016, she received the Career Educator Award from the Southern Group on Educational Affairs. ■
Alumni are fueling Kentucky's booming bourbon business
By Tom Wilmes
While bourbon whiskey can be made anywhere in America, roughly 95% comes from Kentucky. It’s big business in the Bluegrass State, contributing more than $9 billion in total economic impact and generating more than 23,000 affiliated jobs, according to the latest report from the Kentucky Distillers’ Association.
Yet, until recently, there were few educational pathways for people looking to work in the industry. You could apply for an entry-level position and learn on the job, or perhaps parlay a related degree — for example in chemistry, agricultural science, or business — to help boost those qualifications. Or you could cross the Atlantic and attend Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland, one of the few schools to offer a post-graduate degree in brewing and distilling.
The University of Kentucky has graduated numerous distillers, distillery founders, lab technicians and other professionals working in the bourbon industry. In 2019, the university formalized a program to help prepare tomorrow’s workforce by establishing the James B. Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits. Faculty involved in the program are from the College of Arts & Sciences, the College of Communication and Information, the College of Design, the Gatton College of Business and Economics, the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, the College of Health Sciences, the College of Medicine, the Pigman College of Engineering, the College of Public Health and the James W. Martin School of Public Policy and Administration.
Supported by a foundational gift from Suntory Global Spirits, formerly Beam Suntory, parent company of the James B. Beam Distilling Co., and under the umbrella of the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, the Beam Institute is a one-of-a-kind program for research and hands-on, multidisciplinary education to support the long-term economic viability and sustainability of the bourbon industry.
The program offers a 12-credit-hour distillation, wine and brewing studies certificate. The certificate requires a minimum of four classes and is open to students from any program at UK, as well as to community members or industry professionals, without being enrolled as an undergraduate. In 2021, the James B. Beam Whiskey Apprenticeship Program began. It is the first state-accredited apprenticeship for distillery workers in Kentucky. The apprenticeship is a collaboration between Suntory Global Spirits and the James B. Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits, providing on-the-job training and coursework to Suntory Global Spirits apprentices.
In 2023, UK opened a state-of-the art, on-campus distillery and maturation facility — located near the intersection of Cooper Drive and Nicholasville Road — that includes a 30-foot column still and related equipment, as well as a 600-barrel aging warehouse.
“This is the largest teaching distillery in the United States and in the world,” Director Seth DeBolt said at the ribbon cutting. “It will allow us to train the next generation of distillers and researchers, and to conduct cutting-edge research on the science of spirits production.”
BOURBON BY THE NUMBERS
KENTUCKY BOURBON IS A
$9 BILLION ECONOMIC AND TOURISM POWERHOUSE FOR THE COMMONWEALTH.
2.7 MILLION BARRELS OF BOURBON IN 2022, THE FIFTH YEAR IN A ROW TOPPING 2 MILLION. DISTILLERS PRODUCED A RECORD
100 KENTUCKY HAS LICENSED DISTILLERIES OPERATED BY 84 COMPANIES IN 42 KENTUCKY COUNTIES .
23,100 DISTILLING GENERATES MORE THAN JOBS IN KENTUCKY.
The Kentucky Distillers’ Association shared these statistics about the economic impact of the bourbon industry in 2023.
In March, the Beam Institute will host its sixth annual industry conference. Presented in partnership with the Kentucky Distillers’ Association, the annual three-day event brings together researchers, distillers, allied professionals, journalists and others for collaborations and presentations on the latest research, technologies and best practices. Last year approximately 1,170 people from 40 states and 14 countries attended, representing 350 institutions and employers.
“Since its inception, the James B. Beam Institute and the Kentucky Distillers’ Association have built a strategic partnership between the institute and the industry encompassing research initiatives, pilot projects and think tanks,” says KDA President Eric Gregory ’95 CI. “This collaboration has built a community of leaders and innovators working toward the sustainable advancement of Kentucky’s distilling industry.
“As the JBBI grows it will help us sustain our workforce and get the next generation excited about our signature industry,” he says. “With the addition of a working distillery and aging warehouse, the JBBI is graduating a workforce with solid, hands-on training who are ready to hire. It’s truly been a remarkable resource and asset for Kentucky and our homegrown industry.” ■
The James B. Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits’ on-campus distillery features a 30-foot column still donated by Vendome Copper & Brass Works. UK is the only university with a still house and maturation facility on campus.
Photos by Matt Barton, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment
Distiller and Bourbon Steward, Bluegrass Distillers Lexington, Kentucky
A Natural Attraction GRAHAM SUMMERS
Graham Summers ‘21 AFE began leading tours and tastings at Lexington-based Bluegrass Distillers while he was a student at the University of Kentucky. “I wanted to make some extra money on the weekends, and I knew I wanted to be in bourbon,” he says.
A passion for chemistry sparked Summers’ interest in the sciences during high school in his hometown of Louisville. He enrolled at UK with plans to pursue a pharmacy career, but switched to the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment in his sophomore year. “I started getting into the science of how to make and age bourbon and fell in love with it,” he says.
After graduating with a degree in agricultural economics and a distillation, wine and brewing certificate, Summers joined Bluegrass Distillers full-time. He now oversees maturation and warehouse operations for the growing distillery and recently helped bring a new column still and fermentation tanks online
at Bluegrass Distillers’ Elkwood Farm in Midway, Kentucky. The distillery has renovated a historic farmhouse on the property into a bespoke visitor’s center and is also building a new production facility.
Bluegrass Distillers also grows blue corn on the 62-acre property, the signature ingredient in its award-winning Blue Corn Bourbon. “It’s definitely our bread and butter,” Summers says. “We get people from all over the country looking for it, and it’s even better knowing we grow it on-site.”
Summers uses his agricultural and science education every day on the job — and occasionally to offer operational advice for his family’s farm in North Dakota, which he hopes to oversee one day. He also emphasizes that the bourbon industry offers opportunities for people from a diversity of backgrounds.
“People think of the spirits industry as mainly about chemistry and agriculture, but there are a lot more aspects in play,” he says. “You could go to business school and run a distillery.”
A Trailblazing Maven
Alex Castle ’10 EN always knew she wanted to use her chemical engineering degree in the brewing or distilling industries. While today’s students have access to an on-campus distillery through the James B. Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits, Castle had to look farther afield for hands-on experience. “I'm a little mad they didn't develop it sooner,” she says with a chuckle.
“When I was in school, it wasn’t an industry people talked about or aspired to join,” she says. “It was something you found on your own.”
Castle didn’t have to look far. She arranged a co-op with Alltech’s Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co., in downtown Lexington, where she learned about the production of Kentucky Ale and helped fire up the stills for what would become Town Branch Distillery.
After graduation, Castle landed a supervisor role at Wild Turkey. Four years later, she was recruited by the founders of Old Dominick Distillery in Memphis to help launch their facility.
ALEX CASTLE
“They had ordered equipment, but the building was empty, so it was literally from the ground up,” she says. “The branding, the interior design, the product mix — all of it was a work in progress.” Castle earned the distinction of becoming Tennessee’s first female master distiller, helping reestablish the historic brand in the state’s emerging craft scene. In 2020, she served as president of the Tennessee Distillers Guild.
Castle put that experience to good use when, earlier this year, she accepted the role of master distiller at Augusta Distillery in Northern Kentucky. The move allows her to build another distillery from the ground up and brings her closer to her hometown of Burlington, Kentucky.
It’s a decision not unlike the one she made after her first visit to UK’s campus and the College of Engineering. “I could tell that that was going to be home,” she says. “That was where I needed to be.”
Master Distiller, Augusta Distillery Augusta, Kentucky
NICK SMITH
Director of Distillation and Head Distiller, Bardstown Bourbon Company Bardstown, Kentucky
Innovation within Tradition
Each month, Bardstown Bourbon Company hosts an exclusive tour led by Head Distiller Nick Smith ’12 AFE. This isn’t your typical Bourbon 101 tasting. Instead, Smith offers guests an in-depth look at the entire bourbon-making journey — from raw grains to bottling — during a three-and-a-half-hour experience.
A highlight is BBC’s state-of-the-art distillery, which Smith helped design and launch and which runs on the Ignition software system. BBC is the first U.S. distillery to utilize the advanced technology, which allows operators to manipulate more than 500 variables in the distillation process. This customization enables BBC to refine its own products and tailor production for contract clients.
Smith brings a unique blend of tradition and innovation to his role. His family has operated a local alcohol distribution business since 1942, and, growing up in Bardstown, he’s witnessed the bourbon industry’s growth firsthand.
Smith completed his associate’s degree at Bluegrass Community and Technical College, then transferred to the University
of Kentucky, where he graduated with a degree in agricultural economics and a minor in business management. Smith credits a childhood friend who also attended UK with helping him land an interview with the James B. Beam Distilling Co., and his degree from UK with helping him advance quickly from an entry-level position to a supervisor role. “I trained in all the different departments,” he says.
Smith joined BBC in 2016 as one of its earliest employees and was promoted to head distiller 2019. In that time, he’s used his knowledge of chemistry and technology to help the company grow its production from 1.5 million proof gallons a year to 11.4 million proof gallons annually. While UK’s James B. Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits wasn’t yet operational while Smith was at UK, he appreciates the training and research being done there to help further innovation in the industry.
“They are looking into every single step of the bourbon-making process, which is great for all of us,” Smith says. “They’re helping to make sure that the bourbon industry is going to thrive in Kentucky for generations to come.”
A Fresh Approach
Stepping into the Fresh Bourbon Tasting Room on Lexington’s Main Street feels more like visiting a high-end boutique than a typical bourbon distillery. Bottles and merchandise are displayed on elegantly arranged shelves and tables and large velvet curtains open to reveal a long, marble-topped bar, wood-paneled walls with gold-accented fixtures, and twin chandeliers adorned with crystals. The ambiance exudes relaxed, inviting luxury — a fresh approach to a traditional industry, which founders Sean Edwards ’09 BE and Tia Edwards ’01 CI say is the intent.
“We wanted to create not only a product but a space that invites bourbon drinkers to enjoy it however they like,” Tia Edwards says.
Tia and Sean enjoy traveling and touring distilleries, however they say they often encountered a lot of sameness and limited options during those visits. For example, Tia, who prefers her bourbon in cocktails, would sometimes carry ginger ale in her
purse as a mixer. In 2017, they founded Fresh Bourbon to offer a versatile, easy-drinking spirit and a refined setting to enjoy it in.
As University of Kentucky alumni, Sean and Tia have applied their educational backgrounds to building the brand. Tia, who majored in integrated strategic communication, leads the branding and marketing efforts, while Sean, with a degree in business management, focuses on profitability.
Their success has garnered recognition in both the bourbon industry and the UK community. Sean has been honored by the Gatton College of Business and Economics, and Tia has been invited multiple times to speak at the College of Communication and Information. “It’s inspiring to see how our university has supported us,” Tia says. “It’s a great feeling.”
Fresh Bourbon joined the Kentucky Bourbon Trail last year, and recently expanded its distribution to include Kentucky, Tennessee and Michigan. They are currently raising funds to build a larger distillery in Lexington.
Research and Development Master Distiller, RD1 Spirits, Lexington, Kentucky
Where Whiskey Meets Wood JARRAD GOLLIHUE
Bourbon’s complex flavors and aromas largely develop during maturation — the often years-long process during which the whiskey evolves and mellows as it interacts with the organic compounds in new, charred oak barrels. This natural alchemy is what fascinates Jarrad Gollihue ’14 ’20 AFE and is the focus of his doctoral dissertation at the University of Kentucky and his new role as Research and Development Master Distiller at RD1 Spirits.
Gollihue earned his undergraduate degree in horticultural science at UK, where he was among the first students in the distillation, wine and brewing studies program. He went on to earn a PhD in plant biology, teaching classes and conducting research along the way. It was during that time that he also met his wife, Jenna, who now studies spinal-cord injuries at the Sanders-Brown Center on Aging.
Before joining RD1, Gollihue served as technical director and post-doctoral scholar at UK’s James B. Beam Institute for
Kentucky Spirits, where he helped establish the program. “I was definitely an early adopter,” he says.
Now, Gollihue is also an early adopter at RD1. He joined the company earlier this year and is currently helping oversee the construction of its distillery and visitor's center, which will serve as the anchor property for The Commons development. Once the facility is operational, Gollihue will shift his focus to creating wood-finished bourbons, experimenting with various wood types and maturation techniques and collaborating with industry peers.
“One thing that struck me during this startup was the number of people I met who had to go overseas to get this kind of training, and now they don’t have to,” he says, referring to the Beam Institute. “(Bourbon) is an important industry to the state, and the fact that we used to have to send people to Scotland to get an education in it is wild.”
Springboard for Success
Born and raised in Albany, Kentucky — a small community near Dale Hollow Lake on the Tennessee border — enrolling at the University of Kentucky was a monumental step for Lisa Sawyer Derman ’87 AS.
“Coming from a small town, it was my first introduction to a world of possibilities for women,” says Derman, who graduated with a degree in mathematical sciences. “I have such fond memories of UK and meeting incredible people pursuing all kinds of careers — doctors, dentists, lawyers, finance professionals. I feel like it set me up for success.”
Derman went on to law school at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., where she met a renowned alcohol beverage attorney from Alabama. “We hit it off, and that’s how I entered the alcohol beverage industry,” she says.
Derman later held senior executive roles with global brands including Stoli Group and the Macallan. She retired after a 30year career, but her curiosity and enthusiasm didn’t fade.
LISA SAWYER DERMAN
Founder and CEO, Five Springs Bourbon
These days Derman and her husband live in a lakeside home in her husband’s native New Jersey, where they welcome visits from their three grown children. It was during these visits that Derman started experimenting with infusing bourbon with citrus, botanicals and other natural flavors to elevate cocktails and also appeal to burgeoning bourbon drinkers. The idea for Five Springs Bourbon was born.
Using bourbon sourced from Kentucky and proofed down using Kentucky limestone-filtered water, Five Springs launched this past June in both New Jersey and Kentucky, offering three varieties infused with natural flavors.
Both the bourbon and the name are direct connections with Derman’s Kentucky roots, she says.
“Five Springs is a community (near Albany) where we have our family’s farm, and where my grandfather built the one-room Five Springs Methodist Church,” she says. “There are also five of us in our family, so it all just works.”
Sparta, New Jersey
FLAT WILDCAT MEETS THE NEW COACHES
Our newest Flat Wildcat wore his basketball gear to meet the new men’s basketball coach Mark Pope (left) and the new women’s basketball coach Kenny Brooks (right) and got to take a picture with them. Now it’s your turn. The flat version of your beloved Wildcat mascot is inserted inside this issue of the Kentucky Alumni Magazine and he’s ready to hit the road with you. He makes a cat-tastic travel companion so take him with you on your vacation or to the next road game of your favorite Wildcat team. Take a picture together and then share the photo on social media using #FlatWildcat. If your Flat Wildcat is missing, you can request or download yours today at www.ukalumni.net/FlatWildcat.
by
Photo
Chet White, UK Athletics
By Dan Knapp
Photo by Tim Webb
The PepperPointe Partnerships office’s interior combines sleek glass, warm wood and brick, balancing modern design with classic charm.
Growing up, White (shown here at age 3) and his family lived in an ancestral home near the Tennessee-Arkansas border.
White served as a dentist in the Army National Guard from 1986 to 1995.
When White graduated from the UK College of Dentistry in 1988, his mentor, Monroe Moosnick, was there, cheering him on.
UK College of Dentistry Alumni Association President Erica Higginbotham (center) presented Wes Coffman '78 DE (left) and White '88 '91 DE with their 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award.
Scholarship
Alumni News
Among the many events they enjoyed during Homecoming, members of the Lyman T. Johnson Alumni Constituency Group hosted a pickleball social at Calvary Baptist Church.
Members of the Arizona UK Alumni Club got together for an Auburn game watch party at Buffalo Wild Wings in Scottsdale, Arizona. Earlier in the season, Arizona Club President Chris McDaniel ’97 AS attended the UK football Homecoming game with his niece UK freshman Katie Woolsey.
The 20th annual UK Alumni Association Pumpkin Festival was held at Spindletop Hall in late September. In addition to painting pumpkins, UK alumni families and friends took hayrides, made crafts and enjoyed having their faces painted and a petting zoo.
The UK Asian American Pacific Islander Alumni Network (UKAAPIAN) organizational lunch was held on Oct. 12.
and
at the
Northern Alabama UK Alumni Club held a game watch party at Drake’s for the Ole Miss football game.
The 2024 McCracken County UK Alumni Club golf scramble was held in August. Alumni and friends enjoyed a fun day on the links and raised money for student scholarships.
More than 78 alumni and fans attended the fourth annual Sarasota/Suncoast UK Alumni Club golf fundraiser with special guests UK legend Jack “Goose” Givens and his wife Linda, and UK legend Kyle Macy and his wife Tina. About 50 golfers played in the tournament followed by an additional 28 joining the luncheon to listen to and meet “Goose” and Kyle. The Alumni Club also celebrated Goose and Linda Givens’ 39th wedding anniversary. Proceeds from the golf and luncheon event go toward the Sarasota/Suncoast UK Alumni Club Scholarship Endowment Fund named in memory of Steven Matthew Self.
UK men’s basketball Coach Mark Pope
his wife Lee Ann had fun
Greater Louisville UK Alumni Club Wildcat Tipoff Luncheon in October at Churchill Downs. Women’s basketball Coach Kenny Brooks attended with player Teonni Key.
Sports
FOR THE FIRST TIME, WOMEN’S BASKETBALL RESERVED SEATING SELLS OUT
It is the first time in program history that reserved seating has sold out. More than 3,200 season tickets have sold for the upcoming season, over half of the approximate capacity within the new configuration of the renovated Historic Memorial Coliseum.
There are still a limited number of general-admission season tickets available for purchase, while single-game ticket options went on sale this week.
The Wildcats released the promotional lineup of their nonconference home games, including matchups with Louisville and Western Kentucky. Their promotional lineup for the Southeastern Conference home schedule, which features contests against LSU and Texas, will be revealed in December.
Kenny Brooks’ women’s basketball team is ranked 22nd in both preseason national polls and is projected as a six-seed in Charlie Creme’s latest bracketology report.
The Wildcats feature two returners in Cassidy Rowe and Saniah Tyler, and 11 newcomers, including All-American, graduate-student point guard Georgia Amoore. Amoore, the Virginia Tech transfer, recently earned the seventh-most votes in the Associated Press Preseason All-America women’s basketball poll, while she also was named to the Preseason All-SEC First Team by both media and coaches.
Recently, point guard Amoore has been named to the Jersey Mike’s Naismith Trophy Women’s College Player of the Year Watch List and the Nancy Lieberman Point Guard of the Year Watch List. Amoore, who recently earned the seventhmost votes in the Associated Press Preseason All-America women’s basketball poll, also was selected to the Preseason All-Southeastern Conference First Team by both the media and the coaches this October. ■
WOMEN’S SOCCER UNDEFEATED AT HOME FOR SECOND TIME
Kentucky women’s soccer (11-3-4, 3-3-4) wrapped up the 2024 regular season with a 4-0 victory over rival Tennessee (7-5-4, 2-4-3). A career-first hat trick for scoring leader Makala Woods and an opening goal from Sophia Mattice saw the Wildcats take down the Volunteers 4-0. Additionally, head coach Troy Fabiano picked up his 350th career victory as a head coach since his start in 1997 with UW-Parkside. The win is significant in the record books. It marks only the second time in program history the Wildcats have finished the regular season with an undefeated record at home (9-0-3) – the first time since 2011 when the team went 6-0-0. It’s also the first time the program has reached 11 wins since the program had 16 in 2014.
Woods was named the Southeastern Conference Newcomer of the Year. She was also named to the All-SEC First Team alongside teammate Grace Phillpotts while Maddie Kemp was named to the Third Team. Alexis Tylenda was also named to the All-Freshman Team. The five post-season honors are the most in program history. ■
ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES HONORED
The University of Kentucky Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2024 was inducted in September. These athletes received recognition:
Jasmine Camacho-Quinn, women’s track and field, 2016-18. Two-time Olympic medalist in the 100-meter hurdles, winning gold at the Tokyo event and coming off a bronze finish in Paris. First athlete in Puerto Rico history to win two Olympic medals. Three-time NCAA Champion, twice in the 100-meter hurdles (2016, ’18) and the 4x100m relay (2017). Six-time SEC Champion, twice in the 60-meter hurdles, three times in the 100 hurdles and the 4x400 relay.
John Cropp, administration, 19922013; assistant football coach 1991. Served UK athletics for 22 years, including assistant football coach (1991), athletics recruiting coordinator (1992-93), assistant athletics director for special projects (1993-95) and associate athletics director (19972013). He was founding administrator for UK softball in 1997 and John Cropp Stadium was named in his honor upon his retirement in 2013.
Henrik Larsen, rifle, 2018. A generational talent, winning a team and individual national championship as a freshman before turning professional. Led Kentucky to the 2018 NCAA National Championship, posting the highest aggregate score on the team. Won the 2018 NCAA Air Rifle Individual National Championship. Set school records in smallbore, air rifle and aggregate in just his one collegiate season. 2018 NCAA Shooter of the Year and NCAA Freshman of the Year. Represented his home country of Norway in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, women’s track and field, 2018. Fourtime Olympic gold medalist, twice each in Paris and Tokyo in the 400-meter hurdles and 4x400-meter relay. Had a world-record performance in the 400 hurdles in each Olympiad, lowering the mark to 50.37 seconds in Paris. The 4x400 relay set an American record in winning Paris gold. Turned in a stunning performance in her year at Kentucky. NCAA champion in the 400 hurdles. Set the collegiate record (52.75 seconds) – which still stands – while winning
DICKEY LYONS SR. NAMED KENTUCKY’S SEC FOOTBALL LEGEND
Former University of Kentucky football all-purpose player Dicky Lyons Sr. has been named a 2024 Southeastern Conference Legend. Known as one of the greatest punt and kickoff return aces in SEC history, Lyons was also one of the most versatile athletes in SEC annals as he lettered three years at running back, receiver, kick returner, punter, kicker and defensive back at Kentucky from 1966-68.
the SEC championship in the 400H. Two gold medals in the 2022 World Championships and was named the 2022 World Athletics Female Athlete of the Year.
Jodie Meeks, Men’s basketball, 200709. NCAA consensus second-team All-American in 2009. Owns UK’s singlegame scoring record with 54 points at Tennessee. Also hit a school record 10 3-pointers during that game. All-SEC first team in 2009.Made the SEC AllFreshman Team in 2007. His 854 points during the 2008-09 season rank as the second-most in UK history.
Corey Peters, football, 2006-09. Outstanding defensive tackle helped UK to four consecutive bowl appearances, including three bowl wins. Tremendous senior season featured 56 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, four quarterback sacks, five pass breakups and six QB hurries. Earned All-SEC first team honors. UK’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player of his senior season. Winner of the Jerry Claiborne Award for academics and team attitude. Played 13 years in the NFL with Atlanta, Arizona and Jacksonville. ■
Lyons was selected in the fourth round of the 1969 NFL/AFL Draft and went on to play for the New Orleans Saints. He also played in the Canadian Football League and the World Football League. Lyons’ son, Dicky Lyons Jr., was a star wide receiver for the Wildcats from 2004-08.
Lyons is part of the 2024 Football Legends class that includes 16 former stars who excelled on the gridiron and helped write the rich history of the sport at their respective institutions. The class will be honored at the 2024 SEC Football “Weekend of Champions” December 6-7 in Atlanta, Georgia. ■
FROM THE stage TO THE crown
How Miss Kentucky USA 2024 is Empowering a New Generation
By Brandon Brown
As a mentor and role model, alumna Connor Perry is using her new title to inspire young girls across the Commonwealth, proving that dreams can become reality.
Perry ’23 AS won her first pageant competition, Miss Kentucky USA 2024.
While being on stage isn’t new for Perry, competing in pageants was a whole new world.
“I never really had a background in pageantry. But I’ve always had a background in performance. I’ve been a dancer my whole life,” she said.
In addition to the duties that accompany her crown, Perry is a dancer at Movement Continuum, a contemporary dance company in Lexington, Kentucky. She doubles as the primary ballet instructor and mentor at Moving North, a cost-free dance training program offered through Movement Continuum. That program is for girls ages 10-18 living in Lexington communities with unequal access to the arts.
“Our goal is to remove as many barriers as we can for the girls to be able to just come to the studio, and only worry about honing their craft,” she said. “Anything that we can do to make it about the dancing — and purely just the dancing for them — we do, and that’s important to me, because that’s what it should be.”
Moving North also provides its dancers with access to resources that can help them
build momentum toward successfully chasing their dreams, like one-on-one mentoring, professional headshots and education in writing resumes and professional bios. By giving her dancers a step-up with professional skills and knowledge at a young age, Perry hopes to change their lives in more ways than can be achieved through dance instruction alone.
Perry says her work at Moving North is something she holds very close to her heart.
“Dance is not something that has always been historically accessible or equitable. Especially for people who are from Kentucky and from rural areas.
“I worked (here) long before Miss Kentucky USA was even in the picture … it was a job that I kind of fell into because I wasn’t going to continue dancing, but dance found its way back into my life,” she said. “And then Miss Kentucky came into the picture. And so (now) I can spread that advocacy even wider.”
With pageants or dance competitions, measuring success — whether in the form of a crown accompanied by a sash, a bouquet of flowers, a new title, or a trophy or medal — is simple. When it comes to her advocacy, Perry uses different metrics to measure the impact she has.
“Seeing how incredible they are, you know, transforming as dancers, as ballet dancers,” she said. “Ballet is so hard, and these girls are coming from backgrounds that they’ve never danced before in their life — like, some of them have never set foot in the dance studio in their life, and to be teaching them ballet, first of all, is like an anomaly, because… ballet is so hard. It is like conceptually, I’d say, the hardest genre to even grasp.”
As a teacher and mentor, Perry understands well the importance of having people in your corner rooting you on and helping you succeed. That’s why she believes so much in her dancers and encourages them to pursue their dreams — if they can learn ballet, she thinks, there is nothing they cannot achieve.
“I wouldn’t be here today, sitting in front of you as Miss Kentucky USA, if I didn’t have people in a village who made it possible for me to pursue my dreams.”
But sometimes believing in herself proved to be a challenge.
“I absolutely did not think I would win,” Perry said as she recalled her experience competing as a pageant newcomer.
Perry hopes to change her dance students’ lives in more ways than can be achieved through dance instruction alone.
“Anyone backstage can tell you: I was on my hands and knees praying to make top 12 because of all the people who had supported me and donated and sponsored me. I was like, ‘I have to give them something’… Because, like I said, I was completely new to this.”
Some may call it beginner’s luck, but Perry attributes it to her ability to ignore the negative thoughts of self-doubt and familiar feeling of impostor syndrome.
“With anything novel comes a learning curve,” she said. “I was prepared for that.”
It was important for her to approach the opportunity with her head held high and a clear mindset.
“I’m going to give it my very best. I’m just going to do me and hope for the best. I came prepared — it’s not like I just showed up, and you know, flew by the seat of my pants. I put in the work. I did walk training. I did the interview prep. And (went) into it as prepared as I could be.”
The hard work paid off, and Perry went on to represent Kentucky at the 2024 Miss USA Pageant, where she become the first Kentucky delegate to be crowned first runner-up. Kentucky has won the Miss USA title twice before, most recently by UK alumna Elle Smith (2022) and Russell Springs native Tara Conner (2006).
Perry’s love for Kentucky and its people runs deep. And she was able to showcase that love for the Bluegrass during the Miss USA pageant.
“I’ve just been really proud because I literally grew up here. This is my home. At Miss USA, specifically, is where I really felt most proud,” she said. “We had a state
costume, so I got to bring a little bit of the Bluegrass spirit to this stage. My costume was Kentucky Derby-themed, you know — something we’re really famous for, and it’s globally known. And it’s like, that is my home state — like, that’s where I live. I feel so proud to be able to represent all the things that I love about Kentucky and all the things that I find so amazing about it.”
She finds joy passing on that love for Kentucky as a relatable role model for her mentees at Moving North and young women throughout the state. She’s passionate about providing the kind of representation she longed for as a young dancer.
“I’m teaching a class full of young Black girls,” she adds. “It’s not only healing for them, but it’s also healing for me, you know. It’s, like, very special to see.”
(And now), “These girls — they have their own ballet teacher, who’s a successful black dancer. That speaks volumes and really helps make (their dreams) achievable.”
While the current seasons of dancers at Moving North are all young women of color, the nonprofit program is founded on the principle that art should not be a privilege but is instead a necessity. Moving North is for all girls in the Lexington community.
For young girls across the Commonwealth who are unsure of the direction of their journeys and seeking advice on how to trust themselves and their own decisions, Perry offers these words:
“Just try everything... Just put yourself out there as much as you possibly can because you will quickly learn what you like, what you don’t like and what you want to do.”
She adds, “And that can be hard, and that can be scary. But in the end, you will be so thankful that you did. Because you also learn so much about yourself and about so many other things along the way. No matter what comes out of it, you will have learned something, and you will have gained something, so you really can’t lose by putting yourself out there.” ■
Put yourself out there as much as you possibly can... that can be hard... But in the end, you will be so thankful that you did. “ “
HE’S FUSING PASSION
By Ava Bumgarner
Ametallic smell wafts through the studio from copper wires scattered about on a table. Fragments of colored glass lay meticulously placed across rectangular slabs of turquoise glass, awaiting a trip to the kiln.
From floor to ceiling, shelves with boxes full of all kinds of cutting and trimming supplies line the perimeter of the room. Awards and recognitions cover about every inch of the white walls. Two large wooden tables occupy the center of the studio. Two of his newest creations are displayed there and his intern, Ben Maddox, is busy working, carefully putting together small, vibrantly colored glass pieces.
Glass artist Dan Neil Barnes ’84 DE, a recipient of the Kentucky 2023 Governor’s Award in the Arts, creates his art in his studio in Georgetown, Kentucky, a place where no wall is left barren and no shelf is left empty.
Born and raised in Henderson County, his artistic interest was encouraged by seeing his father and uncles work with their hands in the construction business. He learned the value of ethics and the drive one must have to ensure personal success, he said.
After graduating from high school, his artist interests
were furthered at the University of Kentucky, where he received his degree in human environmental design.
He then met Arturo Sandoval, a UK professor and fiber artist, in Sandoval’s graphic design class. Sandoval has been recognized for his experimental approach to working in fiber. He has received fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts and in 2003 he was awarded a Governor’s Award in the Arts award from the Kentucky Arts Council as well. Sandoval vividly remembers Barnes’ talent.
“He was making lovely pieces. But I said, ‘You know Dan, if you want to really be passionate and push yourself, you want to make museum scale works,’” Sandoval said. “You know because I as a mentor, not only do I talk about his design and composition, but I also wanted him to challenge himself and get better commissions, larger commissions.”
Sandoval was one of the several guiding figures in Barnes’ career, and he still is.
After graduation, Barnes opened a business upholstering furniture. Seeking another challenge, he began experimenting with fused and stained-glass fundamen-
Photos by Ava Bumgarner and submitted.
tals. He spent years working, creating and showing his work in exhibitions and learning how to properly market himself before becoming an established artist.
Making a living from art involves more than just creating and selling it.
“You can’t just be the artist. You have to be a businessman, you got to be able to communicate to people, you got to be able to move them,” Barnes said.
In 2006, an opportunity came Barnes’ way. He was approached about creating the awards that are presented to artists who are given the Kentucky Governor’s Award in the Arts. The Kentucky Arts Council presents the award.
“I was commissioned to make the awards,” he said. “And it was a leg up for me back then because I was just becoming established and well known. It was like a foot in the door.”
Ultimately, it was a foot in the door which led him to receiving the Kentucky Governor’s Award in the Arts 17 years later.
Receiving the award from Gov. Andy Beshear in 2023 was a humbling experience, said Barnes, and one he’d long dreamed about since crafting the awards earlier.
Top left: At 6 feet tall, 15 feet long and 15 feet wide, "Farm Raised" is located at Field & Main Bank in Lexington. The design was inspired by the shapes of farm implements. It hangs 6 feet from the ceiling and is lit from above.
Bottom left: Lit from above, this piece of Barnes' work hangs at the front entrance of Ed Hoy in Chicago.
Right: This stainless steel frame work "Escape" contains 4,000 pieces of stained glass and is displayed in the Owensboro Convention Center.
The commission from the Kentucky Arts Council, a state agency responsible for promoting the arts, was just the beginning of his career in commissioned work. The council helped Barnes with his first large, commissioned project — creating an installation piece for the Owensboro Convention Center in July 2013. “The Cascade,” a 157-piece display, hangs from the lobby ceiling and is placed prominently to highlight the architecture of the convention center, he explained. Barnes curved the individual pieces of glass to create contrast within the design.
The Kentucky Guild of Artists and Craftsmen also played a significant role in Barnes’ art. The Guild is an educational nonprofit organization which educates and promotes the arts. Sandoval pushed Barnes to join the Guild because of the opportunities to gain experience and improve his skills. Barnes is still a part of the organization. His involvement led him to being exhibited at the Kentucky Artisan Center in Berea. The Center helps support more than 800 Kentucky artists and businesses by purchasing works from artists for resale purposes.
Eventually, Barnes became a juried member of the Kentucky Crafted marketing program, created to assist
artists in networking, marketing, promotional, business and sales trainings to help grow their businesses. He was appointed to the Kentucky Crafted marketing program advisory board where he helped other artists find their footing in the industry.
“When I talk to people, I talk to them in a way that I try to connect to their heart. Because this is about me and what I love and I want them to feel that,” he said. His art has changed over time. His UK classes in architecture, art and interior design helped him expand beyond the traditionality of the glass art industry, he said.
He has experimented with different methods of reinforcing glass and he developed his own way of creating stable, three-dimensional sculptures that could range from all sizes and hang from ceilings if a client wanted.
“It’s an engineering fact for me. Everything that you see here (in his studio) was all engineered and developed by me. I bought all the metal, I bend all the metal and I made all the supports,” Barnes said. “That’s the fun of it for me is creating those things and figuring out how to engineer them and get them all to be aesthetically pleasing, but yet it has to function.”
His designs are displayed around the country. The most prominent being in the main entrance of Ed Hoy, the nation’s largest glass distributor located in Chicago. Barnes work has also been featured on the front cover of the Hoy business catalog.
Several glass pieces are displayed throughout the Commonwealth as well. “Farm Raised,” hangs in the foyer and conference room of Field & Main Bank in downtown Lexington.
Taking the concept of the Kentucky farming industry, Barnes decided to slump glass pieces for a hanging fixture to reflect the looks of disc blades, plowshares, old moldboard plows, antique tractor seats and a resemblance of a windmill.
Field & Main Bank Chairman and CEO Scott Davis ’80 AFE wanted people, no matter what part of the state
Left: Barnes poses with his 2023 Kentucky Governor's Award in the Arts in his home in Georgetown, Kentucky.
Right: “Life Spiral” hangs in the front entrance of Bluegrass Care Navigators in Lexington, Kentucky.
they may be coming from, to feel that subtle connection to the agrarian culture of the Bluegrass when they enter the bank.
“We wanted to have some art that really would manifest itself in a way that made connections. Dan’s concept just really struck a chord with us, and we couldn’t be prouder of it,” said Davis who has known Barnes since kindergarten. “It’s really unique art and it goes about taking that glass and shaping them and welding various panels of glass together in a kiln is just fascinating.
“He (Barnes) comes from a building background. His dad and uncles built homes in Henderson County for many years. All of them were great craftsmen," said Davis. "Dan has that construction background and understands the necessity to have the structural components right so it makes it all work.”
Now, because mentoring has played such a key role in his career, Barnes mentors others like Ben Maddox, a freelance welder and glass artist.
“I was doing smaller scale stuff and small metal sculpture,” Maddox said. “Being with Dan completely turned me around. The first show I did, I sold two of my biggest pieces, made all the expenses back. I still do nothing but eat, sleep and want this.”
As he prepares to travel to Florida for upcoming shows in St. Armand Circle in Sarasota and one in Boca Raton, Barnes scans the walls of his framed awards and work. Everything has led up to this moment. A family of builders, professors and mentors at UK, friends and opportunities have given Barnes the life he has always wanted — a life where he can create.
“You’ve got to be able to work hard. You got to be able to be a businessman … a travel agent, a web designer and sometimes you’re a tax person,” Barnes said. “As far as all those different avenues, you got to be able to tackle all those different tasks to be successful. I’m not great at any of them, but I know I’ve managed to manipulate enough that I can pass.” ■
UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
At the University of Kentucky Alumni Association, family is everything. We are so thankful you are part of the Wildcat family. So thankful, in fact, we are gearing up to show some Wildcat love as we celebrate loyal Members, like you, during UK Alumni Association Member Appreciation Week, Feb. 17 - 21, 2025. It will be a week packed full of deals, games and prizes you won’t want to miss. Mark your calendar now and prepare to be appreciated!
Class Notes
1950s
Charles E. English Sr. ’57 BE, ’60 LAW was presented with the 2024 William H. Natcher Award by the Bowling Green-Warren County Bar Association. A cofounding partner of English, Lucas, Priest & Owsley LLP, English was recognized for his 64-year career and his commitment to” high ethical standards and a strong devotion to professional civic responsibility.”
1970s
Thomas Patterson “Patt” Maney ’70 AS, ’16 HON has been awarded the highest honor in the national Eagle Scout Association, the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. Maney, a Florida state representative, became an Eagle Scout in 1964. Maney’s public service has spanned decades and multiple branches of government and
international relations. As an Army Reserve Brigadier General he served in Panama, Haiti, Bosnia and Afghanistan. He was a county judge for nearly 29 years and helped establish Florida’s first Veterans Treatment Court.
Greg Summe ’78 EN has joined the board of directors of Wheels Up Experience Inc. Summe serves as the managing partner of Glen Capital, a role he has held since 2013. Previously he was the managing director and vice chair of Global Buyout at The Carlyle Group, a leading global private equity firm.
Doug Sutherland ’78 BE has earned the commercial real estate designation Certified Commercial Investment Member and become a member of the CCIM Institute which serves the professional real estate community. He is in the commercial real estate industry in the Charlotte/Lake Norma, North Carolina area.
1980s
Charles Rice ’80 ’83 AFE received the 2024 Alumni Achievement in Sciences Award from the Northern Illinois University Alumni Association. A professor at Kansas State University’s Department of Agronomy, Rice has conducted innovative research for decades in climate science and was part of a UN team that received the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize. He specializes in soil microbiology, carbon cycling and climate change.
Paulette Adams ’85 ED has been appointed by Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA and president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, to serve on the National Review Board which advises the U.S. bishops’ Committee on the Protection of Children and Young People. Adams is a tenured professor emeritus from the University of Louisville School of Nursing.
Christine Goble ’88 CC, ’92 ’95 EN has joined the faculty at Centre College, Danville, Kentucky, as an associate professor of engineering.
Debra H. Lambert ’89 LAW has been elected chief justice of the Kentucky Supreme Court, a role that will begin in 2025. She was the Kentucky Supreme Court deputy chief justice. She represents the 3rd Appellate Court District and was first elected to the
state’s Supreme Court in 2018.
1990s
Mike Johnson ’91 AS has been appointed president and CEO of the American Coatings Association. Formerly he was president and CEO of the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association.
Maggie Kassebaum ‘91 EN has been named senior vice president of premium appliances division of Almo Corporation. She was senior vice president and general manager, luxury retail for Synchrony (formerly GE Retail Finance) where she managed credit partnerships with luxury brands.
Greg O’Connell ’91 BE has been named vice president of Federal at Nutanix. He has more than 25 years of experience in enterprise sales. He has served as senior director of sales overseeing intelligence community and Department of Defense projects at Nutanix.
Melissa Bellew ’92 LAW has joined Restorative Justice Project Maine as a new board member. Bellew is a retired public defender. She is the COO and in-house counsel at the Capital District YMCA in Albany, New York, and past CEO of the Penobscot Bay YMCA in Rockport, Maine.
Pete November ’93 BE, ’96 LAW has been named treasurer of the board of
Despite the snow, the UK Marching Band was prepared to perform during the 1923-1924 school year.
trustees of the National World War II Museum in New Orleans. November is the CEO of Ochsner Health. He has served numerous senior leadership positions there since 2012.
Arvind Rao ’93 EN is the chief technology officer, edge platforms, EdgeVerve. Before joining EdgeVerve, he spent two decades with e2open, when he was chief architect. He also worked at Zyme Solutions and Telus Mobility.
Joseph E. Carrico ’94 BE has been named special agent in charge of the newly reopened Nashville Field office of the FBI. He joined the FBI as a special agent in 1999. Prior to that he was a reserve deputy sheriff and a financial advisor in his hometown of Louisville.
Curtis Petrie ’95 EN has been appointed vice president of administration at Sypris Solutions, Inc. Prior to his tenure with Sypris, he
served as chief information officer for F+W Media, Inc.
Pat Heist ’96 MED, ’01 ’03
AFE has joined the board of directors of NOBO, a leading provider of sustainable cannabis cultivation and plant-touching services. Heist is the founder of Ferm Solutions where he worked with more than 200 distilleries worldwide and he co-founded Wilderness Trail Distillery, one of the world’s fastest-growing bourbon distilleries.
Nathan Long ’96 FA has been appointed president of the University of Western States. Long served as interim president prior to his appointment. He has more than 25 years of experience in high education including roles at Saybrook University and The Christ College of Nursing and Health Sciences.
Hamilton Neal ’98 AS has been named the vice chair of THE PLAYERS Championship
A Tug of War was held annually on campus, usually between the freshman and sophomore classes. A cable was stretched across Clifton Pond, a block east of campus. Members of the two classes seized opposite ends and began to pull. Seniors supervised to ensure fair play and the victors would storm downtown in celebration.
tournament’s volunteer leadership team, commonly called the Red and Blue Coats. Neal is a financial planner with Bridgewater Wealth Advisors of Raymond James in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. This is his 16th year with THE PLAYERS, a flagship PGA TOUR event.
Jennifer Conner Blatz ’99 AS has received the Cincinnati Business Courier’s C-Suite Award for Nonprofit CED for her leadership of StriveTogether, an organization that works with 70 communities across the United States to put millions of young people on a path to economic mobility. Recently she traveled to the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting to accept the Schwab Foundation’s Collective Social Innovation
Award. On StriveTogether’s behalf.
Anthony Uy ’99 MED has been named chief quality officer at the Charleston Area Medical Center. He has served in many roles at CAMC and Vandalia Health, most recently as the chief medication information officer.
2000s
Jennifer LeMaster ’00 CI has been appointed new president and CEO of the Seattle Convention Center’s Board of Directors. Her 26-year career started in college sports at UK’s Athletic Association, leading marketing and special events. She then joined the Georgia World Congress Center Authority first at the Georgia
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
AFE Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food & Environment
AS Arts & Sciences
BE Gatton College of Business & Economics
CI Communication & Information
DE Dentistry
DES Design
ED Education
EN Pigman College of Engineering
FA Fine Arts
GS The Graduate School
HS Health Sciences
HON Honorary Degree
LAW Rosenberg College of Law
MED Medicine
NUR Nursing
PHA Pharmacy
PH Public Health
SW Social Work
Class Notes
Dome and then at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Amber Wraight Castner ’01 AS is the new director of surgical services at Finger Lakes Health and Wellness in Geneva, New York. She joined Finger Lakes in 2009 and during her tenure has served as an operating room circulating nurse, clinical coordinator for surgical services and surgical services manager. She was recognized recently with the DAISY Leader of the Year Award and is a previous DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses recipient.
Louis Kelly ’01 BE received an Outstanding Commonwealth’s Attorneys Award at the Kentucky Prosecutors Conference. He serves Boone and Gallatin counties. Commonwealth’s Attorneys are elected prosecutors of felony crimes in Kentucky.
Scott McIntyre ’01 LAW, a partner at BakerHostetler LLP, has been named to the board of trustees at Thomas More University, Crestview Hills, Kentucky. McIntyre is a certified specialist in employment and labor law by the Ohio State Bar Association.
Jennifer Bales ’02 MED has been appointed director of the Wayne County Health Department in Richmond, Indiana. A former emergency room doctor with nearly 20 years’ experience at Reid Health, Phillips was the first female chief of staff at Reid Health, leading the staff during the pandemic.
Ramya Sethuraman ’03 EN has been hired as first chief product officer at The Suite, a family of bespoke, invite-only communities for the C-suite. Previously, a seasoned engineer and then product leader at Meta, she
On Nov. 1, 1924,
held a succession of senior engineering and product roles.
Billy Wooten ’07 CI is the new dean of the School of Arts & Letters at Middle Georgia State University. Most recently dean of Engaged Learning at Averett University, Danville, Virginia, Wooten has also served as that institution’s executive director of the Center for Community Engagement & Career Competitiveness.
Joseph Nevels ’08 CI dropped his debut EP “I Should Write Book.” The EP chronicles Nevels’ life and philosophical approach to the world. The single “Alive” was released in August.
Kristy Parton ’08 LAW has been appointed to serve as district court judge in Judicial District 43 by North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper. She worked as a solo practitioner at her own practice prior to the appointment.
James Jennings ’09 LAW has been appointed the director of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. Jennings is an environmental professional and policy expert and has served as the deputy director of IEPA.
Will Price Stahl ’09 AFE has been recognized in Business Alabama as one of the Alabama Associated General Contractors 40 Under 40. He has been working as a project manager for S&S Sprinkler for almost a decade.
2010s
Patrick A. Lewis ’10 ’12 AS will become president and CEO of the Filson Historical Society in Louisville, Kentucky in 2025. Lewis has been at the Filson since 2019, most recently leading the department of collections and research. He recently published, “Playing at War: Identity and Memory in Civil War Video Games.”
Matthew Frazier ’13 EN has been named a new shareholder at Thomas & Hutton, a leading professional services firm in consulting, planning and engineering solutions for land and infrastructure development. He joined the firm in 2015 as an environmental group leader and project manager.
Jarrad Gollihue ’14 ’20 AFE has been named research and development master distiller at RD1 Spirits, a Lexington-based bourbon brand. A former UK distilling researcher and instructor, Gollihue will oversee RD1’s wood-finishing operations and experiments with new woods.
Debbie Cohen ’15 SW has been appointed to the Texas Early Childhood Intervention Advisory Committee by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. She is an associate professor at the University of Texas Austin Dell Medical School Department of Psychiatry and the UT Austin Steve Hicks School of Social Work.
the University of Kentucky Wildcats took on the team from Danville’s Centre College. The two schools met in football for the first time in 1891. At this game, Centre won 7-0.
Steve Irlbeck ’15 BE was honored with the University of New Hampshire Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics 2024 Excellence in Teaching Award for tenure track faculty. He is an assistant professor of finance at the University of New Hampshire.
Sarah Kennedy ’15 EN had a part in a MotorTrend TV docuseries. Kennedy, who works with the Battery Lifecycle Solutions team in Toyota North America’s Business Development Division, explained the corporation’s process through the companies it works with. As the team’s operating manager, the bulk of Kennedy’s work falls into the remanufacturing or recycling of electric vehicle batteries.
Andrew Miller ’15 FA has been appointed as the conducting fellow for the 2024-2025 season of the Cincinnati May Festival. Miller, who will serve as the assistant conductor for the May Festival Chorus this year, recently completed his master’s degree at the University of Louisville. He is a first-year student at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music Doctor of Musical Arts program.
Alexis Thompson ’15 AFE has been named resident director at the Charles W. “Doc” Graham ’53 DVM laboratory, West Texas A&M University, Canyon, Texas. She will oversee all aspects
of the lab’s testing efforts, contributing 111,000 tests to Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory’s annual test volume.
Heather E. Chacon ’16 AS has joined the faculty at Centre College, Danville, Kentucky, as an assistant professor of English. Her research focuses on the intersections among literature, culture and health.
Brook Mullins ’16 ED, ’19 LAW was named Pro Bono Attorney of the Year from the Northern Kentucky Volunteer Lawyers, a non-profit organization focused on providing Northern Kentucky lawyers pro bono volunteer opportunities. Mullins is an associate attorney with Jackson Family Law and is co-chair of the Northern Kentucky Bar Association Family Law Section.
Shea Carr ’18 AFE, ’24 AS has joined the faculty at Centre College in Danville, Kentucky, as an assistant professor of biology.
Daria Goncharova ’18 AS, 23 GS, ’24 AS has joined the faculty at Davis & Elkins College, Elkins, West Virginia, as an assistant professor of English. She is the recipient of the 2023 Excellence in Teaching Award from UK.
Kendall Gunderson ’18 AFE has joined Oasis Animal Hospital and Emergency Center as an urgent care and emergency veterinarian. The center is in Mauldin, South Carolina.
Evelyn Hudson ‘18 AS has joined Steptoe at its Houston office as an associate focusing her practice on commercial litigation. After graduating from UK, she received her J.D. from Cornell Law School in 2020. She served as a law clerk for the Kentucky Supreme Court and most recently clerked for the Honorable Jane Stranch at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.
Jennifer Leighton ’18 DEN joined the faculty at NYU’s College of Dentistry. She teaches third- and fourth-year dental students as a clinical instructor and sees patients in the faculty practice office. She is a recipient of the NYU Academy of Distinguished Educators Rising Faculty Award for 2024.
Waqas Ahmed ’19 BE has been appointed executive secretary of the Virginia Racing Commission. Most recently Ahmed was deputy executive director of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission.
Cade A. Snodgrass ’19 LAW has joined Harlin Parker law firm in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
2020s
Seth Marcum ’20 ’23 ED has joined Morehead State University’s Athletics as head of strength and conditioning. Marcum is a Strength and Conditioning Coach Certified through the Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association and
In June 1924, a concrete and steel stadium was under construction at Stoll Field, replacing the wooden bleachers. The new stadium could accommodate 24,000 football fans. It was named for Richard C . Stoll, a prominent alumnus.
Career Corner Career Corner
by Amy Gamblin
TIPS FOR MASTERING YOUR PERFORMANCE REVIEW
Performance reviews provide a valuable opportunity to reflect on your achievements, receive constructive feedback and align your future goals with the organization’s vision. However, they can also feel daunting if you are unsure how to prepare or what to expect. Here are five tips to help you master your performance review and be confident in the process.
Prepare before the review
Preparation is key. To prepare, keep track of achievements, contributions to the team and any testimonials received between the time of your last review and your upcoming review. Consider creating a ‘performance review’ folder to regularly document your contributions and progress toward the organization’s goals.
Review any feedback you have received throughout the year and gather examples that demonstrate how you have applied those suggestions. This will show your supervisor that you take the initiative and value continuous improvement. Also, by sending a list of your accomplishments to your supervisor in advance of the meeting, this will remind them of your work and help them prepare.
Set goals and develop plans
In self-assessing, think about the goals you want to achieve during the next review cycle. Prepare to discuss existing challenges and bring proactive solutions. Consider using SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-Bound) for organizing future goals into actionable plans. Additionally, identify areas of professional development, such as skills you want to improve or new responsibilities you may want to incorporate to contribute to the organization’s goals.
Effectively communicate
During the review, clearly articulate your achievements and outline the data that supports those achievements. This is when preparing for the review is essential because you already have those supporting documents available. An essential part of the review is to take an honest assessment of where you want to improve. Be forthcoming in the areas of improvement you seek for yourself. Don’t hesitate to ask your supervisor for clarity on deliverables or expectations. Without asking, you might invest your energy into areas that aren’t a priority.
Be open to feedback
Be open to feedback for improvement from your supervisor. This shows a willingness to grow. While difficult feedback can be challenging, it is important be receptive and avoid defensiveness. Instead, seek clarification with specific examples to ensure you fully understand the feedback and can take actionable steps toward improvement.
Help your leaders and teammates succeed
Ultimately, you want to have a clear understanding of the organization’s mission. What is important to help your leaders and teammates succeed? By prioritizing your team’s and supervisor’s success, their achievements reflect positively on you. Approaching your performance review with preparation, openness and a focus on personal growth and team success will not only enhance your career but also strengthen your impact within the organization.
Class Notes
a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
Dustin Asher ’22 EN was hired as a transportation designer at Thomas & Hutton in Atlanta.
Logan Bechanan ’22 ’23 AFE is the world’s youngest master blender, working for Vincero Spirits. He doesn’t participate in the process of making bourbon, he manages barrels, keeping track of aging, warehousing and tasting.
Annie Peretich ’23 CI has joined Xite Real Estate in Houston, Texas as an associate broker.
Mindi Fetterman ’24 SW spoke on the TEDx stage in Port St. Lucie, Florida to share her message of hope and healing for survivors of sexual violence. Fetterman founded The Inner Truth Project to provide a safe space for survivors of sexual violence. The project offers resources, support and a sense of community. Fetterman serves as board president of the Florida Council Against Sexual Violence and she’s the owner of Real Grounded Therapy.
In 1924, May Day was celebrated in a big way. The springtime commemoration included a Maypole dance, the election of the May queens and a parade. This car was decorated for the parade that took place around campus.
Amy Gamblin, CCC, CPRW is a Career Coach with UK Alumni Career Services. Visit www.ukalumni.net/career to learn more.
ALUMNUS AWARDED SCOUTING’S HIGHEST HONOR
Florida State Rep. Thomas Patterson “Patt” Maney ’70 AS, ’16 HON received the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award during a National Eagle Scout Association court of honor, hosted by Scouting America’s Gulf Coast Council in October.
The DESA is NESA’s highest honor for Eagle Scouts and, out of 2.7 million Eagle Scout recipients, has only been awarded to an estimated 2,500 individuals in 55 years.
“I’ve lived many blessed years, devoted my entire life to service, and this may be my highest honor,” said Maney at the awards ceremony. “Though I seldom toot my own horn, service above self has defined every one of my life’s endeavors, whether on the battlefield, the judicial bench or the Florida House floor.”
A Lexington native, he added, “My parents and church taught me to leave my community a better place than when I joined it. I am deeply humbled to receive this award and profess that the service continues; for my community, for my country, as long as the good Lord affords!”
The DESA was established in 1969 by the National Eagle Scout Association to recognize Eagle Scouts who achieve extraordinary national-level recognition, fame, or eminence within their profession and/or service to the nation and have a strong record of voluntary service to their community. Awardees are chosen by a committee of former award recipients who include Neil Armstrong (1973), Steven Spielberg (1987) and U.S. Air Force astronaut Dick Covey (2005).
Photo provided
DESA nomination criteria begins with a minimum of 25 years “time in service” from the official record date an Eagle Scout rank is earned. The nomination must state specific reasons with supporting facts, such as how the nominee has received extraordinary nationallevel recognition, fame, or eminence within a specific profession.
Growing up, Maney’s life has centered on service to his country and his community. In addition to achieving his Eagle Scout Award in 1965 as part of Troop 89, he also
received the British Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award in his youth. He graduated the University of Kentucky where he served as president of the College Republican Club and then commissioned into the U.S. Army Reserve in 1970 as an Army Infantry Second
Upon completion of his initial active duty, he graduated from the University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law and later earned a Masters of International Relations from Troy State University. He served his country honorably for over 36 years in areas such as Panama, Haiti, Bosnia and Afghanistan, and retired at the rank of Brigadier General. While serving in the U.S. Army Reserve, he established a successful private law practice representing working families in the Florida Panhandle and later served for 29 years as an Okaloosa County Court Judge.
Among other awards he has received are:
• Secretary of State Meritorious Honor Award
• Secretary of Defense Outstanding Public Service Medal
• Purple Heart Medal
• Military Order of Purple Heart National Patriot of the Year
• Disabled American Veterans National Outstanding Veteran of the Year
• National Civil Affairs Association John H. Hilldring Award
• Army War College Outstanding Alumnus
• Daughters of the American Revolution National Medal of Honor
• DAR National Distinguished Citizen Medal DAR/SAR/S.R.
• Hannah White Arnett Bronze Medal of Distinction
• Florida Governor’s Medal of Merit
• Conference of County Court Judges Harvey Ford Award Today, he serves in the Florida House of Representatives as the State Representative of House District 4 in Okaloosa County.
A direct descendent of Lexington’s founder Col. Robert Patterson, Maney is a second-generation graduate of Lexington’s Henry Clay High School, a third-generation graduate of the University of Kentucky (awarded honorary Doctorate of Laws in 2016), a graduate of the University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law (class of 1974), and a 50-year member of the Kentucky Bar Association. He earned his Eagle Scout alongside his brother George Michael Maney in Lexington’s local Troop 89 in 1965. ■
Florida State Rep. Patt Maney, right, pictured with his wife, Caroline Maney ‘71 AS, and former Okaloosa County Court Head of Maintenance William James, who started the award nomination process in 2017.
In Memoriam
Claude W. Trapp ‘43 BE Lexington, Ky.
Emmett L. Bryant ‘49 EN Lexington, Ky.
Alan G. Veith ‘49 AS Austin, Texas
John C. Alexander ‘50 AS Fort Thomas, Ky.
Katherine B. Fuller ‘50 AS, ‘53 CI Wickliffe, Ohio
Edward P. Rowady ‘50 EN Grosse Pointe, Mich. Life Member
Anne B. Raker ‘51 AS Lexington, Ky.
Joe M. Davis ‘53 AFE Lexington, Ky.
Betty L. Banahan ‘54 HS Lexington, Ky.
Peggy S. Paxton ‘54 CI Paducah, Ky. Life Member
Nelson F. Britt ’55 AS Hilton Head, S.C. Life Member
John L. Burman ‘56 AFE Hopkinsville, Ky. Life Member
Patricia A. Preston ‘56 AFE Paintsville, Ky.
O. Guy Carter ’57 EN Ft. Myers, Fla. Life Member, Fellow
James Leslie Heaberlin ‘57 EN Murfreesboro, Tenn.
Ann M. Robinson ‘57 AS Nicholasville, Ky. Life Member, Fellow
Dale Burchett ‘58 AS, ‘60 LAW Glasgow, Ky.
Carolyn V. Ware ‘58 AS Lexington, Ky.
C. Emmett Calvert ‘59 BE Lexington, Ky.
G. Kenneth Oberhausen ‘59 AS Pensacola, Fla.
Gary E. Gordon Sr. ‘60 BE Warren, Pa.
Kenneth A. Mitchell ‘62 ED Hermitage, Pa.
Anne V. Justice ‘62 AS Richmond, Va.
Dr. Thomas B. Ripy IV ‘63, ‘73 AS Lawrenceburg, Ky.
Catharine H. Slack ’64 AFE Lexington, Ky. Life Member
Gerald E. Farrar ‘65 CI Jeffersonville, Ind.
Flo A. Keaton ‘65 ED Springfield, Ohio
Jimmy I. Johnson ‘66 AS Bowling Green, Ky.
Dr. John V. Payne ‘66 MED Berea, Ky.
Robert L. Woolery II ‘66 AS Naples, Fla. Life Member, Fellow
James E. Arehart ‘67 LAW Georgetown, Ky.
Nancy B. Dunkerley ‘67 ED Nashville, Tenn.
William H. Gorin ‘67 LAW Louisville, Ky.
Dr. George B. Hines ‘67 DE Albuquerque, N.M.
Alice S. Dunlap ‘68 ‘69 ED Fern Creek, Ky.
Lowell K. Tucker Jr. ‘68 PHA Murray, Ky. Life Member
Dr. Beverly J. Vance ‘68 AS Louisville, Ky. Life Member
James T. Wilson ‘68 AS Louisville, Ky.
James A. Nelson ‘69 CI Georgetown, Ky.
Michael O’Bradovich ’69 AS Lynch, Ky. Life Member
The Honorable Joseph F. Bamberger ‘70 LAW Florence, Ky. Fellow
Rebecca A. Meacham ‘70 AS Morganfield, Ky. Life Member
Phyllis M. Parker ‘70 ED Lexington, Ky. Fellow
John W. Riffe ‘72 BE Bruceton Mills, W.V.
Linda M. Ruhe ‘72 CI West Mifflin, Pa.
Karen S. Hauck ’75 ED Louisville, Ky.
O. Joseph Hood ‘75 LAW Harrodsburg, Ky.
Clifford J. Purvis Jr. ‘75 AS Nicholasville, Ky.
Terry E. Rader ‘75 EN Paris, Ky.
Mary Hammons ’76 BE Bowling Green, Ky. Life Member
Donald W. Wells Ph.D. ‘76 BE Jacksonville, Fla.
Seth T. Boaz III ‘77 BE Mayfield, Ky.
Stephen W. Jones ‘78 CC Lexington, Ky.
Mary B. Stewart ‘78 PHA Newport, Tenn.
Johnnie L. Turner ‘78 LAW Harlan, Ky. Life Member, Fellow
Danny P. Woods ‘78 EN Georgetown, Ky.
James M. Guffey ‘79 EN Frankfort, Ky.
L. Andrew Short ’80 ED Newburgh, Ind. Life Member
Dennis E. Sparks ‘80 EN Versailles, Ky.
Cheryl L. Scheck ‘82 BE Smyrna, Ga.
Alice Hobson ’85 LAW Frankfort, Ky.
Andrew J. Davis ‘86 CI Village of Golf, Fla.
James Lloyd Hutton III ’87 DE Columbia, Tenn. Life Member
Dr. John G. Osborne ‘92 MED Russellville, Ky.
Drew McLellan ‘93 BE Lexington, Ky.
Judge Kevin R. Mullins ‘93 AS Jenkins, Ky.
Dr. David Crain ‘95 MED Lexington, Ky. Life Member, Fellow
Shannon Easley Girard ‘95 PHA Lexington, Ky.
Dr. David Crain ‘00 MED Lexington, Ky. Life Member, Fellow
Ronald Skidmore ’02 ED Erlanger, Ky.
Elisabeth Jo Dawson ‘06 AS Lexington, Ky.
ONE YEAR LATER: ALUMNI COMMONS REFLECTION
By Jill Smith '05 BE, '11 AFE Associate Vice President for Stakeholder Engagement and Executive Director of the UK Alumni Association
One year ago, UK Alumni Association volunteers, alongside members of the campus community, gathered for the dedication of Alumni Commons. Nestled along Rose Street between Columbia Avenue and Huguelet Avenue, you’ll find the pedestrian corridor that warmly welcomes students, faculty and staff, which was once a traffic nightmare.
From 1958 to 2008, more than 70 articles appeared in the “Kentucky Kernel” about the ‘Rose Street problem,’ due to its perplexity as a main thoroughfare for vehicles and pedestrians. Throughout the decades, many ideas were considered about how to address the ‘problem.’ The best was to convert the road into a pedestrian corridor.
Late in the fall semester of 2021, I was called to a morning meeting on the top floor of Patterson Office Tower to discuss this new project. Colleagues from capital projects and philanthropy shared the plans for this space. To transform it, a donor was needed to cover costs for about one-third of the project.
Nervous but excited, I left that meeting knowing that my next step was to share this opportunity with the UK Alumni Association officers. After informing them of the plans, they were all in. I talked to the executive committee in January of 2022. They were all in. And, by April of 2022, the full board unanimously agreed to fund the Rose Street project.
At last year’s dedication I shared a story about my father and grandfather who attended UK about 20 years apart. My grandfather, the late Tommy Holloway, came to UK in the fall of 1948 from Sedalia, Kentucky. He lived in Bradley Hall, part of the original quad, located on the west side of Rose Street. In the fall of 1969, my father, Jim Holloway, began his college career at UK. His dorm assignment was the former Haggin Hall, on the east side of Rose Street. Both lived on campus in the shadow of what we now know as Alumni Commons. I, too, lived on campus in the fall of 2001 in the Kirwin-Blanding complex and crossing Rose Street to get to class was part of my daily routine. In my family, three generations remember Rose Street as part of their campus experience.
Since this project’s inception, I’ve thought a lot about the artery of Rose Street. Chandler Hospital and downtown Lexington are its
bookends, and the street itself is chock full of memories. With each generation of Wildcats, our campus looks a little bit different, ever expanding and improving to serve the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Since the establishment of Alumni Commons, it’s been heartwarming to see gatherings of students, classes meeting outside, photographs being taken and special events and traditions that have started because of the revitalized space. A few noteworthy activities from the past year include:
• Wildcat Welcome Festival during K Week 2023, the first event at Alumni Commons that included music, free food and games.
• The 2023 Homecoming Block Party, an event that included games, free food, music and an appearance by the Homecoming Royalty candidates.
• The 2024 Eclipse Viewing Party, where students gathered with friends and fellow students to catch a glimpse of the solar eclipse.
• Wildcat Wrap-Up during spring of 2024 for graduating students to reflect on their time at UK. Students had an opportunity to participate in a march through the Alumni Commons gates to commemorate their transition from students to alumni.
• Wildcat Welcome Festival during K Week 2024, the first event of K Week that engaged over 4,800 Wildcats. New students were welcomed through the gates of Alumni Commons and received a sticker sheet outlining the story of the project, their K Week T-shirts and popsicles.
• Campus Ruckus during K Week gave students a chance to learn about the hundreds of student organizations at the university and concluded with the first ever drone show on campus.
With one full academic year with a completed Alumni Commons, it’s been exciting to see the space used by our campus community. What was once just an idea is now part of the campus fabric, leaving a lasting impact. I am extremely grateful to the UK Alumni Association’s Board of Directors and leadership, past and present, for supporting the gift to make this project possible.
Next time you’re on campus, be sure to visit Alumni Commons and enjoy this transformed space full of Big Blue memories. ■
Photos by Arden Barnes, UK
Photo
The Bookshelf
Bill Roark ’84 AS has written “Built with Purpose: How Our Employee-Owned Business Changed What It Means to Work and Why.” After losing his job and vowing to never experience that again, Roark, along with a team of entrepreneurial engineers, set out to challenge the status quo by building a company whose success benefits everyone who works there — not just the founders.
From its evolution as a single entity, Torch Technologies has evolved into a growing family of businesses with a business model that has created substantial wealth for hundreds of its employee-owners. The Torch story demonstrates how a business can be built on a foundation that will allow the business to persist and thrive. Roark is the cofounder of Torch Technologies, Inc., the founder and CEO of Starfish Holdings. Inc, the parent company of Torch, and the founder of Freedom Real Estate & Capital, LLC.
Blair Thomas Hess ’11 AFE and Cameron M. Ludwick ’10 AS have written “Kentucky Y’all.” Looking beyond the time-honored Kentucky traditions of bourbon, Colonel Sanders and the Kentucky Derby, the book tells visitors how to find in Kentucky a diverse patchwork of faces and places, each as unique as the state’s geography. The book is an entertaining and informative compilation of the state’s favorite oddities, cultural quirks, traditions and rites of passage. The authors, who are proud Kentuckians, share the best stories from their experiences as writers, travelers and residents in this ode to the Commonwealth.
Ruth Parsons ’65 AS recently published “A Long Way from Rough Creek,” a memoir about emerging from farm life in the 1950s Appalachian Mountains to tough social work jobs in inner city ghettos and the Arizona desert during the 1960s and 1970s and ultimately to an international teaching career. Assessment of her life during an anxious descent of 107 flights of stairs in the burning World Trade Center led her to 20 years of adventurous sailing on a small boat in the eastern island chain of the Caribbean.
Patrick A. Lewis ’08 ’12 AS is one of the editors of “Playing at War: Identity and Memory in Civil War Video Games.” The book offers an innovative focus on Civil War video games as significant sites of memory creation, distortion and evolution in popular culture. With 15 essays by historians, the collection analyzes the emergence and popularity of video games that topically engage the period surrounding the American Civil War.
Donald G. Preston ’68 BE has written “Bridges Over Troubled Waters: My Life of Faith and Fortitude,” a personal memoir that spans nearly eight decades of love, loss and the challenges in between. This book is not merely a recount of suffering and life’s challenges but also a celebration of the human spirit, the strength of faith and the belief that there is always a way forward, no matter how difficult the situation may seem.
Melissa Davis Baize ’60 ’77 AS has written “The Waters of Crystal Lake” Although the waters of Crystal Lake appear serene and beautiful in the fall sunshine of 1979, something is silently glowing under the surface that could wreak havoc in the fictitious town of Greenwood, which depends on the lake for its water. Meanwhile, 28-year-old divorcee, Debra Chandler, is working in a Nashville research lab for the brilliant, but difficult Dr. Joseph Steiner, an authority in DNA research. Soon her quiet and boring world will be turned upside down when a new boyfriend, medical resident Dr. Jim Tarkington, asks her to accompany him to Greenwood to investigate a possible epidemic.
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.
Quick Take
ALUMNI AMBASSADORS FOR 2024-2025
The UK Alumni Association selected 32 students to serve as Alumni Ambassadors for the 2024-2025 academic year. As official student hosts of the University of Kentucky, Alumni Ambassadors promote the university at numerous events in partnership between the Office of the President, Office of Philanthropy and the UK Alumni Association.
Alumni Ambassadors for 2024-2025 are, front row, left to right: Mimi Boaukham, Trinity Cross, Emily Yanetta, Ella Hoehner. Second row, left to right: Sarah Samiri, CeCe Gregory, Sydney Druin, Camryn Mudd, Morgan David, Molly Bachman, Michael Wheeler. Third row, left to right: Noah Kuhn, Madison Argue, Anamei Walli, Gabi Franzone, Josephine Bernier, Bonnie Beth Olsen, SJ Lycans. Fourth row, left to right: Jon Luke Owens, Molly Arnold, Molly Evola, Celia Brungs, Audrey Nealy, Taylen Kaster, Sydney Lilley, Jacob Grider. Top row, left to right: Kenzie Bennett, Caroline Bruser, Andersen Detwiler, Grace Wells, Siena Pilati, Kara Bane Luckett.
Photo by Joe Bandy
Just as snow transforms campus into something magical, your generosity transforms the lives of our students. Each gift, like a snowflake, may seem small on its own but becomes powerful when combined. By making a gift to UK, you contribute to scholarships, research and countless opportunities that shape the unique paths our students take. Your support turns dreams into achievements and possibilities into life-changing realities.
