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Contents
ON THE COVER Hall of Distinguished Alumni awards Cover photo by Tim Webb
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COMING HOME FOR HOMECOMING
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AND THE SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS ARE …
Wildcats were excited to see each other at this year’s homecoming celebration after having to sit out last year because of the pandemic. Festivities included reunions, tailgating, alumni gatherings and a victory on the football field.
By Sally Scherer This year’s UK Alumni Association Scholarship Celebration saw nearly $220,000 awarded by the UK Alumni Association, local UK Alumni Association clubs and individual alumni scholarship funds.
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AFTER 52 YEARS HE’S SAYING GOODBYE
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SISTAS HELPING SISTAS
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A SNAPSHOT OF OUR FINANCIALS
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MEET THE NEW INDUCTEES TO THE HALL OF DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI
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ONE SPOONFUL OF ALMOND BUTTER AT A TIME
The new inductees in the UK Hall of Distinguished Alumni were welcomed in early October. The Hall pays tribute to those UK alumni who have distinguished themselves and their alma mater through their contribution to the welfare of the commonwealth and the nation.
By Ann Blackford Dawn Kelley was running an almond butter company before almond butter was cool. Now this UK grad heads the No. 3 almond butter brand in the U.S.
By Sally Scherer Mike Richey, vice president for philanthropy and alumni engagement, is getting ready to retire. But before he does, he reminisces about a career he wouldn’t trade for anything.
By Jenny Wells-Hosley When they were looking for mentors to help guide them as they pursued degrees in medicine, they couldn’t find any. So, these UK grads created an organization to help women like themselves.
The 2020-2021 UK Alumni Association annual report provides insight into your alumni organization. Our strong membership allows us to engage with Wildcats around the world and offer them a wide variety of ways to be connected to all things UK.
Plus... 5 6 8 11 38
From the President Pride in Blue News Research Sports
42 48 52 55 56
Class Notes Career Corner In Memoriam Creative Juices Quick Take
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND LEADERSHIP ADVISORY COUNCIL KENTUCKY ALUMNI MAGAZINE Vol. 92 No. 4 Winter 2021 Kentucky Alumni (ISSN 732-6297) is published quarterly by the University of Kentucky Alumni Association, Lexington, Kentucky, for its members. © 2021 University of Kentucky Alumni Association, except where noted. Views and opinions expressed in Kentucky Alumni do not necessarily represent the opinions of its editors, the UK Alumni Association nor the University of Kentucky.
HOW TO REACH US Kentucky Alumni UK Alumni Association King Alumni House Lexington, KY 40506-0119 Telephone: 859-257-8905 800-269-ALUM Fax: 859-323-1063 Email: ukalumni@uky.edu
UPDATE YOUR RECORD UK Alumni Association King Alumni House Lexington, KY 40506-0119 Telephone: 859-257-8905 Fax: 859-323-1063 Email: ukalumni@uky.edu Web: www.ukalumni.net For duplicate mailings, please send both mailing labels to the address above. Member: Council for Advancement and Support of Education
ASSOCIATION STAFF Executive Director: Jill Holloway Smith ’05 ’11 Editor/Sr. Associate Director: Meredith Weber Managing Editor: Sally Scherer Marketing/Promotion Specialist: Hal Morris Graphic Designer: Whitney Stamper Graphic Designer: Lauren Tecau Brenda Bain ’15: Records Data Entry Nancy Culp: Administrative Services Assistant Caroline Francis ’88 ’93 ’02: Director, Alumni Career Services Jack Gallt ’84: Sr. Associate Director Ellie Goodman ‘13: Special Projects Coordinator Leslie Hayes: Membership and Marketing Specialist Marissa Hillman ‘16: Administrative Support Associate I Kelly Hinkel ’11 ’18: Marketing & Communications Coordinator Marci Hicks ’87: Director of Philanthropy Albert Kalim ’03 ’16 ‘20: Technical Support Specialist Jesse McInturf ’10: Principal Accountant Mark Pearson: Computer Support Specialist II William Raney ’14: House Support Kathryn Schaffer ’12: Alumni Engagement Coordinator Amanda Schagane ’09 ’10: Associate Director Samantha Seitz: Program Coordinator Pam Webb: Administrative Services Assistant Don Witt ’82 ‘84: Assistant Vice President for Philanthropy Christina Yue ‘11: Associate Director
Officers Mary L. Shelman ’81 EN: President Antoine Huffman ’05 CI: President-elect Janie McKenzie-Wells ’83 AS, ’86 LAW: Treasurer Jill Holloway Smith ’05 BE, ’11 AFE: Secretary In-State Representatives Michelle Bishop Allen ’06 ’10 BE Jeffrey L. Ashley ’89 CI Heath F. Bowling ’96 BE Emmett P. “Buzz” Burnam ’74 EDU John S. Cain ’86 BE Kevin L. Collins ’84 EN William “Bill” M. Corum ’64 BE Robert “Rob” L. Crady III ’94 BE Abra Akers Endsley ’98, ’01 CI James F. Gilles III ’10 AFE Emily C. Henderson ’01 PHA Vicki S. Hiestand ’93 BE Mark Hogge ’97 ENG Kelly Sullivan Holland ’93 AS, ’98 ED Dr. H. Fred Howard ’79 AS, ’82 DE Shelia M. Key ’91 PHA Kent T. Mills ‘83 BE Sherry R. Moak ’81 BE Dr. W. Mark Myers ’87 DE Tonya B. Parsons ’91 AS Peggy Barton Queen ’86 BE John D. Ryan ’92 BE, ‘95 R. Michael Stacy ’95 BE Jonell Tobin ’68 ’95 BE Kendra Lorene Wadsworth ’06 ED Alan O. Wilson ’03 AFE, ’06 LAW Out-of-State Representatives Brooke C. Asbell ’86 BE Robert Price Atkinson ‘97 CI Shane T. Carlin ’95 AFE Amanda Mills Cutright ’06 CI Robert M. “Mike” Gray ’80 ’81 BE Dr. Michael L. Hawks ’80 AS, ’85 DE Vincent M. Holloway ’84 EN Susan L. Liszeski ’84 AFE Erin Carr Logan ‘06 BE Thomas K. Mathews ’93 AS Ronald “Ronnie” M. Perchik ’82 BE R. Brian Perkins ’97 EN Charles “Chad” D. Polk ’94 DES David L. Shelton ’66 BE Robert J. Riddle ’11 AFE Lynn Spadaccini ’80 AFE Mary “Kekee” Szorcsik ’72 BE Nicholas D. Wilson ‘03 AS, ‘06 GS Alumni Trustees Dr. Michael A. Christian ’76 AS, ’80 DE Paula L. Pope ’73 ’75 ED Rachel Watts Webb ’05 CI Living Past Presidents George L. Atkins Jr. ’63 BE Richard A. Bean ’69 BE Michael A. Burleson ’74 PHA Bruce K. Davis ’71 LAW Scott E. Davis ’71 LAW Marianne Smith Edge ’77 AFE Franklin H. Farris Jr. ’72 BE William G. Francis ’68 AS, ’73 LAW W. P. Friedrich ’71 EN Dan Gipson ’69 EN Brenda B. Gosney ’70 HS, ’75 ED Cammie DeShields Grant ’77 LCC, ’79 ED John R. Guthrie ’63 CI Diane M. Massie ’79 CI Robert E. Miller Susan V. Mustian ’84 BE
Hannah Miner Myers ’93 ED John C. Nichols II ’53 BE Dr. George A. Ochs IV ’74 DE Sandra Bugie Patterson ’68 AS Taunya Phillips ’87 EN, ’04 BE Robert F. Pickard ’57 ’61 EN Paula L. Pope ’73 ’75 ED David B. Ratterman ’68 EN G. David Ravencraft ’59 BE William Schuetze ’72 LAW David L. Shelton ’66 BE J. Fritz Skeen ’72 ’73 BE J. Tim Skinner ’80 DES James W. Stuckert ’60 EN, ’61 BE Hank B. Thompson Jr. ’71 CI Henry R. Wilhoit Jr. ’60 LAW Elaine A. Wilson ’68 SW Richard M. Womack ’53 AFE Leadership Advisory Council In-State Representatives Lu Ann Holmes ’79 DES Grant T. Mills ’09 AS Ashley S. “Tip” Mixson ’80 BE Glen H. Pearson ’87 AS Dena Stooksbury Stamper ’84 AS Lori E. Wells ’96 BE Blake Broadbent Willoughby ’11 ’12 ’12 BE Out-of-State Representatives Shiela D. Corley ’94 AS, ’95 AFE Ruth Cecelia Day ’85 BE John T. “Jay” Hornback ’04 EN College Representatives Michelle McDonald ’84 AFE, ’92 ED: Agriculture, Food and Environment Winn F. Williams ’71 AS: Arts & Sciences Michael R. Buchanan ’69 ’71 BE: Business & Economics Jeremy L. Jarvi ’02 CI: Communication & Information Dr. J. Clifford Lowdenback ’99 AS, ’03 DE: Dentistry G. Haviland Argo III ‘03 DES: Design Cathy Crum Bell ’76 ED: Education Dominique Renee Wright ’08 EN: Engineering Joel W. Lovan ’77 FA: Fine Arts Benjamin D. Gecewich ‘03 HS: Health Sciences Janis E. Clark ’78 GS, ’85 LAW: Law Dr. Debra J. Sowell ’82 MED: Medicine Laura B. Hieronymus ’81 ‘15 NUR, ’83 ED: Nursing Lynn Harrelson ’73 PHA: Pharmacy Keith R. Knapp ’78 AS, ’05 PH: Public Health Willis K. Bright Jr. ‘66 SW: Social Work Appointed Jo Hern Curris ’63 AS, ’75 LAW: Honorary Katie Eiserman ’01 ED: Athletics Thomas W. Harris ’85 AS: University Relations Stan R. Key ’72 ED: Honorary D. Michael Richey ‘74 ‘79 AFE: Office of Philanthropy Marian Moore Sims ’72 ’76 ED: Honorary Bobby C. Whitaker ’58 CI: Honorary Michaela Taylor: Student Government Association
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WE NEED YOUR
VOTE FOR YOUR ALUMNI REPRESENTATIVE TO THE UK BOARD OF TRUSTEES The election of a new alumni representative to the University of Kentucky Board of Trustees will be held in December. As a graduate of the university, your vote is important. Your opinion is valued. Your ballot was distributed by email on Nov. 30. If you need additional information, please call 800-269-2586. This is an opportunity to participate in the university’s governance through the election of a graduate to serve as an Alumni Trustee on the university’s Board of Trustees. Of the 21 seats on the UK Board of Trustees, three are elected by UK graduates. They are currently Dr. Michael A. Christian of Ashland (through June 30, 2022), Rachel Watts Webb of Shelbyville (through June 30, 2024), and Paula L. Pope of Lexington (through June 30, 2026). The names of three graduates receiving the highest number of votes will be submitted to the governor of Kentucky, who will appoint one of the three to fill the six-year term to begin July 1, 2022.
From the President •
Alumni, such as UK political science graduate Dawn Kelley, continue to expand our horizons of innovation. As the CEO and president of Barney Butter, Kelley is the epitome of fully embracing opportunities and discovering new passions. Finally, we are preparing to say a bittersweet goodbye to Mike Richey, vice president of philanthropy and alumni engagement. As he approaches retirement after over 50 years of service, I’m reminded of a simple but important truth that it is our people and their contributions who make this institution the transformative place it has been for 156 years. After all, their contributions are our legacy — the ways we lead lives of meaning and purpose. That is who we are and who we will continue to be. Sincerely,
Eli Capilouto President
Photo by Mark Cornelison, UK Photo
I
n October, we were once again reminded what’s possible at the University of Kentucky. At its annual retreat, the UK Board of Trustees approved the institution’s new strategic plan to advance Kentucky — a path we will chart for ourselves and for our state. As the Commonwealth’s indispensable university, our efforts will encompass five key principles: putting students first; taking care of our people; inspiring ingenuity, ensuring greater trust, transparency and accountability; and bringing together many people, one community. Each plays a distinct but crucial role in our efforts to propel our Commonwealth forward. Students — the center of everything that we do — are why we’re here. And that commitment is evidenced in our record retention and graduation rates. UK’s first-to-second-year retention rate in the fall 2020 cohort is 86%, according to preliminary figures, up more than 4 percentage points since the fall 2015 cohort alone. Similarly, UK reached a record six-year graduation rate of 67.8% for the fall 2015 cohort, which is up more than a full percentage point over the previous year’s cohort and up more than 4 percentage points, compared to the fall 2010 cohort, according to preliminary figures. We are also a more diverse and inclusive campus than at any time in our history. In September, Dr. Katrice A. Albert began her role as the vice president for institutional diversity. Her leadership and continued diversity efforts are invaluable to our journey of becoming the inclusive community that we deeply desire for everyone here at this special place. The support and care that we invest in our students translates to our entire community — a commitment illustrated throughout the pages of this edition: • In October, we celebrated the 106th homecoming, a special time of commemoration for students and alumni at the university. • The UK Alumni Association inducted 27 former students in the 2020 Hall of Distinguished Alumni, recognizing their extraordinary contributions to the Commonwealth, nation and the world. It also awarded over 150 scholarships to our students — an example of the inextricable connection between our remarkable students and talented graduates. • The organization Science Sistas has provided resources to help diminish the barriers that women face entering graduate biomedical and professional health care programs, especially Black women.
UK Homecoming Queen Claire Dzan of Louisville is congratulated by President Eli Capilouto during the halftime ceremonies at the UK vs. Louisiana State University homecoming football game at Kroger Field on Oct. 9.
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Pride in Blue
Photo by Tim Webb
U
Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton ‘71 NUR and UK Alumni Association President Mary Shelman gathered with friends at the Golden Wildcat Society 50th reunion dinner.
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K’s past and present have always come together to show the best of what the University of Kentucky has to offer. This fall, this illustration was brought fully into focus. And it truly showed what is wildly possible at the University of Kentucky. In September, I helped honor some of our best and brightest students at the UK Alumni Association Scholarship Dinner. This year, 156 students will receive scholarships totaling $218,900 from the UK Alumni Association, UK alumni clubs and individual alumni scholarship funds for the 2021-2022 academic year. In October, we inducted 27 members into the prestigious Hall of Distinguished Alumni. UK graduates who have been successful in education, business, engineering, journalism, science, sports and entertainment were honored. The Hall of Distinguished Alumni ceremony was delayed for more than a year due to pandemic restrictions and holding this ceremony shortly after the Scholarship Dinner really showed how much our students and alumni have achieved during their time at UK and beyond. I believe that one day, some of these fine students may become members in our Hall of Distinguished Alumni. We also honored the past and present during Homecoming. The Class of 1970 and the Class of 1971 returned for a long weekend of 50th reunion activities including the Golden Wildcat Society reunion dinner and pinning ceremony. I was pleased to welcome our Wildcats back to campus to relive old memories and see how much our campus has transformed.
K E N TUCKY A LU MN I MAG A ZIN E Winter 2021
A huge key to UK’s past, present and future success over the last 50 years has been Mike Richey, UK’s vice president for philanthropy and alumni engagement, who is retiring in January. Richey has been at the forefront of fundraising for most of his career at the University of Kentucky. He has had a tremendous impact on our students, alumni and the Commonwealth. From the moment you step on campus, you discover the University of Kentucky is filled with possibilities. There are no limitations to what you can achieve. And we always love showing the success stories that make the University of Kentucky truly the University for Kentucky. Go Cats!
Mary L. Shelman ’81 EN UK Alumni Association President
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News The University of Kentucky Board of Trustees has endorsed an institutional strategic plan that focuses on one overarching goal — how UK can advance the Commonwealth. “We were created — and we exist — to advance Kentucky: its economy and its health, its education and its quality of life. That is our why,” said UK President Eli Capilouto. “For our students to compete and thrive in the 21st century — to advance Kentucky — we need a state that is healthier, wealthier and wiser.” To that end, the Board of Trustees adopted a strategic plan — (The UK PURPOSE: Plan for Unprecedented Research, Purposeful and Optimal Service and Education) — after reviewing it. The plan endorsed by the board focuses on five key principles: • Putting Students First • Taking Care of Our People • Inspiring Ingenuity • Ensuring Greater Trust, Transparency and Accountability • Bringing Together Many People, One Community For several weeks, five teams — composed of students, faculty, staff, deans and administrators — worked to develop draft objectives and initial tactics in support of each principle.
Photo by Mark Cornelison, UK Photo
GATTON STUDENT CENTER EXPANSION OFFERS MORE SPACE FOR DINING, STUDENT SERVICES
The expanded dining and student support spaces in the Gatton Student Center have opened. Approved by the Board of Trustees in October 2019, the project addresses the university’s strategic plan goal to grow undergraduate enrollment to help meet the state’s workforce needs and the high participation levels in UK meal plans used 8
K E N TUCKY A LU MN I MAG A ZIN E Winter 2021
Photo by Pete Comparoni, UK Photo
BOARD APPROVES STRATEGIC PLAN WITH FIVE KEY PRINCIPLES
Key objectives include goals such as: • Enrollment efforts that align with state goals for more young people with degrees and economic needs; • More research targeted at local, state and national challenges; • Enhancing wellness efforts across the campus; • Increased training across the campus to promote compliance with university regulations; • And expanded recruitment and retention efforts around diverse students, faculty and staff. With the board’s endorsement, campus leaders will work now on specific metrics that will help measure progress on key goals and objectives. Board members will review those metrics at their December meeting as UK moves to implement the new strategic plan. ■
at the student center’s dining venues. “This expanded Gatton Student Center footprint is exciting for many reasons, including that it infuses even more student-facing services into the living room of our campus,” said Vice President for Student Success Kirsten Turner. The expansion will be home to the Disability Resource Center (DRC), Student Community Resources and Services, the Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) Center, Financial Wellness and Student Support Services, all which are housed in the Office for Student Success, as well as an outpost of the UK International Center (UKIC). It also allows for additional dining space in Champions Kitchen. “The expansion of the Gatton Student Center creates two new levels of space dedicated to providing services that help our students connect with advisors, advocates and one another,” Turner said. The $200 million 378,000-square-foot Gatton Student Center opened in 2018. The expansion adds about 35,000 square feet to the facility. The Gatton Student Center is open from 7 a.m. until midnight, seven days a week, during regular academic terms, with events held during these times such as films or gatherings for students in the Cats Den. ■
Colin Goodfellow knows a thing or two about being a team player. As the punter for the University of Kentucky football team, Goodfellow relies on his teammates to bring the Wildcats to victory. Everyone knows their position and works together. The same model, he says, applies to the dynamic between him and his fellow nurses at UK HealthCare. “There’s a lot of similarity between a nursing staff and a football team,” Goodfellow says. “I can’t do it without my snapper. In nursing, everyone works together because you don’t know what’s going to happen next.” Goodfellow graduated from the UK College of Nursing in May 2021, but he opted to return for a fifth year, taking advantage of the NCAA ruling to grant an extra year of eligibility due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This semester he is engaged in an independent study with UK College of Nursing Dean Janie Heath. Balancing the demands of the rigorous nursing program with the schedule of the football team isn’t just a unique challenge — it’s unprecedented. “I wanted to be a nurse, so I looked up the best nursing schools — UK was at the top of the list,” Goodfellow said. “It’s the only school in the country that let me do nursing and football at the same time. And I was the first one to do it.” This semester, when he’s not running drills with his teammates, he’s engaged in graduate level coursework where he is studying the science behind high performance brain functioning. When Goodfellow is done, he wants to focus on becoming a nurse anesthetist. ■
OTIS THE TRACTOR WHEELS HIS ANIMATED SERIES ON TO APPLE TV+ The work of University of Kentucky art studio alumnus and celebrated illustrator and book author Loren Long ’88 FA is now on Apple TV+. Just weeks after the release of the picture book “Change Sings: A Children’s Anthem,” which he illustrated for New York Times bestselling author and presidential inauguration poet Amanda Gorman, the New York Times bestselling illustrator saw his children’s book character Otis come to life on the TV screen on Apple TV+. Based on Long’s Penguin Random House book series, “Get Rolling with Otis” premiered in early October. The animated adventure series welcomes young viewers to Long Hill Dairy Farm, home to Otis the Tractor (voiced by Griffin Robert Faulkner) and all his friends. “I’m very proud the character I created that models kindness and empathy in my Otis books will have his own television show,” Long said. Kentucky audiences may find it interesting that Otis was inspired by a tractor on a Lexington horse farm where the author worked during college. For those looking to add to their collection of books illustrated by Long, “Change Sings” is an essential addition. In the first children’s book by Gorman, a young girl leads a cast of characters on a musical journey where they learn they have the power to make changes in the world, their communities and themselves. ■
Photo by Pete Comparoni, UK Photo
Photo by Mark Cornelison, UK Photo
UK PUNTER WORKS HARD ON THE FIELD AND IN NURSING PROGRAM
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SOLAR POWER WILL SOON PROVIDE ONE-THIRD OF UK’S ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTION The University of Kentucky has entered into an agreement with its electricity provider, Kentucky Utilities Company (KU), to purchase 44 percent of the output of a new 125-megawatt (MW) solar facility. The facility is planned for McCracken County, near Paducah, and is expected to be online in 2025. Once operational, this solar facility will provide approximately one-third of the electricity consumed by the campus. Doing that it diversifies the mix of fuels the university relies on for electricity and this boosts the resilience of campus utility systems. “This project is another example of the power of partnership to achieve goals that will not only benefit our institution but the Commonwealth we seek to advance,” said Eric N.
Monday, UK executive vice president for finance and administration. The agreement will also help the university control its utility costs by locking the price paid for generating this portion of its power for a 20-year term. “This project will support the University of Kentucky’s operational flexibility, long-term energy price stability and energy diversity while also advancing our sustainability and carbon footprint reduction goals,” said Xavier I. Rivera Marzán, UK’s executive director of utilities and energy management. This agreement represents significant progress toward the university’s energy and climate sustainability goals. “We are well are on the way to achieving our greenhouse gas emissions target of a 25 percent reduction by 2025,” said Shane Tedder, UK’s sustainability officer. ■
APPLE RECOGNIZES UK TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION
Photo by Mark Cornelison, UK Photo
Dr. Jill Abney, assistant professor of Presentation U tutoring center, support instructors as they develop new ways to utilize iPad devices for instruction. The University of Kentucky has been recognized as an Apple Distinguished School for the 2021-2024 term for its continuous innovation in learning, teaching and school environment. Apple Distinguished Schools are recognized as some of the most innovative schools in the world. UK is part of a growing group of schools across the nation that use Apple products to inspire creativity, collaboration and critical thinking. “Apple’s Distinguished School designation represents a recognition of UK’s commitment to thinking creatively about the challenges of today’s classrooms and equipping students with the tools they need for academic success and meaningful learning,” said UK Associate Provost of Teaching Learning and Academic Innovation Kathi Kern. In today’s increasingly interconnected world, students need technology to thrive — socially, academically and when
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K E N TUCKY A LU MN I MAG A ZIN E Wi nter 2021
it comes to career-readiness, said Christine Harper, associate vice president for student success and chief enrollment officer. As part of the university’s Smart Campus Initiative strategy, UK provides all incoming undergraduate students with an iPad Air, keyboard and Apple Pencil. This initiative has improved the quality of learning for students and enabled the university to adapt when the COVID-19 pandemic struck. “Now there is a level of access for all students,” said Sophia Didier, a senior management major and gender and women’s studies minor Additionally, UK wants the faculty to have the tools to integrate the use of technology across campus in a strategic and coordinated way. Widespread availability of iPad devices allows instructors to create active and engaging opportunities for authentic and meaningful learning. ■
DAUGHTERS OF UK PROFESSOR HELP WITH COVID-19 VACCINE RESEARCH Moderna’s KidCOVE trial is currently underway to test the dosage and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine in children ages 6 months through 11 years old. The University of Kentucky is one of the 90 sites in the U.S. participating in the study, with 200 children from across the Commonwealth enrolled. The vaccine, called mRNA-1273, may protect from getting sick if they encounter the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19. UK College of Nursing Professor Stacy Stanifer enrolled her three daughters in the study: Tegan, age 10, and Josie and Piper, age 8. She said participating in KidCOVE was a family decision. “When enrollment in KidCOVE opened, I brought it up at the dinner table, and the kids were involved in the decision to enroll. They also know that by participating in
the trial, they are helping all children.” Stanifer said that as a scientist she believes in research, and the benefits of participating in clinical research. “One of the greatest benefits of participating in this trial is having access to a vaccine that currently is not approved for this age group. We also know that although our children may have been given the placebo and may not personally benefit from taking part in research, their participation is helping scientists learn about the safety and efficacy of this vaccine in kids under age 12.” Prior to agreeing to participate in the research, Stanifer went over the study procedures with her daughters and explained to them that there is a chance they could get sick after receiving their shots. She and her husband kept track of their appointments and
NEW STUDY: PERSONALIZED MEDICATION MAY BE BEST FOR ALZHEIMER’S TREATMENT A recently released paper from the Department of Physiology and Sanders-Brown Center on Aging (SBCoA) at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine suggests that your genetics can influence your response to Alzheimer’s disease pathology. The laboratory of Donna Wilcock, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Physiology and SBCoA associate director, investigated inflammation in human brain tissue from UK’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. Brain tissue was analyzed from individuals with different forms of the genetic risk factor, apolipoprotein E (ApoE). ApoE comes in various forms. ApoE2 is typically thought of
follow-ups and the girls knew they could stop participating at any time. “My girls would tell you that getting the vaccine would make them feel more protected and being vaccinated helps keep others around them safe too. My oldest daughter wanted me to add that ‘they (the shots) aren’t that bad, it only hurt a little. Not as bad as you anticipate.’” Also, Stanifer said her children had very mild side effects form the vaccines that resolved in a day or two. What would Stanifer say to other parents who are considering asking their children about participating in clinical research? She recommended that they talk with a health care professional, read all the details of the study, ask questions and make an informed decision. “The investigators for KidCOVE provided information for us parents, but also information for our children. We felt comfortable that they
Photo by Hilary Brown
Research
Tegan, Piper and Josie Stanifer, daughters of UK College of Nursing researcher Stacy Stanifer, volunteered to be part of the clinical trial of the Moderna COVID vaccine in children younger than 11 years old. knew what participation in the study meant, and then we allowed them to decide if they wanted to participate or not. “Personally, I would much rather my daughters have sore arms and low-grade fevers than experience everything that goes along with an actual COVID-19 infection.” ■
as “protective” and reduces the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. ApoE3 is the most common form of the gene, while ApoE4 increases the risk and severity of Alzheimer’s disease. Led by graduate student Courtney Kloske, the work found that individuals with ApoE4 had a reduced inflammatory response to Alzheimer’s disease pathology compared to individuals with ApoE3. “This finding contradicts data found from mouse work, highlighting the need to always confirm studies in both mouse and then human tissue,” Wilcock said. “This work shows that your genetic makeup may influence your response to certain types of treatment for Alzheimer’s disease,” said Kloske. The Wilcock lab hopes this work will help contribute to moving treatments closer toward precision medicine. ■ W W W.RESEARCH.UK Y.EDU www. u kal u mni. net
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After missing the joy of being together last year for homecoming, alumni, friends, and family returned to the Bluegrass for a weekend of homecoming fun in early October. And it was great to see everyone! The 106th University of Kentucky homecoming celebration included the Golden Wildcat Society 50th reunion for members of the Class of 1970 and the Class of 1971; the Mr. and Ms. Black UK Scholarship Pageant; a 42-21 victory against the Louisiana State University Tigers, the crowning of the homecoming king and queen and reunions, tailgates, and lots of fun.
Recap
HOMECOMING
2021
IT’S GREAT TO BE BACK HOME AGAIN!
Members of the Kappa Tau Alumni Association celebrated the group’s 40th anniversary reunion during UK’s homecoming weekend. About 70 members enjoyed being together, seeing old friends and participating in several activities.
The 2021 Mr. and Ms. Black UK are Joel Paul Jr. and Alayna Tobo. The pageant is sponsored by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., and the UK Black Student Union.
UK President Eli Capilouto and his wife Mary Lynne Capilouto pose for photos with hurdler, sprinter and Olympic gold medalist Sydney McLaughlin at the homecoming football game against LSU. McLaughlin is a former UK student.
Claire Dzan and Preston White were crowned the University of Kentucky Homecoming queen and king during the halftime ceremonies at the UK vs. Louisiana State University football game.
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K E N TUCKY A LU MN I MAG A ZIN E Winter 2021
The classes of 1970 and 1971, the Golden Wildcats, were welcomed back to campus for their 50th reunion celebration with a variety of activities. A Golden Wildcat Society 50th reunion dinner and pinning ceremony gave alumni an opportunity to see friends from years ago. Golden Wildcat attendees spent a beautiful day at Keeneland, one of America’s most iconic racetracks. Before the football game, they enjoyed a UK Alumni Association-sponsored tailgate tent party at Kentucky Proud Park.
Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton ‘71 NUR and her husband, retired UK Army Major General Charles Gorton ‘70 BE, are welcomed to the Golden Wildcats reunion by Wildcat. Classmates from the Classes of 1970 (above) and 1971 (below) gathered for homecoming weekend and a variety of Golden Wildcat celebrations.
Wildcat fans stopped by the UK Alumni Association tailgate tent party before the game. The Golden Wildcat Reunion Planning Committee was recognized in the end zone of Kroger Field before the game. From left to right, they are Bonnie Mays, Brenda Gosney, Mary Shelman (2021-2022 UK Alumni Association President), Linda Gorton, Bill Smith, Janice Birdwhistell, Jim Richardson and Dave Rust.
The Golden Wildcats were entertained following dinner with music performed by Jim Richardson ’70 AS, ’72 ED who played guitar and performed many 1970s hits. Richardson served on the Golden Wildcat committee.
Photos by Mark Cornelison, Pete Comparoni, Tim Webb, Hal Morris and submitted.
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Photos by Tim Webb
By Sally Scherer
UK Alumni Association
2021
Scholarship Recipients
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K E N TUCKY A LU MN I MAG A ZIN E Winter 2021
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cholarships totaling $218,900 were awarded to 156 students at the annual UK Alumni Scholarship Celebration at the Bill Gatton Student Center in September. The scholarships, for the 2021-2022 academic year, were awarded by the UK Alumni Association, local UK Alumni Association clubs and individual alumni scholarship funds. During the 2020-2021 fiscal year, a combined total of $378,762 in gifts were made to alumni scholarship funds.
In addition, 12 alumni clubs were recognized for donating $3,000 or more to their scholarship fund in 2020-2021: Chicagoland, Christian County, Clark County, Fayette County, Fulton County, Greater Houston, Greater Louisville, McCracken County, Mercer County, Northeast Ohio, Northern Kentucky/ Greater Cincinnati and Pacific Northwest. University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto spoke at the awards presentation about the marvelous examples of generosity in partnerships and collaboration of individuals and entities he has seen during his 10 years at the university. Recently, he witnessed the university’s giving spirit when so many in the university community came together to administer 250,000 COVID-19 vaccinations at Kroger Field. He said he is proud of the difference UK is making in the community and on campus. “Here’s the legacy we all extend tonight, especially our alumni,” he told the scholarship recipients. “We are here for our students, they are at the center of everything we do, we put them first, it’s why we’re here. “Now pick up this precious legacy and make it possible for those who follow you.” Blake Willoughby, recipient of the 2021 Joseph T. Burch Young Alumni Service Award, earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting in 2011, a bachelor’s degree in economics in 2012, and a Master of Business Administration in 2012 from the University of Kentucky. Being back on campus gave him an opportunity to remember his time as a student. He really wanted to attend UK, following in the steps of his great, great, grandfather, but he wasn’t happy during his freshman year, he said. A visit from his mother helped him understand why. He was involved when he was in high school, she said. His mother reminded him that he always had something outside of school that he was working for or working toward. Not long after that realization, he became involved with Sigma Chi fraternity and with activities such as Dance Blue and student government. He encouraged students to do the same. “Please take advantage of the opportunities ahead of you and really grab hold of what UK can offer you,” he said. The generous scholarships Michaela Taylor received at UK helped her to focus on her classes, gain confidence and inspired her, she told those at the dinner. A 2019 graduate with a degree in clinical leadership and management, Taylor has since been accepted into a dual degree program and is working on her degree in law while obtaining a master’s in healthcare administration. “I never imagined I would go to graduate school, but these scholarships made it possible,” she said. “They will allow me to graduate in another two years with two advanced degrees, free from debt so that I can focus on improving my community and pursuing my dreams. “These generous gifts also allow me to continue my involvement in the UK community serving in leadership roles at the law school as well as Student Body Vice President of UK
Student Government Association. Scholarship support from donors like you changed my life. I have a brighter future and endless possibilities because of people like you. Thank you for investing in my success.” Marissa Armstrong, a UK senior double majoring in marketing and management, said her father gave her advice during her freshman year that she wanted to share. He told her to join one club that has to do with your major, join one club that you want to do or try, and join one club that will help bring you out of your comfort zone. She joined Grehan Associates, a student-run PR and marketing firm, a sorority and the UK Alumni Association Alumni Ambassadors. The Ambassador’s program helped her become a well-rounded and confident woman, she said. “I have been given so many opportunities and experiences through this school that I would not have been able to have, and for that I would like to give a special thanks to our donors,” Armstrong said. “Our donors help students across all majors and colleges at UK and give them a chance to fulfill their dreams and shoot for the stars. “These donations are more than just their monetary value; these donations represent the impact that UK has made on people and the lasting effect of what being a Wildcat truly means. We are one big blue family that helps one another, so truly thank you again to all of our donors for helping another Wildcat’s dream come true.” Scholarship recipients recorded a video thanking donors for their generous gifts allowing them to attend the University of Kentucky. See the video and learn more about the UK Alumni Association scholarship program by visiting www.ukalumni. net/scholarships. The UK Alumni Association is committed to fostering lifelong engagement among alumni, friends, the association and the university. For more information about the UK Alumni Association, visit www.ukalumni.net or call 800-269-2586. ■
Tonya B. Parsons, UK Alumni Association Awards Committee Chair, and Mary L. Shelman, 2021-2022 President of the UK Alumni Association, hold the check that totals alumni scholarship funds.
www. u kal u mni. net
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After 52 years, vice president for philanthropy and alumni engagement retires By Sally Scherer
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or most University of Kentucky students, the college experience lasts about four years. That’s how long Mike Richey ’73 ’79 AFE thought he’d be here when he came to campus in 1969 from his home in Muhlenberg County. Fortunately for UK, and for Richey, he has been here much longer. In fact, this year marks 52 years on campus. “I’ve just had a good time,” said Richey, the vice president for philanthropy and alumni engagement. “I love the people and the mission of this university.” Richey announced his retirement earlier this year. His last day at UK will be Jan. 3, 2022. And he wouldn’t trade his decades-long relationship with UK for anything, he said. After receiving two degrees in agriculture in 1973, he was offered a job at UK. Eventually, he was offered another and then another. His first job was in what is now the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (CAFE) for 25 years, establishing model programs in student affairs, alumni relations, and fundraising, becoming the college’s first philanthropy officer. He has traveled to all of Kentucky’s 120 counties, been a keynote speaker in 42 states and 26 foreign countries, met a lot of people and has recruited many students for UK. When he worked for CAFE, he developed relationships with people in the Cooperative Extension Service, Future Farmers of America (FFA) and the Farm Bureau. His personality is genial, and his mind works like a steel trap when it comes to remembering dates and people’s names. That’s been one of the keys to his success here. He knows people who know people. And when he’s having a conversation with you it doesn’t take him long to connect how you and he know several of the same people. There was a specific incident at this year’s Roundup, CAFE’s annual reunion. A former student who he hadn’t seen in years walked up to him and said, “I bet you don’t remember me.” Richey knew exactly who he was, Scott Grimes ’80 AFE from Madisonville, Tennessee. Grimes was a high school student in Henderson County when he first met Richey, who was on a UK recruiting trip at the time, Grimes remembered. “I was only 16 at the time and was only 17 when I started my freshman year (at UK). To say he had an impact on my life would be an understatement,” Grimes said, adding that he was im-
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pressed that Richey remembered him at this year’s Roundup. “He is an amazing man. He remembered me and everything about me after over 40 years. I am totally in awe.” While working as CAFE’s first philanthropy officer, Richey helped start Roundup, created numerous philanthropy initiatives, and made many students from rural communities, like the one he came from in Muhlenberg County, feel at home at UK. He has also received national recognition for building one of the most elite agricultural advancement programs among land grant institutions, and for his leadership in student development. He helped establish Phonathon, the university’s student fundraising call center, and spearheaded many planned giving efforts and scholarship banquets. He was recently invited by the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) to become a member of its select CASE 50 group, recognizing his leadership in placing the UK philanthropy program among the top 50 higher education institutions that have raised the most funds in the country. He calls himself a strategizer who wants situations to be a win/ win for all parties involved, he said. He has received numerous state and national recognitions for his professional and nonprofit work, including a Distinguished Service and Leadership Award from the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges, and the Distinguished Service Award from the National Agriculture Alumni and Development Association. In 1990, Richey was awarded one of the university’s most prestigious honors, the Sullivan Medallion. The University of Kentucky is one of several southern universities that present the Algernon Sydney Sullivan award, sponsored by the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Foundation. Sullivan was a southerner who became a prominent lawyer, businessman and philanthropist in New York in the late 19th century. The award recognizes faculty, staff or students who exhibit Sullivan’s ideals of heart, mind, and conduct as evince a spirit of love for and helpfulness to other men and women. “It’s very, very meaningful to me,” said Richey, who added that the medallion is displayed in the foyer of his home in Lawrenceburg. In 1998, Richey changed jobs and started working at the central philanthropy office where he helped UK run its first-ever compre-
hensive capital campaign. It was a successful campaign, exceeding the $1 billion mark in 2007, making UK one of 31 American universities to attain that fundraising milestone by that time. During his tenure, he helped UK raise more than $2.5 billion to support scholarships and infrastructure, faculty talent and various other programs and initiatives that changed the university. He has also served in volunteer leadership positions at the national and international levels, including President of the National Agriculture Alumni Development Association, President of the Kentucky FFA Foundation, and President of The Gideons International, a worldwide organization with a presence in 200 countries. It was under Richey’s leadership that the administrative fundraising office, formerly known as the Office of Development, became the Office of Philanthropy. The change, Richey said, signaled the “increasing understanding and importance of philanthropy to the University of Kentucky. “Our beloved institution was actually born out of philanthropy in 1865 when 150 Kentuckians gave $100,000 from their personal resources to create a high quality educational institution for the Commonwealth. The university’s subsequent century and a half of distinguished service all began with this tremendous vision and the generosity that turned it into reality.” Anyone who knows Richey – and it’s pretty safe to say many, many people across Kentucky do – knows he is driven by two lifelong passions: advancing the University of Kentucky and serving his beloved Commonwealth. His career at UK has been successful because of hard work, relationship building and a slew of ideas that come quickly and with specific details about how to implement them and why. Some of those ideas became firsts for the University of Kentucky. For example, he started magazines that have garnered national awards. When the University of Kentucky Alumni Association was added to Richey’s responsibilities in 2016, his list of ideas grew. Jill Smith ’05 BE, ’11 AFE, associate vice president for alumni engagement and executive director of UK Alumni Association, met Richey in 2005 on the Dream Tour, a two-week bus tour across Kentucky promoting the good things happening at UK.
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Photo by Mark Cornelison, UK Photo
Mike Richey, UK vice president for philanthropy and alumni engagement, has led the current fundraising campaign — Kentucky Can: The 21st Century Campaign — which has raised more than $1.62 billion of its $2.1 billion goal.
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Photo by Tim Webb
“I was a recent graduate and had just started my first, full-time position at the university as an admissions counselor for the western Kentucky region,” Smith said. “Mike’s vast knowledge about Kentucky made an impression on me, and I enjoyed hearing his inspirational stories dating back to his time as a recruiter for the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. It was evident then that he was a wonderful storyteller!” Smith said Richey’s leadership qualities are worth imitating. “He leads by example and has a big picture way of thinking, inspiring our team to dream big and to work hard. The relationships he has built throughout his tenure have helped move the University of Kentucky forward in countless ways. To Mike, I say thank you for the many ways you’ve encouraged faculty, staff, students and administrators along the way. His support and impact on the UK Alumni Association and University of Kentucky will be felt for many years to come.” Richey’s staff will share that his success in leadership has been due to three things: integrity, vision and compassion. “Every day I think, ‘What can I do to make UK better, and better serve Kentucky?’ I have served and loved something very, very special. I found my passion here. And over the years I haven’t lost it.” Those who’ve worked closest with Richey have nothing but good things to say about him. They all have a lot of wonderful memories of the years they’ve worked together and their “Mikeisms” or Mike’s “wisdom of the ages” as they call them. “Oh, they’re just little statements we say on the farm,” Richey said. “I guess they like them because whenever I say one, they say, ‘I’ve got to go write that down.’” Susannah Denomme ’78 ’81 AS, ’83 CI, associate vice president of philanthropy, who has worked with Richey on and off for 46 years, recently shared a few in her collection. “Squirting vinegar on a cucumber doesn’t make it a pickle. You have to let it soak for a while.” And “I’d rather shoot for the stars and miss them, than aim for a skunk and hit it! Richey credits his high school sweet-
Mike Richey and his wife, Susan, have been married for 48 years. He credits her with his success through the years. heart and his wife of 48 years, Susan, with providing him with support and encouragement through the years. “She has put up with my extensive travel and long hours over the years and is always the heart of my home and family.” Perhaps the person who knows Richey best on the UK campus is Denomme. “He has been a major influencer of my very meaningful career,” she said. “While he has always been driven to succeed, it is with a joyous spirit, and the success is on behalf of Kentucky and not for personal gain. “That spirit is contagious, and he helps me, and all of our staff, feel the impact of our work with alumni, donors and friends of Kentucky. We have a shared vision, and though the campus has changed so much over all of these years, we still know the nooks and crannies of our undergraduate and early career days and are proud of the history of this place that we are now a part of.” During his tenure, Richey has worked with five UK presidents, including Otis A. Singletary ’95 HD, David P. Roselle, Charles T. Wethington Jr. ’62 ’65 ED, Lee T. Todd Jr. ’68 EN and Eli Capilouto. Over the last several years Richey has led the current fundraising campaign — Kentucky Can: The 21st Century Campaign — which
KE N TUCKY A LU MN I MAG A ZIN E Winter 2021
has raised more than $1.62 billion of its $2.1 billion goal. “I’ve just tried to do my job,” he said. “I have a heart full of gratitude for the privilege I have had to work at UK, serving the wonderful people of the Commonwealth, and doing all I can to advance our beloved Kentucky. I believe in the University of Kentucky, and I love it. It is a bright beacon of hope for our future. I have also had the honor of knowing seven of the university’s 12 presidents, and it has been a special privilege to work for the past decade with President Eli Capilouto.” And clearly Dr. Capilouto feels fortunate, too. When asked about Richey’s contribution to UK, he said, “During his tenure, Mike has been instrumental to so many initiatives that would help change — in so many transformative ways — the trajectory of our university and our Commonwealth. Because of his leadership and his commitment, across decades, so many young peo-
“I believe in the University of Kentucky, and I love it. It is a bright beacon of hope for our future.” – D. Michael Richey UK Vice President of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement
ple and our university have been changed in profound and lasting ways.” Richey has had the privilege of working with very special and generous UK alumni and donors. When priority new campus projects or new buildings are on the horizon, Richey has enjoyed helping donors and university friends take a leadership role through their generosity and their gifts, sometimes leading to honoring their gift through a naming opportunity on the inside or outside of campus facilities. Richey has worked closely with alumnus Bill Gatton ’54 BE, ’99 HD and his major philanthropy projects all across the campus, including the impressive new Bill Gatton Student Center. Richey refers to “Mr. Gatton” as the “Father of Philanthropy” for Kentucky and knows that he has inspired significant philanthropy from other UK alumni and friends. “I have had the pleasure of knowing Mike Richey for many years. He under-
stands that UK has more influence upon the advancement and welfare of our Commonwealth than any other entity. And like me, Mike has a strong desire to help Kentucky’s deserving young people achieve their dreams for a college education and a promising future. “He has served our alma mater well. I have enjoyed working with Mike far more than words can describe. Mike and Dr. Capilouto deserve all the credit for transforming the University of Kentucky to its current outstanding image than any other two people I have known,” Gatton said.
Terry Birdwhistell ’75 ’78 AS, ’94 ED, senior oral historian at the Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, has been working closely with Richey to record stories and experiences from his tenure. “Mike Richey, a young farm boy from Bremen, Kentucky, came to UK in 1969
and during the next five decades made a difference that helped provide scholarships for students, support for life-changing research and funds to enhance this world-class university. Mike represents what is best about Kentucky and UK. We are all in his debt.” Richey hopes to continue to be active at UK. But he has some real retirement plans, too. He wants to garden, and to spend more time with favorite hobbies and family, including his son, Paul, who’s the senior pastor at Hodgenville First Baptist Church and his daughter, Sarah, who’s an attorney, and his six grandchildren. “Outside of my family and my faith, this university means the world to me,” he said. “I have no regrets. I have nothing but hope for this place.” ■
Photo by Steve Patton
Photo by Pete Comparoni, UK Photo
Left: Mike Richey has worked closely with alumnus Bill Gatton who Richey refers to as the “Father of Philanthropy.” This signage is located in UK’s Gatton Student Center. Right: Mike Richey shared a laugh with retired faculty member Bill Moody '56 AFE at the 2021 College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Roundup. Graphic: Stickers encouraging everyone to “BE LIKE MIKE” were handed out at this year’s Roundup.
www. ukalumni. net
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LENDING A HELPING HAND:
SCIENCE SISTAS GIVES UNDERREPRESENTED WOMEN AN EXAMPLE TO FOLLOW
By Jenny Wells-Hosley
T
yona Golden ’17 BE, ’20 MED and Johnnetta Burns ’20 CI came to the University of Kentucky as freshmen in 2013. The longtime friends from the South Side of Chicago reconnected in Lexington, both with dreams of pursuing careers in medical fields. But for them, like many women, and particularly women of color, pursuing those dreams came with a variety of obstacles. For many Black students, there are barriers rooted in the lack of representation. When nobody in your desired field looks like you, or has a similar background as you, it’s difficult to see yourself in that space, let alone find
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someone to help guide you. But for Burns, many reasons contributed to her decision not to pursue her studies in medicine. “Choosing a career in medicine is a lifelong commitment and if anything happens where you don’t have the financial support, it can come to a screeching halt,” she said. “I was the first person in my family to attend college right after high school. Navigating the world of educational institutions is very difficult if you have no blueprint available.” Burns had to leave UK in 2017, one semester shy of graduating, to help care for
K E N TUCKY A LU MN I MAG A ZIN E Winter 2021 KE LUMN
ill family members. During this time, she observed firsthand the underrepresentation of Black professionals, especially Black women, in health care. “While accompanying my family members to appointments, I realized how important it was to have people who come from similar upbringings (as us) — or at least understand them,” Burns said. “There were many times where we felt unseen and misunderstood and experienced the pain that comes from that.” Golden graduated from UK in 2017 with a degree in economics. In 2020, she received
In just over a year, the organization has begun connecting students with mentors, providing test prep materials and guidance for students applying to graduate programs and awarding scholarships. “Students have expressed how this organization helps confirm their dreams are not unattainable, because there are women and people who look like them in the places they want to go,” Golden said. For Burns, Science Sistas is giving her the opportunity to bring her two passions together. As vice president of communications for the organization, Burns is connecting students across the country with resources they need. “My personal goal within the world of communication is to think about diverse groups that are usually marginalized and create content that truly represents and depicts them in a way that promotes acceptance and understanding.” In addition to Golden and Burns, the board of directors for Science Sistas includes UK graduates Jacqueline Leachman ’17 AS; Ninah Bertrand; Ariana Chambers ’17 AFE; and Samra Nageye. The board also includes Shalbereyl Thomas, a 2019 Kentucky State University graduate. To learn about ways to support Science Sistas, connect with them on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn. For more information or partnership opportunities, contact info@sciencesistas.com or visit www.ScienceSistas.org. ■
Tyona Golden
Ninah Bertrand
Dr. Samra Nageye
Dr. Ariana Chambers
Jacqueline Leachman Johnnetta Burns
www. u kal u mni. net
Photos submitted
her master’s degree in medical sciences. But she faced challenges as she decided to go on to medical school. “The application process for medical school is grotesquely expensive, in addition to test prep,” said Golden, who just completed her first year as a student at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. “I believe it to be a huge barrier to Black and brown students who are deserving of an opportunity to apply to professional school programs.” Because of her personal experience, as well as those of friends who faced similar struggles, Golden decided to do something to help women like her and her peers who felt there was not space for them in biomedical science fields. She reached out to her good friend from the South Side of Chicago. Three years after leaving UK, Burns completed her UK studies online in 2020, graduating with a degree in communication. “My degree is in communication, but my first love was science,” Burns said. “Knowing this, Tyona approached me with the idea of starting a nonprofit organization for people who look like us and come from the same places we do.” The friends then reached out to four other friends for input and support. These women happened to be UK graduates they knew during their undergraduate years. All six alumnae shared a passion for a science, as well as personal struggles while pursuing their education and career goals. “Through our friendship and conversation, we realized … that we should use our experiences and resources to be the mentors we wish we had,” Burns said. “We knew it would be hard, but the impact we would have on so many lives would make it worth it.” With Golden as founder, and the others serving as board of directors, the women launched, Science Sistas Inc., in May 2020. The organization’s mission is to provide resources to help women entering graduate biomedical and professional health care programs, especially Black women. Also, it offers guidance and scholarships to women who are nearing the completion of their undergraduate degrees and are seeking entry into professional health care programs. For women who may not have access to a professional mentor, Science Sistas helps connect them with someone, offers career exploration opportunities and “real-world advice” for various disciplines. “Often times, careers are not equally discussed with all groups whether it’s due to bias, racism, sexism, lack of resources, support or simply knowledge on the opportunities not being available,” said Ninah Bertrand ’18 ’20 ED, vice president of scholarship for the organi-zation. “Science Sistas has the ability to help close the gap to not only help future scholars, but also by providing support to pursue necessary education and hopefully gainful employment in careers that have the ability to change their communities for the better.” Samra Nageye ’15 BE, a pharmacist and vice president of the organiza-tion, said being a Black woman and a Muslim immigrant she had to overcome a lot of obstacles, including how to manage applica-tion fees, loans and other finances. “Science Sistas strives to break down these barriers for Black women and provides resources for various health care and science fields. Representation is import-ant, and to be connected with other Black women in these fields is inspirational.”
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20202021 UK Alumni Association
A NNUAL REPORT
$2,948,705 Expenses
$2,948,699 Revenue
27.57%
Administration $812,924
57.66%
UK Funding/ Endowments $1,700,276
7.12%
Credit Card Fund Withdrawals $210,000
16.73%
Membership $493,206
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8.65%
Wildcat Society, Other Gifts, Interest $254,947
0.26%
Board of Directors $7,620
9.10%
Royalties, Sponsorships, Advertising $268,313
0.04%
King Alumni House Rental $1,275
0.44%
Programs $13,062
KENTUCKY A LUM N I MAG A ZIN E Winter 2021
1.04%
Awards & Scholarships $30,747
1.16%
Wildcat Society $34,063
20.17%
Programs $594,800
1.66%
Board of Directors $48,875
6.14%
Information Systems & Records $181,194
0.24%
Royalties & Merchandise $6,942
14.49%
King Alumni House $427,319
6.32%
Membership $186,415
21.21%
Communications $625,426
STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION June 30, 2021 and 2020
w w w. u k a lu mn i.n e t
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A Big Blue Thanks to all of our new Life Members! Life Members are among our most loyal alumni and friends. We salute your commitment to strengthening UK’s alumni community and honor your dedication to the university’s past and future.
Charles Allison Molly Allison Daniel Arnold Ellen Barry Wayne Basconi Emily Belanger Carson Benn Charles Bennett Janice Birdwhistell Terry Birdwhistell David Bodie Linda Bodie Stephen Buell Stephen Cellier Bobbe Chrest Jonathan Chrest Anne Dill Mary Dovak Greta Eppert C. Fort Kathy Fort Jennifer Fritz David Gillespie James Golden Patsy Golden Donald Hemmer
Clara Herrell Alice Herron Darrell Herron Jorgianne Hicks Jon Hollman Paula Hubbard Kenneth Jackson Tourette Jackson Abigail Johnson Brian Johnson Mary Johnson Shnieka Johnson Brandon Johnston Rebecca Keeling Rickey Keeling Paul Kiel Susan Kiel Ross Kushner Sally Kushner John Larkin Michelle Lee William Lee Elizabeth Leonard Sara Lyons Sean Lyons Teresa Mahoney
Ronald Mason Gary McNay Linda McNay Jennifer Mitchell James Moore Judith Moore Jamie Palmer Lee Partin Mary Partin Lenee’ Peach Gregory Rusk David Selzer Dimple Sharma Donna Simpson Richard Simpson Caroline Smith Jay Smith Kevin Stumbo Cecilia Thomas Gina Thompson Andrew Thomson Rebecca Timmons Barry Toon Haley Tracy Scott Tracy Mark Warren
Ricky Watson David White Francis Wolczyk Vicki Wolczyk Geoffrey Young
You can help make Big Blue Nation stronger than ever! Become a Life Member today! www.ukalumni.net/membership or call 800-269-ALUM (2586) 26
K E N TUCKY A LU MN I MAG A ZIN E Winter 2021
TOGETHER WE ARE WILDCAT STRONG
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KE NTUCKY TUCKY A ALU LUMN MNII MAG MAGA AZIN ZINEE Winter Winter 2021 2021 K EN
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE NEW CLASS
Photo composite by Whitney Stamper
This year’s Hall of Distinguished Alumni are (left to right) John A. Williams, Henry B. “Bub” Asman Jr., Steven L. Beshear, O. Gene Gabbard, Paul R. Wagner, James C. Duff, Laura M. Schwab, Dana R. Canedy, Davis Marksbury, Gregory L. Summe, Dr. F. Joseph Halcomb III, Martha M. McCarthy, William E. Seale, Terry Woodward, Valerie Still, Charles L. Shearer, Alan C. Lowe, Ashley T. Judd, Jon C. Carloftis, Eugene Poole Jr., Tommy L. Preston, Sally K. Mason, L. Stanley Pigman and Paul C. Varga. Those inducted posthumously are Joe Cross Creason, John G. Heyburn II and Elmer T. Lee.
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he University of Kentucky inducted 27 former students into the 2020 Hall of Distinguished Alumni on October 1. The alumni were honored for their meaningful contributions to the Commonwealth, nation and the world. The prestigious event, held every five years, was postponed last year due to pandemic restrictions. “This is a great group that we’re putting forward,” said Taunya Phillips, 2019-2020 UK Alumni Association President, who served on the selection committee for the 2020 inductees. “The university has a wealth of people we could nominate for this honor, and some of the people who are going to be recognized this year I think really stand out. They have done great things in the world of arts, acting, education, engineering and all sorts of different areas. “UK produces great people, and (the Hall of Distinguished Alumni) allows us to recruit students, faculty and staff from everywhere — they want to come here and be a part of the University of Kentucky. It also encourages our current students and others to look at these people and aspire to their achievements,” Phillips said. The 2020 inductees include:
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KE N TUCKY A LU MN I MAG A ZIN E Winter 2021
HENRY B. “BUB” ASMAN JR.
B.A. ’71 — Telecommunications, College of Communication & Information Henry B. “Bub” Asman Jr. of Union is a two-time Academy Award-winning sound editor. He spent 38 years editing the sound for more than 30 films for filmmaker Clint Eastwood and about 40 more films for various other directors in Hollywood. He and his co-editor Alan Murray received six Academy Award nominations for sound editing, winning Oscars in the category of Best Achievement in Sound Editing for the films “Letters from Iwo Jima” and “American Sniper,” both directed by Eastwood. The other nominations were for “Eraser,” “Space Cowboys,” “Flags of our Fathers” and “Sully.”
STEVEN L. BESHEAR
B.A. ’66 — History, College of Arts and Sciences J.D. ’68 — Law, J. David Rosenberg College of Law Steven L. Beshear of Lexington served as the 61st governor of Kentucky from 2007 to 2015. He also served as attorney general from 1979 to 1983, lieutenant governor from 1983 to 1987 and was a member of the Kentucky House of Representatives from 1974 to 1979. As a result of his efforts while in office, he was named Education Governor of the Year by the National Education Association. He’s the author of “People Over Politics,” a book about how to make a broken system of government work again. He served as a Menschel Senior Leadership Fellow at the Harvard School of Public Health and as a visiting fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School Institute of Politics in 2017. While at UK, he was the student body president, a member of Phi Beta Kappa and served as an editor for the Kentucky Law Journal. Additionally, he served as a visiting scholar at the University of Kentucky College of Public Health in 2018.
DANA R. CANEDY
B.A. ’88 — Journalism, College of Communication and Information Dana R. Canedy of New York City is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and the senior vice president and publisher of Simon & Schuster. She previously ran the Pulitzer Prizes, serving as a board member, selecting prize jurors and announcing the winners. She was recently named one of Fortune Magazine’s Most Powerful Women. Canedy was a lead writer and editor on The New York Times series, “How Race is Lived in America,” which won the 2001 Pulitzer Prize for national reporting. She is the author of “A Journal for Jordan” which has been made into a movie to be released by Sony in theaters this Christmas, directed by Denzel Washington and starring Michael B. Jordan. The book tells the story of her fiancé, 1st Sgt. Charles Monroe King, and the 200page journal he left for their son, Jordan, written before being killed in Iraq.
JON C. CARLOFTIS
B.A.’86 — Communication, College of Communication and Information Jon C. Carloftis of Lexington is an award-winning rooftop gardener and garden designer. After moving to New York City in 1988, he became one of America’s pioneers in rooftop/small space gardening as he designed and installed rooftop gardens all over Manhattan for such celebrities as Julianne Moore, Edward Norton and Mike Myers. Carloftis was a contributing editor of Garden Design magazine and his gardens have been featured in more than 250 national magazines. He restored the Kentucky Governor’s Mansion Formal Gardens and the historic garden at the president’s home at the University of the Cumberlands. He is the author of “Beautiful Gardens of Kentucky in 2010” and has been named the Salonniere Top 100 Best Party Hosts in America for three years in a row.
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JOE CROSS CREASON*
B.A. ’40 — Journalism, College of Arts and Sciences Joe Cross Creason of Louisville was a journalist for The Courier-Journal. During his time at UK, Creason served as sports editor for both the Kentucky Kernel and The Kentuckian and was president of his fraternity, Alpha Tau Omega. After graduation, the Benton, Kentucky, native worked at several newspapers in Western Kentucky before accepting a writing position at The Courier-Journal in 1941. Except for a two-year period from 1944-1946 when he served as an officer in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific theater, he would work at The Courier-Journal for the next 34 years developing relationships with citizens from across the Commonwealth of Kentucky. In 1975, the University of Kentucky and the Bingham Enterprises Foundation created the annual Joe Creason Lecture Series bringing prominent journalists to Lexington to speak and meet with students and the public. Creason passed away in 1974 at the age of 56.
JAMES C. DUFF
B.A. ’75 — Philosophy, Political Science, History, College of Arts and Sciences James C. Duff of Bethesda, Maryland, is executive director of the Supreme Court Historical Society. He was director of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts from 2006 to 2011 and from 2015 to 2021 where he also served as Secretary of the Judicial Conference of the United States. From 1996 to 2000, Duff served as counselor to Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist and was his liaison with Congress, the executive branch, and various state and federal organizations involved in the administration of justice. Duff earned a law degree from Georgetown University Law Center in 1981. He is a member of Phi Beta Kappa, a graduate of the UK Honors Program and he was named to the UK Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame in 2012. He was a walk-on on the UK basketball team in 1971-1972.
O. GENE GABBARD
B.S. ’61 — Electrical Engineering, College of Engineering O. Gene Gabbard of Cary, North Carolina, and Naples, Florida, has worked as a private investor and entrepreneur since 1993. He’s worked on more than 25 startups, invested in more than 40 start-up companies on a personal basis and served on more than 20 boards. He is a venture partner in Ballast Point Ventures, venture capital funds, based in Tampa, Florida. During his career, he served as executive vice president and chief financial officer (1990-1993) of MCI Communications Corp. (now Verizon Business); was on the board of directors (2005-2014) of COLT Telecom Group SA, Luxembourg and in 2010 became a member of the board of NetCracker Technology Corp., Waltham, Massachusetts. He earned a master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1965 and was inducted into the UK College of Engineering Hall of Distinction in 1999.
DR. F. JOSEPH HALCOMB III
B.S. ’74 — Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering M.D. ’78 — Medicine, College of Medicine Dr. F. Joseph Halcomb III of Camarillo, California, is a physician, engineer and private equity investor with a distinguished career as an executive in the medical device and biotechnology industries. He is Founder and CEO of Phoenix Initiãre and a partner at Telegraph Hill Partners. He was inducted into the UK College of Engineering Hall of Distinction in 2014 and serves as chairman of the College of Engineering Campaign Committee. He is also a member of the College of Engineering Dean’s Advisory Council, the Biomedical Engineering Advisory Board and serves as a trustee of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Foundation. In 2010, he established the Halcomb Endowed Fellowship in Medicine and Engineering at UK. In 2016, the Department of Biomedical Engineering became the first named department at the university. He also holds a M.S. degree in engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He received the degree of Honorary Doctor of Engineering from UK in May 2021.
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KE N TUCKY A LU MN I MAG A ZIN E Winter 2021
JOHN G. HEYBURN II*
J.D. ’76 — Law, J. David Rosenberg College of Law John G. Heyburn II of Louisville was nominated to the United States District Court as a United States District Judge for the Western District of Kentucky by President George H. W. Bush in 1992. His opinions were known for his indefatigable sense of fairness, respect for litigants and commitment to clear, logical, and thoughtful rulings. His passions for the rule of law fueled his rise to leadership in the Federal Judiciary. He sought “to ever improve the legal system considered the envy of the world.” Heyburn presided over 7,645 cases in his 23 years on the bench, including some of the most controversial issues that faced the courts including recognition of same-sex marriage, restrictions on access to abortion, racial desegregation of schools and the scope of First Amendment’s guarantees. He served as the Chief Judge of the Court between 2001 and 2008. He received an undergraduate degree in history from Harvard University in 1970. Heyburn passed away in 2015 at the age of 66.
ASHLEY T. JUDD
B.A. ’07 — French, College of Arts and Sciences Ashley T. Judd of Franklin, Tennessee and Cambridge, Massachusetts, is an award-winning actor, writer, humanitarian and activist. Her work as both an artist and advocate began on UK’s campus. Her film and stage career has spanned 30 years and includes indie gems like “Ruby in Paradise” which won the Sundance Film Festival, and box office smashes such as “Double Jeopardy.” Since 2004, Judd has traveled to 22 countries in her capacity as global ambassador for nongovernmental organizations such as Population Services International and UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund. In 2020, Judd was recognized by the United Nations as Global Advocate of the Year. She was the first actor to go on the record about Harvey Weinstein`s serial predation and is a leader of the #MeToo movement and co-founder of Time`s Up. Her book “All That Is Bitter & Sweet” was a New York Times best seller and in 2010, Judd earned an M.P.A. from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.
ELMER T. LEE*
B.S. ’49 — Electrical Engineering, College of Engineering Elmer T. Lee of Frankfort joined the Air Force in 1942 where he flew on missions as a radar bombardier on a B-29 Superfortress. In 1946, he was honorably discharged and returned home to study electrical engineering at UK. He graduated with honors in 1949 and proceeded to take a position with George T. Stagg Distillery in Frankfort (renamed Buffalo Trace in 1999). Initially a maintenance engineer, Lee was promoted to plant superintendent in 1966. In 1969, he held the dual titles of plant manager and master distiller, becoming the distillery’s first master distiller. He would continue to hold both titles until his retirement in 1985. In 1984, Lee created Blanton’s Single-Barrel Bourbon which became the first single-barrel bourbon to be sold commercially. Lee passed away in 2013 at the age of 93.
ALAN C. LOWE
B.A. ’86 — History, College of Arts and Sciences M.A. ’89 — History, College of Arts and Sciences Alan C. Lowe of Knoxville, Tennessee, is director of the American Museum of Science and Energy and the K-25 History Center, both located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Previously, he held positions at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in California and the Office of Presidential Libraries at the National Archives in Washington. He served as director of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library in New York and the Howard H. Baker, Jr. Center at the University of Tennessee. From 2009 to 2016, Lowe was the founding director of the George W. Bush Presidential Library in Dallas, Texas, and from 2016 to 2019 was executive director of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library in Springfield, Illinois. Currently, Lowe serves on the board of Childhelp Tennessee and on the advisory board for the UK Department of History. He cohosts “American POTUS,” a popular podcast about the presidency and he hosts “AMSEcast,” a podcast dedicated to science, engineering and technology. www. u kal u mni. net
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DAVIS MARKSBURY
B.S. ’80 — Civil Engineering, College of Engineering Davis Marksbury of Lexington co-founded Exstream Software in 1998 providing customer relationship document software solutions to enterprises around the world. Marksbury served as CEO of Exstream until it was acquired by Hewlett Packard in 2008. Marksbury is a pioneer in the document software industry, with Exstream being the third company he successfully launched to address complex technology challenges in the industry. He currently serves as chairman of the Marksbury Family Office and Family Foundation. Generosity from his family foundation to the UK College of Engineering helped construct the Davis Marksbury Building and donations to UK Athletics have provided funding for facilities.
SALLY K. MASON
B.A. ’72 — Zoology, College of Arts and Sciences Sally K. Mason of Hilton Head, South Carolina, is senior fellow and executive search consultant for the Association of Governing Boards. She is president emerita at the University of Iowa, having served as the 20th university president (2007-2015). Trained as a cell/developmental biologist, she also retired as professor emerita from the UI Department of Biology. Mason served two consecutive terms as a presidential appointee to the National Medal of Science Committee, including a term as chair. Initially appointed to the committee in 2006 by President George W. Bush, she was reappointed by President Barack Obama in 2008. Mason is currently a trustee for two private universities, Des Moines University and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. She earned a master’s degree from Purdue University in 1974 and a doctorate from the University of Arizona in 1978. She also received honorary doctorates from UK in 2012 and Notre Dame University in 2014.
MARTHA M. McCARTHY
B.A. ‘66 — Elementary Education, College of Education M.A. ‘69 — Elementary Education, College of Education Martha M. McCarthy of Marina Del Rey, California, is a presidential professor in the School of Education at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. She is also a chancellor’s professor emeritus at Indiana University (IU), where she served as associate dean of the faculties and was founding director of the Indiana Education Policy Center and the High School Survey of Student Engagement. Her research focuses primarily on education law and policy, and the evolution and reform of leadership preparation programs. McCarthy has written or coauthored more than a dozen books and more than 350 articles or chapters. Among other recognition, she was named the first female Living Legend by the International Council of Professors of Educational Leadership. She earned a specialist in education degree in 1974 and a doctorate in 1975, both from the University of Florida. She was inducted into the UK College of Education Hall of Fame in 1990.
L. STANLEY PIGMAN
B.S. ’81 — Mining Engineering, College of Engineering L. Stanley Pigman of Wilmington, North Carolina, is an entrepreneur who began his early professional career after college as a project engineer with a new mining company, Sierra Coal, a subsidiary of General Electric. Later in 1992, he joined two colleagues to form Sugar Camp Coal. Eventually, Pigman formed his own company, Pigman Coal Sales, providing sales services to an independently owned start-up company for a new mining project in Western Kentucky. Pigman routinely initiates and financially supports programs that connect high school youth with engineering and technology. A longtime advocate for Project Lead the Way in Eastern Kentucky schools, Pigman and his wife, Karen, recently committed to funding 16 new high school chapters of the Kentucky Technology Student Association. He and his family also provide scholarships for 70 UK engineering students each year. Their scholarship has benefited more than 200 Pigman Scholars thus far, including 20 first-year students this fall. UK awarded him an Honorary Degree of Humane Letters in 2017.
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KE N TUCKY A LU MN I MAG A ZIN E Winter 2021
EUGENE POOLE JR.
A.S. ’80 — Hopkinsville CC B.A. ’85 — Architecture, College of Design Eugene Poole Jr. of District Heights, Maryland, is the jurisdiction executive and the senior project executive of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. The Hopkinsville native is an architect and certified project construction manager with over 30 years of professional design/construction management executive-level experience. His work includes Air Force defense initiatives and Joint Air Force/Navy, and Air Force/Army Mil-Con construction projects. Poole is a decorated former United States Air Force officer who was honorably discharged after serving three tours of duty. His private industry architectural work includes hotel resorts, schools and colleges, casinos, private residences, urban planning, civic and religious facilities, health care facilities, airfield runway restoration repair and pilot training support facilities. His recent government projects include the U.S. Capitol Dome Restoration project, U.S. Supreme Court, Library of Congress, Senate and House Office Buildings, design/construction for three U.S. Presidential Inaugural ceremonies and the ongoing design/ management of the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center Exhibition Hall Museum.
TOMMY L. PRESTON
B.A. ’56 — Journalism, College of Communication and Information Tommy L. Preston of Nashville, Tennessee, founded The Preston Group in 1968, a consulting services firm that expanded into 42 states and D.C., leading to many national recognitions. Preston began his career as the youngest Kentucky newspaper editor in 1956 at the Carrollton News-Democrat, where he was born, and used unusual strategies and tactics to impact results for clients representing corporations, institutions and themselves as circumstances dictated. Later, his training in the U.S. Army proved beneficial for subsequent counterterrorism efforts, and he founded Preston Global, a companion firm, for strategies and training to attenuate violence at schools and other venues. He was senior advisor to Gov. and U.S. Sen. Wendell Ford and appointed executive director of the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security by Gov. Steve Beshear. He became the first such director to complete the U.S. Army War College National Security Program.
LAURA M. SCHWAB
J.D. ’98 — Law, J. David Rosenberg College of Law Laura M. Schwab of San Clemente, California, has championed the empowerment of women in the workplace and has spent her professional life helping to advance the careers of others along the way. She was the global sales and marketing officer of Rivian, the electric car company launching several new vehicles this year and electrifying Amazon’s worldwide delivery fleet. From 2015 to 2020, she was president of Aston Martin the Americas, the first female to serve in the role in the company’s history and one of only two women to ever hold this title in the automotive industry. She was responsible for overseeing sales, service, marketing and communications to dealers and customers across two continents. She received a full tennis scholarship to the University of Notre Dame where she double majored in government and Spanish.
WILLIAM E. SEALE
B.A. ’63 — Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences M.S. ’69 — Agricultural Economics, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Ph.D. ’75 — Agricultural Economics, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment William E. Seale of Annapolis, Maryland, and Key Largo, Florida, is a partner in the ProFunds Group. As chief investment officer, he developed the financial models and investment techniques that direct the investments of the over 200 ProShares and ProFunds. Seale is a professor emeritus of finance at George Washington University, where he had been chairman of the Department of Finance and senior associate dean of the business school. He also was engaged in a consulting and expert witness practice through his firm, Financial Markets Group Inc. Seale was a commissioner on the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, worked as government relations vice president for a New York futures exchange and was a senior legislative assistant to U.S. Sen. Walter D. Huddleston. Seale was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha at UK. He was named to the UK College of Agriculture Hall of Distinguished Alumni in 2018. www. u kal u mni. net
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CHARLES L. SHEARER
B.S. ’64 — Accounting, Gatton College of Business and Economics M.A. ’67 — Economics and International Diplomacy, Gatton College of Business and Economics Charles L. Shearer of Lexington is the former president of Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky. He served as Transylvania’s 24th president and is the longest-serving president in the university’s history after 27 years in office. Shearer helped grow the institution’s student enrollment by more than 75 percent, with corresponding growth in the number of faculty members and majors offered. Shearer was named vice president for finance at Transylvania University in 1979 before becoming president in 1983. Shearer also holds a master’s degree and Ph.D. in economics from Michigan State University. He was awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters degree from UK in 2012 for his lifetime service to higher education. He is a 1999 inductee in the Gatton College Alumni Hall of Fame.
VALERIE STILL
B.S. ’00 — Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Valerie Still of Palmyra, New Jersey, is a former professional basketball player and coach, author and musician. She also earned a master’s degree in African and African American studies and is finishing her Ph.D. in sports humanities at The Ohio State University, where she was a graduate research and teaching associate. She was a member of the UK women’s basketball team (19791983) and holds UK career records (men and women) in scoring (2,763) and rebounding (1,525). She played overseas and in the American Basketball League, winning two world championships with the Columbus Quest and earning MVP for both championship series. She then joined the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and became a WNBA assistant coach with the Mystics and Orlando Miracle. She founded the Valerie Still Foundation, a nonprofit organization that assists youth in their development and launched STILL Java, a socially-conscious gourmet coffee company to assist charities and women and children in underdeveloped countries. She is a member of the UK Athletic Hall of Fame inaugural class and the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame.
GREGORY L. SUMME
B.S. ’78 — Electrical Engineering, College of Engineering Gregory L. Summe of Naples, Florida, is the co-founder and co-chairman of NextGen Acquisition Corp. II, a special purpose acquisition company, which has announced a pending merger with Virgin Orbit. He was also the co-founder of NextGen Acquisition Corp I, which has merged with Xos, Inc., a leading manufacturer of electric commercial vehicles. Summe is also the founder and managing partner of Glen Capital Partners LLC, a value-oriented hedge fund. He was managing director and vice chairman of Global Buyout at the Carlyle Group (2009-2014) and responsible for the buyout funds in financial services, infrastructure, Japan, the Middle East and Africa. He was also the chairman, CEO and president of PerkinElmer Inc. (1998-2009) and a senior advisor to Goldman Sachs Capital Partners (2008-2009). He has an M.S. degree in electrical engineering from the University of Cincinnati and an M.B.A. from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. He is in the UK College of Engineering Hall of Distinction (2000).
PAUL C. VARGA
B.B.A. ’85 — Finance, Gatton College of Business and Economics Paul C. Varga of Louisville was elected president and chief executive officer of Brown-Forman Corporation in 2005 and became chairman of the company in 2007 before retiring in 2018. He has been a member of the company’s board of directors since 2003. Prior to becoming CEO, he served as president and CEO of the company’s Brown-Forman Beverages subsidiary and served as senior vice president and chief marketing officer for Brown-Forman Beverages. During Varga’s tenure at Brown-Forman, he partnered with the University of Kentucky’s Alcohol and Health Education Office to support alcohol awareness and education programs on campus. Varga earned his MBA at Purdue University in 1987. He was inducted into the UK Gatton College Alumni Hall of Fame in 2009 and is a recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award from the UK Lewis Honors College. He is a charter member of the UK Tennis Hall of Fame and a Kentucky Tennis Hall of Fame inductee.
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KE N TUCKY A LU MN I MAG A ZIN E Winter 2021
PAUL R. WAGNER
B.A. ’70 — English, College of Arts and Sciences M.A. ’72 — Communication, College of Communication and Information Paul R. Wagner of Charlottesville, Virginia, is an Academy Award and Emmy Award-winning independent filmmaker, who has received multiple grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Wagner’s documentaries and dramatic features have premiered at the Sundance, Toronto, Telluride and Rotterdam film festivals. His films include “Miles of Smiles, Years of Struggle,” about the first African American labor union; “Signature: George C. Wolfe,” a portrait of the New York theatrical writer and director; “Thoroughbred,” an inside look at the world of horse racing produced for Kentucky Educational Television and “Out of Ireland,” a history of Irish emigration to America featuring Liam Neeson and Gabriel Byrne. In 2018, “Black in Blue,” told the story of UK football players Nate Northington, Greg Page, Houston Hogg and Wilbur Hackett, the men who broke the color line in the SEC. His current film project is a feature documentary about artist Georgia O’Keeffe.
JOHN A. WILLIAMS
B.S. ’62 — Accounting, Gatton College of Business and Economics John A. Williams of Paducah is the founding executive of Computer Services Inc., headquartered in Paducah and is now chairman emeritus. His career also includes accounting and management consulting with Arthur Andersen & Co. in St. Louis; and serving in the U.S. Army Signal Corps (1963-1965) directing development of experimental data processing systems at the 7th Army Headquarters in Germany. He has been active in many organizations, such as the Association of Financial Technology (president), Boy Scouts Kentucky/Tennessee (president), Kentucky Chamber of Commerce (vice president), Federal Reserve — Louisville (chairman), among others. Williams also lectured on banking technology at UK, LSU, Nebraska and Georgia, and he was a faculty member at Paducah Community College. Williams received an honorary doctorate from Murray State. He was inducted into the Gatton College Alumni Hall of Fame in 2009. The college also has a classroom and an endowed scholarship in his name.
TERRY WOODWARD
B.S. ’63 — Commerce, Gatton College of Business and Economics Terry Woodward of Owensboro is the owner and CEO of Wax Works, Inc., one of the nation’s leading authorized wholesale home entertainment distributors. Located in Owensboro, Wax Works is one of the largest video distributors in America, servicing online and retail accounts nationwide. He was chairman of the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) during the first three years of its existence; a board member of the Country Music Association; a board member and chairman of the National Association of Recording Merchandisers; and a trustee and chairman of the International Bluegrass Music Museum (renamed the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum in 2018). Inc. magazine named him Entrepreneur of the Year in 1990, he was awarded the IBMA Distinguished Achievement Award in 2005 and was inducted into the IBMA Bluegrass Hall of Fame in 2018.
*Inducted posthumously With the addition of the 2020 honorees, the total number of alumni honored to date is 333, since the hall was created in 1965. To learn more about the Hall of Distinguished Alumni, previous inductees and to read full bios of this year’s inductees visit: www.ukalumni.net/HODA2020
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Sports READY TO MOVE ON FROM LAST YEAR, KENTUCKY MEN’S BASKETBALL WELCOMES IN VETERANS Kentucky Men’s Basketball Head Coach John Calipari has one of his most experienced teams taking the court this season, but at the same time one of the largest groups of incoming players. Seven newcomers joined Kentucky this season, including four transfers, to round out the Wildcats’ roster in hope of erasing the memory of last year’s 9-16 record. The only Kentucky teams that returned more minutes and more points (in terms of percentages) than the 2021-2022 team for Calipari is the 2011-2012 national champions and 2014-2015 Final Four team that won its first 38 games. “Last year is a blip. That’s so far behind me, what we went through, and I learned from it, and you move on,” Calipari said. “But what I like about this group, they’re competing against each other.” It’s a far different situation than the Wildcats found themselves before last year. “I am having a ball every day I walk in because I’ve got a bunch of guys that want to be coached, that want to challenge each other, that are engaged,” he said. “We’ve got veterans. When you have veterans, they’re on time. Without even saying anything they lead. That’s been fun. I haven’t had many teams with veteran kind of players on it, so I kind of forget that it takes one thing off your plate.” Davion Mintz, who averaged 11.5 points and 3.1 assists last year, opted to return, taking advantage of the NCAA ruling to grant an extra year of eligibility due to the COVID-19 pandemic and is UK’s lone returning starter. He is joined by junior Keion Brooks Jr. (10.3 ppg, 6.8 rpg), sophomore Dontaie Allen (5.4 ppg, 1.5 rpg), junior Jacob Toppin (5.2 ppg. 3.5 rpg) and sophomore Lance Ware (2 ppg, 3 rpg). They are joined by a group of veteran transfers, bolstering the Wildcats’ frontcourt and backcourt. Grad transfer Kellan Grady — a transfer from Davidson — has scored more than 2,000 career points and averaged 17.1 points and 4.6 rebounds last season. Iowa transfer C.J. Frederick averaged 7.5 points and 1.9 assists per game. Junior Sahvir Wheeler averaged 14 points and an SEC-leading 7.4 assists per game last year for Georgia, and West Virginia transfer Oscar Tshiebwe averaged 8.5 points and 7.8 rebounds halfway through last season before transferring to Kentucky. Adding the Wildcats’ four transfers to the equation, Kentucky’s current 2021-2022 roster includes 13,385 minutes,
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Photo by Chet White, UK Athletics
By Hal Morris
Kentucky guard Davion Mintz (10) returns this season after averaging 11.5 points and 3.1 assists for the Wildcats last season.
5,203 points, 1,917 rebounds, 1,132 assists and 543 total 3-pointers in college basketball production. Of course, Calipari has also recruited his usual crop of bluechop recruits to join the veterans. Daimion Collins, a 6-9 forward who averaged 35.2 points and 14.4 boards a contest, is the top-rated recruit. The consensus five-star prospect was named the Gatorade and MaxPreps Texas Players of the Year. Collins was named to the McDonald’s All America Game, the Jordan Brand Classic roster and the Allen Iverson Roundball Classic. TyTy Washington, a 6-3 guard, was the MaxPreps Arizona Player of the Year and averaged 24.4 points and 7 assists per game for Compass Prep. Four-star prospect and consensus top-50 recruit Bryce Hopkins, a 6-6 forward, averaged 24.4 points and 12.5 rebounds a game. He was named the MaxPreps Illinois Player of the Year. He was also a Chicago Land Prep Hoops All-State first team pick, the two-time Chicago League Player of the Year, was named to the Jordan Brand Classic roster and earned selection to the Allen Iverson Roundball Classic. Finding time for everyone to play is a challenge Calipari relishes. “Yes, we do have depth. So, now you have guys that are similar skills offensively. Who would you play now? It’s you. They’re very similar offensively. Who are you going to play? It’s done in practice, but how about who defends better, rebounds better, takes care of the ball better. Those guys get a leg up, and I keep telling them, ‘You’re competing with each other, yet I’ll play as many deserve to play.’” ■
RHYNE HOWARD RETURNS TO LEAD UK WOMEN WITH A GREAT SUPPORTING CAST By Hal Morris along with this program,” Elzy said. “I want to play faster than we played last year. I think what makes this team very unique and special is our versatility. We play position-less basketball, we play fast. And our defensive intensity must be there. No matter where we go, our heart and intensity on defense and rebounding should travel with us at all times. We are undersized, but we can press and run and be disruptive, which is a fun brand of basketball.” Junior guard Emma King and incoming four-star guard Jada Walker give UK backcourt depth, and 6-3 sophomore forward Nyah Leveretter can help bolster the frontcourt. ■
Photo by Eddie Justice, UK Athletics
Rhyne Howard has done just about everything a player could for the Kentucky women. Her legacy cemented, the two-time All-American and two-time SEC Player of the Year who is again picked as the league’s top player, has a chance to join some elite company in her senior season. Howard enters this year with 1,655 points so she should become just the second UK women’s player to reach 2,000 career points along with Valerie Still. “One of the things that I’m most proud of Rhyne about is that she’s in the best shape of her life. Her fitness, we really talked about last year, her being able to play 30-plus minutes drawing the best defenders,” said Women’s Basketball Head Coach Kyra Elzy. “The two things we have challenged Rhyne with to take her game to the next level — she is extremely talented and gifted and her basketball IQ is phenomenal and can score at all three levels. One, we have worked with her on all summer on being able to post up. She is a big-body guard. She needs to post more consistently and finish. Two, not resting defensively. She is unbelievable defensively when she is locked in and playing hard.” Howard, who averaged 20.7 points and 7.3 rebounds last year, was the only player in the nation to average 20 points and at least 7.3 rebounds per game with 90 assists and 60 steals. She also hit a team-best 56 3-pointers and had 91 assists, 61 steals and 19 blocks. The guard led UK in scoring in 54 career games, in rebounding in 44 career games, in assists in 29 career games, in steals in 30 games and blocks in 31 career games. She has 17 career double-doubles, including six this season. Elzy is in her first full season as head coach of the UK women’s basketball team after leading UK to an 18-9 record and a berth in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. And she has a veteran group returning to complement Howard. The Wildcats’ depth did take a hit when senior guard Blair Green, who averaged 6 points and 1.6 rebounds per game to go with 27 assists, was lost for the year to an Achilles injury. So other Wildcats will need to contribute even more. Junior 6-2 forward Dre’una Edwards was third on the team in scoring last year (9.7) and second in rebounding (6.1) and blocks (21) and added 24 steals, while 6-4 junior center Olivia Owens averaged 4.4 points a contest. Senior Robyn Benton, a 5-9 guard, averaged 6.6 points with 27 assists and 23 steals, while Jazmine Massengill (5.1 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 62 assists, 17 steals, 10 blocks), gives UK experience and size in the backcourt. Sophomore guard Treasure Hunt averaged 3.7 points and 2.1 rebounds per game. “Rhyne is obviously a talented basketball player, the best in the country for so many reasons. But with that said, she has a supporting cast that can help take her to the next level
Kentucky senior Rhyne Howard should become just the second UK women’s player to reach 2,000 career points. She enters this season with 1,655 and is the two-time SEC Player of the Year.
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UK ALUMNA
Dawn Kelley IS MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE A SPOONFUL OF ALMOND BUTTER AT A TIME
Photo by Matthew Robbins Photography
By Ann Blackford
L
exington native Dawn Haden Kelley will tell you that she never considered attending college anywhere other than the University of Kentucky. Although she didn’t have a laser focus on what major or career path she wanted to take, she had dreams of one day creating something to make the world a better place. After graduating from UK in 1993 with a degree in political science, she took her entrepreneurial spirit and passion for making a difference in the world on the road. It ultimately led her to running a small, struggling almond butter brand, and taking it to the top as the third largest and fastest growing almond butter brand in the U.S. This pretty much sums up Dawn Kelley’s path to Barney Butter in a nutshell, or more specifically, an almond shell.
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A self-described Kentucky girl, Kelley remains true blue to her home state where most of her family still reside. She’s an enthusiastic sports fan and although she currently resides in Maine half the year and Florida half the year, she comes home to Kentucky when she can for UK games and Keeneland. Kelley has had several major influences in both her personal and professional life which play an integral role in her success in the business world and perhaps even more so when she took the reins at Barney Butter. Raised by a single mom, an entrepreneur in her own right, in advertising and radio station media, Kelley grew up around the type of business sense and work ethic that it takes to be successful in the business world. An avid reader, Kelley says if there is a business book, she’s probably read it.
“I learn through reading and that has had a direct impact on me, namely from CEO’s of bigger companies.” Kelley has also always had a personal interest in food and how it relates to health, a passion she says comes directly from her grandmother, whom she calls “the original alfalfa sprout eating, natural food guru.” “I spent a lot of time with my Mamaw growing up. She instilled in me a super healthy respect for food and its relationship to health. I learned ‘Let food be thy medicine, and I still live that today.’” Kelley said.
THE ROAD TO MAKING HER DREAMS A REALITY AT BARNEY BUTTER Dawn Kelley met Steve Kelley on a blind date while she was living in Santa Monica, and perhaps not coincidentally, at a crossroads in her career. Steve was a businessman and living in Maine. He and his best friend had recently invested in a tiny company called Barney Butter. “Knowing that Dawn was a health nut (she loved almond butter and had been making it at home for years) and in the middle of a transaction to sell the technology company that she was the president of, I asked her what she wanted to do after she sold the business and she hadn’t really decided yet,” Steve said. “That’s when I called my partner and best friend and said, I met someone who would be perfect to run Barney Butter, however I don’t know whether I should hire her or marry her. My partner responded quickly with ‘why don’t you do both!’ The rest as they say, is history.” When Steve offered Dawn the role of running Barney Butter, she knew she could probably get a job somewhere else and probably make a better salary and be in a bigger company, but she made the wise decision to join and lead Barney Butter. The job was the perfect opportunity to “make the world a better place” by melding her business expertise with her passion for food and health. She wanted to make the highest quality almond butter brand to make it available to the masses. Dawn and Steve became partners in business first when together, they fully acquired Barney Butter in 2010 and then went on to grow the brand to the No. 3 almond butter in the nation. It wasn’t until the following year that they became partners in life, making Steve “Kentucky by marriage,” according to Dawn.
So, what exactly is Barney Butter? Like peanut butter but made with almonds, almond butter is an alternative option to peanut butter for those who have peanut allergies, or for anyone looking for a healthier version of arguably, one of the most popular snack foods in America. Dawn Kelley says that peanut butter and almond butter are both good sources of protein and calcium, but Barney Butter has good carbohydrates, fats and micronutrients not found in peanut butter. What sets Barney Butter and the company apart from other nut butters? Kelley said three things. First, they are self-manufacturers and all they make is almond butter so there is no cross contamination with other nuts, making them 100-percent safe for people with peanut allergies. This is important as 11 million households in this country are affected by peanut allergies; second, they blanch
(take the skin off) their almonds. Barney Butter is the only almond butter company in the country that takes the skin off which produces a silky-smooth and creamy texture; and third Barney Butter is no-stir so there is no standing oil on top that you sometimes get with other almond butters. Barney Butter makes almond butter products using locally grown premium California almonds and is sold in over 15,000 stores nationwide, including Kroger, Walmart, Meijer, Whole Foods, The Fresh Market, and online at https://barneybutter.com/ as well as Amazon. All products are vegan, Non-GMO, gluten-free, peanut-free and great for Paleo/Keto diets.
CHALLENGES AND REWARDS “We are the third largest brand and largest mom and pop brand in the category,” Kelley said, citing the Nielsen/SPINS data collection rating. “The number 1 and 2 brands are owned by big public-company Consumer Brand companies that have huge marketing budgets and teams. We have to stay on our toes, be scrappy and creative in order to keep up, get ahead and continue to not only stay in the game, but be a category winner. Kelley said going in (10 plus years ago), not many people knew what almond butter was, and she loves being invested with a brand from a full trajectory — communicating with people, educating people, and learning from the consumer. “I wear many hats and am directly overseeing e-commerce, strategy, R&D, marketing, branding, and retailer relationships. To see it all come together, that has been what is most rewarding,” she said. Dawn says what it takes to make it in the business world she learned at UK. “UK has a lot of programs to explore, and I had a well-rounded background,” she said. “UK is a big school, and you have to find your niche and navigate that. It taught me independence and self-reliance. I had to figure out how to stand out and how to be a self-starter. I wouldn’t trade my experience at UK for anything.” “I love my job because I get live my mantra of ‘make something every day.’” You can follow Barney Butter @BarneyButter on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest. ■
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Class Notes 1950s
Photo courtesy of ExploreUK
Francis E. Johnston ’59 ’60 AS is a biological anthropologist and professor emeritus of anthropology in the University of Pennsylvania College of Arts and Sciences in Philadelphia. He is also a Fellow in the Penn Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics.
The University of Kentucky “Marching 100” band added majorettes to its half-time football game activities in 1960. The majorettes performed for the first time during the Auburn-UK football game at Stoll Field. They are, from the left: Karen Shields, Susan Mendel, and Donna Wilson.
1960s Phillip Taliaferro ’62 LAW lives in Erlanger and is the founder of Taliaferro Carran & Hampton PLLC in Covington. He was inducted into the Kentucky Veterans Hall of Fame and Northern Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame. Marie E. Setser ’65 AS was elected chair of the 42
Endowment Board of the Unitarian Church in Charleston, South Carolina. The church is the oldest Unitarian church in the South. Donald A. Vizi ’65 BE lives in McInnville, Tennessee, and is president and CEO of the McMinnville — Warren County Chamber of Commerce. He retired as a lieutenant colonel from the U.S. Air Force after a 26-year career and has been working for chambers of commerce for more than 16 years. Bissell Roberts ’67 AS is an attorney and partner with Bardenwerper, Talbott & Roberts PLLC in Louisville, specializing in land use law, zoning, eminent domain and mediation. He was appointed to the Kentucky Crime Victims Compensation Board by Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear. Roberts is also a member of the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance. He earned his law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law. Phillip R. Patton ’68 ED, ’72 AS, ’73 LAW lives in Glasgow and is a retired Circuit Court judge for the 43rd Judicial Circuit serving Barren and Metcalfe counties. He received the 2021 Chief Justice’s Special Service Award for his work as a circuit judge and for overseeing cases in the Green River Region as a retired judge. Prior to serving on the bench,
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Patton was the commonwealth’s attorney for Barren and Metcalfe counties and, before that, an attorney in private practice for 19 years in Glasgow. Fred T. Tracy ’68 AS lives in Vicksburg, Mississippi, and was inducted into the Waterways Experiment Station Gallery of Distinguished Employees. He is a retired employee of the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center Information Technology Laboratory after 47 years of public service.
1970s Patrick Fugeman ’70 DES lives in Newark, Delaware, and retired after 27 years on the senior management team as vice president, design and construction at Christiana Care Health System in Wilmington, Delaware. Sandra L. Helton ’71 AS lives in Chicago and serves on the boards of directors and is chair of the Audit Committees for Principal Financial Group, Covetrus Inc., an animal health services and technology company, and OptiNose, a specialty pharmaceutical company. She was named to the National Association of Corporate Directors Directorship 100. Pamela L. Elam ’72 AS, ’75 LAW is a retired attorney and activist. She
is president of the Monumental Women Board of Directors in New York, and worked to get the Women’s Rights Pioneers Monument in New York City’s Central Park. In her career, Elam held many positions including legislative aide to the New York City Council; assistant New York City comptroller and director of Community Relations; coordinator at the Mayor’s Office of Intergovernmental Affairs and deputy chief of staff to the Manhattan borough president. Marc A. Wells ’72 BE, ’75 LAW is the owner of Marc Wells Attorney at Law in Princeton. He was named a Continental Who’s Who Trusted Attorney. Dale R. Curth ’74 DES lives in Louisville and retired as project manager and associate at Schmidt Associates Inc., an architecture and engineering firm, after a nearly 50-year career in architecture. He had been a principal and president at Arrasmith Judd Rapp Chovan, which joined with Schmidt in 2020. Kim Weaver Kelly ’75 NUR lives in Dimondale, Michigan, and is a retired accountant manager for the Michigan State Police Office of Highway Safety Planning. She was appointed to the Michigan Truck Safety Commission by Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
Kenneth B. Ewan ’79 BE is an assistant professor of finance and director of the online master of business administration program at Grace College School of Business in Winona Lake, Indiana. He joined Grace College after 32 years in the private sector.
1980s Charles W. Rice ’80 ’83 AFE lives in Manhattan, Kansas, and is the Kansas State University Distinguished Professor of Soil Microbiology. He is also a professor in the Federal University of Santa Maria Department of Soil Science in Brazil. Rice was the first recipient of the Mary L. Vanier University Professorship at Kansas State University, which honors and supports innovative faculty members. Bryan K. Slone ’85 EN retired from Columbia Gas after serving for over 35 years in various capacities in their Engineering Department in
both Columbus, Ohio, and Lexington. Solomon L. Van Meter ’80 AFE is an attorney and senior project manager of energy and land services for Bowman Consulting Group Ltd., responsible for managing land acquisition and other real estate matters for renewable energy development projects. He earned his law degree at the Washington and Lee University School of Law. Ashley W. Ward ’81 AS, ’84 LAW is a member at Stites & Harbison PLLC and is co-leader in the Torts and Insurance Service Group in the firm’s Lexington office. He was appointed to the Eastern Kentucky University Board of Regents by Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear. Vanessa Dickson ’82 LAW is a retired District Court judge, having served the 14th Judicial District, which consists of Bourbon, Scott and Woodford counties, for 16 years. She received the 2021 Kentucky District Judges Association (KPJA) Judge Robert W. Heaton Award. Dickson was a former president of the KDJA and also a former partner at Wyatt, Tarrant & Combs LLP before becoming a judge. James T. Pauley ’86 EN lives in Norwood, Massachusetts, and is CEO for the National Fire Protection Association. He also serves as chairman of the board of directors of the NFPA
Research Foundation. He had been senior vice president, external affairs, and government relations for Schneider Electric. Jaleh K. Slominski ’86 AS is an attorney and founder of Slominski Law PC, which has offices in Roanoke and Lynchburg, Virginia. She was named a Virginia Lawyers Weekly Go To Lawyer for Workers Compensation. Slominski earned her law degree from the Duquesne University School of Law. Rafael Ocasio ’87 AS is the Charles A. Dana Professor of Spanish, the chairman of the Department of Spanish, and a faculty fellow at the Gay Johnson McDougall Center for Global Diversity at Agnes Scott College in Decatur, Georgia. Kelly S. Tate ’87 MED lives in Hopkinsville and is a family medicine physician at Logan Primary Care-Elkton, part of the Logan
Memorial Medical Group. He was previously medical director for the Hopkinsville VA Clinic. Martha B. Allard ’88 EN lives in Brentwood, Tennessee, and was appointed as an administrative trademark judge for the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board by Chief Judge Gerard F. Rogers. She was previously with the firm Bass, Berry & Sims PLC. James T. Brannon ’88 EN lives in Florence and is the Kentucky state transportation leader for Gresham Smith, an architecture, engineering and design firm. He was selected as market vice president of the firm’s transportation market, which encompasses more than 230 professionals across seven states. He will assume the role on Jan. 1, 2022.
Photo courtesy of ExploreUK
Carroll D. Stevens ’76 LAW is interim president of Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee. He is a member of the Rhodes College Board of Trustees and had been vice president for advancement at Claremont McKenna College. Stevens previously served as associated dean of Yale University School of Law and at the UK J. David Rosenberg College of Law.
A group of people boarded “Old Blue,” the University of Kentucky’s double-decker English bus which was used for alumni and students for guided tours of the Lexington campus. It also provided transportation for alumni to the UK football home games.
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Class Notes Quita Beeler Highsmith ’88 CI is vice president and chief diversity officer for Genentech, a member of the Roche Group. She received the 2021 Trailblazer Award from Lead360, was recognized as one of the Diversity Global Magazine Top 15 Champions of Diversity and was named to Top 100 Diversity Officers by The National Diversity Council. Bill C. Allen ’89 BE is CEO of Bank of the Bluegrass and Trust Co. in Lexington. He had been the bank’s president and was previously a district manager for Bank One. Brian P. Hale ’89 AS, ’02 GS lives in Bethesda, Maryland, and is vice president for global market development and public private partnerships for QOMPLX, a global leader in cloud-native risk analytics. He was previously assistant director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Office of Public Affairs. Mary Beth Hudson ’89 EN is executive director of the Chattanooga, Tennessee Peak Performance Inc. Smart Factory Institute, which helps manufacturers improve its processes. She had been vice president at Wacker Polysilicon Division in the North America, Central America and Adino Nord region of South America.
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Judy Jones Owens’89 AS, ’92 LAW lives in Lexington and is the Appalachian director of the Steele-Reese Foundation, a charitable trust committed to supporting rural communities and the tax-exempt entities that serve them in Idaho, Montana, in the Native nations that share the geography, and in Appalachian Kentucky. She was elected president of the Woman’s Club of Central Kentucky, a historic philanthropic organization. Michael S. Wilkins ’89 ’91 BE is the Larry D. Horner/ KPMG Professor and doctoral program coordinator for the accounting area in the Kansas University School of Business in Lawrence. He was appointed to the Madison and Lila Self Graduate Programs Board of Trustees for the Self Graduate Fellowship.
1990s Robert A. Hans ’90 EN lives in Fort Thomas and is the Cincinnati office manager for engineering firm Michael Baker Intl. He was previously assistant vice president for the Cincinnati and Lexington offices for WSP USA. Lisa A. Columbia ’91 CI is president and general manager of WHAS-TV, the ABC affiliate in Louisville, responsible for overseeing all facets of the station’s operations, including content,
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advertising sales, marketing, and technical operations. She had been the station’s director of sales. Carrie Wiseman Taylor ’92 BE lives in Bowling Green, Kentucky, and is senior vice president of commercial banking for German American Bank. She was named to the Bowling Green Municipal Utilities Board of Directors. William R. Gay ’93 FA lives in Laurinburg, North Carolina, and is dean of the University of North Carolina at Pembroke College of Arts and Sciences. He had been the college’s interim dean, and served as senior associate dean chairman of the Department of Art. William B. Lee ’94 AS, ’98 MED lives in Atlanta and is an ophthalmologist for Eye Consultants of Atlanta, specializing in cornea, external diseases and refractive surgery. He was named an Atlanta Magazine Castle Connolly Top Doctor in the ophthalmology category. Brenda L. Boetel ’95 GS lives in River Falls, Wisconsin, and is a professor, extension agricultural marketing specialist and chair of the University of Wisconsin-River Falls Department Chair of Agricultural Economics. She was named the University of Wisconsin-River Falls Adviser of the Year.
Jeffrey W. Rivers ’96 EN is special agent in charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Cincinnati Field Office. He was previously section chief and the director of the Terrorist Explosive Device Analytical Center in Huntsville, Alabama, and assistant special agent in charge of the Norfolk Field Office in Virginia. Jennifer S. Brannock ’97 FA, ’00 CI is professor and curator of Rare Books & Mississippiana at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg. She was elected to serve a three-year term on the Local History and Genealogy Committee of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions representing the Reference and User Services Association, a division of the American Library Association. Carrie Caldwell Masterson ’97 BE is executive vice president and chief operating officer for People’s Bank in Lebanon. She was previously executive vice president and chief operating officer for Town and Country Bank and Trust Co.
WHEN THE TIME IS RIGHT, WE’LL GET YOU THERE.
Visit www.ukalumni.net/travel or call (859)257-8905 for more information.
Class Notes Evelyn M. Parrish ’97 ’08 NUR lives in Lexington and is an associate professor of nursing instruction in the UK College of Nursing. She received the American Psychiatric Nurses Association Psychiatric Nurse of the Year for providing psychiatric-mental health nursing patient care and service in clinical leadership positions. Laura A. Powers ’97 ’02 AFE lives in Pembroke and is an area farm agent for Kentucky Farm Business Management, which is part of the UK Cooperative Extension Service. She was named president of the board of directors of the National Association of Farm Business Analysis Specialists. She was previously an extension specialist in tobacco financial analysis and labor education in the UK College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Department of Agricultural Economics. Brandon M. Tosti ’97 ’00 ED lives in Arvada, Colorado, and is an author and manager of corporate partnerships and activations for the City and County of Denver, Arts and Venues. He founded Sports For a Cause, which started as an effort to restore playgrounds and youth athletic facilities in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, as well as in Denver. Jeffrey K. Wethington ’97 ED is interim principal for College View Middle 46
School in Owensboro. He had been the school’s assistant principal. Elizabeth O’Bryan Blandford ’98 ED is interim principal at Foust Elementary School in Owensboro. She was previously assistant principal, kindergarten teacher and a reading intervention specialist at the school. Russell M. Coleman ’98 AS, ’04 LAW is a partner at Frost Brown Todd LLC in the firm’s Louisville office and practicing in the areas of government and internal investigations, white-collar criminal defense and government relations. He was named to the Kentucky State Police Foundation Board of Directors. Coleman was previously the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Kentucky. Terrell F. Johnson ’98 LAW lives in Smyrna, Georgia, and is the owner and CEO of ASID Group Intl., which provides professional services to foreign, U.S., state, metropolitan and civil sectors. He was appointed as the District 3 commissioner on the Georgia Public Service Commission by Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp. Johnson also retired from the U.S. Army after a 21-year career. Dustin Anderson ’99 AS lives in New Port Richey, Florida, and was appointed as the Pasco County Court judge by Florida Gov. Ron
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DeSantis. He was previously an assistant state attorney for the Sixth Judicial Circuit. Anderson earned his law degree from the University of Florida Levin College of Law. Matthew E. Baur ’99 AFE is director of Western Integrated Pest Management Center in Davis, California. He had been the center’s associate director and was a research scientist at DuPont/Pioneer. Ashley Fortney Point ’99 AS lives in Wilmington, North Carolina, and is president of the Koolen-de Vries Syndrome Foundation Board of Directors.
2000s Emily W. Roark ’00 LAW is a partner at the Bryant Law Center PSC in Paducah. She was appointed as a special justice on the Supreme Court of Kentucky by Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, representing the 1st Supreme Court District on an upcoming case. Special justices are appointed to the state Supreme Court when one or two justices decline or are unable to sit on a case, according to the state constitution. Calvin M. Taylor ’00 FA lives in Bowling Green, and is a music publisher, concert pianist, recording artist and director of the Calvin Taylor Foundation, which provides musical presentations for
people in various living and housing situations not normally able to sponsor or host a special musical event. Gathan D. Borden ’01 BE lives in Lexington and is vice president of marketing for the Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau in Lexington. He was named president for Visit Horse Country, an organization of horse farms, equine medical clinics and equine attractions dedicated to sharing the stories of Kentucky’s horse country. Emily Custer Henderson ’01 PHA lives in Louisville and is a pharmacy consultant with the Kentucky Hospital Association (KHA). She received the Kentucky Society of Health-System Pharmacists (KSHP) President’s Award for her role in bringing KHA and KSHP together in support of two pieces of legislation. Henderson also serves on the UK Alumni Association Board of Directors. Jed Leano ’01 CI is an immigration attorney and owner of The Law Offices of Jed Leano in Los Angeles. He is serving his first term and is mayor pro tem on the Claremont City Council. Leano earned his law degree from Rutgers Law School.
Molly S. McComas ’01 CI is superintendent of Clark County Public Schools in Winchester. She had been director of student services for Scott County Schools and director of student services and operations for Williamstown Independent Schools. LeKenya R. Middlebrook ’02 AS lives in Knoxville, Tennessee, and was appointed the city’s first director of community safety by Mayor Indya Kincannon. She had been the executive director of the city’s Police Advisory & Review Committee. Marlo Edwards Ransdell ’02 ’04 DES is an associate professor in the Department of Interior Architecture and Design at Florida State University in Tallahassee. She received the Florida State University Department of Interior Architecture and Design 2021 Ralph Stair Prize in Innovative Education Award. Beth Yates Shields ’02 ED, ’04 CI is city historian at the Capital City Museum in Frankfort. She was previously state archivist and records administrator, and director of the Archives Records Management
Division of the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives.
the American Association for the Advancement of Science and Technology Policy Fellowships, which place scientists in one- to twoyear assignments in offices across all three branches of government. She had been operations and impact director for the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research.
Charles B. Simmons ’03 DES is an associate, client liaison for Schmidt Associates in the firm’s Louisville office. He was previously a principal at EOP Architects.
Photo courtesy of ExploreUK
Darah Garrett Jirkovsky ’01 CI is executive director for SoutheastHEALTH Foundation in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. She had been the foundation’s development manager.
A homecoming parade took place in downtown Lexington. The Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity participated by driving in a Corvette with “root ‘em home” references made to the football team.
John D. McClain ’04 BE lives in Columbus, Ohio, and is a portfolio manager and member of the fixed income team for Brandywine Global Investment Management LLC, a subsidiary of Franklin Resources, Inc. He had been a portfolio manager at Diamond Hill Capital Management. Robert D. Roar ’04 BE is a financial advisor and co-owner of RC Wealth Management in Grayson. Rashada C. Alexander ’05 AS is program director for
Ryan M. McLane ’05 AS, ’08 LAW is a partner at DBL Law in the firm’s Civil Litigation Practice Group. He was named president of the People Working Cooperative Emerging Leaders Board of Directors. Sarah A. Short ’05 SW lives in Bronston and is a geriatric social worker and owner of the Comfort Keepers of Somerset, a provider of in-home care for seniors and other adults. Stephen J. Wiggins ’05 FA is an artist living in Lexington. He was one eight artists from across Kentucky selected for Kentucky Crafted, the Kentucky Arts Council’s program that aids Kentucky visual and craft artists through marketing and promotional opportunities and arts business training. Wiggins is also eligible to exhibit at The Kentucky Crafted Market in March 2022.
Wolfson’s Children’s Hospital and Mayo Florida. Carl Frazier-Sparks ’07 LAW is a lead counsel for class action litigation for Walmart Inc. in Bentonville, Arkansas. He was named to the Talk Business & Politics 2021 Forty Under 40. He was previously senior counsel for class action litigation for Walmart. Samantha J. Gange ’08 AS is the city manager for the city of Rock Island, Illinois. She was previously director of quality assurance for Arrowhead Youth and Family Services and assistant to the vice president for instruction for Black Hawk College. Ryan J. Patrick ’08 ED is a personal trainer and the owner of Peak Fitness & Sports Training in Erlanger. Daniel J. Brown ’09 DES lives in Rice Lake, Wisconsin, and is a seventh- and eighth-grade English teacher for the School District of Prairie Farm. Amanda L. Davis ’09 AFE is the talent acquisition division lead for Vivo Growth Partners, a human resources company is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. She had been an account manager for Aerotek.
Amber Valentine Forston ’06 AFE is a speech-language pathologist for Baptist Health Lexington. She was previously with www. u kal u mni. net
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Career Corner
Class Notes
ancis
by Caroline Fr
YOUR OWN BOARD OF DIRECTORS CAN PROVIDE SUPPORT, HELP WITH CAREER DECISIONS It is no coincidence that successful corporations, as well as non-profits, have a board of directors to provide insight and expertise to help guide their strategic direction and decision-making. Similarly, choosing to engage a personal board of directors holds many benefits such as helping build connections, offering career guidance, serving as a sounding board and overall helping one gain perspective. We are each responsible for proactively managing our careers. Intentionally selecting a diverse board of directors to fill strategic roles will help pave the way to future career success. Taunya Phillips, ‘87 EN, ‘04 BE, director, UK Office of Technology Commercialization, says, “Over the course of my career, I have been in a few different groups that I have used as my ‘Personal Board of Directors.’ I have found them to be invaluable for helping me to solve workplace issues by drawing on their variety of perspectives and wealth of experience. A few times my group was instrumental in helping me make strategic career decisions.” Like the idea? Here are some tips on how to make it happen: Who to include A mentor — This person will provide guidance, be a confidant and allow you to ask questions that are perhaps awkward to ask your boss. They offer crucial feedback and overall, they want to see you succeed. They should be someone whom you can trust and would enjoy spending more time around. A target industry expert — They can share trends, know who the key players are, and will also be able to elevate your involvement with professional associations. A supporter - Someone who is your cheerleader, whom you can go to for processing difficult days. A sponsor — This board member can get you in the door for opportunities that would not come across your desk. They can offer influence and visibility. Early in my career while serving as a non-profit executive director, a donor served as an unofficial sponsor and gifted me with conference registrations and event tickets that would place me in networking situations with impactful individuals. How to build your board Reach out to people you admire — both inside and outside of your company and industry. Who are professionals in roles that you aspire to be in one day? Who has been in situations you are facing? Perhaps begin with an informational interview or coffee chat. Get to know them first and the relationship will naturally evolve. Ask what they think about various challenges you are currently facing or ideas you wish to recommend. Choose people who are diverse, who will give you honest, unbiased feedback yet be your advocate. Always end sessions by asking if there is anything you can help them with in return. Although people will roll on and off your board of directors, this is a lifelong career management tool that will continue to provide huge dividends.
Tim S. Gehring ’09 GS is a vice president for Bridge Public Affairs, a consulting firm headquartered in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He was previously a senior congressional advisor and public affairs specialist with the U.S. Department of State. Robinson C. Quast ’09 ’10 BE is head of investor relations for The Kroger Co. in Cincinnati.
2010s Laura Crawford Cleary ’10 AFE, ’14 MED is a dermatologist for Erlanger Health Dermatology in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Ashley Elkus Milar ’10 ED is a fifth-grade teacher at Fort Wright Elementary School in Fort Wright. She received the 2021 Earle C. Clements Innovation in Education Award, presented annually by the National Archives and the University of Kentucky Libraries Wendell H. Ford Public Policy Research Center.
Wildcat Network is UK’s new student alumni mentoring platform. We are currently seeking alumni to serve as mentors to students and other alumni. To learn more visit: https://wildcatnetwork.com.
Justin F. Thompson ’10 EN lives in Louisville and is CEO of Iron Senergy LLC, an independent energy company that bridges fossil and renewable energy technologies.
UK Alumni Association Active and Life Members are eligible for two complimentary appointments per year with a certified career counselor. Call 859-257-8905 or 800-269 ALUM (2586) to schedule an appointment. Visit http://www.ukalumni.net/career to learn more about resume critiques, networking events, Central Kentucky Job Club, encore careers and other Alumni Career Services. To post job opportunities, employers may visit http://www.ukalumni.net/employers and email job leads to ukalumnicareer@uky.edu.
Brooke Bentle Wheatley ’10 CI is an account executive at WLEX-TV in Lexington. She also serves as an ambassador for Commerce Lexington Inc.
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Laurel B. Christensen ’11 ’13 DES is a project manager and sustainable design leader for Dyer Brown Architects in the firm’s Boston office. Elizabeth A. Combs ’12 BE, ’15 LAW is chief of staff and general counsel for Wrigley Media Group in Lexington. She has been an associate at Wilkes & McHugh PA. Clint A. Hamilton ’12 ’13 BE is a certified public accountant and assurance partner for the Tidwell Group in the firm’s Atlanta office. Hallie Hardy ’12 AFE lives in Frankfort and is a member of the Darley America Nominations Team, with a concentration on selling seasons for the Darley stallions. She had been client marketing coordinator for Darley America’s Jonabell Farm division in Lexington. Samuel J. Palmer ’12 LAW is a certified public accountant and a senior accountant for Riney Hancock CPAs in the firm’s Tax Services Division in Owensboro. Carlos Saeb Valenzuela ’12 ’17 FA lives in Buffalo, New York, teaches guitar at the Castellani Andriaccio Guitar Studio and is a board member of the Hispanic Heritage Council.
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Is your Little Wildcat part of the UK Legacy family? The Legacy Initiative is an exclusive Life Member and Active Member benefit of the University of Kentucky Alumni Association, designed for the children of UK graduates. Not only does the Legacy Initiative provide a great benefit to both UK graduates and their children, but also excites Legacy children about their future at UK. Future Wildcats From birth, registered and eligible Legacy children will receive an annual birthday card. For milestone birthdays, they will receive a free UK gift. Milestone Birthdays and Gifts Birth: Monthly milestone stickers 3 Years: Coloring pennant 6 Years: UK Legacy Activity Book 9 Years: UK wall pennant 12 Years: UK drawstring backpack 16 Years: UK key chain and University of Kentucky viewbook 18 Years: UK picture frame
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Class Notes Ryan K. Cleary ’13 MED is medical director of radiation oncology for the Erlanger Health System in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He was inducted into the Corbin High School Redhound Varsity Club Hall of Fame. Mohammad Rezaee ’13 ’14 EN is an assistant professor of mining engineering in the John and Willie Leone Family Department of Energy and Mineral Engineering in the Pennsylvania State University College of Earth and Mineral Sciences in University Park. He received the college’s Centennial Career Development Professorship in Mining Engineering. George W. Barnes ’14 AFE is president of KatieRich Farms in Midway. He had been vice president of the farm. Eleanor Hasken-Wagner ’14 AS is the museum and historic sites supervisor at the Capital City Museum in Frankfort. She was previously an associate instructor and a current doctoral candidate in the Indiana University College of Arts and Sciences. Austin M. Mullen ’16 BE is assistant athletics director for major gifts for Temple University in Philadelphia. He was previously assistant director of development for the University of California, Los Angeles.
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Reneau Y. Waggoner ’16 ED is vice president for academic affairs for Jefferson Community and Technical College in Louisville. She was previously provost at Henderson Community College. Michael C. Black ’18 FA is assistant professor of music and director of bands at Northwestern Oklahoma State University School of Arts and Sciences in Alva. He had been an assistant professor of music at Franklin College. August D. Anderson ’17 ’18 CI is vice president for Bizcom Associates, a public relations and marketing firm in Allen, Texas. She had been an account supervisor at the company. Dexter K. Horne ’18 GS lives in Lexington and is a research analyst at The Council of State Governments. He was elected co-director of the Kentucky chapter of the New Leader Council, which recruits, trains and promotes progressive leaders. Rachel E. Kersey ’18 GS is a government reporter for the Beaumont Enterprise in Beaumont, Texas. She was previously a staff writer for the Joint Base San Antonio Legacy. Kyungbo Kim ’18 PHA is a group leader for BioMed X in translocation of complex macromolecules across the intestinal epithelial barri-
K E N TUCKY A LU MN I MAG A ZIN E Winter 2021
er group in Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. His work aims to discover transport mechanisms in the human intestinal tract for drug delivery. Ian C. Splisgardt ’18 ED lives in Midlothian, Virginia, and is assistant vice president and relationship manager for the Old Point National Bank Richmond Commercial Lending Team. Cameron L. Weatherford ’18 FA is assistant professor of choral music in the Lee University School of Music in Cleveland, Tennessee.
2020s Timothy J. Collett ’20 CI is a relationship development specialist for RJL Solutions, a government affairs and communications firm with office in Indianapolis and Terre Haute, Indiana. He
had been an intern with the company. Kathleen M. Fulkerson ’20 BE is a staff accountant for Riney Hancock CPAs PSC in the firm’s Audit and Assurance Services Division in Owensboro. She was previously a centralized audit staff member with Crowe LLP. Michael A. Huelsman ’21 EN is an assistant professor in the Saint Anselm College Department of Computer Science in Manchester, New Hampshire. Nathan Morelli ’21 HS is an assistant professor of physical therapy in the High Point University Congdon School of Health Sciences in High Point, North Carolina.
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 Agriculture, Food Fine Arts — FA & Environment — AFE The Graduate School — GS Arts & Sciences — AS Health Sciences — HS Business & Economics — BE Law — LAW Communication & Medicine — MED Information — CI Nursing — NUR Dentistry — DE Pharmacy — PHA Design — DES Public Health — PH Education — ED Social Work — SW Engineering — EN
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College of Pharmacy
_____________________________________________________________ NEW SITE HIGHLIGHTS PHARMACY INFLUENCERS FROM ACROSS THE GLOBE
The University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy turned 151 on August 16, 2021, wrapping up the celebration of its ses.uicentennial year. This milestone is a testament to the continuous work of alumni, employees, and supporters of the college. To celebrate the close of this monumental event, the College of Pharmacy launched a new microsite to showcase the many diverse backgrounds and accomplishments of 150 pharmacy influencers, alumni, and employees connected to the college. The site is intended to serve as a career guide and networking reference for current pharmacy and graduate students as well as a recruitment tool for prospective students and a historical archive of alumni stories. It aims to demonstrate the continued success of the many pharmacy influencers and thought leaders, as well as the College of Pharmacy’s appreciation for individuals who have made a difference. It also shows both current and prospective students the power of the Kentucky connection and the hundreds of opportunities available to them with a degree from the University.
The development of the microsite was a collaborative effort spearheaded by members of the college's philanthropy, alumni and communications teams. Throughout the pandemic, the team facilitated nearly 900 alumni interviews, using this project as a means to visit and connect with alumni and develop an archive of stories about their success. View the new site at bit.ly/ukcop150.
____________________________________________________________ FACULTY AWARDED NEUROPHARMACOLOGY EARLY CAREER AWARD
Jill Turner, a University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy assistant professor was recently awarded the American Society for Pharmacology and E5perimental Therapeutics <ASPET= Neuropharmacology Early Career Award for 2021. This award recognizes early career stage investigators working in any area of neuropharmacology from all types of organizations, including academia, industry, private or government institutes. “I appreciate the society's continued mission of accelerating therapeutics for human disease,” said Turner. “I am very honored to be named as the Neuropharmacology Divisions Early Career Awardee this year, and especially appreciative of my mentors in neuropharmacology, including doctors Ken Kellar and Linda Dwoskin, and their continued support of my career.” Turner has a .S. in iology from est Virginia University and a PhD in Neuroscience from Georgetown University. She has been a member of ASPET since her second year of graduate school at Georgetown University.
In Memoriam Elizabeth J. Stewart ‘42 Lexington, Ky.
Phyllis Jenness ‘58 Lexington, Ky.
Irvin H. Neltner ‘44 Covington, Ky.
Ellen Hollandbeck ‘59 Brownsburg, Ind.
Patsy M. Bonney ‘47 Madisonville, Ky.
William B. Cammack ‘60 Lexington, Ky.
Donald K. Clark ‘49 Tampa, Fla. Life Member
Floyd T. Curd ‘60 Corbin, Ky.
Joseph I. Kramer ‘49 Leonia, N.J. Life Member William M. McGinnis ‘49 Lexington, Ky. Life Member John Endicott ‘50 Winter Park, Fla. Maxine Littrell ‘50 Lexington, Ky. Life Member Kenneth B. Holland ‘51 Richmond, Mo.
Alfred E. McGregor ‘60 Lexington, Ky. Life Member, Fellow John W. Kincer III ‘62 Goodlettsville, Tenn. Life Member Barbara Cowles ‘64 Houston, Texas Fellow Nicholas Z. Kafoglis ‘64 North Haven, Conn.
Anna Hicks Hubbard ‘51 Gastonia, N.C.
Sidney C. Kinkead Jr. ‘64 Lexington, Ky. Life Member
John K. Leopard ‘53 Gallatin, Mo.
Rodney T. Gross ‘65 Pampa, Texas
Melbourne C. Brough ‘54 Brooksville, Ky.
Mitch Douglas ‘66 New York, N.Y.
Richard A. Hagstrom ‘54 Southbury, Conn.
Frederick M. Bailey ‘67 Lexington, Ky.
Edward V. Paulin ‘54 Tell City, Ind.
Paul N. Kiel ‘67 Sugar Hill, Ga. Life Member
Shirley A. Chambers ‘57 North Chesterfield, Va. Jack W. Womack ‘57 Kalispell, Mont.
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Richard C. Jett Jr. ‘60 Ambler, Pa.
Carol B. Kimberlain ‘68 Elizabethtown, Ky. Life Member
K E N TUCKY A LU MN I MAG A ZIN E Winter 2021
John H. Colliver ‘69 Louisville, Ky. Fellow Randall T. Bruestle ‘70 Lakeland, Fla. Life Member Carol Hume Hamrick ‘70 Cincinnati, Ohio Douglas D. Johnson ‘70 Seattle, Wash. Betty L. King ‘70 Waynesville, Ohio
Thomas M. Howe ‘71 Ashland, Ky. Jay K. Kittell ‘71 San Diego, Calif. Ruth K. Zimmer ‘71 Lexington, Ky. Susan DeBrecht ‘73 Birmingham, Ala. Life Member Catherine R. McClish ‘74 Louisville, Ky.
Margie C. Lewis ‘70 Eubank, Ky.
Mary M. Patterson ‘74 Versailles, Ky. Life Member
Robert P. Palmer ‘70 Lubbock, Texas
Wilburn Pike Caskey ‘75 Williamstown, Ky.
Ellerbe Powe III ‘70 Lebanon Junction, Ky.
William R. Garmer ‘75 Lexington, Ky. Life Member, Fellow
Richard A. Reitz ‘70 Salisbury, N.C.
L. Trent Winfree ‘76 Lexington, Ky.
J. David Richardson ‘70 Louisville, Ky. Fellow
Theodore J. Kula ‘77 Terre Haute, Ind.
Ronald W. Russell ‘70 Owensboro, Ky.
Ruth L. Bailey ‘78 Lexington, Ky.
Kenneth A. Wendel ‘70 Bellevue, Ky.
Kay Frances Dabney ‘78 Lexington, Ky.
Tom Buford ‘71 Nicholasville, Ky.
Steven A. Blanton ‘79 Lexington, Ky.
Stanley L. Claybon ‘71 Fairfield, Ohio
June N. King ‘79 Louisville, Ky. Life Member
William M. Goldie ‘71 Radcliff, Ky. Ann B. Haney ‘71 Nancy, Ky. Life Member, Fellow
Michael D. Dawahare ‘80 Versailles, Ky. Laura E. Rowe ‘81 Lexington, Ky.
Doris Lynn Wagner ‘81 Louisville, Ky. Ronald L. Timmons ‘82 Marion, Ky. Yuriko K. Kubota ‘88 Lexington, Ky. Life Member Barry A. Riddle ‘90 Newburgh, Ind. Kenneth W. Lipscomb ‘91 Independence, Ky. Linda C. Kuder ‘94 Versailles, Ky. Anne D. Carter ‘95 Lexington, Ky. Michael William Presley ‘02 Simpsonville, Ky. Life Member Susan A. Odom ‘03 Lexington, Ky. Christine Marie Balz ‘15 Louisville, Ky.
FORMER STUDENTS AND FRIENDS
Earl L. Shelman Hardinsburg, Ky. Life Member
M. Jewell Shelman Hardinsburg, Ky. Life Member
Thomas P. Carter Lexington, Ky. Veryl F. Frye Lock Haven, Pa. Life Member Mechealle G. Hanks Lexington, Ky. Richard H. Jett Solon, Ohio Elizabeth Walton Jones Louisville, Ky. Life Member
LE AVE A PER SONAL LEGACY and support the University of Kentucky with a Wildcat Alumni Plaza Paver.
Donna R. McGohon Versailles, Ky. Owen T. Rudd Madisonville, Ky. Fellow, Life Member
www.wildcatalumniplaza.com 859-257-8905 (ALUM)
Ann Brand Haney ‘71 of Nancy, passed away suddenly on Sept. 16, 2021, at the age of 71 at Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital after a short illness. Born in Columbus, Ohio, Haney graduated from the University of Kentucky with a bachelor’s degree in education. She was the president of the UK Alumni Association from 2004-2005 and served a six-year term on the University of Kentucky Board of Trustees from 2004-2010. She was a supporter of her sorority, Pi Beta Phi. Haney taught five years as a public school teacher in Pulaski County at Nancy High School before she became a full-time mother. She worked in adult education, which evolved into 29 years with the Pulaski County Public Library as the community relations specialist before her retirement in 2015. Haney was the past president of the Pulaski County Dolly Parton Imagination Library, where she helped raise funds to ensure local children receive high-quality, age-appropriate books delivered to their homes for free. She was also a board member of the Mill Springs National Battlefield Association in her hometown of Nancy. In 2020, Haney was named Business Woman of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce. She and her husband co-owned Haney’s Appledale Farm in Nancy. She is survived by her husband of 50 years and fellow UK graduate Don Haney ’70.
www. u kal u mni. net
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NEW
PERK ALERT!
The University of Kentucky Alumni Association is pleased to introduce a new benefit for ALL members! CB Absolute Advantage makes buying a new or used vehicle easy by providing a concierge experience, plus free benefits. Find your perfect car online and let the CB Absolute Advantage Member Advocates take care of the rest — for free. When you purchase a vehicle through this exclusive program you get to choose a complimentary Lifetime Power Train Limited Warranty, or a Hardship Protection Plan valued up to $5,000!
Learn more and start your car buying journey at www.cbabsoluteadvantage.com/ukyalumni.
This is just one of the many valuable benefits of your UK Alumni Association membership! Take advantage of all your Perks & Exclusives — see a full list at
www.ukalumni.net/benefits.
Creative Juices William H. Turner ’68 AS has just published “The Harlan Renaissance: Stories of Black Life in Appalachian Coal Towns,” an intimate remembrance of kinship and community in Eastern Kentucky’s coal towns. Turner, one of the luminaries of Appalachian studies, reconstructs Black life in the company towns in and around Harlan County during coal’s final postwar boom years, which built toward an enduring bust as the children of Black miners, like the author, left the region in search of better opportunities. The book tells the story of Turner’s life in Lynch, which he describes as the “greatest coal town in the world with the largest coal tipple.” Turner’s family included his mother, a native of nearby Benham, eight children, and his father. “The Harlan Renaissance” invites readers into what might be an unfamiliar Appalachia: one studded by large and vibrant Black communities, where families took the pulse of the nation through magazines like Jet and Ebony and through the news that traveled within Black churches, schools and restaurants. Difficult choices for the future were made as parents considered the unpredictable nature of Appalachia’s economic realities alongside the unpredictable nature of a national movement toward civil rights. Unfolding through layers of sociological insight and oral history, “The Harlan Renaissance” centers the sympathetic perspectives and critical eye of a master narrator of Black life.
Steve McGuire ’73 AS has written “Prior Restraint,” a political thrilled that begins when America’s most famous news anchor is brutally murdered by terrorists, and the entire media establishment is paralyzed by the fear of who may be next. Seemingly overnight, a pernicious wave of self-censorship grips the airwaves, and no one dares to further criticize religious fanaticism. A corrupt Senator, intoxicated by ambition and greed, exploits the ensuing chaos, while a tenacious, young reporter risks her career and her life to uncover the truth. “Prior Restraint” is a chilling story about fear, greed and power that blurs the borders between reality and illusion, with a plot line even more terrifying in its disturbing proximity to our everyday reality.
Ron Dwinnells ’83 MED is the author of “Don’t Pick Up All the Dog Hairs.” The book offers insights into how to deal with situations and enhance your life at home and in your career. Dwinnells delivers advice via chapters with names like “Don’t Fly with Turkeys,” “Don’t Dress like a Warthog,” “Don’t Be a Jamoke,” and “Don’t Run Over the Cat.” “Don’t Pick Up All the Dog Hairs” began serendipitously while Dwinnells was teaching public health and leadership classes at a local medical school. He advised his students what not to do as a leader through entertaining stories from his own background, conveying lessons he had learned from failures, adversities, mistakes and even enemies from leadership experiences along the way. The lecture series became so popular with students, it won him accolades and several teaching awards and pressure to write his stories down. Dwinnells, a pediatrician and certified physician executive, did just that. But don’t let the clever chapter titles fool you. “Don’t Pick Up All the Dog Hairs” is full of serious wisdom in chapters like “Don’t Fail to Prioritize,” “Don’t Be a Manager When You Are Supposed to Be a Leader,” and “Don’t Drain the Emotional Bank Account.”
Rafael “Rafa” Ocasio ’87 AS has recently written two books, “Race and Nation in Puerto Rican Folklore: Franz Boas and John Alden Mason in Porto Rico” and “Folk Stories from the Hills of Puerto Rico.” “Race and Nation in Puerto Rican Folklore: Franz Boas and John Alden Mason in Porto Rico” documents the historic research trip of Franz Boas to Puerto Rico in 1915. As the founding father of American U.S. anthropology, Boas was interested in documenting Puerto Rican oral folklore. Ocasio traces the rather convoluted political and social events that Boas encountered on the island while documenting the oral samples. In “Folk Stories from the Hills of Puerto Rico,” Ocasio gathers some of the Puerto Rican folk stories that Boas documented, which he also translates into English.
Bernard Clay ’00 AS has just published his autobiographical poetry debut, “English Lit, Poems.” The book juxtaposes the roots of black male identity against an urban and rural Kentucky landscape. Hailed as one of the most authentic voices of his generation, Clay artfully renders coming-of-age in the predominately Black West End of Louisville. Balancing the spirited grit of a farmer and the careful lyricism of a poet, “English Lit, Poems” is a triumph of new Affrilachian — African American and Appalachian — literature.
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.
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Quick Take UP, UP AND UK
Photo by Mark Cornelison, UK Photo
Hot air balloons filled the sky over Pieratt Field as UK Housing & Residence Life celebrated the new school year in early September. Students enjoyed rides in the balloons, food, music and prizes as part of the Up, Up and UK event.
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Who can help students like Montre’ale change the world?
When Montre’ale Jones told his mother he wanted to become a construction worker, she challenged him to aim higher: “Why don’t you become an architect?” After laying his academic foundation at Hopkinsville Community College, Montre’ale built upon it through an architecture degree from the University of Kentucky. “Architects are pivotal in how we interact in space and with each other on a daily basis. That’s something I wanted to be a part of.” Throughout his journey, Montre’ale received the K. Norman Berry Scholarship, the Tom Martin Scholarship, the Douglas Abbott Memorial Scholarship in Architecture and a Gaines Fellowship. With your support, we can generate more opportunities for passionate builders like Montre’ale.
“Opportunities don’t chase people; opportunities wait for the chasers.” — Montre’ale Jones
WWW.KENTUCKYCAN.UKY.EDU
400 Rose Street King Alumni House Lexington, KY 40506
NATIONALLY RANKED CANCER CARE Because we’re changing how Kentucky treats cancer. Because Kentuckians deserve more healthy years. Because we never stop researching, innovating and caring. That’s why UK HealthCare’s Markey Cancer Center has once again been ranked among the best cancer centers in the nation — because we rise to the challenge every day. See how at ukhealthcare.com/cancer
The Power of Advanced Medicine
