The Magazine of Morehead State University Spring 2023

Greetings from the beautiful and thriving campus of Morehead State University!

We are glad to bring you this new and rebranded issue of The Magazine and share with you some good news from campus.

As we completed our 100th year of service as a public institution, the University received its highest ranking to date from U.S. News & World Report — 15th among public regional universities in the South. This is a great accomplishment, and we appreciate the hard work by the faculty and staff in reaching this milestone. Achieving these higher rankings creates many positive opportunities for our recruitment efforts. Parents and prospective students are taking note of MSU as they explore places that will be just the right “fit.” MSU has so much to offer students, and this ranking enables us to highlight our many excellent opportunities.

This ranking is not the only great news to celebrate, though. MSU recently received the largest estate gift in the university’s 135-year history when the estate of Dr. Staley F. and Grace Adams donated nearly $3 million dollars to establish scholarships for students from Eastern Kentucky majoring in engineering technology with an emphasis on construction management. The generosity of the Adams’ Estate will benefit MSU students for generations. MSU is grateful for every gift that enables us to further our mission to be the best public regional university in the South.

I am also pleased to let you know about several ongoing projects involving the revitalization of our campus. MSU has received $98 million dollars from the Commonwealth to construct a new science and engineering building that will house several of our academic programs. Additionally, the University has also received significant state asset preservation funds that will enable

us to make upgrades or replacements of HVAC systems in several buildings across campus. These construction and renovation projects mean that major improvements are ahead for the spaces where our students gather to study, learn, and reside. You can read more about this project on page four.

We hope that you will help us spread the word on these positive achievements and that you will continue to be inspired as you read the coming pages. You, our alumni and friends, are our best recruiters. So, as you read more about the exciting developments on campus, as well as the countless scholarship opportunities available to students, we hope you will share the information with any potential Eagles.

If it has been a while since you have visited campus, please plan a visit soon. We would love to greet you, show you around, and discuss the vision we have for the future. As always, “Go Eagles” and join us as we “SOAR Higher!”

Cordially,

Dr. Joseph A. “Jay” Morgan President

CONTRIBUTING STAFF

Publisher

• Rick Hesterberg (Class of 1980), vice president for university advancement

Communications & Marketing

• Blake Hannon (Class of 2017), publications writer

• Jordan Hardin, social media and communications specialist

• Toni Hobbs (Class of 2002, 2009), director digital and brand strategy

• Tim Holbrook (Class of 1994, 2001), chief photographer

• Travis Keene (Class of 2004, 2008), marketing specialist

• David Moore (Class of 2009), digital communications specialist

• April Hobbs Nutter (Class of 1997, 2005), director of strategic communications

• David Patrick (Class of 1992), videographer

• Rianna Robinson (Class of 2005, 2021), content specialist

Alumni Relations & Development

• Farrah Baldwin (Class of 2001), director of alumni engagement and cultivation

• Allison Caudill (Class of 2005, 2009), executive director of alumni relations and development

• Jessi Scruggs Ferguson (Class of 2011, 2012), director of advancement and alumni communications

• Margaret Musselman (Class of 2022), young alumni and campus development coordinator

• Matthew Nutter (Class of 1996, 2018), advancement records specialist

• Mikayla Ray (Class of 2021), alumni relations and event officer

• Allie Rayburn (Class of 2022), coordinator of digital engagement and annual giving

• Kelsey Shields (Class of 2019), MSU Foundation scholarship and stewardship coordinator

• Sherry Surmont (Class of 2018), director of advancement services

• Leslee Toy (Class of 1990, 2003), alumni and donor experience officer

University Advancement

• Sharon Fraley (Class of 1999, 2012), director of finance

• Madonna Hanshaw (Class of 1997), accountant

CONTENTS

CAMPUS UPDATES

From revitalization of campus buildings to exciting research and opportunities for students, see what’s happening at MSU.

26

FOUNDATION & PHILANTHROPY

We recognize some of the many alumni and friends who have given to support scholarships and funds for student success.

66

ALUMNI & FRIENDS

Learn how you can be involved, meet the team, and view upcoming events.

Morehead State revitalizes campus for future Eagles

Many Eagle alums fondly remember their time on MSU’s campus. It may look slightly different, but MSU’s commitment to student success remains unchanged. The next few years will bring changes to campus that will enhance the MSU experience for future generations of students.

Recent, current and future projects include:

• Construction of a new $98 million science and engineering building.

• Complete renovation of Cooper Hall.

• Renovation of Sonny Allen Field.

• Renovations to transition the Eagle Center tennis courts into an indoor turf facility by adding field turf, lighting, painting, graphics and support equipment.

• Replacement of the basketball court at the Academic-Athletic Center (AAC).

• Renovations to the MSU Post Office and addition of an eSports Lounge in the Adron Doran University Center.

• Renovations to the ground floor of Alumni Tower for new on-campus housing for students in the Craft Academy for Excellence in Science & Mathematics.

• Installation of new lockers and new seating in Duncan Recital Hall located in Baird Music Hall.

• Improvements to stairs, windows and flooring in Baird Music Hall, in consultation with staff in the building.

• Multiple new roofs & HVAC units.

• Upgrading all 1,400 Wi-Fi access points on campus to 6E.

Other projects planned in the future are improvements to the MSU Recruit Walk across campus, including new flower beds, concrete stairs, sidewalk repairs and painting.

In 2022, Kentucky’s General Assembly approved significant asset preservation funds for MSU. The University received approximately $20 million in the 2022-23 academic year, with another $20 million forthcoming in the 2023-24 academic year.

Celebrating 100 years as a public institution

On the first day of class in October 1887, one student appeared in a small, rented cottage where the Adron Doran University Center now stands. Tens of thousands of students have come from the mountains of Eastern Kentucky and beyond to seek the means to a better life. Dr. Frank C. Button, a minister and educator, and his mother, Phebe, an experienced educator and administrator, devoted their lives to bringing “a light to the mountains” by founding a school to train teachers. The University began as Morehead Normal School in 1887.

The Kentucky General Assembly approved MSU’s status as a public university, resulting in closing the private school in 1922 and becoming Morehead State Normal School. The state institution accepted its first students in the fall of 1923 with Frank Button as the first president and graduated its first class in 1927. Name changes occurred in 1926 when “and Teachers College” was added, in 1930 when it was shortened to Morehead State Teachers College, again in 1948 as “Morehead State College” and, finally, to university status in 1966.

Today, MSU continues this tradition with excellent academic programs. This includes training teachers, just as we began. The University is home to one of only a few space systems engineering programs in the U.S. and has strong professional program preparations, including pre-med and legal studies. Our graduates in social work, nursing, imaging sciences and other areas continue to find career success through serving others. We offer 145 undergraduate and 67 graduate degree programs, including a Doctor of Education.

MSU has more than 70,000 alumni and an endowment of more than $43 million, providing scholarships and support for students and academic programs.

We are honored to count you as a part of our rich history. Countless loyal donors and friends have partnered with us over the last 100 years – and we hope we can still count on you as we look ahead to the next.

History Keepers

To help highlight MSU’s Centennial Celebration through events, social media, and other publications, David Ace and Christian Wright worked together to complete the most ambitious history project of their college career.

Ace, a senior history major from Morehead, and Wright, a senior double majoring in history and psychology from Ripley, Ohio, were already acquainted with each other from their history classes and working over the summer together on campus. A poster project they produced as a timeline on MSU’s history for a 2021 Appalachian History course got the attention of Dieter Ullrich, head of collections and archives at the Camden-Carroll Library.

Using Professor of History Emeritus

Dr. Donald E. Flatt’s 1997 book “A Light to the Mountains: Morehead State University, 1887-1997” as a guide, they conducted exploratory research (Wright tackling the first half-century while Ace took on the latter half.) They looked at microfilm editions of every MSU Trail Blazer newspaper from 1927 through 2013, along with various MSU recaps of Board of Regents and faculty meetings, and newspaper articles from newspapers in surrounding counties. They compiled a timeline and collection of photographs used for centennial projects throughout the year.

Pictured below: MSU Campus, circa 1947

Lunar IceCube deployed by NASA

MSU’s Space Science Center continues to be at the forefront of space exploration with the launch of Lunar IceCube aboard NASA’s Artemis I mission late last year.

NASA launched the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft from the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, in the early hours of Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022. The spacecraft traveled 1.4 million miles, circling the moon before returning to Earth Sunday, Dec. 11.

Lunar IceCube, a nanosat designed, constructed and tested by more than 50 students, faculty and staff at MSU’s Space Science Center, was a secondary payload on the mission. The satellite’s 18-month mission will investigate the transportation physics of water ice on the lunar surface to inform NASA’s future human and robotic

exploration plans. The Mission Operations Center (MOC) in MSU’s Space Science Center will operate the mission. The team uses NASA’s Deep Space Network and MSU’s 21-meter ground station antenna to send commands to the spacecraft, downlink data, and telemetry. Currently, mission operations is working to contact the spacecraft to download the telemetry, which continues through March 2023.

Scientists and engineers from NASA’s Goddard Spaceflight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California, NASA’s Katherine Johnson Independent Verification and Validation Facility in Fairmont, West Virginia, and the Busek Space Propulsion company also contributed to Lunar IceCube.

To explore programs in Physics, Earth Science & Space Systems Engineering, visit moreheadstate.edu/science.

Photo credit: NASA

MSU earns national recognition for excellence, affordability, and student support

Morehead State University alums have already experienced the institution’s nationally ranked reputation. MSU has continued to garner that same attention while soaring in the ranks.

MSU has ranked among the top public regional universities in the South for 19 consecutive years. In 2022, MSU earned its highest ranking, moving to the #15 ranked regional public university in the South by U.S. News & World Report.

In the University Regional South Category, MSU was also recognized as one of the Best Colleges for Veterans (#18), Best Value Schools (#36) and Top Performers for Social Mobility (#79).

Colleges of Distinction, a unique guide for college-bound students, recognized Morehead State for its steadfast commitment to helping undergraduate students learn, grow, and succeed. MSU has been named a 2022-23 College of Distinction, Kentucky College of Distinction and Public College of Distinction. It also gained recognition in the categories of Business, Education, Nursing, Career Development and Military Support.

Public regional university in the South by U.S. News & World Report

Discover why MSU stands out - check out our complete list of rankings at moreheadstate.edu/rankings.

YEAR-IN-REVIEW

Celebrating why it’s great to be an Eagle

MSU installed four new bells inside the Little Bell Tower, thanks to work by the Student Government Assoc. and Facilities Management.

During halftime, the 2022 Homecoming Queen, Karina González, and King, Matt Tackett, were crowned.

This year, students soared academically, pushing MSU to #15 among public regionals in the South.

MSU students, alumni and friends gathered to reconnect and celebrate Homecoming 2022.

A new 12-meter tracking antenna is being installed. It was transferred from NASA.

MSU honored 1,500 graduates at ceremonies this past spring and fall.

MSU kicked off the 2022 academic year with EagleFest, an event bringing together student and community organizations.

More than 1,000 students and alumni attended the fall and spring Career & Internship Fairs.

Students, family and friends celebrated Family Weekend.

Gala 2022: “Back on Broadway” raised nearly $100,000 to support academic programs.

Caudill College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

• The Second Annual Caudill College Justice Festival encouraged conversations about issues of justice in our society, featuring Dr. Roger Cleveland (Class of 1986).

• Professor of Social Work Rebecca Davison organized Poverty Simulation workshops.

• Dr. Alison Hruby, associate professor and program coordinator of English Education, was named director of the Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning.

• Professor of Art Gary Mesa-Gaido and alums Kayle Thornsberry (Class of 2021) and Haley Younce (Class of 2019) were selected to participate in Lexington’s Horse Mania.

• Laken Albrink, assistant professor of legal studies, allows legal studies students to gain valuable experience working at Legal Aid of the Bluegrass’ (LAB) Pro Se Divorce Clinic.

AREAS OF STUDY

CREATIVE ARTS

• Susan Hawkins (Class of 2010), instructor of art education, was named National Arts Education Association (NAEA) Crayola Creativity Ambassador.

• Dr. Scott Davison, professor of philosophy, published two new books touching on faith and philosophy.

• The Kentucky Arts Council (KAC) selected Professor of Art Lisa MesaGaido to receive the KAC Al Smith Individual Art Fellowship for 2022-23.

• Gary Mesa-Gaido, professor of art, took home a $10,000 prize for Juried Awards Digital Winner at ArtPrize in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

MOREHEADSTATE.EDU/HUMANITIES

Studying in the School of Creative Arts provides a creative and performing arts education that can serve as a gateway for various future career options.

ENGLISH, COMMUNICATION, MEDIA & LANGUAGES

The School of English, Communication, Media and Languages includes MSU’s programs in strategic communication and convergent media, English, foreign languages, and literature.

Discovering the Power of Humanities: Mirlen Hernandez (Class of 2022) shares her MSU story at moreheadstate.info/mirlen

MSU’s Caudill College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences is a place where passion meets career opportunities. Discover our diverse programs ranging from creative and performing arts to strategic communications and new media.

DEAN SPOTLIGHT

Dr. Sylvia Henneberg became the Caudill College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences dean in 2022. Even though she never expected to become the dean of a college when she began her higher education career as a professor of English in 1998, she was excited to transition into a leadership role.

HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCES

The School of Humanities and Social Sciences includes programs in history, philosophy, political science, global studies, legal studies, military science, sociology, social work, and criminology.

Henneberg is prioritizing enrollment and retention while emphasizing the importance of academic advisors in addressing student needs in and out of the classroom. She also wants to collaborate more with other colleges across campus while fostering a culture where more students participate and show appreciation for the arts and humanities.

College of Science

• MSU’s Lunar IceCube was launched as a secondary payload on the Artemis I mission. Built by faculty and students from MSU’s Space Systems Engineering program, it is exploring the lunar surface for evidence of liquid water.

• The Veterinary Technology program was ranked #1 in the state and #8 nationally by BestColleges.com.

• Graduates of this college are accepted into professional schools at twice the national rate.

• Dr. Amy Collick, assistant professor of precision agriculture/agritech, was awarded a three-year grant of $74,694 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to support her research into phosphorus build-up on agricultural sites, which contributes to water pollution.

AREAS OF STUDY

AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES

• Dr. Amanda Skidmore, assistant professor of agronomy, was awarded a $2,000 grant from Course Hero for digital enhancements for her soils class.

• MSU received a $294,600 grant from the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education’s Healthcare Workforce Collaborative to expand programs and provide student support to get more frontline healthcare workers trained and into the workforce.

• The Star Theater, MSU’s planetarium, reopened after receiving equipment updates.

• The Equestrian Team competed at the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) national competition, bringing home several awards.

MOREHEADSTATE.EDU/SCIENCE

Engage in practical, hands-on learning experiences that give you insight into the many facets of agriculture with our selection of programs.

NURSING

Students in Morehead State’s nursing programs gain valuable hands-on skills while they study and learn to apply those skills in real-world scenarios. Training begins in our state-of-the-art simulation labs and continues with clinical practicum placements.

BIOLOGY & CHEMISTRY

Our biology, biomedical sciences and biomedical chemistry programs all offer customizable options to tailor your degree to your specific interests.

PHYSICS, EARTH SCIENCE & SPACE SYSTEMS ENGINEERING

From fault lines to black holes, our programs take you deep into the earth, across our solar system, and to the edge of human knowledge.

MSU’s largest academic college offers personalized attention and the chance to engage in research of health, agricultural and mathematic sciences. Join faculty in solving real-world problems and gain perfect preparation for a 21st century career.

DEAN SPOTLIGHT

Nursing Success Stories: Heather Randolph, Chloe Patrick & Ben Hutchinson (Class of 2022) share their unique stories at moreheadstate.info/nursing.

Dr. Wayne Miller has been the dean of the College of Science since 2016. Miller oversees MSU’s largest college, with seven academic departments and more than 4,000 students.

Miller has served on several university committees, including the strategic planning committee and the Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) implementation committee. He is the associate editor of the Open Journal of Preventive Medicine, Healthy Weight Journal and Health at Every Size Journal and is an editorial board member of the International Journal of Medicine and the SM Journal of Community Medicine.

KINESIOLOGY, HEALTH & IMAGING SCIENCES

Our programs provide numerous hands-on learning experiences, giving you real-world skills that prepare you for the challenges of the job market. Our state-of-the-art imaging facilities provide a safe learning environment.

PSYCHOLOGY

Gain the skills and hands-on experience to prepare you for a career of exploring the human mind and behavior with our psychology programs.

MATHEMATICS

Engage in a mathematics curriculum that challenges you while preparing you for career success with our mathematics programs. We offer several options and minor programs that complement many majors.

UK PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT PROGRAM

Physician Assistants (PAs) are certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) and are licensed by the state. They deliver a broad range of medical and surgical services to diverse populations in rural and urban settings.

Smith College of Business & Technology

• MSU received a $3 million estate gift – the largest to date. The Dr. Staley F. Adams and Grace C. Adams Memorial Scholarship will provide scholarships to Eastern Kentucky students majoring in engineering technology.

• A grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) provided funding that gave business students real-world experience. Students in Associate Professor Dr. Janet Ratliff’s (Class of 1991, 1992) Business Plan Development class (BBA 350) collaborated with Downtown Morehead Inc. to develop business plans for vacant commercial properties on Main Street.

• The Master of Business Administration (MBA) program was ranked #18 among the most affordable programs in the nation by Fortune Magazine – the only public university in Kentucky to make the list.

• Dr. Kouroush Jenab, assistant professor of engineering and technology management, has been named a runner-up in the Kentucky Commercialization Ventures (KCV) Innovative Mobile, Public Health, and CommunityOriented Technologies (IMPACT) competition. He was recognized for his idea to use virtual reality (VR) software to create STEM and workforce training platforms to be implemented in Kentucky K-12 schools.

AREAS OF STUDY MOREHEADSTATE.EDU/BUSINESS ENGINEERING & COMPUTER SCIENCE

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

The School of Business Administration includes programs in accounting, business administration, finance, management, entrepreneurship, marketing, sport management and information systems. It is also home to our nationally ranked online MBA program.

The School of Engineering & Computer Science offers associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in various fields including computer science, systems integration engineering, engineering technology, technology management, and career and technical education.

DEAN SPOTLIGHT

Dr. Johnathan Nelson was named dean of the Elmer R. Smith College of Business and Technology in July 2020. He also serves as an associate professor of management and has been with MSU since 2011. Nelson earned M.A. and Ph.D. degrees at George Mason University and a bachelor’s degree at Utah State University. He has participated in numerous leadership development programs, including the Morehead-Rowan County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Academy (2017), BRIGHT Leadership Kentucky (2019), and Leadership Kentucky (2022).

Nelson’s teaching and research have focused on leadership development, business ethics,

and organizational behavior, emphasizing understanding, and promoting effective and ethical leaders’ development. Before joining Morehead State, he worked as a human capital consultant in the Washington, D.C. region.

As dean, Nelson has focused on fostering applied and active learning opportunities for students, creating connections with industry and practice, and growing the career skills of our students. He enjoys being active in his profession and our community, serving as a member of the St. Claire HealthCare Ethics Committee, the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP) Committee for the Advancement of Professional Ethics, and numerous service committees on campus and in our local area.

Volgenau College of Education

• MSU is launching a new Master of Arts in Education program in Fall 2023. The program can be completed in three broad categories (elementary education, middle education and secondary education), each containing 13 specializations.

• Dr. Gera Nelson, assistant professor of education, will lead a group of students on a 10-day Spring Break study abroad trip to Vila Velha, Brazil, in March 2023. Students will do their practicum field experience at a private P-12 school, teaching Brazilian students how to improve their English literacy skills while studying the country’s pedagogical practices.

• Menifee County School District leaders Jodi Blackburn (Class of 2012) and Lana

Swartz partnered with Assistant Professors of Education Dr. Rebecca Roach (Class of 1987) and Dr. Casey Cosgriff to provide practical teaching and assessment experience at Menifee Central School during the spring and fall 2022 semesters.

• Eight MSU students and Academic Advisor Risa Boyd (Class of 2009, 2015) will participate in an international studies trip to South Korea during MSU’s Spring Break. Students will teach and work at Busan Foreign School, an international Pre-K-12 school, where they will attend a college class, visit the university-annexed lab kindergarten and preschool classes and experience Korean college campus life.

AREAS OF STUDY MOREHEADSTATE.EDU/EDUCATION

EARLY CHILDHOOD, ELEMENTARY & SPECIAL EDUCATION

Prepare for a career teaching young children with our selection of early childhood education programs. Develop the skills to provide children with the foundation for a good education.

FOUNDATIONAL & GRADUATE STUDIES IN EDUCATION

Expand your skills set and create opportunities for professional growth with programs that combine engaging instruction, advising and mentorship, academic research and practical field experience to give you a well-rounded education that sets you on the path to success.

MIDDLE GRADES & SECONDARY EDUCATION

Our programs prepare you for your career by giving you a strong foundation in education best practices and effective pedagogy. With instruction in classroom organization and management, educational methods and technology, human growth and development and more, you’ll gain a robust education that will make you an effective teacher.

APPALACHIAN FUTURE EDUCATORS SCHOLARS

MOREHEAD STATE UNIVERSITY

The Appalachian Future Educators (AFE) Scholars Program provides scholarships, support and mentorship for students from Eastern Kentucky who are interested in teaching. AFE Scholars participate in a cohort with scheduled group meetings that focus on service learning opportunities that address educational needs within the local community and MSU service region.

The program’s purpose is to enhance the pipeline of qualified educators and educational leaders returning to the 22 counties in the MSU historical service region: Bath, Boyd, Breathitt, Carter, Elliott, Fleming, Floyd, Greenup, Johnson, Knott, Lawrence, Letcher, Lewis, Magoffin, Martin, Mason, Menifee, Montgomery, Morgan, Pike, Rowan, and Wolfe.

moreheadstate.info/appalachian

DEAN SPOTLIGHT

Dr. April Miller became dean of the Ernst and Sara Lane Volgenau College of Education in 2022. As a former special education teacher, she tries to look at the big picture for educators in our region, maintain Morehead State’s heralded reputation as a teaching institution and remember the individual challenges teachers face in the classroom.

She strives to improve recruitment while overseeing programs like the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) to ensure the Volgenau College of Education produces effective educators and administrators.

Miller served as interim dean during the 2021-22 academic year. She has also served as chair of the Department of Early Childhood, Elementary, & Special Education (ECES) and the Department of Middle Grades & Secondary Education (MGSE), and as assistant dean.

Empowering Students for Success After College

Implemented in the fall 2021 semester, Level UP courses include high-impact, real-world experiences with internships, undergraduate research, or education abroad.

Throughout the experience, students complete extra work centered around one of the five common career skills to gain additional certification and knowledge that will make them more marketable to potential employers.

MSU faculty and staff developed this program through research and engagement with campus stakeholders.

The team developed enhanced courses where students can gain proficiency in one or more of the five most common career skills: critical thinking , oral communication , written communication , teamwork , and professionalism

Nick Walker - Theatre

Walker, a junior from Hyden, knew he wanted to enroll as a theatre major when he visited campus with the Governor’s School for the Arts. MSU’s theatre program gave him extensive performance, creative and technical experience. Through a dramatic literature Level UP course, he focused on critical thinking such as how to perform a role or examine a script.

“It’s given me skills that are practical in a lot of different fields. It’s not just one thing,” he said. “I think it’s led me in the right direction.”

Eliana Eldridge - Biomedical Sciences

Edlridge, a senior from Blackey, is confident the Level UP classes she’s taken will help her achieve her goal of becoming a dentist. Last semester, Eldridge took Principles of Microbiology, a Level UP course taught by Professor of Biology Dr. Geoff Gearner.

Eldridge plans to start dental school in the fall and said the firm foundation of written and verbal communication skills she learned from her Level UP course will help her as she continues her education and launches her career after professional school.

Jordan Vallejo (Class of 2022) - Education

Vallejo, from Winchester, earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education, Middle Grades (5-9) Learning and Behavior Disorders, and said he still employs methods he learned in his Level UP classes. He said the classes helped him overcome a significant personal hurdle.

“Level UP taught me to create intentional lesson plans with multisensory approaches to meet my students’ varying learning needs,” he said. “The skills I have learned through Level UP have already proven to be invaluable in helping my students read, solve math problems, and write with excellence.”

Abbey Cooper - Accounting

A junior from Vanceburg, Cooper is pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Accounting with aspirations to be a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

Cooper took Dr. Janet Ratliff’s (Class of 1991, 1992)

Business Plan and Development Level UP course. She traveled to Washington, D.C., to present at the Appalachian Regional Commission – Appalachian Teaching Project. In addition to participating in “one of the most memorable experiences while I have been at MSU,” she completed a semester-long project where class groups developed and presented viable business plans.

Leveling the playing field

2022 marked the 50th anniversary of Title IX – a legislative landmark that prevented sex-based discrimination across all federally funded education programs.

Best known for transforming women’s sports across the nation, the legislation opened new doors for female athletes, sports programs and athletics administrators.

Kenna Allen Gauche (Class of 2008, 2009) also marked her own anniversary last year - her first full year as Senior Associate Director of Athletics for External Affairs and Senior Woman Administrator.

The latter half of her role – Senior Woman Administrator (SWA) - serves to promote meaningful representation of women in athletics leadership and likely would have never come about were it not for the changes spurred by Title IX. The SWA position is not unique to MSU. The NCAA created the designation in 1981 – the same year it added women’s championships – to ensure women were fairly involved in the administration of college athletics across the country.

While women working in sports is more common than it was even 25 years ago, let alone 50, it’s still a widely maledominated field. But Gauche wasn’t afraid of the move. She thrives on a busy schedule. Many activities happening at once – juggling various tasks that would overwhelm any normal person – are where she shines. It’s what made this transition from her previous role as an event coordinator in alumni relations to her new position in athletics so seamless.

When first presented with the opportunity for career advancement and a move to athletics, she knew it was the right choice to accept. As close as MSU was to her heart, Morehead State Athletics was even closer.

You could say MSU is a family affair. Multiple generations of her family attended MSU, but an indelible mark was left in athletics by her grandfather, John “Sonny” Allen (Class of 1950). Countless former athletes counted him as a teammate –others, a coach. He was a four-year starter on the men’s basketball team and later returned to MSU to coach the baseball team for 14 years. The baseball field on campus now bears his name.

“Our family legacy with MSU athletics is special. Taking this role felt a little bit like I was following in Papaw’s footsteps.”

Whatever athletics event she’s working at, you can spot her by looking for the most spirited and best-dressed person on the court or field. You rarely catch her in anything that’s not MSU blue and gold – she will say she physically cannot bear to wear any other colors (unless it’s Rowan County green while cheering on her son, Jace, as he competes in his athletic events).

While she understands the significance of representing women in a male-dominated field, Gauche doesn’t prefer to be highlighted because she’s a woman – but rather because she’s committed to her job. She’s not intimidated by the overlapping schedules and non-stop action. She keeps up at an abnormally quick pace (often in heels), looking for every opportunity to support her coworkers. You could say the athletics staff are a team of their own, each one managing their own position, but never hesitating to come in with the assist.

“A lot of people paved the way for me to get here. I wouldn’t be at MSU were it not for my family coming before me. And I know I wouldn’t be in my position were it not for the groundbreaking changes set forth by Title IX in 1972, and later expanded upon by the NCAA in 1981,” says Gauche. “Every day that I get to drive by John ‘Sonny’ Allen field and settle into my office in Johnson Arena, I’m reminded of the significance of my position – and that’s special.”

Winning through to fame & glory

Morehead State University has a long and storied history of national and conference championships won by its athletic teams. This past academic year, that proud tradition continued with these outstanding team and individual performances.

• MSU Cheer once again dominated the Universal Cheer Association Nationals in Orlando, Florida, earning a trio of national championships, which pushes its total national title number to 53.

• MSU Men’s Basketball won its first outright Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) regular season championship in 39 years. Coach Preston Spradlin has led the Eagles to three consecutive 20-win seasons.

• Beach Volleyball’s Trinity Miller and Anya Reinhard earned a bid to the firstever Fall NCAA Pairs Beach Volleyball Championship. As a team, the Eagles finished runner-up in the OVC tournament with Olivia Lohmeier named MSU’s NCAA 2022 Woman of the Year nominee.

• Volleyball’s Bridget Bessler became the third Eagle to record 4,000 career assists while Irene Wogenstahl set a single-match blocks record (13) vs. Southeast Missouri. Also, Kyrsten Becker-McBride (Class of 2015) was named head coach of the indoor volleyball program, taking over for Dr. Jaime Gordon (Class of 1996, 2021), who recorded 360 career victories, the most of any head coach in any sport in MSU history. Dr. Gordon is focusing on his duties as full-time director of athletics.

• MSU Baseball finished in the top three in the OVC for the second consecutive season while extending its longest active conference tournament qualification streak (8). The team had three First Team All-OVC selections (Jackson Feltner, Nick Gooden, and John Bakke). Feltner was named Player of the Year in the Appalachian Summer League.

• Women’s Basketball had the most wins at home since the 2018-19 season. Coach Cayla Petree’s team improved its win total by nine games over last season, the third biggest turnaround in Division I.

• MSU Rifle had seven members named to the All-OVC teams with the Eagles finishing second in the league. The team set program records in Air Rifle average (2358.62) and Smallbore average (756.46).

• Cross County’s Kyle Embry was the first Morehead State runner since 2017 to win OVC Runner of the Week honors after posting the fastest 5K time for the Eagles in five years.

Stay up-to-date with Eagle Athletics: follow our teams and latest news at msueagles.com.

• MSU Soccer had its best season since 2015 with the fewest goals allowed in program history (21). In her freshman season, Erin Gibbs set a program record in Goals Against Average (0.75).

• Eagle Football had eight players earn All-Pioneer Football League honors and led all of Football Championship Subdivision in blocked kicks.

• MSU Track’s Toby Cook won the 800m men’s race at Marshall.

• MSU Men’s Golf standout Joe Muschong claimed medalist honors at the OVC Championship last spring and advanced to the NCAA Regionals.

• MSU Women’s Golf has earned a leaguehigh nine OVC Golfer of the Week honors since the Spring of 2022.

• Megan Griffith was hired as the Eagles’ new head softball coach in the summer of 2022.

Flooded with support

The impact hit close to home for many MSU students – both those living on campus and those studying at regional or online locations. Most of MSU’s students come from our 22-county service region – the same region that took the brunt of the impact from flooding. The timing coincided with what would be the start of the new academic year, meaning many students lost dorm and other school supplies just before moving back to campus or beginning their semester.

Thanks to the generous support of alumni and friends, MSU was prepared to meet the influx of needs with a strong student emergency fund program. Through the Needs for Eagle Support in Trying Times (NEST) fund at the MSU Foundation, more than $20,000 was awarded to students directly impacted by the flooding. From scholarship support to helping with unexpected repair expenses to Walmart gift cards and housing supplies, MSU was able to meet various needs. While the devastation put many in a tough situation, student emergency funds were able to bridge the gap to keep their education on track.

“Our alumni and friends have been generously supporting our student

emergency funds for many years now,” said Rick Hesterberg, vice president for university advancement and CEO of the MSU Foundation. “We had seen tremendous growth in those funds as a result of an outpouring of support during the COVID-19 pandemic and that support carried forward into this devastating situation that many of our students had to face.”

Also, the University held a supply drive, donating supplies to regional partners assisting with cleanup. MSU also committed to replacing diplomas for graduates who may have lost their diploma in the floods.

“This was a very trying time for our state, and many of our students,” continued Hesterberg. “We were just glad to provide a variety of support to students in need.”

In late July, Eastern Kentucky was hit with a devastating flood. Overwhelming amounts of rain created widespread catastrophic damage never seen in our area.

“Our alumni & friends have been generously supporting our student emergency funds for many years now.”

Photo credit: Brandon Gayhart - MSU Student, Hazard

FOUNDATION & PHILANTHROPY

As a graduate of the class of 1980, it brings me great pride to now serve my alma mater in a full-time capacity. During my first two years working with University Advancement, I’ve been blown away by the level of support I’ve seen from our alumni and friends.

Though I remained involved with the University after my own graduation, and had even volunteered in a few capacities, it wasn’t until I came back to MSU in a professional role that I fully grasped just how significant of an impact our alumni and friends were making on our beloved institution.

They say it takes a village. Well, that village is now 70,000 alumni strong, and in the coming pages, you’ll get a glimpse of the impact they are making.

But their stories start with the decision to attend Morehead State.

I tell people that my decision to attend MSU was the best decision of my life. It’s where I eventually met my wife (Latonya, Class of 1984), along with some great friends and mentors that had a tremendous impact on my personal and professional life. Generations of trailblazers have paved the way for many of us and have actually become the inspiration for our new chapter – FOR THE NEXT.

So, I am asking you – will you be someone to help pave the way there for the next?

- For the next aspiring teacher?

- For the next first-generation student?

- For the next generation?

No matter how big or how small the gift, our Alumni Relations team, along with the staff and board at the MSU Foundation, will continue to support the financial health of the University to create opportunities For The Next. I hope the following pages will inspire you to think about what your own next might be, as well as reflect on those who provided valuable opportunities to you. We all have our “why” – the reason we became, and remain, an Eagle. That “why” has led many to pay it forward and I hope you enjoy reading these impactful stories and take pride in your fellow Eagles.

Remember - Once an Eagle, Always an Eagle.

Rick Hesterberg (Class of 1980) CEO, MSU Foundation

Will you be there ... for the next generation?

moreheadstate.info/forthenext .

MOREHEAD STATE EAGLES HAVE PASSION.

We have a passion for our history, what our university is today – and what it could be tomorrow.

MOREHEAD STATE EAGLES HAVE VISION.

We have a vision for changing lives – and for creating a better world ... for all of us.

MOREHEAD STATE EAGLES HAVE BOLD IDEAS.

We have the ideas that strengthen the University and the next generation of Eagles.

THESE IDEAS CAME

TO LIFE DURING THE PAST FEW RECORD-BREAKING YEARS OF GIVING.

Thanks to the support of MSU alumni and friends, dreamers and leaders can shape the future. Explorers and innovators sustain the future. Visionaries and entrepreneurs enhance communities across the globe. THANK YOU for supporting Morehead State University. GO EAGLES!

SCHOLARSHIPS CHANGE LIVES.

IMPACT: THE POWER TO PRODUCE CHANGE.

At Morehead State University, 95% of our undergraduate students receive some type of financial aid. The generosity of our alumni and friends provides the private dollars necessary to make this scholarship support possible. Scholarships are critical to meet the needs of our Eagles so they don’t graduate with an unmanageable amount of student loan debt. In 2021, MSU closed a successful threeyear fundraising campaign, focused on scholarship creation.

Morehead State University, and the lives of the students who will ultimately benefit from this support, will be forever changed because of YOUR generosity!

GROWTH IN TRYING TIMES

What’s alumni participation? And why does it matter? For years, alumni participation has been used as a metric for various higher education institutional rankings. It represents the percentage of an institution’s alumni who made a financial gift during a given fiscal year.

For the last several years, the national average alumni participation rate has been on a decline. But we know that Eagles soar higher. MSU Eagles have maintained, and even slightly increased, their participation. In fact, 2020 was the most generous year EVER, with the highest alumni participation rate in MSU history!

$27,661,217

SOAR TO NEW HEIGHTS CAMPAIGN TOTAL

3 YEARS 7/1/2018-6/30/2021 DURATION

20% PERCENTAGE OVER GOAL

10,627 DONORS

43,090 TOTAL NUMBER OF GIFTS

$15 MILLION INITIAL GOAL

2,846 SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED

HOW ALUMNI & FRIENDS SUPPORTED THE CAMPAIGN:

ENDOWED GIFTS

Gifts to the Endowment have a lasting impact. These gifts are invested and provide a steady source of income indefinitely.

$11,954,988

IN NEW ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS

51 NEW ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIPS

1 NEW ENDOWED PROFESSORSHIP

1 NEW RESEARCH ENDOWMENT

ANNUAL GIFTS

Gifts that have immediate impact. These gifts help address emergency and high-priority needs.

$3,108,950 DONATED TO SUPPORT SCHOLARSHIPS & ANNUAL STUDENT AID

39 NEW ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIPS

21 NEW GENERAL FUNDS

OUR MSU DONORS KEEP THE UNIVERSITY SOARING HIGHER:

DONORS

Alumni and friends came together to make the future brighter for Morehead State University. They gave to a variety of areas, including scholarship support and more. The Morehead State University Foundation will ensure that the intent of each donor is followed and maximize the benefit of these gifts for the benefit of our campus.

2,188 GIFTS FROM MSU FRIENDS

4,051 FIRST-TIME DONORS

1,137 YOUNG ALUMNI DONORS

873 FACULTY, STAFF & RETIREE DONORS

428 GIFTS FROM BUSINESSES

77 DONORS WHO CONTRIBUTED $25,000+

“I’m thankful to be able to give back to the place that gave so much to me.”

- ELMER R. SMITH

Pictured below, from left, Elmer R. Smith and Kathy Walker, former chair of the MSU Board of Regents

From loyal student to longtime giver

Elmer R. Smith (Class of 1971) has gone far with the degree in business education he earned from MSU. As a successful alumnus, he has made it his business to contribute to future MSU students to help them go even farther, and now has a college that bears his name.

A native of Martin County, Smith is a successful professional who has served in numerous positions in education. He currently serves as president of Interactive College of Technology (ICT), an accredited institution offering associate degrees and diploma programs for high-demand careers based in Atlanta, Georgia, specializing in computer-based training.

Despite leaving the Commonwealth, Smith has remained dedicated to dear ole’ MSU. To date, Smith has donated nearly $4 million to the University. In October 2018, MSU approved the naming of the Elmer R. Smith College of Business and Technology, which includes the School of Business Administration and the School of Engineering and Information Systems, to recognize his substantial impact.

Smith has been recognized numerous times for his achievements and success combined with his support of MSU. He was inducted into the MSU Alumni Association Hall of Fame in 1999. Smith served on the Board of Trustees of the MSU Foundation, was named Donor of the Year in 2002 and was honored as the outstanding alumnus from the then-named College of Business and Technology in 2003. He received an honorary Doctor of Education degree from MSU in 2011. He has also supported his fraternity Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE), serving as chairman of the TKE Education Foundation and helping raise funds for scholarship and leadership training.

Smith and his late wife created the Elmer R. and Donna N. Smith Endowed Chair, which supports entrepreneurship initiatives within the college. The couple also established the Elmer and Donna Smith Scholarship Endowment in 2010 to support awards for students in need. The Elmer R. Smith Regents Scholarship was created through Smith’s contributions to the Soar to New Heights Scholarship Campaign held from 2018-21.

50 years strong: Celebrating the Legacy of Greek Life at MSU

Greek life at MSU has been a vibrant part of campus life for over 50 years, providing students with social opportunities, leadership development, service and philanthropic activities, academic support, and lifelong friendships. The positive impact of Greek life is evidenced by the countless alumni who have become successful leaders in their respective fields.

Several other Greek Organizations hosted 50th reunion celebrations at various locations. The reunions featured were partnerships with the MSU Alumni Association and included a fundraising campaign through the MSU Foundation. To learn more about fraternity and sorority life, visit moreheadstate.edu/student-life/activities.

Honoring founding members and 50+ years of sisterhood

Band of Brothers

Founded in 1962 at then Morehead State College, the Aquila Club was a men’s social club with a goal of fostering fellowship, camaraderie and social service. In 1971, the club evolved into a chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, but this unique brotherhood never forgot their roots.

Robert Rasor (Class of 1968) and Andy Prefontaine (Class of 1971), the last president of the Aquila Club, rallied fellow brothers to raise funds to create the Aquila Club Scholarship Endowment. The Aquila Lounge in ADUC is named in honor of the group’s generosity.

Sue Bell Simpson, later known as “Ma” Simpson, led the efforts to create the Epsilon Theta chapter of Chi Omega ( CW) at MSU in 1969, making them among the first Greek organizations established on campus. Her daughter, Sally Balkcum (Class of 1969), became the first president.

Sue, along with other influential CW sisters, including longtime advisor, Mary Jo Netherton (Class of 1966), were honored at the chapter’s 50th anniversary celebration in 2019 with the establishment of the CW Founders Scholarship Endowment.

CW alumni raised over $50,000 for this special cause. In honor of this scholarship, MSU named Adron Doran University Center (ADUC) Conference Room 322 the “CW Founders Room.”

Delta Tau Delta celebrates 50th anniversary

Nearly 250 members of the Zeta Zeta Chapter of Delta Tau Delta (DTD) Fraternity at Morehead State University gathered on campus to commemorate the chapter’s 50th anniversary and celebrate their legacy with the establishment of the Delta Tau Delta Fraternity Scholarship Endowment.

Empowering the next generation

Fifty years of sisterhood. This is the milestone that the Delta Omicron Chapter of Delta Gamma (DG ) celebrated at MSU recently. To honor and commemorate this occasion, the Morehead Alumnae Association of DG created the DG Book Scholarship Fund. Established with the hope of alleviating financial burdens of active collegiate members of the Delta Omicron Chapter, the scholarship will provide a book award to an active sister who is a sophomore, junior or senior.

The book award supports the guiding ideal of promoting educational interests and educates current and future sisters on the importance of giving back and putting philanthropy into action to support those interests. Here’s to fifty more years, DG.

Sisters serving sisters for 50 years

The Delta Tau chapter of Kappa Delta ( KD) has been a fixture at Morehead State University for more than 50 years. Celebrating their 50th anniversary in 2019, generations of sisters came back to campus to celebrate their legacy and reminisce. Reconnecting wasn’t the only way they honored this milestone occasion, however.

In 2017, sisters pledged their support to the Margaret Holt Duncan KD Endowment, a beloved sister who served the chapter at the highest level. The fund provides scholarship support to initiated members. To ensure its continuation for future generations, alumni grew the fund to a $50,000 endowment in honor of their 50th anniversary. A space inside ADUC was named The KD Room, honoring the chapter and the generosity of its sisters.

Support through sisterhood

The Epsilon Sigma Chapter of Gamma Phi Beta ( GFB) was established on the campus of Morehead State University in 1991, when 41 charter members were initiated. Built upon the core values of love, labor, learning and loyalty, Epsilon Sigma has remained an active and involved organization at MSU ever since.

To honor their legacy of sisterhood at MSU, alumni created the GFB Sisterhood Scholarship in 2018. The scholarship is awarded each year to undergraduate or graduate members of the chapter with a minimum GPA of 3.2. The scholarship will continue to support active sisters and support GFB ’s mission of building confident women of character who celebrate sisterhood.

Leaving a legacy of leadership

For the Kentucky Zeta Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon ( SFE ), it’s more than just a brotherhood. It’s a legacy of leadership and philanthropy, both within the chapter and campus. The brothers of Kentucky Zeta established the SFE Founders Award Endowment to provide a scholarship award to students at MSU, regardless of Greek affiliation and to recognize the chapter’s dedication to campus as a whole.

Through their commitment of $50,000, the endowment will live on in perpetuity and provide awards to new students each year. In addition to the scholarship award, donors also supported the naming of the SFE Lounge on the third floor of ADUC. The space provides a place to gather, study and nurture lifelong relationships as Eagles.

Strength through brotherhood

Though life after MSU may have taken them in many different directions, the brothers of Tau Kappa Epsilon ( TKE ) have held strong. Returning to campus often for Homecoming, they remain proud Eagles. Chartered in 1969, the Mu Sigma chapter recently celebrated their 50-year anniversary by establishing the $50,000 TKE –Mu Sigma Alumni Association Scholarship Endowment to a Mu Sigma chapter legacy or member in good standing. The TKE Meeting Room in ADUC was named to honor their generous contributions and legacy.

Drs. George & Sue Luckey:

Drs. George and Sue Luckey were fixtures at MSU for decades. Dr. George “Mac” Luckey joined MSU’s philosophy faculty in 1961, while Dr. Sue Y. Luckey signed on with the business faculty in 1963. Their work, however, was never limited to just the classroom.

Mac served as faculty advisor to the Open Forum Club, Blue Key Honors Society and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, a professional music fraternity. He served on several departmental, college and university committees and in 1990, he was named director of MSU’s Center for Critical Thinking and the Academic Honors Program. In 1991, he was awarded MSU’s Distinguished Teaching Award. He was revered and beloved on campus, and continued to be so after his retirement in 2003 after 42 years at MSU. That same year, he was awarded Professor Emeritus status and the honors program was named after him – the George M. Luckey Academic Honors Program.

Sue was equally as involved on campus, serving as faculty advisor for the Cardinal Key Honor Society and Lakota Sorority. She

also acted as secretary for faculty meetings and served on numerous committees. Her career at MSU evolved into such roles as the director of the Master of Business Education and Chair of the Department of Information Sciences. Sue also worked to establish MSU’s Retirees Association, an organization that keeps retirees connected to MSU and was touted as a national model by the Association of Retirement Organizations in Higher Education.

In 2008, both were awarded the honorary titles of Doctor of Public Service, in recognition of their long and devoted careers at Morehead State.

Mac passed away in September 2020 at the age of 85. In addition to their volunteer efforts, the Luckeys were longtime donors to MSU, so upon Mac’s passing, Sue made plans to honor their love of the blue and gold through two special scholarships she established.

The Dr. George M. Luckey Honors Student Enrichment Endowment is awarded to students within the honors program to support enrichment activities such as highimpact internships, travel abroad experiences, fellowships and more. The Dr. Sue Y. Luckey Scholarship for Business provides scholarship support to students studying within the College of Business, with preference given to students from Rowan County.

These special funds are part of a new chapter in the Luckeys’ long history of support to MSU ensure their legacy and contributions to MSU will live on in perpetuity for generations.

Longtime faculty who’ve made a lasting impact beyond the classroom

A life of service

William L. Phelps (Class of 1970) has a long and devoted history of volunteer and career service to his community, state and nation. After graduating from MSU, as a devoted brother in Sigma Phi Epsilon, he served in the Kentucky National Guard and worked for the Legislative Research Commission for over 35 years, retiring as assistant director.

In honor of a life of service, William’s wife, Geraldine, in partnership with the MSU Foundation, established the William L. Phelps Scholarship Endowment, a scholarship created to benefit full-time undergraduate students from Anderson, Fayette, Franklin, Jessamine, Scott and Woodford counties in Kentucky.

Since age 18, he has served as a volunteer firefighter and is currently assistant chief for the Versailles Fire Dept. He sits on the Food Pantry board in Woodford County, the Salvation Army board and the Kiwanis Club.

Shaping futures

Dr. John “Jack” Herlihy (Class of 1969, 1972) and his wife, Sandy, knew the more fortunate they became thanks to their MSU experience, the more they wanted to pass it on. They established the Herlihy Family Scholarship to support full-time undergraduate students.

“MSU helped shape my future and greatly influenced my decision to become an educator,” he said. “I’m proud to establish this scholarship to support future Eagles like me.”

A Tau Kappa Epsilon alum, he helped establish their Founders Scholarship Endowment. ADUC’s Herlihy Family Staff Office was named in their honor. He received the Alumni Association’s Notable Alumni Award in 2020.

Abena Ntodi

“To receive the William L. Phelps Scholarship has been a blessing for me. I have been paying for my college education on my own and having the opportunity to receive this scholarship has helped me get one step closer to my dreams of receiving my bachelor’s in Computed Tomography & Magnetic Resonance. I will forever be grateful for this blessing that has been given to me.”

William has remained active with MSU since graduating and served as Alumni Association president from 1986-88. To recognize his contributions, the Williams L. Phelps Sigma Phi Epsilon Fireplace in the Adron Doran University Center was named in his honor.

True Eagle spirit

Justin Chafin is best remembered for his contagious spirit as a student, family member and friend - and for his love for his Sigma Phi Epsilon brothers.

As a student he majored in biomedical sciences and went on to attend pharmacy school at Shenandoah University in Winchester, Virginia, where he pursued a doctorate degree in pharmacy. Tragically, he passed away unexpectedly in May 2016.

Thanks to contributions from Justin’s family, friends and Sigma Phi Epsilon brothers, plus proceeds from the annual Justin T. Chafin Memorial Golf Scramble in Paintsville, a scholarship endowment was established in his memory.

Serving humanity Veteran’s legacy of service

William W. Chapman (Class of 1970), a Raceland native, graduated from MSU with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Arts and a teaching certificate. He later earned a graduate degree in industrial education.

As an active member of Theta Chi Fraternity, he served in the Kentucky National Guard from 1969-1975. He graduated from the Army Officer Candidate School and held various combat engineer officer positions.

After retiring from the U.S. Army National Guard in 1992, he had a successful career as an industrial arts teacher and woodworking machine operator foreman for UNICOR Federal Correctional Institution.

Now, in his retirement, he is giving back to MSU by establishing the William W. Chapman Scholarship Endowment. This scholarship is available to full-time undergraduate active members of Theta Chi Fraternity who have a minimum 2.0 GPA.

William lives in Ashland with his wife, Linda, a pediatric nurse.

For decades, the late Col. William E. Barber (Class of 1964) served his country proudly and honorably in significant military campaigns such as World War II and the Korean War. To honor his service, a group of veterans from Morgan County, organized by Resvie Wheeler, established the Col. William E. Barber Scholarship in 1995. His daughter, Sharon Barber, generously gifted the scholarship, which is now endowed at the $25,000 level.

He was born in Dehart and grew up on a farm before graduating from Morgan County High School and attending Morehead State University. During World War II and the Korean War, he earned the Silver Star and Purple Heart Medals and was one of 17 men to receive the Medal of Honor for the Battle of Chosin Reservoir. After retiring as a colonel in 1970, he returned to MSU to complete his degree and graduated in 1964.

The proceeds from this endowment benefit future generations of MSU students from Eastern Kentucky, keeping his legacy of service alive.

Lewis’ legacy lives on

A Morehead native, Steve Lewis attended the Breckinridge Training School on the campus of MSU. Although his college career took him a little further north to Anderson University, Steve later returned to Morehead to start a family. He remained in Morehead, growing his family business, the C. Roger Lewis Agency, and specializing in real estate, insurance and auctioneering.

He returned to MSU’s campus and taught real estate courses, served on the MSU Foundation Board of Directors and volunteered each

year as an auctioneer at MSU’s Annual Spring Gala.

When Steve passed away in 2016 at the age of 65, his estate held previously-laid plans to establish the Stephen D. Lewis Scholarship Endowment at MSU. The scholarship will support students studying in a business program and will honor Steve’s lifelong commitment to the Morehead community.

Lifetime educators

For Drs. Kent and Kay Freeland, their commitment to education has been the focus of their lives. Kent is a professor emeritus of education at MSU and Kay is a retired superintendent of Rowan County Schools.

To show their dedication to education, they have established the Freeland Education Scholarship. It will provide an award to a student majoring in elementary and middle grades education, with preference to graduates of Rowan County Senior High School and contiguous counties

The Freelands have demonstrated their passion and support for MSU by creating this scholarship, showing their appreciation for the region they both served.

“The Freeland Educational Scholarship has allowed me to pursue my goals towards becoming an elementary teacher. This scholarship helps take some of the weight off my shoulders. Scholarships like these help aspiring teachers go to school hopefully debt free. Teachers are needed everywhere, and I am so thankful this scholarship helps me become one.”

Scholarship provides opportunities for future business leaders

Elizabeth (Beth) Blackburn Fraley (Class of 2003) met her future husband, Brandon Fraley (Class of 2000), while attending MSU. An active student and member of Chi Omega, Beth graduated from MSU with her bachelor’s in business administration in 2003. Brandon completed his MSU education a few years prior, also receiving a BBA.

Following college, Beth and Brandon were married and welcomed three children – two sons and a daughter. While a young mother, Beth was diagnosed with cancer. After a hard fought battle, Beth passed in 2018 at the age of 37.

To honor Beth’s memory, and recognize the place where their relationship began, Brandon established the Elizabeth Blackburn

Fraley Endowment at Morehead State. The scholarship supports Elmer R. Smith College of Business & Technology students in her honor. Recipients must be a sophomore, junior, senior or graduate student and have a minimum 3.25 GPA.

Following her passing, many family and friends made contributions to the scholarship, and Brandon has continued to grow the scholarship to the $25,000 endowment level. Though her life was cut short, Beth’s memory is carried forward in the lives of the MSU students who receive this award in her name.

Jenna Wallingford

While traveling to MSU’s Morehead campus for a night class towards her bachelor’s degree in art in 2013, Charli Jade Wright Gilliam was tragically killed in a car accident at the age of 26. To memorialize her commitment to higher education, Charli’s family graciously established the Charli Jade Memorial Scholarship.

The scholarship is awarded each year to a student who is a graduate of Charli’s alma mater, Elliott County High School, with preference given to students pursuing a degree in art.

Charli’s husband, parents, sister and children hope this scholarship will keep her memory alive by helping students with her interests further their education with a decreased financial burden.

Preserving a passion for education and art Pikeville proud Banking on the future

Founded in 1928 in Morehead, Kentucky, The Citizens Bank has been an integral part of the Morehead community and has consistently made it a priority to support MSU through philanthropic efforts and a long-standing corporate partnership.

To further cement their commitment and support of MSU, The Citizens Bank Scholarship Endowment was established with a generous gift of $50,000.

The scholarship is available to firstyear students pursuing a degree in business management with preference to those majoring in finance or marketing.

Darren Branham (Class of 1995, 2000), a certified public accountant and financial controller with Yum! Brands, is a native of Pike County, Kentucky, and a proud alumnus of Shelby Valley High School. He advocates for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual (LGBTQIA+) community and founded the Louisville Gay Men’s Chorus.

Recognizing the lack of opportunities for LGBTQIA+ students in his hometown, he established the Darren Branham Pride Scholarship. This scholarship provides a $1,200 annual award to an LGBTQIA+ student from Pike County, with preference given to his alma mater.

Darren hopes to provide future Pike County Eagles the same opportunities he had to achieve their dreams. He is paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse future in his hometown.

Preference will also be given to incoming first-year students from Bath, Morgan or Rowan counties to assist local students in pursuing their degrees.

“No matter where you come from, everyone deserves a chance to receive a college education.”

- RYAN NEFF, CITIZEN’S BANK VICE PRES.

Trailblazing athlete

Giving back

This is one thing that was a no-brainer for both Dr. Patrick Osborne (Class of 2001, 2002) and his wife, Annie. They both believed that nothing great they ever achieved was on their own, but yet it was always the result of remarkable teamwork or many loving, caring people investing and pouring back into them.

Marshall D. Banks (Class of 1962) was a notable and integral figure in athletics at MSU. A trailblazer in the collegiate athletic world during the civil rights movement, he enrolled in MSU in 1958 and was the first Black athlete to receive an Ohio Valley Conference athletic scholarship. He joined the basketball and track and field teams, where he was an all-conference student-athlete.

He returned to MSU as faculty and head coach of track & field in 1965, becoming the OVC’s first Black head coach. Marshall went on to teach at Howard University until his retirement in 2008. He passed away in 2020.

The Marshall Banks Memorial Scholarship assists with textbook purchasing and honors his commitment to education and carries on his legacy as an Eagle. This award paves the way for students to fulfill their dreams.

With this in mind, their goal was to pay forward the same type of support they received. As a result, the Dr. Patrick Osborne Scholarship was established.

A standout football player, his experience inspired his life’s trajectory. He continued a passion for higher education and became a faculty member at Travecca Nazarene University in Tennessee upon the completion of a doctoral degree.

A proud Eagle, Patrick remains involved and has served on the Alumni Association Board of Directors. The scholarship supported by Patrick and his family is awarded to senior marketing majors in the Elmer R. Smith College of Business and Technology.

Beloved professor’s legacy Three times an Eagle

Upon the passing of their husband and father, Dr. James E. Gotsick , the Gotsick family knew they needed to commemorate his commitment to education. Recognizable by his signature handlebar mustache, he was a beloved professor of psychology at MSU, where he taught for 33 years.

The Gotsick family established the Dr. James E. Gotsick Memorial Scholarship to honor their late husband and father. The scholarship provides an annual award to a student utilizing the Office of Disability Services.

Peg Morrow Jones (Class of 1970, 1972, 1975) is an exemplary Eagle, graduating three times and working at the University for many years. Even after retirement, she remained involved, serving on the Retirees Association Board and establishing the Peg Morrow Jones Scholarship Endowment.

Her gift includes a renewable scholarship for an English major and the naming of the Morrow Family Fireplace in the Adron Doran University Center in memory of her parents. Peg’s loyalty to MSU lives on.

Contributing to equality & opportunity

Bernard “Bernie” L. McKay (Class of 1991) devoted his law career to helping others in need. To further his legacy, he established the Bernard L. McKay Award for Excellence for LGBTQIA+ Scholars in 2014. This scholarship is dedicated to incoming undergraduate students who self-identify as LGBTQIA+. To be eligible, they must have demonstrated a commitment to promoting equality for the LGBTQIA+ community through their involvement in gay-straight alliances, community projects, or similar initiatives.

McKay graduated from Morehead State University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and continued his education at the Salmon P. Chase College of Law at Northern Kentucky University, where he earned his Juris Doctorate in 1994.

He works as an attorney for Frost Brown Todd Attorneys, LLC., in Cincinnati, specializing in estate planning, trust and probate law.

Throughout his academic and professional accomplishments, McKay knew his sexual orientation could hinder his career prospects. The Bernard L. McKay Award for Excellence for LGBTQIA+ Scholars was his way of providing a better chance for LGBTQIA+ students in Kentucky to be successful.

Alisabeth Culp

“Thanks to this scholarship, I am closer to my goal and have met so many wonderful people I hope to work with for years to come. After graduation, I plan on working with Goodwill for the next few years to save up enough to be able to eventually afford to move to Canada and hopefully break into the film industry one day. I aspire to be the next great horror movie director.”

Ison family’s roots run deep

For the Ison family of West Liberty, their MSU roots run deep. From serving on the Board of Regents to walking across the commencement stage, many generations have served or attended MSU. In 2014, James Paul Ison Jr. (Class of 1994), nursing program graduate, passed away at 50.

James Paul worked as a trauma and intensive care nurse for 20 years in Florida. He served for three years in the U.S. Navy as a naval corpsman before coming to MSU.

His family honors his life of service

through the James Paul Ison Jr. Memorial Scholarship Endowment, providing an annual scholarship to a Morgan County High School junior or senior, preferably in the medical field. The Ison family’s ties to MSU will continue for generations to come.

In the giving business WHY I GIVE

Ron (Class of 1973) and Sharon (Class of 1974) Cooper never hesitate to share their love of MSU. Proud Eagles through and through, they’ve demonstrated their pride in many ways over the years. From making their annual contributions to attending alumni events and even volunteering to help gather auction items for MSU’s Annual Spring Gala, they’re always among the first to raise their hands to help.

Through a generous contribution of $25,000, they established the Ronald E. and Sharon Beard Cooper Scholarship Endowment to support students within the Smith College of Business and Technology. Supporting business students – a joint passion and a way to give back to the place they consider their second home.

Support for finance majors

Dr. William “Bill” Whitaker III (Class of 1964) was a beloved member of the MSU family. He received his bachelor’s degree in mathematics and accounting and served as a professor in and dean of the MSU College of Business from 1975-89. He passed away in 2022.

Dr. Whitaker, and wife, Patricia Dorton Whitaker (Class of 1975, 1983), have been loyal supporters of MSU. All five of their children are alumni. His positive impact on countless students was recognized through the creation of a scholarship.

The scholarship benefits finance students and was established by his colleague, Dr. Will McIntosh, who received a real estate award and contributed the winnings to honor Whitaker. The family committed to grow the fund to $25,000.

BRE HOWELL MCCOY (CLASS OF 2018, 2020)

Classmates (pictured left to right) Jacob Miller (Class of 2017, 2019), Samantha Grimes Seitz (Class of 2018), Bre, and Harry Ryan Steele (Class of 2018), established the Achieve Your Dreams Scholarship. As a student, Bre was involved on campus – most notably with the Student Alumni Ambassadors. Having a frontrow seat to philanthropy education and alumni relations, she and some of her fellow ambassadors were inspired to give back. She explains her reasons for giving back to her alma mater:

“Each of us have been consistently active members of the MSU Alumni Association. Most recently, we joined together to create a new scholarship fund, known as the Achieve Your Dreams Scholarship, that awards full-time juniors, seniors, and graduate students with an annual $500 scholarship to help further their education.

While we each arrived at MSU with different majors, different backgrounds, and from different locations, we quickly uncovered a common bond with our shared desire to promote MSU spirit, philanthropy, and tradition. We met through our membership in the Student Alumni Ambassadors organization and discovered how important it is to give back to the institution that shaped us.

MSU supported each of us and our individual pursuits of education and personal development. Making the intentional decision to give back – especially through this scholarship - is one way that we can help pay it forward to help the next generation of Eagles soar.”

Volgenau’s generosity helps education programs make a greater impact

The significant generosity of a couple with a heart for education and the Eagle Nation has increased the potential impact and reach of MSU’s education programs for generations to come.

Dr. Ernst Volgenau and his wife, Sara (Class of 1957), have been visionary leaders in STEM education, business development and philanthropy. Sara Lane Volgenau graduated from MSU in 1957 with a degree in elementary education. Ernst graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and later earned a Ph.D. degree in engineering at UCLA. During his United States Air Force career, Ernst worked on research and development for satellite and other space projects. In 1978, he founded SRA International Inc., an information technology company listed on the New York Stock Exchange and named to the Fortune magazine list of Best Companies to Work for in America.

The Volgenaus have long used their success to ensure success for others and support specific causes. They established The Volgenau Foundation (TVF) in 1994 to foster the conservation of natural resources and children’s education. They also provided a $2 million gift to Ernst’s alma mater, UCLA, to establish the Volgenau Chair in Engineering.

The couple has a soft spot for financially supporting projects that help to enhance science education in Eastern Kentucky, namely the Project to Elevate Aerospace Careers in Kentucky (PEACK) workshops in 2013, which allowed middle school teachers to receive training to help them address the Next Generation Science Standards.

In 2015, the Volgenaus showed up in a big way for Sara’s alma mater, MSU. They provided the financial backing to launch MSUTeach. This program allows students that are already majoring in STEM-related fields the chance to learn best practices within their content area, allowing them to earn both a Bachelor of Science degree and teacher certification in secondary education within four years. The Volgenaus’ contribution allowed for the sustainability of the program.

As a token of the University’s appreciation for their support, MSU named a set of classrooms in the Lloyd Cassity Building the Lane-Volgenau Center for STEM Education. In 2016, MSU presented the Volgenaus with Honorary Doctor of Public Service degrees at the spring commencement ceremony.

“This is an opportunity to educate people who have the requisite math and science background to be teachers, as well. It’s our wish to see that kind of program growing here, particularly in Eastern Kentucky,” Sara said.

The Volgenaus spirit for giving didn’t stop there. MSU has received a total $3 million gift from the Volgenaus. In addition to an annual allocation directed to support students in the MSUTeach program, the Volgenau Scholarship Endowment fund will be invested with the proceeds used to provide awards to students in teacher education.

In recognition of these substantial contributions in 2020, Morehead State University announced the renaming of the College of Education to the Ernst and Sara Lane Volgenau College of Education.

Eagle pride & service

Richard (Class of 1992, 2002) and Wendy (Class of 1994) Fletcher are proud to call MSU and Morehead their home. Richard began his career as an athletic trainer, while Wendy served the community as a medical provider.

The Fletchers supported their daughters’ decisions to attend MSU, continuing the family tradition. In recognition of their Eagle pride, they created the Richard and Wendy Fletcher Scholarship Endowment, awarding two scholarships annually: one to a student in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program

and one to an undergraduate student from the MSU service region. Additionally, the Fletchers’ scholarship gift has named the Richard and Wendy Fletcher Student Government Association Office, located in the Adron Doran University Center. The space honors their commitment to supporting MSU students.

Civic leader honored Daughter’s experience inspires future educators

Byrd Perry (Class of 1969) was a loyal MSU alum, musician, business professional, and civic leader who lived in Bath County, just a few minutes down the road from Morehead. After he passed away suddenly in the spring of 2011, his wife, Christie, reached out to create the Byrd H. Perry Jr. Memorial Scholarship Endowment.

Awarded to students attending MSU from Bath County, preference is given to those majoring in music, history, government or political science with a strong participation in community service – all areas that were important and impactful to Byrd.

Students from Bath County will continue to know and recognize the commitment and leadership that he provided to the local community.

James and Delrita (Class of 1993) Wells greatly valued the educators who guided their daughter Zoe through her school years. To honor these educators, the family created a scholarship for students majoring in special education.

The scholarship is named in honor of Zoe Wells. Zoe is a 2018 graduate of Rowan County Senior High School and was named Homecoming Queen and Prom Queen during her senior year.

Over the last several years, the Wells family has grown the Zoe Wells Scholarship to endowment level by contributing $25,000 to honor their daughter and the educators who have supported her throughout her journey.

Endowment benefits Ohio students

Fred R. Ross (Class of 1967) was a first-generation college student who arrived at MSU in the fall of 1963. Growing up in Clermont County, Ohio, Ross hadn’t ventured much across the Ohio River, but when he and a classmate decided to take a look at MSU, they found a warm and welcoming environment in a beautiful setting.

Throughout college, he worked weekends, holidays, and summers to pay for his education. Ross then went on to teach in various school systems in Kentucky and Ohio and eventually served as an area coordinator and financial consultant for the Ohio Department of Education’s Division of School Finance. He also was an adjunct professor at Xavier University in Cincinnati and after more than 50 years in the field of education, Ross retired in 2017.

With his retirement, Ross wanted to encourage students from Clermont County to consider MSU. Through the establishment of a $200,000 endowment, the Fred R. Ross Scholarship provides students from Clermont County a great reason to consider becoming an Eagle.

“To be able to go to a college where I’m getting a scholarship that is specific to the county I am from in Ohio is amazing to me - I’m so grateful.”

Stokes Family Scholarship established

Paul R. Stokes (Class of 1976) and Paula Y. Stokes (Class of 1978) created the scholarship. Paula earned an associate, two bachelor’s degrees and two master’s degrees, all from MSU. Following her public-school teaching career, she taught for five years in the Volgenau College of Education. Paul earned his Bachelor of Business Administration from MSU. Their children, Kevin, Matthew (Class of 2007) and Anna (Class of 2011), all attended MSU.

Paul and Paula recognize that cost can be an impediment for students, especially when there aren’t financial resources available. They want to help students when these expenses create an impediment to completing their degree, continuing their education or securing employment.

They established the Stokes Family Scholarship to encourage retention and degree completion with preference given to students who have a need for assistance with the cost of academic testing. Testing fees include those necessary to remain a student at MSU or to gain admission to graduate degree programs and for professional licensing. This could include payment for ACT, GRE, LSAT, MSAT and obtaining a professional license such as the nursing licensure test or the Praxis test.

Lillian Wildey

From English student to English professor

Given that her decadeslong career impacted generations of MSU students, it made sense for Dr. Frances “Fran” Helphinstine (Class of 1963) to continue her impact on students studying English through the Frances L. Helphinstine Scholarship Endowment.

“Someone else was always looking out for me from the very beginning,” she said. “I’m just honored to be able to give back to Morehead State University because it has given so much to me.”

Helphenstine came to MSU as a student in 1959 to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and English and later a Master of Arts in English. After graduating, she held teaching positions at high schools and eventually returned to MSU as an instructor of English. And there she remained. She taught undergraduate courses in Shakespeare, the English Renaissance, 17th Century British literature and drama, and graduate courses in Shakespeare, drama and bibliography. She also served as the graduate program coordinator. After more than five decades as a professor of English at MSU, Helphinstine retired in 2018, and was honored her dedication with the Founders Award for University Service.

Commitment to education

Gayle Sullivan (Class of 1970, 1976) always knew Morehead State was a special place to her – but it wasn’t until a visit to campus a few years ago that it really hit her just how much MSU truly meant to her and her journey. During that campus visit, she had the chance to visit her old room in Mignon Tower, and the study room at the top of the building overlooking campus, and the memories of it all came flooding back.

The inspiration stirred by that visit is what led her to do something to commemorate her love of MSU. A native of Louisville, Gayle earned degrees in education from MSU. A lifelong educator who taught in Louisville, Washington Court House, Ohio,

and then Bardstown, Kentucky, Gayle is also a passionate advocate for animal rescue. Her commitment to education, and giving back, led Gayle to establish the Gayle D. Sullivan Scholarship Endowment in 2020. Her fund supports a full-time undergraduate student at MSU, with preference given to a student majoring in music with an emphasis in keyboarding or music education.

Through the establishment of her scholarship, a visit to campus won’t be the only time Gayle gets to reflect on her time at MSU. With the awarding of her fund to a deserving student each year, Gayle’s love of MSU will be recognized year after year.

Serving with compassion Supporting social work

Toni Hobbs (Class of 2002, 2009), an Eastern Kentucky native, is the director of digital and brand strategy at MSU. She was instrumental in developing the concept for a mentoring program for underrepresented students, DREAMS. In 2009, her passion for service led to the establishment of the Hobbs Endowment for Equality. This $50,000 endowment will support generations of future Eagles.

The funds support inclusive academic programming and scholarship, one of the first scholarships of its kind in Kentucky. It was created specifically for LGBTQIA+ students who do not receive adequate support from their home and/or school environments.

The students of the MSU at Prestonsburg regional campus social work program are very close. When graduate Nickolas R. Bailey (Class of 2018), passed away unexpectedly at the age of 25 following a motorcycle accident, the loss was difficult.

Through tragedy, Nick’s wife, Jessica Bailey (Class of 2018) and MSU Social Work Instructor and Facilitator, Deirdra Robinson, worked to create the Nickolas R. Bailey Memorial Scholarship Fund to support senior social work students at MSU at Prestonsburg. Through the award, recipients will carry on Nick’s legacy as a beloved husband, father, student and social justice advocate.

Newscaster turns pride into philanthropy

Whether out in the field, or behind the anchor desk, Amber Philpott (Class of 2003) has never hesitated to share her MSU pride. She takes advantage of any opportunity she has to shout “go Eagles” on the nightly news. Amber is an award-winning news anchor with WKYT in Lexington. As a native of Central Kentucky, she never shies away from encouraging students to attend MSU and wanted to contribute to the next generation of students pursuing careers in media.

Her love for MSU and philanthropic spirit led to the establishment of the Amber Philpott Scholarship. Her scholarship supports a fulltime junior or senior majoring in convergent media with preference given to students from Central and Eastern Kentucky.

“It is now an honor to be able to provide a scholarship that I hope will also allow another student with big dreams just like I had to be able to not only pursue them but also accomplish them while at MSU,” she said.

“Receiving this scholarship has helped me push through my last semesters of college, and will allow me to finish out my degree with less stress and financial worry. I’m very thankful for the opportunity and trust given to me by Amber!”

Madison Buchanan

about what you leave behind ...”

Ronald “Ron” Cartee (Class of 1965) graduated from high school and had the option of going to work or going to college. He did both. Initially from Greenup County, Ron worked for Jesse Stuart during his teenage years. Through that connection, he landed a job at Armco Steel during the summers. He also worked construction jobs and worked in tobacco to earn extra money. All the while, he attended classes and studied to earn his business degree from MSU. He and his wife Diane married during his junior year. After Ron graduated from MSU with his bachelor’s degree, his work ethic, determination, and his wife’s support and partnership propelled him forward in the business world.

The couple moved to Portsmouth, Ohio, where they began a business in land development. Together, they started with renovating homes before having the opportunity to develop 40 acres in the city. In 1989, the Cartee family, along with their son, Ron Jr., entered the restaurant industry with a Taco Time restaurant in Portsmouth. This was followed by the purchase of an Arby’s franchise in 1990. The Cartees continued to develop this business and owned and operated nearly 30 Arby’s locations across Kentucky, Ohio and West Virginia. In 2008, The Cartee family was recognized with a President’s

Award, Arby’s company’s highest honor. Ron was recognized for his career success by being inducted into the MSU Alumni Hall of Fame in 2018.

The Cartees have been longtime supporters of MSU but, in recent years, have taken their support to the next level. They established the Cartee Family Scholarship Endowment in 2019. The endowment, valued at over $200,000, will provide annual scholarships for Greenup County students.

“My time at MSU was special, and I am grateful for the opportunities I received as a student. My wife Diane and I have worked very hard together to accomplish what we have today and credit that in part to a wonderful education at MSU,” Ron said. “That’s why it’s important for us to give back and provide scholarship opportunities for deserving students. We hope that we can assist students in realizing their full potential. I believe that life is not what you take with you, it’s about what you leave behind.”

To recognize this initial charitable commitment to MSU, the Ronald and Diane Cartee Family Theater was named in their honor in the Adron Doran University Center. The theater is used for various campus events and welcomes new students to MSU.

“It’s all

Soaring the extra mile

In addition to their scholarship commitment, the Cartees recently presented MSU with an extra special gift in honor of the University’s centennial celebration, recognizing 100 years as a public institution in Kentucky. Ron and Diane are generously providing a gift that will fund the creation of a unique bronze Eagle statue that will be placed on campus, honoring MSU’s Eagle mascot and the school’s commitment to helping students soar higher.

This landmark art piece, bearing a nearly 12-foot wingspan, will serve as a focal point on campus and will be constructed by fellow Eagle, former instructor of art and world-renowned artist, Sam McKinney (Class of 1973, 1992). Whether students are landing home in their new eagle’s nest or taking flight to new adventures after graduation, the piece will represent the spirit of the Eagle – and the loyalty and dedication of the Cartee family.

Pictured left to right, Ron Cartee and Sam McKinney

A note of kindness: Sharing the gift of music and education

Sara Studebaker (Class of 1975) shared her love of music throughout her time as a Morehead State University student and throughout a 30-year teaching career. Gifted as a bassoonist, pianist and arranger, she lived for music whether she was on stage or in the classroom up until she passed away from terminal liver cancer on Aug. 3, 2017.

Studebaker graduated from MSU with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education. She returned to her home state of Ohio and taught at Mendon-Union High School, St. Henry High School and the Sycamore Community School District before retiring in 2008.

A year after she retired, she established the Studebaker-Mueller Endowed Scholarship Fund in 2009 to benefit MSU students also pursuing a career in music education.

Named in honor of an influential MSU professor, Dr. Frederick Mueller, the scholarship benefits full-time music education majors with bassoon as their primary instrument.

After her husband, Jim, recently made a substantial gift to grow the fund, MSU named The Sara Suzanne Student Reception Area in the Adron Doran University Center in her honor, ensuring her legacy for decades to come.

Brenden

Connelly

“This scholarship has aided me in achieving my goals without the burden of not being able to pay off debt. It is greatly appreciated and will not go unnoticed as I continue working towards my degree.”

GIVE LIKE CLYDE

CLYDE I. JAMES (CLASS OF 1965)

A beloved member of the MSU community, Clyde’s career of service and dedication to his alma mater began in 1965. For the next 27 years, he served in various roles at MSU, including residence hall director, faculty member, associate dean of students, Greek affairs advisor, and manager of the university center. His involvement and commitment to the University was so profound that he was awarded the 2013 Founders Award for University Service in recognition of his contributions.

Even in retirement, Clyde continues to demonstrate his unwavering support for MSU. He has served multiple terms on the MSU Alumni Board of Directors and volunteers with MSU’s Office of Alumni Relations and Development. Through his involvement, he has helped MSU raise over $25,000 for the Clyde I. James Endowment, which provides scholarships for music education and performance students. Additionally, he donates to the endowment himself, showing his selfless commitment to the success of future MSU students.

Clyde’s legacy of loyalty and service will continue to inspire students and alumni alike for generations to come.

Along with all of his volunteer service, Clyde makes it a point to give to MSU every year. And we mean every year. Clyde’s giving spans more than 36 consecutive years! You, too, can give like Clyde by setting up an annually recurring gift to support the fund of your choice. To make your gift, visit alumni.moreheadstate.edu/give.

Remembering an aspiring young artist

Sarah Christine Shay was an aspiring artist. Demonstrating natural artistic ability from the time she was given her first set of crayons at ten months old, she had a creative love of life and all who knew her gravitated towards her enthusiastic spirit. Her parents, Dr. Karen Shay (Class of 1978) and the late Phillip Shay (Class of 1977), along with her brother Bryan, embraced and encouraged her creativity, supporting her on her path to majoring in art at MSU and her artistic endeavors.

In January of 2006, while enrolled in the art program, Sarah passed away suddenly at the age of 19. Though her life ended too soon, her family was determined that her legacy and spirit would continue.

Sarah’s aunt, proud alum Diane Engels (Class of 1977), generously established the Sarah Christine Shay Memorial Scholarship Endowment through a planned estate gift. With preference given to students from Kentucky, recipients will be junior or senior students majoring in a program within the Department of Art and Design, honoring Sarah’s passion.

Through Diane’s commitment in memory of her niece, recipients will benefit from Sarah’s creative and artistic inspiration, allowing her legacy and dreams to be fulfilled through the work of future artists.

Giving Eastern Kentucky talent a shot at success

Linda Thacker (Class of 1982, 1992) knows that a lot of success has less to do with ability and more to do with opportunity.

“Coming from this close-knit community where everybody has strong connections formed at school, church and work, and people really care for one another, it’s hard to pull yourself away to attend college,” Thacker said. “There is a wealth of talent in Eastern Kentucky. If we can help students tap into their talents and realize their dreams of what they can become, then our goal has been accomplished.”

This motivated Linda and her husband, Eric Howard (Class of 1981), to start the Linda D. Thacker Scholarship. The scholarship

Ensuring the show goes on

Jack Matthews (Class of 1974) and his wife, Cheryl Matthews, both decided to channel their longtime general support for Morehead State University to the specific need of helping theatre majors succeed in their craft.

The Matthews Family Endowment will produce an annual scholarship for a fulltime undergraduate student pursuing a degree in theatre. Preference will be given to students with a focus on technical support, including lighting, sound and stage management, as well as those students with demonstrated community service. The endowment was created in honor of Paul Denayer, a theatre faculty member while the Matthews’ son, Alan, was a student. The terrace outside the newly renovated Adron Doran University Center has been named the Matthews Outdoor Performance Area in honor of the couple’s contribution.

was created in honor of Linda, who earned a Bachelor of Arts in Art and later a Master of Arts in Art. The scholarship gives preference to students from Pike County.

Makenzie Beth Werner

“This scholarship will allow me to pursue an elementary education degree in hopes of returning back to Pike County to be a light in my students’ lives just as some of my teachers were in mine.”

“Our son Alan (Class of 2011) graduated with his degree in theatre and has never been without work since,” Cheryl said. “We appreciated the attention Morehead gave him before he even made the decision to attend. We’re just so thankful.”

“We have reached a stage in our lives where making a gift like this is possible. We realized that it was time to give back,” Jack said. “Given that funds are no longer coming to state schools the way they used to, student scholarships are important now more than ever for student success.”

Makenzie with Linda, Homecoming 2022

Alan Pleiman

Designed for good

For 25 years, Deeno Golding was a fixture in the Claypool-Young Art Building on MSU’s main campus. A towering figure in both stature and personality, his presence was felt wherever he was –making his loss even more profound.

Design, Deeno crafted the graphic design curriculum, served as the faculty advisor for the American Institute for Graphic Arts and spent summers teaching students at the Arts Academy of Guanxi in China and the Kentucky Governor’s Scholars Program.

His legacy was cemented at MSU when in 2018, Claypool-Young’s art gallery was named the Golding-Yang Art Gallery. To further memorialize him, his wife Yanya Yang (Class of 1997), brother-in-law Neng Yang (Class of 1993), and son, Milo, established the Deeno Golding Memorial Scholarship Endowment at MSU. Their generous gifts will provide an annual scholarship award to a full-time student studying art and design, with preference given to graphic design.

A beloved professor, Deeno passed unexpectedly over MSU’s winter break in 2017. His passing hit MSU’s art community hard. A crucial member of the Department of Art and

Although his presence is still deeply missed, his work and words of advice and encouragement he often provided his students live on.

Bowen is the new director of the Golding-Yang Gallery

Mike Bowen has been an adjunct sculpture instructor at MSU, given sculpture workshops and demonstrations, and has participated in faculty art exhibitions. He has also worked at Shawnee State University, Marshall University, and the University of South Carolina.

Bowen earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from Marshall University in 2004, a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) from South Carolina University in 2010 and a visiting student at the Tainan National University of the Arts in Tainan, Taiwan, in 2009.

“Enjoy the good things and mourn the bad, but remember, you must never fly too high, for you will not be able to see life below. You must also never bury yourself too low into the ground, for you will be absent from life above. Understand who you are.”

- DEENO GOLDING

Legacy of Service:

A glimpse into the Caudill family’s history shows that the spirit of service and philanthropy runs deep. From providing quality medical care to promoting the arts, the Caudill family has helped improve the lives of residents in and around the Morehead area for decades. They’ve made an indelible mark on MSU, in particular. Enhancing the offerings of MSU and providing the opportunity of higher education have been priorities for the Caudill family for decades.

B. Proctor “Proc” Caudill (Class of 1972) and Roberta “Bobbie” Hough Caudill (Class of 1972) started their educational journey on the campus many years before they attended college. They both grew up within walking distance of campus and attended Breckinridge Training School, located in the heart of campus. When they graduated from Breck in 1967, the transition to college was a natural one. Bobbie went on to receive her degree in education while Proc received his degree in business.

Upon graduation from MSU, Proc followed in his parents’ footsteps and began working in the banking industry. He devoted his career to People’s Bank, Sandy Hook and Morehead, and served in several leadership positions. Proc later served as Chairman of the Board at Kentucky Bank in Paris.

At MSU, Proc served on the MSU Foundation’s Board of Trustees and Bobbie was instrumental in establishing the annual Spring Gala at the University. This longstanding event has raised nearly $2 million dollars to support student scholarships and academic initiatives on campus.

Proc has also been heavily involved on the board of the W. Paul and Lucille Caudill Little Foundation, a foundation established by his aunt and uncle. In that role, he has helped bring funding for the arts to Central and Eastern Kentucky. The Little Foundation has provided millions of dollars to fund initiatives to promote the arts.

During MSU’s recent scholarship campaign, they continued their commitment with the establishment of the Proc and Bobbie Caudill Scholarship Endowment, a fund that will support students coming to MSU from Rowan and Elliott counties.

In recognition of this substantial scholarship gift, the Caudill Family Heritage Room in the Adron Doran University Center was named in their honor. It is not the first space on campus to bear the Caudill legacy.

The philanthropic spirit of the Caudill and Little family is demonstrated across campus - the Caudill College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences; the Little Bell Tower; and the Lucille Caudill Little Theatre. No matter what end of campus you’re on, it’s clear that this family has been an integral part of the last several decades and in fact – the combined support from the family makes them the largest philanthropic donors to the University over our 135-year history. It’s clear the Caudill family legacy will continue for generations to come at MSU.

Caudill family’s commitment to enhancing the arts and education

Passion for education lives on

The impact of an educator can stick with you long after you’ve completed school – this is the case for countless students of educator Tresia Swain (Class of 1980, 1986).

Known for her supportive nature and inspirational leadership, she served in education for 27 years. A native of Fleming County, she began her journey as a teacher, and worked her way up to principal of Rowan County Middle School – a position she held for 15 years before her retirement.

Tresia did not take her educational advocacy lightly. She believed every child should be provided with the resources to thrive in a compassionate and uplifting educational environment. To ensure the best learning opportunities for middle school students in Rowan County, she led the charge for the construction of a new, state-of-the-art middle school facility.

Inspired by her fervent commitment to her students, her husband, Adrian (Class of 1998, 2006), established a scholarship in her name following her passing in 2020. The scholarship provides support to a junior or senior student majoring in elementary or middle grades education. Thanks to Adrian’s generous commitment, the nearly $30,000 endowment will ensure that Tresia’s passion lives on through the lives of these students.

Legacy of professors honored through scholarship

If you speak to an MSU graduate who attended sometime between the 1960s and 2000, they’ll likely recognize the name “Mo Sabie.” A first-generation Iraqi immigrant, Dr. Mohammed Sabie was a long-time and beloved professor at MSU. Known for his soccer skills in Iraq, Dr. Sabie also established the soccer program at Morehead State and became an international authority on the sport, even serving as an Olympic coach.

Dr. Layla Sabie, Mohammed’s wife, was also a well-loved professor at MSU. Married for 48 years, the Sabies raised their family in the Morehead community. To honor their legacy and commitment to MSU, the family supports the Drs. Mohammed and Layla Sabie Memorial Scholarship, a fund that supports studying education in recognition of the Sabies decadeslong careers in teaching and coaching.

Connections that last

For Ron Griffith (Class of 1965, 1966) and his wife Patty, a trip back to Morehead was something they put on their annual to do list. They didn’t just make the trip to visit Ron’s alma mater or celebrate Homecoming, they made the trip to visit their friends, the late MSU President Dr. C. Nelson Grote and his wife Wilma.

Ron’s relationship with Dr. Grote began during his time as a student and continued at Schoolcraft College in Livonia, Michigan, where they later worked together. Patty also attended Morehead State and dedicated her life to education, serving as an instructor for the Early Childhood Education Center at Schoolcraft College, where she helped train preschool teachers.

Upon retirement, the couple moved back to Kentucky and became involved with the MSU

Alumni Association. Longtime supporters of higher education, the Griffiths decided to start a scholarship fund, the Ronald and Patty Griffith Scholarship Endowment. This endowment, valued at over $120,000, will provide scholarships to Pike County residents.

“It was difficult enough to get out of Eastern Kentucky and go to college in the 1960s and it is still a challenge for students today. I have a soft spot for Eastern Kentucky, and especially for Morehead,” Ron said. “So many students in Eastern Kentucky struggle and many of them think college is way out of their reach. That is why we created this endowment to help make college possible for future students.”

The couple remains involved in MSU events and Ron has served as a member of the MSU Foundation’s Board of Trustees. To honor their commitment to MSU, the library in the Adron Doran University Center is named the Ron and Patty Griffith Alumni Library.

Eagle pride inspires scholarship

For Todd (Class of 1989) and Stephanie Phillips (Class of 1989), MSU is a point of pride in their history, and they proudly carry their blue and gold pride across the state line into Cincinnati.

Todd graduated with a degree in biology and chemistry, and Stephanie completed a degree in math education. After graduation, Todd studied veterinary medicine at The Ohio

State University. He went on to spend his career as a veterinarian at Eastgate Animal Hospital in Cincinnati. Stephanie taught math at the Ohio School for the Blind.

The couple committed to establishing the Todd and Stephanie Phillips Endowment to provide scholarship support for fulltime, first-year students majoring in biology, math or a STEM-related field.

Passion for philanthropy shines

Sommai Purintun LeBron-Cooke (Class of 1992) has a passion for philanthropy, education, and economic and social justice. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at MSU and has worked in the field of philanthropy for over a decade. She founded IMPACT Sports Philanthropy to assist athletes and promote philanthropy to support economic, social and environmental justice for underserved communities.

Her scholarship endowment allows her to have an impact on the next generation.

Country artists support Appalachian region

Through a partnership with the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, and the generosity of musician couple and Kentucky natives Senora May and Tyler Childers, the Hickman Holler Appalachian Relief Scholarship was established to support scholarships for students at several universities in the region, including Morehead State University.

May, a native of Estill County, is a singersongwriter. She is married to Grammynominated singer-songwriter Tyler Childers, a native of Lawrence County. The couple established the Hickman Holler Appalachian Relief Fund in 2020 to bring awareness and financial support for philanthropic efforts in the Appalachian Region. The fund supports ongoing efforts in education, civil rights and addiction recovery and Morehead State is honored to be a part of the project as a beneficiary of their generosity.

M’Shae Matthews

“COVID-19 altered my college experience, but I have worked hard to pursue opportunities to challenge me academically, socially, emotionally, and professionally. Without generous donors like Sommai, I would not be able to attend college and getting a graduate degree would be very difficult and unimaginable. Thank you for your continued commitment to supporting the next generation of minority women in Eastern Kentucky at MSU.”

A legacy of education

For many students in Johnson County, Cathy Goble Gullett (Class of 1974) is a name that stands out. A native of Johnson County, Cathy earned her master’s degree at MSU and began her teaching career at Porter Elementary School. She eventually went to Johnson Central High School (JCHS), where she taught until retiring in 2004.

Cathy was very involved at JCHS - from teaching to volunteering with athletics, most notably girls’ golf. She also gave back to MSU by volunteering with the Dr. Rex Chaney Golf Academy for over 20 years alongside her husband, Nelson (Class of 1969).

In 2019, Cathy’s unexpected passing led her family to establish the Cathy Goble Gullett Memorial Scholarship Fund in her memory. This scholarship fund supports a student from JCHS who is majoring in an education program. The legacy of Cathy Goble Gullett will live on through this scholarship.

One public servant, generations of impact

As someone with successful careers in law and politics, W. Terry McBrayer (Class of 1959) valued public service.

He started the McBrayer Law Firm in his hometown of Greenup, which grew to the eighth largest firm in the Commonwealth. As his career and influence in Kentucky politics grew, so did his law practice. McBrayer for the Kentucky House of Representatives ran and won the election, serving from 1966 to 1972. While there, he served in leadership roles and was later elected chairman of the Kentucky Democratic Party. He finished his career as senior partner and lead lobbyist for the McBrayer, McGinnis, Leslie and Kirkland law firm.

Supporting future teachers

As educators, there are many ways that a teacher can leave a mark on future generations of students. For two special Eagles, they chose to carry their love of education on to future generations – and in a big way.

Joyce (Class of 1960) and Roy Spaulding (Class of 1960) had long careers as teachers. They found joy in teaching students who were eager to learn. Joyce and Roy retired as elementary and junior high reading teacher and band director, respectively. Both Joyce

McBrayer was inducted into the MSU Alumni Hall of Fame in 1966 and received an honorary doctorate in 1975. He created the W. Terry McBrayer Presidential Lecture Series in Government and Leadership and established the Presidential Scholarship Endowment to support recruitment, retention and degree completion.

“I love Morehead State. I owe them so much and wish I could give them even more money than I have,” McBrayer said in 2019. “The school does so much for kids that are first-generation graduates.”

McBrayer passed away in October 2020, and the W. Terry McBrayer Scholarship for Excellence endowment was created by his daughter, Sarah Savarie. Two scholarships are awarded each year to students from Greenup County.

and Roy passed away in 2018 – but a generous estate gift will ensure their legacy lives on.

The Spauldings made arrangements to leave a portion of their estate to MSU. Through the partnership of Russell Scott Spaulding (Class of 1989), their nephew and trustee of the Spaulding Family Trust, the couple’s gift funds a scholarship endowment to support students studying education. The Joyce and Roy Spaulding Scholarship for the College of Education supports a full-time undergraduate student.

Cheering on new Eagles

Linda Stephens (Class of 1979) is a passionate MSU supporter, with a soft spot for athletics. Her Eagle pride led her to create the Linda J. Stephens Scholarship Fund. The fund supports students who have completed the Success Academy program. Designed to help transition students from high school to college life, the Success Academy helps incoming Eagles develop learning habits to set them up for success – a program Linda is proud to support.

A U.S. Army veteran who served from 1984 to 1992, including a deployment to Saudi Arabia during Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield, Linda knows about hard work. To reward the diligence of students in the Success Academy, her scholarship provides an award of $1,000 to a student each year, and cheers from Linda on the sidelines as they become Eagles.

Breaking financial barriers

John (Class of 1979) and Peggy (Class of 1979) Osborne recognized the barriers students face in completing their degrees. They created the John and Peggy Osborne Scholarship Endowment to help business students overcome these hurdles.

Peggy completed her MBA at MSU in 1979. Both John and Peggy became faculty in the Smith College of Business & Technology. Both retired after 27 and 34 years of service, respectively. John passed away in 2021, and Peggy remains an involved and committed member of the MSU community.

Scholarship support adds up

For Ryan Elmore (Class of 1995), his experience at Morehead State helped him see the beauty mathematics and statistics. As a student in the Department of Mathematics he was inspired by the ways math could be applied in daily life and in professional careers and appreciated how scholarship support helped to lessen his financial burden.

An associate professor in the Department of Business Information & Analytics at the University of Denver, he is also an associate editor at the Journal of Quantitative Analysis in Sports and an award-winning researcher in sports statistics.

To honor his MSU experience, he created the Ryan Elmore Scholarship Fund, a fund that provides a scholarship award to a student within the Data Analytics Program.

Austin Wagner

“Upon receiving confirmation of my acceptance of the John and Peggy Osborne Scholarship, I was over the moon. The funds will be used in pursuing my CPA (Certified Public Accountatnt) licensure ... I cannot thank the Osborne family enough for selecting me for this scholarship.”

“MSU was such a big part of our lives, we feel like this scholarship is a small way we can continue to support the students and the University,” Peggy said. “We love MSU.”

A proud history and a desire to serve

The Rice family has an extensive history with Morehead State University dating back to the 1930s when they first joined the Morehead community. Those ties to the community still hold firm. Lucien Rice (Class of 1956) pledged $50,000 to establish the W.H. Rice Family Scholarship Endowment with the MSU Foundation.

The scholarships provided by this endowment will be awarded to students with a history of dedication to community service, something the Rice family knows well. Lucian’s mother, Virginia Rice, was a home economics teacher at the Breckinridge Training School and an associate professor at MSU, formerly known as Morehead State College. His father, W.H. “Honie” Rice, served as the superintendent for buildings and grounds for nearly 40 years, serving under six University presidents. He was honored posthumously with the 2015 Founders Award for University Service. The Rice Service Building on MSU’s campus bears his name.

Lucien graduated from Breckinridge in 1952 and continued his education at MSU, earning a Bachelor of Arts in English. He had a 37year career as a professional scout with the Boy Scouts of America. His wife, Monta Carol Rice (Class of 1961), also attended MSU, majored in music, and taught piano and voice for more than 30 years while working as a public school librarian and computer lab teacher. The two were married for 61 years until Carol’s passing in 2018.

“Getting a four-year college degree without any financial help is a hard thing to do, so we thought if we can help students get their education, then that’s what we should do.”

- LUCIEN RICE

Cameron Auxier

“Hard work and dedication are strengths needed in college, because I know its not going to be easy. Knowing I have a donor supporting me makes me want to work even harder - it’s motivating. Thank you!”

A family of Eagles

Jim Dotson (Class of 1969, 1973) and his wife, Sue (Class of 1966) are dedicated Eagles and it runs in the family. His brother-in-law is well-known Eagle and retiree, Clyde James (Class of 1965). His son Jonathan (Class of 2000, 2001), and his daughter-in-law, Jennifer (Class of 2002), both also graduated from MSU.

When Jim passed away in 2021, his family honored his legacy by creating the Jim E. Dotson Memorial Education Endowment to support students majoring in education from Pike County, Kentucky or Franklin County, Ohio.

Education was Jim’s passion, and the scholarship is a fitting way to honor his memory. He devoted nearly four decades of his life to education and he believed students were at the heart of everything one does.

Honoring others through scholarships

Captain Bruce D. Rutherford (Class of 1971), a native of Pineville, has traveled in many directions since his graduation, but he never forgot about the places he called home.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in science at MSU, he joined the U.S. Navy and he served in various roles responsible for coordinating logistical blood support. In 2013, he was the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Armed Services Blood Program.

He has established two endowments with contributions totaling nearly $100,000. The Captain Bruce D. Rutherford Scholarship Endowment is awarded to students from Bell or Harlan counties to ensure they have the financial support they need to fulfill their dreams.

He also made a commitment to honor the memory of others with an endowment in memory of his cousin, William Ray “Billy” Cornett who tragically passed away in an automobile accident. The memorial scholarship supports incoming students from Menifee County. To honor his contributions, a space inside of the Adron Doran University Center was named the Robert and Orene Wright Rutherford Conference Room, in honor of his parents.

Scholarship established honoring Eagle’s life

The late John Greenwood (Class of 1984) was a former member of the Morehead State men’s golf program in the 1980s. After graduating from Morehead State in 1984, the Dayton, Ohio, native entered a career in the television industry working with Dayton’s Fox-45. Despite crossing the border into Ohio, John’s relationship with MSU, and his former golf teammates, continued.

Upon his passing in April 2020, the John Greenwood Memorial Golf Scholarship was established by his friends and family to honor his memory and legacy. The scholarship will support Eagle golfers and continue John’s ties to the MSU golf program that he loved so dear.

Profound generosity of Prefontaines benefits both campus and students

As the founder and CEO of Family Leisure Inc. and an entrepreneur who started home, property and advertising businesses, Andy Prefontaine (Class of 1971) has achieved a great deal of success since his time as an MSU Eagle. Though his journey has taken him across the country, and even the world, he’s never strayed far from his MSU home. He and his wife, Debbie, have been avid supporters of MSU for years, donating resources and volunteering their time to encourage other alumni to give back and support the University.

In 2018, the Prefontaines continued their generous support to ensure that success is within reach for future generations of students. They contributed $750,000 to create the Andy and Debbie Prefontaine Scholarship Endowment. The proceeds from the endowment will provide scholarships to assist in recruiting and retaining current and future Eagles.

“Some students would not even be able to attend MSU without a scholarship, and that’s why it’s important,” Andy said.

“I’ve been very fortunate and if life gives you good fortune, you really should pay it back. It should be a part of your life.”

As a student, Andy was a member of the MSU ROTC program’s first commissioned graduating class and served as the last president of the Aquila Club before the organization became the fraternal organization Pi Kappa Alpha. After graduating, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. In addition to owning nine Family Leisure retail stores across the south and midwest, he is also the founder and CEO of Sierra Advertising and owner of Pendelton Pike Properties, Watson’s Properties and Watson of Minnesota Properties.

His desire to pay it forward led him to work with a Sisters of Charity orphanage in Vietnam that only took in blind and visually impaired children. He would regularly donate money and gifts to the orphanage and children. His business success, charitable giving and University support led to Prefontaine becoming a 2016 MSU Alumni Hall of

In honor of their significant charitable commitment, two spaces inside the Adron Doran University Center (ADUC) are adorned with their name: the Prefontaine Tower and the Prefontaine Pub.

The Prefontaines’ generosity didn’t stop at this special endowment, though. After the commitment to provide financial support to students in need, they also wanted to support another area they were especially fond of – athletics. An avid sports fan, Andy and his family also donated an additional $750,000 to support renovations and improvements to a variety of MSU’s athletics facilities, including the baseball stadium, indoor practice facility, basketball court and more.

“My first priority was to our students – through the scholarship endowment, we’re fulfilling a need there. But my next priority was a personal passion – athletics. ” said Andy.

This additional commitment came with a surprise recognition – the indoor turfed practice facility was named the Prefontaine Field House.

The Prefontaines have cemented their legacy from one end of campus to the other – but something tells us they won’t stop there. No matter where life’s journey takes him next, Andy is firm in his commitment to his beloved alma mater.

Fame inductee and serving as a member of the MSU Foundation Board of Trustees.

View a video about the Prefontaines’ contributions and upgrades to MSU athletics facilities at

ALUMNI

UPDATES

Hello, fellow Eagles!

It is an honor and a privilege for me to serve as president of the Alumni Association. It is my pleasure, along with the board of directors, to represent you – the more than 70,000 people who proudly call themselves Eagles. Being a member of the MSU family comes with an overwhelming sense of pride for our beloved alma mater.

I invite you to come along with us and share in the exciting activities and opportunities

MSU has to offer. There are a variety of ways you can show appreciation and play a part in MSU’s continued success. This includes attending events, cheering for our teams, staying connected to each other and the

University, and of course, offering your time and gifts to help MSU students. This could even include serving on our board yourself! Use the QR code below to learn more about all of these opportunities.

Wherever you are, at whatever stage of life you are in, there’s something here for you. The Board of Directors and I encourage you to engage with us and each other, and maintain your personal connection to the University.

We are excited about the direction and future of the MSU Alumni Association and look forward to serving and sharing information with you, throughout the year.

Go Eagles!

Billie Renee Johnson (Class of 1996)

Get involved with the Alumni Association

The Alumni Association Board of Directors are alumni volunteers who work to make their alma mater an even better place. Meet our current board members and learn how you can be involved.

MSU Alumni Business Directory –Eagles Supporting Eagles

Are you an MSU alum who owns a business? Register with our business directory at alumni.moreheadstate.edu/businessdirectory.

2023 ALUMNI HALL OF FAME

DR. FRANK SPANIOL (CLASS OF 1984, 1986)

Dr. Frank Spaniol is an award-winning professor and researcher in sport performance, strength and conditioning, visual skills training, and sport technology. His research has been published in numerous journals, and he has presented his work globally. He is currently teaching at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.

DR. ROGER CLEVELAND (CLASS OF 1986)

Dr. Roger Cleveland is a transformational leader and groundbreaking educator and researcher in the fields of diversity, equity, cultural humility and academic innovation. He has dedicated his life to supporting educators, public institutions, and schools to embrace diversity, equity and inclusion. He is a professor of educational leadership at Eastern Kentucky University.

SEAN SHUMATE (CLASS OF 1996)

Sean Shumate is a paraathlete who represented Team USA at the 2004 Paralympics in Athens, Greece . He has competed internationally and refereed at the highest levels of the sport. He is the first paraathlete in the U.S. to be certified by the International Fencing Federation (FIE) to referee internationally ablebodied events as a wheelchair user. He continues to promote the parafencing sport.

These outstanding Eagles will be recognized and officially inducted into the MSU Alumni Hall of Fame during Homecoming 2023.

We will also be recognizing other alumni award recipients – including those selected for the Notable Alumni, Rising Eagle and Eagle Spirit awards.

To learn more about each award, and submit a nomination for a worthy Eagle you know, visit alumni.moreheadstate.edu/alumniawards .

Meet the Team

The Office of Alumni Relations & Development and the MSU Foundation work to build connections between alumni, donors and the University. Get to know our team and how their roles support our “Once an Eagle, Always an Eagle” family.

Farrah Baldwin (Class of 2001) Director, Alumni Engagement & Cultivation

Farrah manages alumni volunteer programs including the Alumni Association Board of Directors. She also serves as the liaison to Enrollment Services.

Allison Caudill (Class of 2005, 2009) Executive Director, Alumni Relations & Development

Allison oversees all Alumni Relations & Development programs to enhance engagement and greater philanthropic support of MSU.

Jessi Ferguson (Class of 2011, 2012) Director, Advancement & Alumni Communications

Jessi oversees the annual giving program and manages all alumni communications including print and digital publications.

Madonna Hanshaw (Class of 1997) Accountant, MSU Foundation

Madonna oversees the business and financial functions of the MSU Foundation.

Sharon Fraley (Class of 1999, 2012) Director, Finance

Sharon manages the investments and oversees day-to-day operations of the MSU Foundation.

Rick Hesterberg (Class of 1980) Vice President, University Advancement and CEO, MSU Foundation

Rick oversees the MSU Foundation as well as the Offices of Alumni Relations & Development, Communications & Marketing, and Morehead State Public Radio.

Margaret Musselman (Class of 2022) Coordinator, Young Alumni & Campus Development

Margaret manages student and young alumni engagement programs and faculty and staff philanthropy programs.

Matthew Nutter (Class of 1996, 2018) Advancement Records Specialist

Matt manages the alumni and donor database and oversees all gift entry and alumni information updates.

Mikayla Ray (Class of 2021) Alumni Relations & Event Officer

Mikayla oversees event planning for all alumni events to ensure opportunities for alumni to engage with MSU in a meaningful (and fun) way.

Allie Rayburn (Class of 2022) Coordinator, Digital Engagement & Annual Giving

Allie manages the Digital Engagement Center and its student employees who connect with alumni via phone, text, video and email. She also manages alumni social media accounts.

Kelsey Shields (Class of 2019) Coordinator, MSU Foundation Scholarship & Stewardship

Kelsey coordinates and maintains the MSU Foundation’s scholarship program and coordinates with MSU’s Office of Financial Aid.

Leslee Toy (Class of 1990, 2003) Alumni & Donor Experience Officer

Leslee focuses on personalized events and connections including programing for Legacy families and MSU Retirees. She also manages specialized stewardship events.

Sherry Surmont (Class of 2018) Director, Advancement Services

Sherry oversees the alumni and donor database and provides strategic insight for alumni engagement and fundraising efforts.

Welcome these new faces to the team!

What will your next be?

Throughout this publication, you’ve read about what’s happening on campus now. You’ve read about commitments others have made to support MSU in meaningful ways. You’ve read about what’s to come over the next year.

What will your next be? Whether volunteering, making a gift or referring potential students – your next steps as an Eagle can influence the future.

Thank you for being a part of our MSU story – for being a part of our history, as we’re now embarking on our 101st year as a public institution in Kentucky.

On behalf of the next aspiring teacher…the next first-generation college student…the next MSU graduate… you’ve been a part of our last century – will you be there for the next?

Once an Eagle, Always an Eagle.

Will you be there ... for the next generation? moreheadstate.info/forthenext .

Why I Volunteer: Stuart Osborne

Stuart Osborne (Class of 2002) has always been especially proud of his alma mater. His pride in MSU led him to serve on the MSU Alumni Association Board of Directors. Learn more about why Stuart makes it a priority to give his time to the organization.

How do you volunteer and stay involved with the MSU Alumni Association?

As a member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors, I meet quarterly with other board members to discuss issues important to alumni and the University. We help recruit potential students and encourage alumni of all ages to reconnect or continue a connection with Morehead State University.

What motivated you to volunteer in this capacity?

I’ve been giving financially for many years, but wanted to offer something more tangible. I am thankful to have older children and be in a place personally that allows me to use some of my time to help my wonderful alma mater. I look forward to doing great things during my term on the Alumni Association Board of Directors.

What does serving in this role mean to you?

It means so much. I do not take it for granted and will use this opportunity to fly my Eagle flag and shout the praises of MSU to anyone who will listen. I also encourage family, friends, and fellow alumni to become active members of the Alumni Association. It only takes $25 bucks a year - that’s the price of five cups of coffee. You can do it!

What are some of your favorite MSU memories?

A few of my favorite MSU memories include my time working at WMKY (Morehead State Public Radio), participating in Chi Omega Follies as a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity, and of course, meeting my wife, Kaci (Class of 2001), a member of Delta Gamma sorority.

Do you have a Future Eagle?

Enroll them in our Eagle Legacy program! Open to alumni children or grandchildren, this program recognizes your child as a future Eagle from birth to college enrollment!

Participants receive milestone birthday gifts, invitations to special events and updates about legacy scholarship opportunities once they reach college age!

Learn more at alumni.moreheadstate.edu/legacy.

Left: Addison Toy, granddaughter of Gary (Class of 1989, 1992) and Leslee (Class of 1990, 2003) Toy

Refer a prospective Eagle to MSU!

As a graduate or friend of MSU, you know firsthand the amazing experiences students have as part of the Eagle family. If you know a high school student who could be a great fit for MSU, let us know! By referring an Eagle, you’ll receive a free MSU t-shirt and the referred student will have a chance to receive a $1,000 referral scholarship, awarded in your name.

UPCOMING EVENTS

SUNDAY, APRIL 16

MSU DAY AT KEENELAND

Keeneland

APRIL 21-23

SIGMA NU FRATERNITY 50TH REUNION WEEKEND

SATURDAY, APRIL 29

ANNUAL SPRING GALA

Adron Doran University Center

AUGUST 4–6

MOREHEAD STATE RIFLE REUNION

NOVEMBER 3-4 HOMECOMING

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD SPOTLIGHT

Michael Gray (Class of 1992) was a member of the Eagle Football Team, playing from 1989–91. He also became a proud member of the Zeta Lambda Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. in 1989. Since his graduation, he has been an actively involved member of the Alumni Association and currently serves as a member of the Alumni Board of Directors.

In addition to his service on the board, Michael is one of the driving forces behind MSU’s thriving African American Alumni Group events. He oversees the planning and implementation of the African American Alumni Reunion’s biennial event that occurs during Homecoming. Michael has assisted with the coordination of this event for more than 20 years. Thanks to the volunteer efforts of several alumni, including Michael, this reunion brings together hundreds of alumni to reconnect.

In 2013, the group established the Dr. Jerry Gore Memorial African American Heritage Scholarship Endowment. Since that time, the endowment has grown significantly thanks to the contributions of alumni and friends. Currently, the fund is valued at nearly $100,000.

Michael is making plans now to celebrate the success of the past fundraising endeavors in honor and memory of Dr. Gore by planning a series of events in conjunction with the 2023 Homecoming Festivities. The schedule of events will be available soon! For more information about this event, visit alumni.moreheadstate.edu/homecoming

NOVEMBER 3-4, 2023

Join us for events during Homecoming weekend!

Is your group planning a reunion?

Let us know by emailing alumni@moreheadstate.edu

HOMECOMING 2023

THURSDAY, NOV. 2

• Homecoming Parade

FRIDAY, NOV. 3

• Memorial Brick Ceremony

• Unveiling of Centennial Bronze Eagle

• Homecoming Kickoff Reception

• Alumni Awards Ceremony

SATURDAY, NOV. 4

• Breakfast with Beaker and Bookstore Specials

• Young Alumni Kickoff Event

• Tailgate Deck hosted by Alumni Association

• Eagle Football

For a complete schedule of events, please visit ALUMNI.MOREHEADSTATE.EDU/HOMECOMING.

To register to attend Homecoming 2023 as a 50th Reunion celebrant, contact the Alumni Association at 606-783-2033, 1-800-783-ALUM or events@moreheadstate.edu.

Advance registration is required.