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.

“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.