4 minute read
Fostering the Next Generation of Science Professionals
By Amy Charles, MBA '23
Hubert Keen ’67 and his wife Sally ’69 are a pair of lifelong educators whose passion for giving back is creating opportunities for students at the University of Pikeville. Their paths crossed in American history class at then Pikeville College, where they formed a connection that would blossom into a deep love for education.
The Keens have donated to their alma mater since 1983, but their most notable contribution to UPIKE is the establishment of the W. Hubert and Sally Keen Fellowship in the Sciences. This fellowship, now entering its third year, is awarded to undergraduate students with a passion for research. The Keens' vision was not just to provide financial support but to cultivate a meaningful mentorship between faculty sponsors and selected students. This unique approach sets the fellowship apart, offering worthwhile experiential learning opportunities.
“The idea that students will engage with a faculty member through this fellowship models the interactions with research that I had in my career,” said Hubert. “I hope this valuable experience gives them more confidence in pursuing professional school or graduate school.”
Hubert boasts an impressive academic journey. The biology degree with a German minor he earned was just the beginning of a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. He went on to earn a master's degree in biology and a Ph.D. in ecology. Hubert's career in academia spanned over four decades, culminating in his role for 10 years as president of Farmingdale State College in New York.
Sally put her degree in elementary education to good use after graduation teaching third and fifth grades, and later administering social services programs. Despite Hubert retiring in 2019, the couple remains deeply committed to fostering the next generation of scholars.
Reflecting on their time on “the hill,” the Keens speak fondly of the pivotal role it played in their lives which has motivated their philanthropic efforts at the university.
“The college was extremely important in launching my career,” said Hubert. “Pikeville College provided the foundation for us in our own education and with this fellowship, we want to support other students at UPIKE in the same way.”
Sally echoed his sentiments, emphasizing how her time on campus broadened her horizons and instilled independence.
“My time in college did so much in shaping the person I became. It helped me overcome my sheltered background, to learn to be independent and think on my own,” said Sally. “My hope for the fellowship is that the recipients grow to become equipped to pursue their aspirations and achieve the success they are working toward.”
As UPIKE continues to flourish and expand its academic offerings, the Keens are pleased with the tremendous growth of the university. Their desire to give back extends beyond the fellowship. Hubert and Sally have included the university in their estate plans, ensuring that future generations of students will benefit from their generosity.
W. Hubert and Sally Keen Fellowship
By Katie Ray '24
Oksana Vucetic ʼ24, a chemistry major and volleyball player from Novi Sad, Serbia, immersed herself in researching the energy content and stability of nitrogenrich chemicals for high-energy applications using computational chemistry. Her research was aimed at designing compounds with an optimal balance of sensitivity and performance by analyzing the impact of various substituents on their properties.
“This was an incredible opportunity to conduct a remarkable analysis, but also for my personal growth as a scientist, allowing me to step into the future with more experience and confidence,” said Vucetic. “This knowledge will help me in my postgraduate education and future career because the skills I gained can be applied to many different topics. I am so thankful to the Keens for their generosity and for making this research possible.”
Ian Pimienta, Ph.D., emphasized Vucetic’s academic readiness and attributed her success to her scientific aptitude, teachability and exceptional communication skills. The mentorship between the pair highlights the importance of collaboration in research endeavors, facilitated by initiatives like the Keen Fellowship that incentivize and support student research efforts.
“Oksana was well prepared academically to tackle the research. She has the scientific and mathematical background to understand the details of the study and is always willing to learn,” said Pimienta. “I am highly appreciative of the support provided by the Keen Fellowship in helping reward students’ efforts in scientific research. Fellowships like this are what motivate me to recruit students for research.”
