2 minute read
Partnerships for Progress
By Greta Heintzelman Slone
The University of Pikeville believes in the philosophy of giving back to the community that nurtures it. It is not just a center for academic excellence but also a hub for community engagement and outreach. It establishes support and reaches beyond its walls to make a meaningful impact on the people in Appalachia.
UPIKE showed its support for the Appalachian Arts and Entertainment Awards by partnering with the Mountain Arts Center, Big Sandy Community and Technical College and the City of Prestonsburg to sponsor its fourth-year celebration of artistic and cultural excellence within the 13 states of the Appalachian Mountains. The award ceremony spotlights talent and leverages notoriety for artists and educators while celebrating Appalachian creativity, innovation and hard work. UPIKE’s jazz ensemble, chamber choir and football team members were integral to the heightened success of the event.
Another outreach effort was UPIKE’s contribution to the Mountain Sports Hall of Fame Victory Road Game in the Historic Wayland Gymnasium. Both men’s and women’s teams from Floyd Central High School and Lyon County High School played to commemorate Travis Perry’s breaking of Kentucky basketball legend “King” Kelly Coleman’s score record.
Perhaps one of the most transformative efforts, the university is actively collaborating with local schools to organize the “Brand the Band” campaign to provide jackets for high school bands, beginning with Floyd Central High School and Betsy Layne High School.
Additionally, UPIKE is committed to building an interconnection with the City of Pikeville Bicentennial Celebration, observing the 200th anniversary of the City of Pikeville’s designation as the county seat by the Kentucky Legislature. The celebration showcases 200 years of community contributions, achievements and milestones.
These outreach efforts have enriched the lives of countless individuals in the community and strengthened the bond between UPIKE and the mountain communities we call home. The university and the community flourish together through collaboration, compassion and a shared commitment to making the world a better place, embodying the true spirit of partnership and mutual respect.
