A Family Tradition

The Williamson family forged a bond with the university nearly a century ago. That bond remains so strong that despite decades and distance, they still return to “the hill” to reminisce, see the changes around campus and climb “the 99.”

The family’s connection with UPIKE started in the 1920s when John L. Williamson and his sister, Fayne Williamson Hughes, attended the Pikeville College Academy, a primary and secondary school at the time. When he became a caretaker on what was known as the Pikeville College Farm in the late 1940s, John’s children, Mike PCTS ’50, PCA ’54, PC ’58, John Larry PC ’59, Nancy PCTS ’53, PCA ’57, PC ’60, and Walker PC ’63, lived at the farm, too. Their grandfather’s job afforded the siblings many opportunities.

“Since we were members of his household, we were entitled to attend any of the three college departments free of charge,” explained Mike. Walker shared memories of catching a ride to Pikeville on the college farm’s milk truck. After their grandfather resigned as the caretaker of the farm, Walker, then 10, finished the school year by moving in with his brothers in a residence hall. Although he says he’s “not sure who gave permission or why I was allowed to do so,” he added that the experience further endeared the college as a part of his life.

All four siblings attended and graduated from Pikeville College. As Nancy explained, “From 19541963, there was always one or more Williamsons on campus.”

Mike and Nancy went on to graduate. Nancy’s class of nine students was the last graduating class of the Academy. After leaving the Pikeville College Academy in his junior year, John Larry joined the Navy. He earned his GED during his four years in the Navy.

Mike, a retired FBI agent, said, “The college gave me the foundation for many career choices. As it turned out, that was the correct course for me to follow as I eventually retired from an organization requiring varied experiences and backgrounds. Pikeville College did a great job of preparing me for that career.”

John Larry, who passed away in 1998, also became an FBI agent. According to Mike, “In about his first or second year at college, he met, dated, married and had a child, all while going to school and working 40 hours per week as a dispatcher for the Kentucky State Police.”

“Educationally, the college was a lifesaver for me. It gave me a chance to prove myself academically. I had excellent instructors,” said Walker.

He met his future wife, Sally ’64, in a political science class, which changed his life. After college, they became teachers and settled in Ohio. Nancy also became a teacher. She spent 40 years as an educator, mostly as an elementary school librarian in Las Vegas.

Over the years, the family has continued to return to the campus that has impacted their family.

“I am a nostalgic sort, so I try to return to campus as often as possible,” said Mike. “And I enjoy seeing the changes that have taken place at the university and around the city over the years. I marvel at all the new buildings on campus.”

To show their appreciation to the university and honor their family, the Williamsons decided to start a family tradition of sponsoring a UPIKE bench for each other’s 80th birthday.

These four benches surround the university’s plaza, and allow a relaxing spot for students, faculty and staff to rest and enjoy the views of campus. Last spring, Sally joined in on the tradition and her sponsorship sign was installed on the bench next to Walker’s.

“I enjoy seeing all the advancements and changes but cherish the fact that some of my memories are still there,” said Nancy. “I hope students and visitors will enjoy resting on the benches the siblings sponsored.”

Walker and Sally return to Eastern Kentucky at least once each year in the spring.

“A large part of why we visit campus is because the people are always so gracious and kind when they see us,” said Walker. “Also, it is just rewarding to be on the campus and remember what the college meant to us. We always sit a spell on one of the benches and enjoy the beautiful view of the town and the mountains.”

The siblings also never miss a chance to climb the college’s iconic 99 steps.

“It has become our family tradition to climb ‘the 99’ each time we are in Pikeville,” said Nancy. “At 80-plus years, we can still do it!”

“Each and every time we return for a visit, I make it a point, as in the past, to climb those steps without stopping for a breather.” Mike added. “And now at age 87, I did it again!”

By Michelle Goff

College Index:

PC - Pikeville College

PCA - Pikeville College Academy

PCTS - Pikeville College Training School