Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the University of Pikeville Alumni Association collaborated with faculty and staff to turn the new normal into an opportunity to highlight the bravery and dedication of UPIKE alumni. To honor alumni for their selfless service to others during the global pandemic, the UPIKE Alumni Association began a social media campaign called “Heart of a Bear.” Nominated by friends, family, community leaders, classmates and colleagues, alumni were recognized on social media and praised for their service to others.
Throughout the campaign, physicians, nurses, teachers, law enforcement officers, delivery drivers and those serving in hospitality were among the essential positions recognized. With nearly 300 nominations, it was clear that graduates served in almost every area of need across the country.
In August, those nominated were also invited to attend a virtual event via Zoom with the UPIKE Alumni Association. President Burton Webb, Ph.D., KYCOM Dean Dana Shaffer, D.O., FACOFP dist., FAOGME, and Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Relations David Hutchens thanked attendees for their front-line service and commitment to the values of being a UPIKE Bear. Hutchens defines the meaning behind having the “Heart of a Bear.”
“Service to others is at the core of having the ‘Heart of a Bear,’ and going beyond just the duties of a job in a manner that is recognized by your peers,” said Hutchens. “Simply put, it’s passion on the front lines of all industries during this pandemic. UPIKE could not be prouder of the alumni who were nominated for Heart of a Bear.”
UPIKE alum Brad Hall ’96 is proud of his alma mater for continuing to present graduates who keep showing everyone what it means to take a “Heart of a Bear” into the world. “I am honored to have been selected as having the ‘Heart of a Bear,’ as others were more deserving of this award than I, such as our doctors, nurses, and other essential workers. In my work with American Electric Power, during this time of a pandemic, I have played a small part alongside our many extraordinary AEP employees to make sure everyone has reliable power,” said Hall. “It has been a time in life like no one has ever seen and I, along with millions of other people in this great nation, played a small role in keeping our country functioning during such abnormal circumstances.”
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UPIKE MAGAZINE | FALL/WINTER 2020
