Contributing to equality & opportunity

Bernard “Bernie” L. McKay (Class of 1991) devoted his law career to helping others in need. To further his legacy, he established the Bernard L. McKay Award for Excellence for LGBTQIA+ Scholars in 2014. This scholarship is dedicated to incoming undergraduate students who self-identify as LGBTQIA+. To be eligible, they must have demonstrated a commitment to promoting equality for the LGBTQIA+ community through their involvement in gay-straight alliances, community projects, or similar initiatives.

McKay graduated from Morehead State University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and continued his education at the Salmon P. Chase College of Law at Northern Kentucky University, where he earned his Juris Doctorate in 1994.

He works as an attorney for Frost Brown Todd Attorneys, LLC., in Cincinnati, specializing in estate planning, trust and probate law.

Throughout his academic and professional accomplishments, McKay knew his sexual orientation could hinder his career prospects. The Bernard L. McKay Award for Excellence for LGBTQIA+ Scholars was his way of providing a better chance for LGBTQIA+ students in Kentucky to be successful.

Ison family’s roots run deep

For the Ison family of West Liberty, their MSU roots run deep. From serving on the Board of Regents to walking across the commencement stage, many generations have served or attended MSU. In 2014, James Paul Ison Jr. (Class of 1994), nursing program graduate, passed away at 50.

James Paul worked as a trauma and intensive care nurse for 20 years in Florida. He served for three years in the U.S. Navy as a naval corpsman before coming to MSU.

His family honors his life of service through the James Paul Ison Jr. Memorial Scholarship Endowment, providing an annual scholarship to a Morgan County High School junior or senior, preferably in the medical field. The Ison family’s ties to MSU will continue for generations to come.