BEST OF EASTERN Executives, Activists, Entrepreneurs ... just a few of the titles our 2016 Alumni Award Winners wear proudly in their professional pursuits. Each with his or her unique EKU story — these alumni represent some of EKU’s finest accomplishments.
CHIEF FINANCIAL , OPERATING OFFICER B. J. Ruckriegel, ’98 Louisville, Kentucky Young Alumni Award He once dreamed of an FBI career but switched
to accounting in his second year at EKU. Today, B. J.
Ruckriegel is the award-winning chief financial officer/ chief operating officer for CandyRific, a worldwide
leader in the novelty candy industry. Seven of the past eight years, he has been a finalist for Business First of Louisville’s CFO of the Year, winning the title in 2011.
DIRECTOR, COMMUNITY RELATIONS/ PROJECT MANAGER Onyinyechi (Onyachi) Chuku, ’06 Upper Marlboro, Maryland Distinguished Service Award A project manager and director of community relations
for a public access television station and event manager and brand/marketing consultant for small businesses, Onyachi Chuku is a three-time recipient of the Gold-
Level Presidential Volunteer Service Award, bestowed by President Obama. She also works through the EKU Young Minority Group and the Minority Collegiate Connection, which she co-founded.