CENTENNIAL EDITION | 2025
100 YEARS OF DISTINCTION 1925–2025
GATTON COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS Dean Simon Sheather
Director of Marketing & Communications
CONTENTS 02
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Department & Faculty News
Multi-Generation Feature: Full Circle
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32
Events Recap
Building for the Next 100 Years
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Education Abroad
Student Feature: Limitless
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Student Awards Day
Gatton College Timeline & History
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2025 Alumni Hall of Fame
Donor Recognition: Legacies in Generosity
Laura Beth O’Bryan
Senior Director of Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement Nicole Cartier
Contributing Writers & Editors Lindsey Badstibner Laura Beth O’Bryan Tom Musgrave Harper Propst Kathie Stamps Lucy Tepper Henry Zahn
Designer Kelsey Tucker
Photography J. A. Laub Photography KPL Photography Mahan Multimedia Easton Morton Sugar Maple Photo Story Tepper UKPR Photography Trace Williams
UKGattonCollege @UKGattonCollege @UKGattonCollege linkedin.com/school/ukgattoncollege
Transform is published by the Gatton College of Business and Economics at the University of Kentucky and made possible through the generosity of private donations. For more information on giving to the college, please contact Gatton Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement: GattonPhilanthropy@uky.edu
Greetings GATTON ALUMNI AND FRIENDS, Welcome to this very special edition of Transform magazine — it’s our 100th anniversary! This milestone is a powerful reminder of what vision, perseverance and progress can achieve. In the last 100 years, the Gatton College of Business and Economics has helped shape business education in Lexington, across Kentucky and around the globe. The college has launched careers, strengthened economies, led groundbreaking research and prepared generations of students to lead in a complex world. Our alumni are trailblazers in every field. Our faculty are pioneers in research and teaching. Our students are more determined than ever before. Undoubtedly, what makes me most proud to serve as dean is the loyalty of the Gatton community. Our driven students, world-class faculty, dedicated staff and you, our loyal alumni, all fuel a college that is constantly moving forward, never content to remain still. Being a part of a legacy this profound is one of the greatest privileges of my professional life. Although we could fill hundreds of magazines with meaningful stories, in this edition, we’re giving you a high-level look back at our last 100 years. We hope you’ll enjoy reminiscing with us. Finally, you are invited to a wonderful celebration in honor of our 100th birthday! Join us April 17, 2026, at the Gatton College for 100 Years of Distinction: Gatton Alumni Hall of Fame and Centennial Celebration. This centennial milestone — and our success — is possible because of you. Thank you for 100 incredible years.
Simon Sheather, Dean
DEPARTMENT & FACULTY NEWS
DEPARTMENT
& FACULTY
NEWS ACCOUNTING
Fischer
Yang
Darcia Fischer joined Gatton as an assistant professor in the Von Allmen School of Accountancy. Fischer completed her Ph.D. at the Questrom School of Business at Boston University. Her research interests are in tax and financial reporting regulation. Prior to joining Gatton, she worked as a tax manager and CPA in Deloitte’s federal tax practice.
Li Yang joined Gatton as a visiting assistant professor in the Von Allmen School of Accountancy. Yang completed her Ph.D. at the University of Illinois UrbanaChampaign in 2025. Her research draws upon psychology and economics theory to examine how management control systems influence employee behavior and is particularly focused on social-mission and nonprofit organizations.
Jennifer Siebenthaler was named Master of Science in Accounting and Master of Accountancy and Analytics program director after a previous term as Associate Dean for Undergraduate Affairs. Siebenthaler
Olivia Davis was named 2024–25 chair of the Kentucky Society of CPAs. She also received the 2025 Lyman T. Johnson Torch of Excellence Award for her outstanding professional achievements and impact in her field. Davis
John Smigla returned to full-time teaching after 17 years as the director of the Master of Science in Accounting program.
Smigla
Vines
Wells
Stone
Stephen Lusch was appointed editor of Accounting Horizons for a three-year term beginning June 1, 2024. Lusch
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Cyndi Vines retired in December 2024 after 26 years at Gatton. During her tenure, she served on the JATA editorial board and held leadership roles in the American Taxation Association. She launched UK’s online Certificate in Financial Planning program in 2019 and served as program director for five years.
Jane Brown Wells retired in May 2025 after 37 years at Gatton. She earned nearly 30 teaching awards, including the university’s Great Teacher Award. She was also inducted into Gatton’s Hall of Fame in 2025. Wells held key leadership roles, including chair of the Undergraduate Studies Committee, director of the master’s program and assistant dean.
Dan Stone retired in May 2025 after 20 years at Gatton. He directed the Accounting Ph.D. program, led the W.T. Lewis Scholars program and launched the Business Analytics minor in 2018. He served as a journal editor, led Ph.D. committees and championed data integration in the curriculum.
Sean Peffer retired in May 2025 after 22 years at Gatton. His research focused on the behavioral aspects of budgeting and he received several teaching awards, including at least five from Beta Alpha Psi. He served as the Beta Alpha Psi advisor from 2002 to 2010 and chaired the Undergraduate Studies Committee in 2021 during a major curriculum overhaul.
DEPARTMENT & FACULTY NEWS
The Accounting Club welcomed guest speakers from PwC, EY, Myers and Stauffer, Fischer Homes and Procter & Gamble to showcase a range of career paths in accounting.
ECONOMICS
Barbosa-Alves
UK’s Alpha Mu chapter of Beta Alpha Psi (above) hosted Meet the Firms with 13 companies and initiated 34 new members. The chapter also partnered with Junior Achievement, KyCPA and the Voluntary Income Tax Assistant program.
Amador
NABA hosted events with Baird, Enterprise, Robert Half, Deloitte and Texas Roadhouse. The group also visited Suntory Global Spirits and attended a KyCPA scholarship workshop. Ten members attended the regional conference in Chicago.
Heflin
Deborah Burden (above), accounting and finance student, received the 2024 Lyman T. Johnson Torch Bearer Award, recognizing student excellence in service, leadership and academic achievement. The Master of Science in Accounting program enrolled 41 students this fall with a 96% placement rate prior to graduation. More than $51,000 in scholarships was awarded. A new Master of Accountancy and Analytics degree is anticipated to launch in summer 2027, designed for nonaccounting undergraduates.
Yoon
Mauricio Barbosa-Alves joined Gatton as an assistant professor in the Department of Economics. He received his Ph.D. in economics from the University of Minnesota in 2025. His research interests are in international economics, macroeconomics and environmental economics.
Sebastián Amador joined Gatton as an assistant professor in the Department of Economics. Amador received his Ph.D. in economics from the University of California, Davis in 2024. His research focuses on macroeconomics and monetary policy, with a particular emphasis on the relationship between business cycles and long-term economic growth. Amador is joining the faculty after a year as a postdoctoral researcher at the London Business School.
Justin Heflin joined Gatton as a lecturer in the Department of Economics after a period as a visiting lecturer. His teaching focuses on microeconomics, econometrics and law and economics. His research looks at the implementation of public policy such as red flag laws, execution moratoriums and zerodollar bail.
Jangsu Yoon joined Gatton as an assistant professor in the Department of Economics. Yoon received his Ph.D. in economics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2018 where he was then a visiting scholar before becoming an assistant professor at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. His research interests are econometric theory, applied econometrics and industrial organization. .
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DEPARTMENT & FACULTY NEWS
Eleanor Krause received early career research grants from Equitable Growth and Resilient Energy Economics. She also received a $10,000 Horowitz Foundation award and the 2025 Adams Summer Research Fellowship.
Steven Lugauer presented his research, “Waste-heat and Economic Growth in the Very Long Run,” at the University of Hawaii and the NASA Goddard Institute of Space Studies. Lugauer
Krause
Lala Ma and Steven Lugauer received a UNITE pilot grant to pursue research related to pollution exposure at the workplace.
Justice Enyetornye, Ph.D. candidate, won the Gunther Economics Research competition for his paper on vertical mergers in the soft drink industry. Ma
Enyetornye
Carlos Lamarche had two papers accepted in Journal of Business & Economic Statistics and Journal of Applied Econometrics. Lamarche
Adib Bagh’s paper, “Sensitivity versus Size: Implications for Tax Competition,” co-authored with David R. Agrawal, was accepted for publication in Theoretical Economics. Bagh
Alexander Maslov won the 2025 UK Experiential Education Course Instructor of the Year award.
Maslov
Felipe Benguria’s research was featured in The Economist and he published multiple papers in top journals, including The Review of Economic Studies and Journal of International Economics. Benguria
Jim Ziliak was selected as a 2025 fellow of the American Academy of Political and Social Science. He also presented his research, “Is American Inequality Exceptional?” at the fall 2025 Gatton Research Excellence Series. Ziliak
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Gail Hoyt‘s Economics of Altruism course (above and below) partnered with local nonprofits and allocated $45,000 in grant funding, delivering impactful, real-world economic analysis.
DEPARTMENT & FACULTY NEWS
FINANCE
Montgomery
Jessica Montgomery joined Gatton as an assistant professor in the John Maze Stewart Department of Finance and Quantitative Methods. Montgomery received her Ph.D. in economics from the University of Virginia in 2025. Her research primarily focuses on household finance, specifically the financial inclusion of vulnerable populations.
Kristine Hankins published “Corporate Responses to Stock Price Fragility” in the Journal of Financial Economics and her research on tariffs was featured in the The Wall Street Journal. Hankins
Russell Jame published “Place Your Bets? The Value of Investment Research on Reddit’s WallStreetBets,” in the Review of Financial Studies. Jame
Sanders
Clifford
Shaun Sanders joined Gatton as a lecturer in the John Maze Stewart Department of Finance and Quantitative Methods. Sanders will also serve as director of the Gatton Center for Real Estate. He comes to Gatton after a seasoned real estate career including experience with Fidelity and Bank of America. Sanders is a Gatton alum, earning a bachelor’s degree in finance in 2000. He also holds an MBA with a real estate development concentration from the University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler Business School.
Saliling
John Saliling and Leonce Bargeron led the UK Excel Financial Modeling Team (below) to the World Championship at the international Microsoft Excel Collegiate Challenge competition, where team member Andrew Durant placed fourth individually, the highest among U.S. competitors. The team swept the regional competition in Knoxville, winning the team event, securing first and second in the individual category and taking top honors in the new JV division.
Bargeron
Chris Clifford and Will Gerken’s study, “Childhood Exposure to Misbehavior and the Culture of Financial Misconduct,” was accepted for publication in the Review of Financial Studies. Gerken
Taylor Begley’s “Disaster Lending: ‘Fair’ Prices, but ‘Unfair’ Access,” was published in Management Science and was published on a second study in the Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis. Begley
Sovich
David Sovich won Gatton’s Junior Faculty Research Excellence Award, was published in the Journal of Public Economics and had work accepted for publication in Management Science for, “The Labor Market Consequences of Student Loan Forbearance.”
Frank C. Parker III (pictured on previous page) received the 2024 Lyman T. Johnson Torch of Excellence Award, recognizing alumni excellence in service, leadership and academic achievement. Parker
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DEPARTMENT & FACULTY NEWS
MANAGEMENT
Hasler
Bongiovi
Stroube
David Hasler joined Gatton as a lecturer in the Department of Management. Hasler is a Kentucky Entrepreneur Hall of Fame inductee, recognized for his successful venture, Breakthrough Solutions Consulting LLC, an international finance and strategy consulting firm. He has also held leadership roles at Walmart, Procter & Gamble and Limited Brands. Hasler’s teaching will focus on entrepreneurship and strategy.
Joe Bongiovi joined Gatton as a lecturer in the Department of Management. Bongiovi received a doctoral degree from the University of North Carolina where he also has prior teaching experience. He is a U.S. Army veteran and has professional experience with prominent companies including General Electric, Pizza Hut, Citi, Cardinal Health and Sazerac. His teaching focuses on talent management and organizational behavior.
Brian Stroube joined Gatton as an assistant professor in the Department of Management. Prior to joining Gatton, Stroube received his Ph.D. from the University of Maryland and was a professor at London Business School. His main research interest is in the social processes and consequences of audience evaluations, with a particular interest in the mechanisms of discrimination and status. Stroube will teach strategic management and entrepreneurship.
Shihan Li’s Journal of Management research was featured in The Wall Street Journal and a new paper co-authored by Li was accepted by the Academy of Management Journal. Li
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In Memoriam
DANIEL J. BRASS Professor Daniel J. Brass, a pioneer of research in social network analysis and founding director of the Department of Management’s world-renowned LINKS Center, is remembered for his lasting impact on the field and the UK academic community.
DEPARTMENT & FACULTY NEWS
Ajay Mehra was awarded the 2025 Dan Brass Senior Scholar Fellowship by the Social Network Society of the Academy of Management.
MARKETING
Mehra
Amir Zahedi’s dissertation, “The Value of Analytics Innovations,” was named a finalist in the 2025 Academy of Marketing Science Dissertation Competition. Mikhail Wolfson received the 2024-25 Research Productivity Award.
Zahedi
Alexis Allen received the 2024 Sales Special Interest Group Excellence in Research Award for her Journal of Marketing article on dark salesperson traits.
Wolfson
Hector Martinez received the 2024–25 Teaching Excellence Award.
Allen
Adam Craig published his article “Are ‘10 Grams of Protein’ Better than ‘Ten Grams of Protein’? How Digits versus Number Words Influence Consumer Judgments” in the Journal of Consumer Research.
Martinez
Craig
Corrine Hassler published her article “The Prosocial Ambassador Effect: Adopting an Ambassador Role Increases Sustainable Behavior” in the Journal of Marketing.
The LINKS Center launched a global research collaboration with Bocconi University and University College London to expand partnerships in research, conferences and exchanges. Hassler
Hardesty
Davis
The Department of Management hosted ION X, the 10th annual LINKS Center Conference dedicated to advancing research on social networks in organizations. In addition to management faculty and doctoral students, the conference drew 28 leading scholars from top institutions around the world. Faculty member Ajay Mehra led the event, which also included a heartfelt tribute to Professor Dan Brass for his contributions to the field.
David Hardesty received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Marketing Association Retail & Pricing Special Interest Group and was invited to serve as a faculty participant at the 2024 Sheth Doctoral Consortium.
Nicole Davis published two articles in the Journal of Consumer Research: “Mixed Couples, Mixed Attitudes: How Interracial Couples in Marketing Appeals Influence Brand Outcomes” and “‘Woman-Owned Business’ Labels Enhance Perceived Competence.”
The American Marketing Association (AMA) student chapter earned multiple national recognitions, including student organization of the year at Gatton and first place at the AMA National Sales Competition. Undergraduate student Tayshawn Juantez Gooch earned the 2025 Lyman T. Johnson Torch Bearer Award for exemplary scholarship and leadership within the Gatton community.
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EVENTS RECAP
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Spring
EVENTS
This spring, Gatton once again celebrated a semester filled with achievement, collaboration and engagement. From competitive wins to groundbreaking research and career development, our students, faculty and partners made this semester one to remember. At this semester’s Research Excellence Series, four doctoral candidates — Isaiah Sheth, Jackie Zeyang Ju, Diane Kang, and Spencer Stone — were honored for their outstanding work, underscoring the depth of talent within Gatton’s student community. The Economic Outlook Conference also returned, offering timely insights into the economic landscape and continuing Gatton’s role as a hub for informed dialogue.
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At The Econ Games, Gatton students earned a fourth-place national finish, competing alongside other universities, including seven teams led by Gatton Ph.D. alumni. Thirty-eight students put their sales skills to the test in this year’s spring Sales Competition, with Nelly Irion taking first place. Thanks to support from 10 corporate sponsors, students earned $2,000 in prizes while sharpening their professional skills. Entrepreneurial energy was strong at the PNC Wildcat Pitch Competition, where students competed for $20,000 across undergraduate and graduate divisions, presenting bold business ideas to industry judges. The Supply Chain Forum returned for a two-day event that brought together graduate students and professionals for meaningful networking and knowledge sharing. The 2025 Southeast Marketing Symposium welcomed more than 100 marketing faculty and Ph.D. students from across the region for a day of speaker sessions, topped off with a visit to Keeneland. A major highlight of the semester was Gatton’s inaugural Leadership Week, a college-wide initiative focused on preparing students for success. From career panels and organization showcases to a career summit and professional attire giveaways, the week gave students hands-on tools for leadership and growth. Nearly 400 students attended the Honesty, Integrity and Professionalism Conference to learn about ethical leadership, with sessions led by UK Football Defensive Coordinator Brad White and a range of alumni and community leaders.
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Research Excellence Series
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The Econ Games
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PNC Wildcat Pitch Competition
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Supply Chain Forum
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Southeast Marketing Symposium
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Sales Competition
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Honesty, Integrity and Professionalism Conference
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Leadership Week
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EVENTS RECAP
Fall EVENTS Back from summer, the fall semester brought together Gatton students, alumni and faculty for a semester of growth and connections. From welcoming the college’s largest incoming class to exploring career opportunities stretching from Lexington to North Carolina and New York City, the college had an exciting semester. 6
The semester began in August with Gatton Welcome, where first-year students were introduced to the Gatton community and learned about all the resources available to them. In September, the second annual Gatton Global Week invited students to explore business from an international perspective through guest speakers, cultural activities and study abroad programming. Later that month, Gatton began hosting its signature alumni tailgates, welcoming alumni, students, faculty and staff to reconnect before home football games. Also in September, Gatton hosted a Sales Etiquette Workshop led by Mandy Connelly, Director of the Graham Office of Career Management, where students learned the finer points of professional dining and conversation.
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Industry Intersections
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Gatton Welcome
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Sales Competition
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Gatton Global Week
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Alumni Tailgate
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Chicago Scholars
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Sales Etiquette Dinner
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Pelissier Scholars
October brought the fall Sales Competition, organized by Michael Johnston and Brian Murtha, where students practiced professional selling in simulated scenarios with industry leaders. Six students earned cash prizes, and all participants gained valuable feedback and networking experience with industry professionals. Over fall break, experiential learning took students beyond Lexington. The Pelissier Scholars traveled to New York City with John Saliling and Lain Garrett to explore the finance industry, visiting firms including KKR, Houlihan Lokey and MiddleGround Capital. They also got to meet with Gatton alumni across the city. Meanwhile, the Chicago Scholars, led by Jonathan Pliszka and Chris Clifford, toured major investment firms including Lincoln International, William Blair and Guggenheim Securities. At the same time, the Graham Officer of Career Management’s Industry Intersections cohort explored Kentucky’s leading tourism sectors — sports, bourbon and horse racing — culminating in a pitch competition judged by VisitLEX and Commerce Lexington, as well as a trip to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, N.C., to explore tourism.
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EDUCATION ABROAD
EDUCATION
LONDON
ABROAD
DUBLIN
“ This experience challenged me to think globally, adapt quickly and approach business problems from new perspectives — skills that will stay with me throughout my career. I loved every minute of this experience and am so thankful to Josh Taylor and Shane Hadden for leading this amazing program!” -Katie Beth London, Business Goes Global in Paris
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PARIS
CROATIA
ITALY
This summer, Gatton students swapped lecture halls for landmarks as they participated in faculty-led education abroad programs across Europe. From the heart of London’s financial district to the charming streets of Paris, these immersive experiences gave the college’s future business leaders a front-row seat to the global economy. Led by Gatton faculty and staff, students were able to earn course credit while completing the short-term summer programs. In London, students in Professor Olivia Davis’ Introduction to Accounting for Decision Makers course spent several weeks examining the inner workings of the global financial capital. Alongside classroom sessions, the group toured the Bank of England, visited Lloyd’s of London and explored Canary Wharf, all while navigating the city’s vibrant culture and historic neighborhoods. The experience gave students an understanding of accounting principles in the context of international markets. Meanwhile, in Paris, Shane Hadden and Josh Taylor co-led a dual-credit program combining Corporation Finance
and Strategic Business and Professional Communication. Students tackled case studies, met with business professionals and analyzed the corporate structure of Disneyland Paris during a daylong site visit that blended studying with a bit of Disney magic. Beyond their courses, students developed their intercultural communication skills through daily life in Paris, whether ordering dinner in a bistro or navigating the metro to company visits. Other summer trips included International Marketing in Austria, Germany, Italy, Liechtenstein and Switzerland; Croatian Economics and Culture; Investment Management in Italy; Consumer Behavior in Dublin, Ireland; and Business in London. Each program highlighted Gatton’s commitment to experiential learning and global readiness. With support from Gatton’s education abroad scholarships and UK’s global learning network, these summer experiences made the world a classroom, showing that learning in business doesn’t end at Gatton. It only begins there.
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STUDENT AWARDS
KATELYN COOPER Accounting Outstanding Senior
Gatton Student
Awards Day
MIA PROVENZANO Economics Outstanding Senior
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SHAWN BRADY HIBBITS Finance Outstanding Senior
Student Awards Day celebrates students who have demonstrated outstanding academic performance, leadership and service within the Gatton community, representing the next generation of business leaders in Kentucky and around the world. Each spring, the college accepts nominations from faculty and staff for outstanding seniors in each academic department. One student is chosen to receive the Dean’s Award for Excellence. This is the most prestigious award that a graduating senior in Gatton can receive.
ASHLYN DAVIS Marketing Outstanding Senior
Benjamin Broughton, the Outstanding Senior Award recipient for the Department of Management, was honored with this year’s Dean’s Award for Excellence. Described as “authentic,” Broughton is known for being engaged, thoughtful and intentional.
BENJAMIN BROUGHTON receiving the Dean’s Award for Excellence from Dean Simon Sheather
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STUDENT AWARDS
BENJAMIN BROUGHTON with Dan Halgin, associate professor of management
“He is the student who listens closely and responds with insight and sincerity, often staying after class to delve deeper into topics,” said Dan Halgin, associate professor of management. “He actively participates in student events and welcomes new members with kindness.” Broughton was a Global Scholars Pathway/Lewis Honors College student with a double major in management and finance and a minor in international business. He maximized the opportunities offered by Gatton College, including his involvement in the Honors Pathway Program and the Gatton Ambassador program, where he served in multiple leadership roles. Benjamin served as a teaching assistant and gained impressive internship experience with GE Aerospace, Fifth Third Bank and AMEND Consulting in Cincinnati. Upon graduation, Benjamin accepted a full-time position with AMEND Consulting. Demonstrating an attitude of service, he volunteered to host an information session for other undergraduates to prepare them for the job search process and was involved with groups such as God’s Pantry in the Lexington community. In addition to the Dean’s Award for Excellence, the Gatton College also recognized some other outstanding individuals. Jane Brown Wells was the student-nominated faculty of the year, Hayley Hollenberg was the student-nominated staff of the year, Alberto Cocke was the student organization member of the year, and the American Marketing Association was recognized as the student organization of the year.
JANE BROWN WELLS Faculty of the Year (Student Nominated)
HAYLEY HOLLENBERG Staff of the Year (Student Nominated)
AMERICAN MARKETING ASSOCIATION Student Organization of the Year
ALBERTO COCKE Student Organization Member of the Year
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2025 Induction Ceremony GATTON COLLEGE ALUMNI
HALL OF
FAME
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HALL OF FAME
2025 Distinguished Young Alumni
ALICIA REITANO BBA FINANCE AND MARKETING ’03 SENIOR DIRECTOR OF U.S. OPERATIONS QUALITY, DHL EXPRESS
Scan to watch Alicia’s story.
Alicia Reitano was born on Long Island and raised in Fort Thomas, Kentucky. Reitano graduated in 2003 from Gatton with a double major in marketing and finance. Following her time at UK, Reitano entered the world of international trade as a customs brokerage analyst for freight forwarder Kuehne + Nagel in Cincinnati. After becoming a customs brokerage manager and obtaining her U.S. Customs Brokerage License, she left K+N for DHL in 2013. She joined DHL Express U.S. as the senior import compliance manager with the International Trade Affairs and Compliance team. In 2017, Reitano moved to New York to become the customer operation group senior manager. In late 2020, she became the director of U.S. COG, leading the COG, program management and implementation teams by driving and supporting innovative solutions. Currently, Reitano is the senior director of U.S. operations quality overseeing four key teams and functions in the business. Reitano is a volunteer leader within the DHL4HER employee resource group, advocating for women’s voices within the organization. In her free time, Reitano enjoys skiing, traveling, trying new restaurants and visiting local breweries. She currently resides in the New York area with her partner Maria.
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HALL OF FAME
2025 Hall of Fame Inductee
JOHN S. CAIN BBA ACCOUNTING, FINANCE, AND GERMAN ’86 CEO EMERITUS, WISEWAY SUPPLY
John S. Cain, Ryland Heights, Ky., earned his degree in finance, accounting and German from UK in 1986 and earned his law degree from Northern Kentucky University’s Chase College of Law in 1993. At UK, Cain was student body president and trustee to the UK Board of Trustees. He serves on the Dean’s Advisory Council, has served three terms on the UK Alumni Association board of directors, serves on the leadership advisory council and is a UK Presidential Fellow. Cain is the recently retired president & CEO of Wiseway Supply and is immediate past chair of the National Association of Electrical Distributors. He also served as chair of the board of IMARK Electrical, on the boards of directors of IMARK Plumbing and IMARK Group, as president of the Elite Distributor Insurance Co., past chair of the board of directors of the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce and on the board of directors of The Bank of Kentucky. He founded Performance Rental and co-founded Alliance Business Lending. He is a member of the 2002 class of Leadership Kentucky. He and his wife, Carla Dell Cain Crum (’86 UK), have four daughters: Addison (’14 UK), Hannah, Caroline and Mary Jacqueline (’22 UK, ’27 UKCOM).
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Scan to watch John’s story.
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HALL OF FAME
2025 Hall of Fame Inductee
SILAS DEANE BS ECONOMICS ’88 SERIAL ENTREPRENEUR
Scan to watch Silas’ story.
Silas Deane is the founder of VendEngine (which he sold to Tyler Technologies), Logic Media Group and Baden Bath Inc. Deane also started other ventures including Vertical Supply and Deane, Smith & Partners. Before becoming an entrepreneur in Nashville, Deane worked in Washington, D.C., for Senator Al Gore Jr. and then for Congressman Bob Clement. He was also the spokesperson for the 200th Anniversary Tour of the U.S. Bill of Rights and served as executive director of the International Microelectronics Foundation. Deane holds a Master’s of Government Administration from the University of Pennsylvania and a B.S. in Economics from UK. He is actively involved in the community, currently serving as the chairman of the board for the Von Allmen Center for Entrepreneurship at UK and on the executive committee of the Nashville Technology Council. While at UK, Deane played on the UK rugby team and was a student body senator. He met his wife Angela while celebrating the Final Four in Lexington in 1985.
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HALL OF FAME
2025 Hall of Fame Inductee
JANE BROWN WELLS BS ACCOUNTING ’74, MS ACCOUNTING ’86 RETIRED ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, GATTON COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS
Jane Brown Wells received a Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree from UK in 1974 and a Master of Science in Accounting from UK in 1986 when she also received the Peat, Marwick, Mitchell Co. award for the Outstanding Candidate for Master of Science in Accounting. She received her CPA license in 1976 and, prior to joining the faculty at UK, Wells worked at Potter & Company, a regional public accounting firm in Lexington. She is a past president of the Bluegrass Chapter of the Kentucky Society of CPAs and a former member of the board of directors of the Kentucky Society of CPAs. In 1989, Wells received her “dream opportunity.” She joined the Von Allmen School of Accountancy at UK as a Special Title faculty member. In addition to teaching, she has been assistant dean of Undergraduate Studies at the Gatton College and director of the Master of Science in Accounting program in the School of Accountancy. Her teaching interests are in financial accounting and international financial accounting. Wells has received numerous teaching awards at the University of Kentucky, including UK’s Great Teacher Award, the 2025 Faculty Member of the Year as voted by the student body and other teaching awards in the Gatton College and Von Allmen School of Accountancy.
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Scan to watch Jane’s Story.
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INVEST IN YOUR FUTURE ADVANCE YOUR CAREER WITH A GRADUATE BUSINESS DEGREE FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY.
- FULL-TIME MBA - PART-TIME MBA - ACCOUNTING - FINANCE - HUMAN RESOURCES - MARKETING - SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT
KELSEY FERGUSON MS ACCOUNTING ALUM
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GATTON.UKY.EDU/MASTERS
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1 0 0 Y E A R S O F D I S T I N C T I O N: Gatton College Alumni Hall of Fame and Centennial Celebration
Friday, April 17, 2026 6 – 10 p.m. Gatton College of Business and Economics This year, the Gatton College of Business and Economics proudly celebrates 100 years of advancing business education, research and leadership at the University of Kentucky. Since its establishment in 1925, the college has prepared generations of students to lead with integrity and strengthen communities across Kentucky and beyond. In April 2026, our Gatton community will come together to honor 100 years of distinction — celebrating the progress that has defined our first century while looking ahead to the opportunities that will shape the next. It will be a moment to reflect on Gatton’s impact and to celebrate the students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends who continue to carry the Gatton legacy forward. We hope you will join us.
F o rm a l in vita ti o n t o f o l l o w.
MULTI-GENERATION FEATURE
A SCHOLAR’S PATH, A FAMILY’S PRIDE Allen Rondal Bruce walked the halls of Gatton College decades ago, in a time when business was done on adding machines and an MBA class only had five students He earned his bachelor’s degree and MBA from UK, and while his professional path led him through firms like KitchenAid and RJR, and even to being named a Kentucky Colonel, his heart remained close to Lexington. Eventually, he followed his dream of becoming an entrepreneur, opening his own business later in life — a move that fulfilled a lifelong desire to build something of his own.
FULL CIRCLE One hundred years ago, the foundation was laid for something much bigger than just a business school. The Gatton College of Business and Economics at UK would go on to shape leaders, launch careers and create community. But perhaps its most lasting impact can be found in the stories that stretch across generations — families who passed down values, dreams and a deeprooted connection to this campus. Looking back on a century of the Gatton College, it is fitting to celebrate with the people who made it a family tradition. The Bruce and Cain families each hold three generations of graduates, and their stories remind us that what happens here doesn’t just prepare someone for a job. It lays the groundwork for a legacy.
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Allen never pushed his children to follow in his footsteps. But his quiet pride in UK and his strong connection to the school spoke volumes to his children. His daughter, Diane Bruce, saw it clearly. She remembers her father’s love for the university, the way he talked about his experience and how the campus remained a point of joy and connection for their family long after he graduated. Diane eventually followed that pull back to Kentucky. After earning her undergraduate and master’s degrees at Miami University in Ohio, she spent some time
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working in Louisville. It was during that time that she taught a class as an adjunct instructor, and the experience reminded her of what she truly wanted: a career in teaching and academia. Her father had once been approached about earning a doctorate and teaching at UK but passed up the opportunity to pursue stable work in order to provide for his family. Diane says he later wondered what could have been. When she mentioned her own desire to pursue a doctorate, Allen encouraged her to go for it. Diane applied to the doctoral program at Gatton — and was accepted. She found her stride at UK, crediting mentors like Drs. Frank Scott, Gail Hoyt and Bob Gillette with helping her become a skilled teacher and leader. Her graduate school experience was rich with camaraderie, mentorship and even football tailgates hosted by her parents. Her father loved those tailgates, chatting with students and telling stories about his days at UK — some from as far back as the 1950s, when the business school looked quite different. Today, Diane is dean of the Rubel School of Business at Bellarmine University, a role that allows her to influence the next generation of business leaders just like her professors once did for her. Now, her son Alec is continuing the family legacy as the third generation to attend Gatton. Alec Anstine earned his bachelor’s from Gatton and is currently pursuing his master’s, making him the third member of the Bruce family to pursue two degrees from the college. As a student, Alec dove into campus life, co-chairing Greek Sing and participating in DanceBlue, one of UK’s most cherished traditions. While Diane didn’t pressure him to attend UK, she encouraged him to choose a place where he felt connected. He found that connection at Gatton — and even added a minor in economics, perhaps influenced just a bit by his economist mom.
Top Left: Allen Rondal Bruce in college Bottom Left: Allen Rondal Bruce holding his grandson, Alec Anstine, as a baby Top Right: Dr. Diane Bruce with her son Alec Anstine
Diane smiles at the full-circle nature of it all: “I wouldn’t be where I am today without the foundation that the faculty and curriculum provided for me,” she said. “I hope my son finds his place as well.” For her, and for her father before her, Gatton wasn’t just a college. It was a home. And now, it’s part of her family’s story — past, present and future.
BUSINESS BUILT AT GATTON AND PASSED DOWN WITH PRIDE If you ask the Cain family about their relationship with the Gatton College of Business and Economics, they’ll probably tell you it’s all about entrepreneurship, leadership and building something that lasts. The late Rodney “Biz” Cain graduated from the College of Commerce (as it was known then) in 1963 with a degree in business administration. He made the most of it. In 1972, he founded Wiseway Plumbing and Electrical Supply, a business that would grow into a major regional
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MULTI-GENERATION FEATURE
From Left: Ryan, Aly, Charlie and Jack Cain
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MULTI-GENERATION FEATURE
distributor. He also helped start The Bank of Kentucky in 1990 and even served as a cabinet secretary under Gov. Paul Patton. Biz met his wife Jackie, also a UK graduate, during his time on campus. Together, they built a family and a legacy that kept the college close to their hearts. Their two sons, John and Charlie Cain, both followed in their father’s footsteps to Gatton in the 1980s. John graduated in 1986 with a degree in finance, accounting and German, and later earned a law degree. During his time at UK, he was elected student body president and served as a student trustee on the Board of Trustees. After graduation, he went on to lead Wiseway Supply as president and CEO, served in national and regional leadership roles and remained deeply involved with UK, including service on the Dean’s Advisory Council and the UK Alumni Association Board. In 2025, he was inducted into Gatton’s Hall of Fame — one more milestone in a life marked by leadership and service. Charlie also earned his degree from Gatton in 1989, majoring in finance and accounting. He started his career on Wall Street while earning an MBA in international business at NYU, then returned home to work alongside John at Wiseway before founding his own successful ventures in the food manufacturing industry. Today, Charlie is a co-founder of Trillium Foods, a company that supplies major brands like Starbucks and McDonald’s. Through it all, he credits Gatton for giving him the tools to succeed. “The curriculum and professors inspired and equipped me,” he said. He remembers Dr. Bill Ecton making auditing interesting – no small feat. Charlie also built lifelong friendships through his fraternity and the Student Activities Board. The Cain legacy didn’t stop with John and Charlie. In fact, it’s still growing. Charlie and his wife, Angie, have five children, and three of them — Ryan, Jack and Aly — are current or recent Gatton students. Together, they represent the third generation of Cains to walk the halls of the Gatton College.
individuals,” he said. “My dad and grandfather’s legacies are one of success and excellence, and I’m proud to follow that path.” Jack’s sister Aly, a marketing major and Alpha Delta Pi member, also speaks passionately about the value of a Gatton education — even as she prepares for a career in healthcare. “Even in nursing, having a business background is incredibly valuable,” she said. “Gatton gives students a strong foundation, not just in business but in life.” Like her brother, Aly is inspired by the generations that came before her. “I feel a sense of pride and purpose knowing that I’m walking the same halls they once did,” she said. Ryan, the eldest of the three siblings currently at Gatton, rounds out this new generation — each of them honoring the past while forging their own futures.
A LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP, A FUTURE BUILT ON TRADITION The stories of the Bruce and Cain families capture the spirit of what makes Gatton special. Yes, it’s a place of learning, filled with professors and life-changing opportunities. But more than that, it’s a place where generations find belonging, where dreams are encouraged and where values are passed down like heirlooms. For both families, the Gatton College of Business and Economics is a part of who they are. It’s where careers began, where friendships formed, where lives changed. And as their children and grandchildren continue to follow the same path, one thing becomes clear: Legacies aren’t just something you leave behind. Sometimes, they walk beside you. Right into the future.
Jack, a finance major with minors in international business and economics, is vice president of the UK mock trial team and a member of Kappa Alpha Order. He studied abroad in New Zealand and has his sights set on a future in private equity or banking. “Gatton has provided me with a robust network of driven
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BUILDING EXPANSION
BUILDING FOR THE NEXT 100 YEARS The Gatton College of Business and Economics’ expansion plans position it for a future of INNOVATION, GROWTH and GLOBAL LEADERSHIP.
While Gatton College’s influence reaches far beyond its Lexington campus, the University of Kentucky is preparing to expand Gatton’s physical footprint — ensuring that the next century of business education is as bold and transformative as its first. The college’s vision for the future demands “bestin-class” infrastructure, from cutting-edge learning environments and world-class faculty to scholarships that attract the brightest business minds from around the globe. Gatton must lead in emerging disciplines — especially innovation and artificial intelligence — and be recognized as a pioneer rather than a follower. As enrollment and academic programs continue to grow, Facilities Planning Director Tony Day and his team have mapped out an ambitious expansion for Gatton College. “We are preparing Gatton for its next 100 years,” Day said. “Our new building will
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create spaces that support both traditional learning and next-generation programs, such as AI and technology-focused initiatives.” The project will add approximately 60,000 to 80,000 square feet to the college, comfortably accommodating projected student and faculty growth over the next decade. With an approximate investment of more than $100 million, the expansion is anticipated to open by fall 2028. The new facility will replace the Mathews Building, occupying roughly the same footprint while featuring a shared courtyard with historic Memorial Hall. This design honors Gatton’s architectural heritage while integrating new technologies and sustainability considerations. Careful planning will preserve a historic oak tree and navigate an extensive underground utilities network, ensuring a seamless connection to the existing Gatton complex.
Above: A rendering of the planned Gatton College of Business and Economics building expansion, courtesy of RossTarrant Architects Inside, the expansion will feature a mix of flexible classrooms, collaborative study rooms and multipurpose learning areas. The Undergraduate Resource Center and Graham Office of Career Management will grow significantly, alongside an expanded Information Technology suite. Additional departmental space will support faculty and staff as the college continues to broaden its academic offerings. “These spaces will advance Gatton’s mission to provide a world-class business education,” Day said. As Gatton looks ahead to its next century, its growth — both in scope and spirit — underscores a simple truth: greatness requires vision, and vision requires space to grow.
“As the college enters its next 100 years, all of us here — staff and faculty alike — are confident of a few things: 1) The Gatton College will continue serving all students, no matter their background. 2) The college will continue to equip rising global business leaders to thrive in a complex, interconnected and AI-driven world. 3) Its commitment to innovation in research, teaching and engagement will position the college as an education leader in Kentucky and beyond.”
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STUDENT FEATURE
LIMITLESS
Above: Deborah Burden and fellow Gatton Ambassadors at the 2025 Student Awards Day Top Right: Burden volunteering at a Gatton community service project
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When Deborah Burden first stepped onto the University of Kentucky’s campus, she wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. Having grown up in Rochester, N.Y., the University of Kentucky wasn’t even on her radar until her parents relocated to the Bluegrass State. “Coming from Rochester, I had honestly never heard of UK and had never even thought to explore schools in Kentucky,” she recalled. But during the summer before her senior year of high school, she took her first official college tour — and it happened to be at UK. That one visit changed everything.
“I was immediately struck by how beautiful the Gatton College of Business and Economics was, and I consistently heard about the incredible opportunities available to students,” Burden said. “From that moment on, UK remained my top choice.” Now entering her senior year, she can’t imagine herself anywhere else. For Burden, the decision to attend Gatton was all about possibility. As an accounting major, she has already begun carving a path toward her future. This summer, she returned for her second internship with PwC in private audit, with the ultimate goal of securing a fulltime opportunity with the firm after graduation. Looking further ahead, she has her sights set on senior leadership roles. “My ultimate goal is to become either a Chief Financial Officer or a Forensic Accountant,” she explained. Although she acknowledges that each path will bring its own challenges, she’s confident in one thing: whatever role she takes on, it will be with purpose.
“No matter which path I pursue, I hope to use my career as a way to give back and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.”
Burden is quick to point out that her journey is shaped not only by her personal drive but also by the era in which she is entering the workforce. “Technology is the biggest game-changer,” she said. Unlike previous generations who relied heavily on in-person networking, job fairs and personal introductions, her peers are stepping into a world that’s connected by digital platforms. “With platforms like LinkedIn and Handshake, we have access to an entire world of professionals and opportunities that past generations didn’t,” Burden explained. “Networking, job searching and even mentorship have become more accessible, helping us build connections that otherwise might have never happened.” It’s a perspective that highlights how today’s students are using innovation not just as a tool but to launch themselves into careers that may not have existed even a decade ago. As Gatton celebrates more than a century of excellence, Burden finds motivation in the legacy of those who came before her. “I’m inspired by the diverse paths Gatton alumni have taken,” she said. From CEOs and entrepreneurs to educators and community leaders, Gatton’s alumni network demonstrates how business degrees can open doors in virtually any industry. What stands out most to her, however, is the way alumni continue to give back. “Whether through speaking at events, serving as mentors, sitting on advisory boards or committees or providing opportunities and support, they remain deeply engaged and committed to the college,” she noted. “The ongoing support and dedication are incredibly impactful, and it’s something I hope to contribute to after graduation.”
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STUDENT FEATURE
Burden (front row, center) pictured with the Gatton Ambassadors for the 2025–26 school year
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STUDENT FEATURE
Although history is motivating, Burden said that the current moment has been just as inspiring. Over the past year, she has had the opportunity to connect with many Gatton alumni through events like the Gatton College Alumni Hall of Fame, the Emerging Leaders Board and the Dean’s Advisory Council. “In every interaction, I’ve been struck by the passion and commitment alumni have to give back to Gatton and the students,” she shared. “With one more year left at Gatton, I’m constantly reflecting on how incredible this school is and how I can contribute in the future. Seeing the alumni’s dedication firsthand has truly inspired me and makes me excited for what lies ahead.” If Burden had to choose a single word to summarize her time at Gatton, it would be “limitless.” “My experience at Gatton has been shaped by the endless opportunities I’ve had,” she said. “If you had asked me in high school what I thought my college journey would look like, I never could have imagined this.” Burden has served as president of the Gatton Ambassadors, a peer mentor for ConnectFirst, participated in the Women Business Leaders program, studied abroad in Paris and interned with her dream company, PwC. Along the way, she’s been surrounded by peers and faculty who have made her journey unforgettable. “I’ve met some of the best people — both peers and faculty — who have truly made this journey unforgettable,” she said. As she approaches her final year, Burden is focused not just on the milestones ahead but also on the lasting impact she wants to leave behind. “Gatton has given me so much,” she reflected. “As I approach my final year, I’m excited to continue growing and to see where I’ll be a year from now.” For Burden, what started as an unexpected campus tour in the summer before senior year has blossomed into a transformative experience, one that she hopes will inspire the next generation of Wildcats to pursue their own limitless journeys.
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TRACE WILLIAMS “As a filmmaker and video producer, I found the MBA incredibly relevant. From understanding budgets and making smarter gear investments, to marketing ideas, managing crews, interpreting data and navigating spreadsheets, it’s all connected.”
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PART-TIME MBA: The MBA That Fits Your Life
Gatton’s Part-Time MBA is designed for professionals who want to keep advancing their careers while earning a degree on their time. For working professionals like Trace Williams, a video producer balancing deadlines and creative projects, Gatton’s flexible format provided the tools to grow without pausing his professional life. With flexible course options led by faculty who understand the realities of working professionals, students apply classroom insights directly to their careers from day one. Gatton’s Part-Time MBA equips leaders across industries to learn, lead and make a difference, all at a pace that fits their lives.
LEARN MORE
gatton.uky.edu/ptmba
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TITLE
1952: GI BILL MBA OFFERED MBA degree offered as veterans return to attend college on the GI Bill. At least 200 Commerce students are graduating per year.
1974: DR. WILLIAM W. ECTON NAMED DEAN Dr. Ecton served as acting dean from January 1974 to April 1976, when he was appointed the fourth dean of the College of Business and Economics. He served until 1980.
1965: DR. CHARLES F. HAYWOOD NAMED DEAN 1948: DR. CECIL C. CARPENTER NAMED DEAN Enrollment tops at 1,000 students. Publication of the Commerce Employment Association’s “Bargains in Brains” to aid student placement begins.
1925
The number of students graduating doubled, the entire undergraduate curriculum is revised, and the college begins offering a DBA program. Dr. Haywood served 10 years.
1968: COLLEGE RENAMED College renamed the College of Business and Economics.
1950 1926: ACCREDITATION The college receives full accreditation by the AACSB International (The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business).
1967: DEPARTMENT OF ACCOUNTING BEGINS
1925: COLLEGE OF COMMERCE FOUNDED
1964: NEW BUILDING COMPLETED
The College of Commerce was created from the Department of Economics. Classes and offices were housed in White Hall, a former dormitory. The college’s first dean was Dr. Edward Wiest.
The college’s new building is completed. The college consisted of two academic departments: the Department of Economics and the Department of Business Administration.
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TITLE
2012: DR. DAVID W. BLACKWELL NAMED DEAN
Dr. Blackwell named seventh dean and served six years.
2000: SCHOOL OF ACCOUNTANCY RENAMED 1995: COLLEGE RENAMED College renamed Carol Martin Gatton College of Business and Economics, in honor of Carol Martin “Bill” Gatton and his $14 million pledge.
School of Accountancy renamed to Douglas J. Von Allmen School of Accountancy, thanks to $5 million gift from Douglas J. Von Allmen, 1965 graduate of accountancy, and his wife, Linda.
1997: BUSINESS AND MEDICINE Joint-degree programs were added in Gatton College with medicine, pharmacy and allied health.
1981: DR. RICHARD W. FURST NAMED DEAN Dr. Furst named fifth dean and served 22 years.
New building opened, a $65 million renovation and expansion.
2025
2000 1994: INAUGURAL CLASS OF THE ALUMNI HALL OF FAME
2016: RENOVATION AND EXPANSION
2017: MASTER’S IN FINANCE DEGREE OFFERED 2003: DR. DEVANATHAN SUDHARSHAN NAMED DEAN Dr. Sudharshan named sixth dean and served nine years.
2018: DR. SIMON J. SHEATHER NAMED DEAN Dr. Sheather named eighth and current dean.
GATTON COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS
TIMELINE
QUARTER 1
Left: A College of Commerce student workshop group posed in front of White Hall April 7, 1941
Right: Students in a Commerce class using adding machines, circa 1941
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QUARTER 1
1925-1950 Monday, September 21, 1925, was the first day of classes for 221 College of Commerce students. The college operated out of a former dormitory known as White Hall. The building would be razed four decades later for the site to become home to White Hall Classroom Building. The college offered 38 courses and one degree, a bachelor of science in commerce. The degree required 127 credits, including six credits in military science, four in physical education, three in statistics and 12 in history and/or philosophy, political science, sociology, education and psychology. Dr. Edward Wiest, the college’s first dean, taught eight of those classes. Within a year, the College of Commerce received full accreditation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business — AACSB International was barely a decade old itself. By December 1925, students had formed the Commerce Club to promote and advertise the College of Commerce. One of the elected officers, serving as secretary of the club, was a student from Mercer County, Kentucky, named Cecil Carpenter. He was
a member of the College of Commerce’s inaugural graduating class in 1926, and in 23 years, he would become Dean Wiest’s successor. In 1927, the nationwide professional business fraternity of Delta Sigma Pi installed a chapter at UK. The local Pi Chi chapter had 10 members plus Drs. McVey and Wiest as honorary charter members. Another organization was Beta Gamma Sigma, a national honorary society for commerce students. A half-dozen years after the formation of the College of Commerce, a new group of students would organize a Commerce Employment Association as a way to promote themselves to prospective employers, a precursor to a collegiate jobplacement service. The local Chamber of Commerce, known as the Lexington Board of Commerce at the time, also helped students find part-time work during the school year. By 1947, there was a college Chamber of Commerce on campus.
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QUARTER 2
1950-1975 The quarter century between 1950 and 1975 ushered in the era of modern electronics, saw flower children and hippies demonstrating, brought needed changes in policies and culture by way of the Civil Rights Movement, and changed the logistics of business and economics for good. In the 1950s, bowties were on the way out, as college men started wearing neckties and button-down shirts to campus functions and social events. Women students were seen in classes and social events wearing belted dresses with Peter Pan collars. The University of Kentucky celebrated its 100th anniversary as a land-grant institution in 1965. It was also in the mid-1960s that the College of Commerce upgraded from an antiquated building to a brand new classroom building, changed its name to the College of Business and Economics, added degree programs for a Master of Business Administration and Doctor of Business Administration and established the Department of Accounting.
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QUARTER 2
Right: Students walking by walls covered in graffiti surrounding White Hall, circa 1970
Left: Construction of the new College of Commerce building, 1963
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QUARTER 3
Left: The new building included the Ashland Oil Information Center with almost 100 computer terminals, and 16 classrooms wired for computer networking and video access, 1991
Right: College renamed Carol Martin Gatton College of Business and Economics, in honor of Carol Martin “Bill” Gatton and his $14 million pledge, 1995
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QUARTER 3
1975-2000 Between 1975 and 2000, the College of Business and Economics expanded the building’s footprint with an additional facility and got a new name in honor of benefactor C.M. “Bill” Gatton, becoming the Carol Martin Gatton College of Business and Economics in 1995. Dean Richard Furst and his team set the standards for fundraising efforts and that bar has continued on an upward trajectory since. Under Dean Furst’s leadership, the Business Partnership Foundation officially began in August 1981. The nonprofit corporation was established to solicit gifts from businesses for the enhancement and improvement of the College of Business and Economics. It was through this foundation that a statewide fund drive produced a $1 million endowed chair in banking and financial services. In the late 1980s, the accounting programs earned Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation. In 1990, the college hosted its inaugural Economic Outlook Conference, an annual event that has grown to hundreds of attendees and is still going strong.
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QUARTER 4
2000-2025 The new millennium started off strong for Gatton students, thanks in part to the generosity of Doug and Linda Von Allmen. The Center for Entrepreneurship, having been around since 1996, was renamed the Douglas J. Von Allmen Center for Entrepreneurship and E-Commerce Center. Adding the reference to electronic commerce was intentional, because the burgeoning digital landscape was transforming the way goods and services were bought and sold. Gatton faculty and staff, being early adopters, had expertise in e-commerce and were expanding research and educational programs. As e-commerce began to be fully recognized as a tool for business in virtually any industry, the center’s name was rebranded as VACE, the Von Allmen Center for Entrepreneurship. What does it take to start a business? Since the fall of 2015, students, alumni and community members have been able to take advantage of an
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entrepreneur bootcamp at Venture Studio through VACE. The Venture Studio Bootcamp puts students through a semester-long start-up program involving proof of concept, viability testing, business model creation and a myriad of other steps to starting a business. Long before the COVID-19 pandemic drove academia to digital classes off campus, and before Zoom became a verb, Gatton College had online offerings. Already ahead of the game, the transition to remote learning was seamless. Paul Childs, associate dean of graduate programs, spearheaded the technological transformation. And just five months after lockdown, Gatton College offered a new master’s degree in supply chain management. At the spring commencement of 2024, more than 1,000 degrees were awarded to Gatton graduate and undergraduate students.
QUARTER 4
Right: Professor John Saliling teaching in the Seale Finance Learning Center
Left: Dean Simon Sheather sitting with the 2025 incoming first-year students at Gatton Welcome
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TITLE
From Left: Bill Gatton, President Eli Capilouto, Paul Chellgren, Sam Mitchell, Luther Deaton
LEGACIES IN
Generosity CAROL MARTIN “BILL” GATTON Since its founding in 1925, the Gatton College of Business and Economics has worked to make a meaningful impact by preparing principled leaders who drive economic growth in Kentucky and beyond. The college remains committed to nurturing talent that is not only skilled, but also rooted in integrity, service and community. No individual better exemplified these ideals than Carol Martin “Bill” Gatton, for whom the college is named. Bill Gatton will always be remembered as a self-made entrepreneur, a successful businessman and a generous benefactor. Born and raised on a farm in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky, Gatton developed a passion for business at a young age — famously approaching a local farmer about purchasing his land at just six years old. This early drive hinted at a future marked by determination and bold vision. After graduating from the University of Kentucky in 1954 with a degree in commerce and later earning a master’s from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, he launched a successful automotive career.
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Gatton took his earnings from the automotive industry and strategically invested in banking and real estate. Yet, despite his financial success, Gatton never lost sight of his roots. He held fast to the belief that wealth should be a tool for progress, not just personal gain. “I think giving money to the right things is more important than making money.” In 1985, he created The Bill Gatton Foundation to support educational opportunity, medical advancement and economic development in Kentucky, East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. Gatton became the single largest donor in University of Kentucky history. His $14 million gift to the College of Business and Economics in 1995 led to the school’s renaming. In 2014, he gave $20 million for the initial construction of the Bill Gatton Student Center, then in 2019, he gave another $13.5 million for additional space to support the influx of students the university saw in the fall 2018. The grand opening was one of his best days on campus. Following his passing in 2022, his foundation gifted a historic $100 million to UK’s College of Agriculture, Food and Environment — considered to be the largest donation ever made to a college of agriculture in the United States.
PAUL CHELLGREN Paul Chellgren, a 2000 inductee of the UK Alumni Association Hall of Distinguished Alumni and the Gatton College Alumni Hall of Fame, graduated from the university in 1964 with a bachelor’s in accounting. In his time at UK, he was active in the Honors College, starred in intercollegiate debate and served as student body president during his senior year. In addition to his degree from UK, he holds an MBA from Harvard University and a D.D.E. from Oxford University. Chellgren joined Ashland Inc. in 1974 for what
DONOR RECOGNITION
would eventually culminate in a 28-year career, including stints as both chairman and CEO. Paul Chellgren’s enduring commitment to undergraduate excellence is most visibly embodied in the establishment of the Chellgren Center for Undergraduate Excellence, initially funded by a personal gift from Chellgren and his family in 2005. In 2017, the Chellgrens made an additional $12 million gift to support the center’s long-term vision.
SAM MITCHELL Bill Gatton’s kindness was not just transformative in scale, it was motivational to all those who had the privilege of working with him. Sam Mitchell, former President/ CEO of Valvoline (2002-2023), served on Gatton’s Dean’s Advisory Council for many years — some of those alongside Gatton. Mitchell, after earning his MBA, took a job in California working for the Clorox Company. He worked in brand management, developing his skills as a leader. He, along with his wife and kids, would later move to Lexington, KY, where he joined Valvoline, tasked with developing the marketing organization. Sam’s parents, throughout his childhood, instilled the message in him that it was important to give back to the community both with time and effort. At Valvoline, he did exactly that. During his time on the Gatton College Dean’s Advisory Council, Mitchell drew on his business expertise in running a successful company that gives back to the community, including longstanding partnerships with Habitat for Humanity, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and the Hope Center. He noted that the company maintains a strong partnership with the Gatton College through various educational programs for MBA students, like Project Connect. These students work on a wide range of projects, which inspire many to pursue careers with Valvoline after graduation.
“I think giving money to the right things is more important than making money.” — Bill Gatton
In 2022, Valvoline hosted the SEC MBA Case Competition at its headquarters in Lexington, Kentucky. The company also participated in UK’s Career Builder Days in September 2024, providing students, faculty and staff opportunities to engage directly with industry professionals and explore career pathways grounded in innovation, responsibility and community impact. In 2025, Valvoline partnered with UK’s Launch Blue accelerator program to support startups focused on sustainability and the circular economy. Through mentorship and technical expertise, Valvoline helps early-stage companies bridge the gap between innovation and application. Mitchell noted that Valvoline’s experience mirrors that of other organizations represented on the Dean’s Advisory Council — partnering with the Gatton College not only strengthens the school but also benefits businesses through real-world collaboration. This partnership ultimately supports both the company and the region by producing graduates who are better prepared for success.
LUTHER DEATON Like Mr. Gatton, Luther Deaton’s story is deeply grounded in the values of rural Kentucky. Growing up in a modest four-room home without running water, heat, television or telephone in Breathitt County, he learned the meaning of hard work at an early age. By the time he was seven, he was already thinning corn in the fields. These early experiences taught him resilience and self-reliance, qualities that would shape his character and guide him through a long, successful career in finance. After a decade in the finance industry, Deaton joined Central Bank in Lexington in 1978. He said about founder Garvice D. Kincaid, “He viewed banks as pillars of our communities, serving to support the communities that have made our bank what it is today, in good times and bad.” Through Kincaid’s philosophy, Deaton developed not only his financial expertise but also a leadership approach grounded in service. Today, Deaton serves as chairman, president and CEO of Central Bank & Trust Co., leading the institution while championing a culture of philanthropy. “Providing access to affordable education and developing another generation of leaders and businesspeople in Kentucky is a passion of both Central Bank and myself,” Deaton said. Central Bank contributes $50,000 annually to the Kincaid Scholarship Fund to assist students with financial needs. Deaton also serves on the Gatton College Dean’s Advisory Council and has done so for many years.
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DONOR RECOGNITION
Thank You G AT T O N C O L L E G E L I F E T I M E D O N O R S * Denotes Deceased
** Honorary Doctorate
5MM & ABOVE
1MM–$4,999,999
Central Bank
Advanced Technology International
Joe Craft Foundation
Ashland Inc.
* Bill Gatton ‘54, ‘99 **
BB&T Bank
The Bill Gatton Foundation
Cynthia A. and Thomas E. Bloch
Richard J. ‘80 and Debra D. Huxley
Charles Koch Foundation
* Don L. Jacobs, Sr. ‘14 ** and
Gerald R. ‘79 and Vicki S. Benjamin
Catherine K. Jacobs
John S. ‘86 and Carla D. Cain
Howard L. ‘70 and Ruth Ann Lewis
D. Michael ‘62 and Moninda D. Coyle
The John H. Schnatter Family
John H. Dicken, Jr. ‘82
Foundation Inc. William E. Seale ‘63, MS ‘69, PhD ‘75 and Marguerite E. Pelissier John Maze Stewart * James W. Stuckert MBA ‘61, ‘04 ** and * Diane V. Stuckert Douglas J. Von Allmen ‘65
Dicken Family Fund Forcht Group of Kentucky Cynthia J. Harkins ‘84 Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation, Inc. Joan D. Kincaid ‘63 Gary B. Knapp DBA ‘77 Roger E. Mick ‘68 Jerry T. ‘73 and Laura J. Miller ‘73 D. Scott ‘87 and Kelli B. Parsons Elizabeth S. Pease John C. “Jack” Peters ‘66 Mark L. Rexroat ‘92, MSAcc ‘93
$100,000–$999,999 Arvil V. MA ‘68, PhD ‘70 and Mary A. Adams AEGON Institutional Markets AICPA Foundation ADS * Len Aldridge ‘59 * Nolen C. Allen ‘52 Altria Group, Inc. American Bankers Association
52 TRANSFORM | CENTENNIAL EDITION 2025
Gary L. Arthur, Jr. ‘78 and Sheila Y. Arthur ‘77
Scott Roeth ‘69, MBA ‘70 Donald C. ‘65, MBA ‘67 and * Penney P. Rogers Geoffrey H. ‘74, MBA ‘76 and Janet M. Rosenberger * Warren W. ‘47, ‘84 ** and * Betty W. Rosenthal Gretchen Widmer Schar ‘76 J. Michael Schlotman ‘79 Thomas W. ‘62 and Mary A. Shaver James Fritz Skeen ‘72, MBA ‘73 and Helen Morse Gary A. Smith, Sr. ‘83, MBA ‘22 and Anne T. Smith Smith Brothers, Scott S. ‘90 and Sean S. ‘90 David L. ‘81 and Rosemarie A. Thurston ‘86 Rexford J. ‘95 and Amy L. Tibbens Truist * M. S. and Sowmya Vijayaraghavan John A. ‘62 and Vivian G. Williams Terry T. Woodward ‘63, ‘22 ** Allan J. Zachariah ‘81 Nancy Zink O’Connor ‘82
Michael R. ‘69, MBA ‘71 and Susan H. Buchanan
Arthur Andersen LLP
David P. ‘83 and Jamie L. Calzi ‘86
AT&T
* Carl R. Lezius Trust
Baird
Dilmohan ‘76 and Ameeta Chadha
Paul E. ‘65, PhD ‘83 and Emily S. Bayes
Chase Bank
* Jarvis L. MBA ‘80 and Leslie V. Bennett
Paul W. Chellgren ‘64, ‘14 **
Randolph C. Blazer MBA ‘73
John C. Cheshire III ‘95
* Alan Bloomfield
Glenn L. Clark, Jr. MBA ‘69 and
Helen R. Bradley ‘81
Rosanne J. Clark ‘68
DONOR RECOGNITION
Clark Material Handling Company
Kentucky Utilities Company
Jerry A. Stricker ‘61
* Estate of John E. Clinkinbeard ‘39
Elaine Kleiser ‘65
Texas Instruments Foundation
Compass Group Management
* Bernice Peo Koehnlein
William W. Thomason, Jr. ‘77, MBA ‘78
Nick L. Cross ‘96
KPMG Peat Marwick Foundation
Crowe, LLP
The Kroger Company
* Myra L. Tobin
CSX Corporation
Robert E. Lee, Jr. ‘50
Joel D. ‘02 and Carolyn Traut
Mary B. Curtis PhD ‘96
* James Ernest ‘32 and
UK Business Partnership Foundation
Ruth Cecelia Day ‘85
* Christine Dennis Luckett
and Barbara L. Thomason ‘77
University of Kentucky Real Estate
Samuel P. Delaney ‘86
Manhattan Institute for Policy Research
Deloitte Foundation
Carolyn Kline Martin
Thomas J. Uram ‘82 and * Lynn Uram ‘84
William duPont III MBA ‘76
Jim L. ‘84 and Sheila Master
Ray M. ‘50, MBA ‘56, PhD ‘63 and
* Estate of Mary B. Evans ‘55
George O. McDaniel III ‘75 and
* Gene Ewing ‘73 and Patricia Dyer-Ewing
* Ann T. McDaniel ‘74
ExxonMobil Foundation
Roger D. MBA ‘66 and * Beth McDaniel
EY Foundation
W. Rodney ‘81, MSAcc ‘82 and
* R. Vincent Fanelli ‘40
Kathryn K. McMullen MBA ‘82
J. David ‘79 and Vicki F. Flanery
Donald L. McWhorter ‘58
* Ronald A. ‘58 and Nancy S. Forester
MiddleGround Capital
* William L. Fouse ‘50, MBA ‘52
Kent T. Mills ‘83
* Richard W. and Janis H. Furst
Don P. Moore III ‘82 and Marla M. Moore ‘83
Stephen C. Gault MBA ‘76
Don Moore Auto Mall
GE Foundation
Don Moore Chevrolet/Cadillac
James E. Geisler ‘88 and Cara L. Meade
* Louis A. Nichols ‘52
Goldman, Sachs & Company
J. Jeff Pence ‘63
T. Dewitt Goodman III ‘76
PNC Bank
* Joel C. Gordon ‘51
PNC Foundation
R. Michael ‘80, ‘81 and Susan B. Gray
Carl F. Pollard ‘60
Gurmehar Foundation
* Morton B. Potter ‘37
Troy D. ‘86 and Gail Hammett
PricewaterhouseCoopers Foundation
James G. Harralson ‘76
The Procter & Gamble Company
K. Carter Harris ‘79
Ann M. Puckett ‘88
Timothy L. and Sandra K. Haymaker
* Virginia B. Rawlins
* Charles F. and Judy L. Haywood ‘63
* Kenneth N. MBA ‘60 and
HCA-The Healthcare Company
Carol Lee Robertson
* Herbert Thiele Estate
* Estate of Haldon G. Robinson ‘49
William J. Herkamp ‘76
Paul MBA ‘91 and Debra K. Rooke
Hilliard Lyons, Inc
James A. Seale ‘86
* Betty Bush Holden ‘52
Seale & Associates, Inc.
* Larry and Patricia Holman
Louise H. Shouse ‘83
The Humana Foundation, Inc.
* Creed F. Smith, Jr. ‘62 and
IBM Corporation
Patricia E. Smith
Jim & Paula McDonald Charitable Trust
Darrell W. Smith ‘78
JSP Trust
* Estate of Dr. E. Vernon Smith
Keeneland Association
Charles M. Sonsteby ‘75
Kentucky Bankers Association
* T. E. Spragens, Jr. ‘57 and
Kentucky Entrepreneurship Education Kentucky Real Estate Commission
* Nadine H. Spragens Donald W. Stinnett ‘78
Foundation
* Susan Ware ‘59 * Joan B. Weyer ‘59 Michael A. ‘90 and Lisa L. Wiechart
$50,000–$99,999 Thomas J. ‘84 and Julia B. Aaron ‘84 Taylor Bradford Allcott ‘13 * David M. Andrews ‘76 Jeffrey T. ‘75 and Elizabeth W. Barber ‘77 Edward S. Barr ‘81 Gary D. and Sheila C. Bello Diana Goetz Booker ‘91 Heath F. Bowling ‘96 and Tara Bowling ‘99 Michael W. Bowling and Nicole M. Segneri Daniel Bradley Brooks ‘02, MBA ‘10 Hari Chopra, Andy ‘00 and Arinn Chopra Citizens Fidelity Foundation * Estate of James C. Coleman, Jr. ‘31 Community Trust Bancorp, Inc. Stacy L. Davis ‘97 Dean Dorton Allen Ford Charitable Foundation, Inc. Silas E. Deane II ‘90 and Angela B. Deane John M. Elder ‘91, MBA ‘93 Farmers National Bank Joseph William Foran ‘74 Patrick G. Fortier ‘94 Lain Garrett III ‘92 General Electric Company Gregory H. ‘85 and Kimberly S. Greenwood Donald G. Hardwick ‘79 John C. Harris ‘69 Steven Heck ‘89 Andrew Henson ’08 Hilary Boone Foundation Inc.
TRANSFORM | CENTENNIAL EDITION 2025 53
DONOR RECOGNITION
Lori H. Ho-Tung ‘89 David W. Hughes ‘76 Douglas E. Hunter ‘85 J.J.B. Hilliard, W.L. Lyons, Inc. Jacobson Maynard Tuschman & Kalur Stephen C. ‘85 and Robin W. Jennings ‘86 Jerrico, Inc. Mark U. ‘82 and Lateshia Johnson Robert A. Jones ‘62 * R. Larry Jones ‘53 Kentucky American Water Company Kentucky Central Life Insurance Co. Kentucky Trailer Thomas B. Kessinger III ‘93 and Amy Kessinger * William R. Lickert ‘61 Paul J. Martin ‘71 Hal H. ‘83 and Elizabeth McCoy ‘81, MBA ‘83 John M. McIntosh ‘81 Michael S. McMahon ‘92 Mountjoy Chilton Medley Martin C. Niehaus ‘76 James D. Norvell, Jr. ‘90 NS Group, Inc. Deana D. Paradis ‘03 James A. Parrish, Jr. MBA ‘74 Bradley Alan Patrick ‘86 Mark J. Plummer ‘76 PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Jill E. Ramsey ‘90 Resources for the Future, Inc. Ronald L. Robinson ‘89 Thomas E. Schoenbaechler ‘73 Elizabeth Solomon Robert C. ‘68 and Jane W. Sparks * Thomas E. Spragens III ‘90 Donald C. Storm II ‘04 Melanie F. Stricker ‘87 William L. Taylor ‘83 The Winston-Salem Foundation Washington Center for Equitable Growth R. Elton MBA ‘67 and Gordie White Joseph L. Zerga
$25,000–$49,999 C. Chester Abell, Jr. ‘75 and Susan P. Abell * John J. Aboud, Jr. ‘65 and Jeanette Aboud Craig J. Andreen ‘89 and Kathryn Clements Andreen ‘90 John A. Bailey ‘65 Michael E. ‘77 and Marilyn Baker Bank of America Foundation Richard A. Barbella ‘69, MBA ‘70 * Mary Keller Basta ‘56 David Beck ‘76 David W. Blackwell and Wendy Liu Bluegrass Angels, Inc. Bluegrass Broadcasting Company BNY Mellon Investment Management Mark C. and Laura E. Boison ‘77, MBA ‘83 Jerome G. Bressler, Jr. ‘70 * Norman L. Brown The Brunetti Foundation Cardinal Corporation Keith Alan Carlson ‘05 Christopher A. Carpenter ‘84 Alfred K. Carpenter ‘63 Jeffrey C. Carver ‘90, MBA ‘01 Cherry Bekaert Advisory LLC Edward A. Conley ‘80 CONSOL Energy Inc. Norwood Cowgill, Jr. Robert P. Crum PhD ‘83 CVS Pharmacy, Inc. Jack S. Dennis ‘71 James E. ‘65 and Rebecca L. Dockter * Richard O. Dorton ‘75, MBA ‘76 Don and * Dorothy Dulude Franklin H. Farris, Jr. ‘72 FORVIS Robert J. Fraiman ‘51 James H. Frazier III J. D. ‘79 and Monica Gerstle Todd Glickson MBA ‘92 Gray Construction Bill D. Gunther PhD ‘69 and Irene Gunther Frederick H. Hancock ‘85 * William H. Harding ‘55 C B (Mike) Harreld, Jr. ‘66 and
54 TRANSFORM | CENTENNIAL EDITION 2025
* Yvonne Harreld Stephen C. ‘82 and Elaine K. Harris Andrew S. Howell ‘83 J. Mason Howell and Melissa Wasson Howell ‘90, MSAcc ‘90 * Tom M. Huey, Sr. ‘57 Huntington Bancshares Kentucky, Inc. Jason Jacobson ‘07 JMIS Kentucky LLC John S. and James L. Knight Foundation David S. Jordan ‘64, MSAcc ‘73 * David H. Kaufman ‘49 Rodney N. ‘67 and Lois J. Lanthorne * Thomas A. Lewis, Jr. MBA ‘63 and Rebecca B. Lewis ‘63 LG&E and KU Energy, LLC Stephen W. Lollis ‘99 William J. Lozito ‘66 McBrayer, PLLC Moore DP, LLC Nate Morris and Jane Mosbacher Morris Northern Kentucky University Pete November II ‘93 and Stephanie S. November OfficeWare Michael J. Orefice ‘88 * Jerome M. Prather ‘73 * Estate of William R. Price ‘46 * H. Bruce Price, Jr. ‘42 and * Helen C. Price * Estate of Joseph E. Richardson ‘68 Chesley W. Riddle, Jr. * Jill B. Rogers Victoria Russell ‘01, MBA ‘03 SAS Institute Inc. Robert E. Showalter * P. Larue Simpson ‘66, MBA ‘67 Zachary T. Slagel Smith Richardson Foundation Luther B. Spence Sports Marketing Academy, Inc. George B. Spragens ‘93 Margaret Anne Spragens Douglas P. Sumner ‘71 David E. Tate, CPA, ‘93 and Leslie Tate ‘97 Nancy E. Thomas * William A. Toombs, Jr. ‘48
DONOR RECOGNITION
A. Ronald Turner ‘67 The Valvoline Company * W. Frank Peterson Trust
of Lexington Community Health Systems
* Estate of Elizabeth Heady * Wallace E. Herndon, Jr. ‘67
Foundation
Robert R. Hill MBA ‘68
Nick Walker ‘89
* William F. Conley
Tina M. Payne Hunt ‘87
Nathan A. Winters ‘01
Conner Peripherals
John M. James ‘81, ‘84
Joseph A. Wohlleb ‘08, ‘17
* John B. Conrad
Jenny & David Powell CLT
World Acceptance Finance
Jason A. Cooper ‘96
Daniel A. Johnson
Mark W. Corrado ‘76
Jill A. Jones ‘87
Ashby T. Corum ‘91 and
Kuhlman Corporation
$10,000–$24,999 Ann W. Aldridge Alltech, Inc. Appalachian Computer Service, Inc Jake ‘80 and Diane C. Barr ‘80 Bill and Tristan Bateman Charitable Fund * Philip A. Beals ‘63, MBA ‘64 Richard A. Bean ‘69 * Herbert S. Bell Family Brad Bergmann II MBA ‘70 Patrick L. ‘82 and Susan Bickers Big Ass Fans, Inc. Larry S. Blair ‘73 Glenn C. Blomquist Blue & Co., LLC Blue World Supply Chain Consulting Bluegrass Indo American Civic Society, Inc. Lars C. Blythe, Jr. ‘79 and Molly Wallace Blythe ‘79 Robert R. Bose ‘77 Robert W. Brandenburg ‘96 Brian M. and Kristy M. Bratten Thomas C. Brite ‘64 Gary R. Brittain Brown-Forman Corporation Brian K. Buchanan ‘97 Gregory L. ‘77 and Barbara J. Burns Richard A. Callahan MSAcc ‘74 Haipeng Chen and Haoying Sun Cintas Corporation Citizens National Bank of Paintsville * Mabel W. Clark ‘43 Chris P. Clifford Coca-Cola Company * John H. Cole ‘65 Evan P. Collins ‘96 Columbia Gas
Nicole Fulcher Corum
Frank E. Kuzmits MBA ‘68
* McCoy Craig ‘41
* Ed G. Lane III
Luther D. Deaton, Jr.
William S. Latta ‘71
Janet R. Dietrich ‘88
LBX Company LLC
Billy J. Doom II ‘89
Paul N. ‘80 and Kathy Leone
* Thomas P. Dupree
Levi Strauss Foundation
* William M. Duvall ‘66
Rodney H. Mabry ‘69 and
Harold K. Eberenz ‘67
Barbara Merle Mabry
John S. England ‘87
Marathon Ashland Petroleum LLC
David A. Eshman ‘90
Charles ‘73 and Linda J. Martz
* William H. Evans ‘38
* Daniel A. Marullo, Jr. ‘63
Fannie Mae Foundation
Mason & Hanger Corporation
Farmers Bank & Capital Trust Company
Ihab J. Massoud
The Farmers National Bank Staff
James W. Masters ‘86
Charles A. Fields II ‘66
* Donald W. McClanahan ‘54
Fifth Third Bank of Kentucky, Lexington
Christopher R. McCleary
First State Bank of Manchester
John E. McEnroe PhD ‘77
Fischer Management, LLC
John S. McGaw, Jr. ‘91
William T. Freeman ‘83
* Alfred E. McGregor ‘60
Paul G. Fultz
Mary V. McKinley
G.O.A.T.S. Fund
* Robert W. McNeese
Gannett Foundation
Merrill Lynch & Co. Inc.
Mark A. Gooch ‘81
Metropolitan Life Foundation
David W. Graham ‘63, MBA ‘64
Bart Meyer
Merwin M. Grayson, Jr. ‘63 and
Richard T. Migliore ‘94
Susan Rhodes Grayson
Samuel J. Mitchell, Jr.
Phil N. Gregory
* Henry P. Montgomery ‘41
* Albert E. Gross ‘50
Jim K. Moore ‘98
Huaming Gu MBA ‘93
* Charles M. Moore, Jr. ‘59
* H. Hart Hagan, Jr. ‘49
Michael B. Mountjoy ‘72
John A. Hamilton ‘72
Warren O. Nash, Jr.
* Mary C. Hammons ‘76
Warren O. Nash III
James F. Hardymon ‘00 **
New Farmers National Bank
Dean E. Harvey
Edward C. Nickles III ‘78
Max D. Haught ‘62
Norfolk Southern Foundation
* Robert D. Haun
Ron Orcutt ‘67
John H. Hawkins, Jr. ‘73
The Owensboro National Bank
Commercial Property Association TRANSFORM | CENTENNIAL EDITION 2025 55
DONOR RECOGNITION
Frank C. Parker III ‘97
Brad Smith ‘86
Vanhoose Stewart Foundation
The Paul A. Reinhart Foundation Fund
Wayne J. Smith
Raymond E. Veal
* William C. Penick ‘42
Southern Company Services, Inc.
W.E. Upjohn Institute for
Henry H. Pepper ‘60
Edward B. Spain ‘79
David C. Phillips
Neal D. Spencer
* Michael O. Waldman ‘64
Aldo A. Radoczy ‘66
Mark W. ‘78 and Karen Stephens
Bryan O. Walker, Jr. ‘72, MSAcc ‘73
* R. Michael Ricketts ‘71
Gary L. Stewart ‘67
Weber Associates, Inc.
James D. Robbins ‘68
Charles L. Stivers ‘67
Brenda B. Wempe ‘87, MBA ‘89
Donald H. Robinson ‘79
Brian J. Stumm ‘98
* Jim Wenneker
Courtney L. Rosenberger ‘14, ‘14
Devanathan Sudharshan
* Jerry D. Wethington ‘73
Carol Rosenthal
Chris T. Sullivan ‘72
Suzanne R. Wingo ‘91, MSAcc ‘91
Edward G. Rottmann III ‘05
Katherine A. Sweet
Ted G. Wood ‘60
Larry M. Roy ‘85
John A. ‘78 and Margaret M. Switzer ‘89
Rubicon Global Holdings, LLC
Mitch Szorcsik II ‘70, MSAcc ‘71 and
Ralph A. Ruschell ‘76
Mary Kekee Szorcsik ‘72
Mike Ruschell
T. W. Lewis Company
Ruschell Property Services, Inc.
David A. Tatman II ‘01
David E. Russell ‘91
* Estate of Virginia B. Taylor ‘46
Russell Sage Foundation
Taylor & Francis Group, LLC
Ryder
Thornton Oil Corporation
Scott E. ‘96 and Jennifer M. Sanders ‘98
Touche Ross & Company
Shell Oil Company Foundation
Doug Tough ‘72
Schneider Electric NA/Square D
* Estate of Peggy H. Truman
Foundation
UK Alumni Association
Richard A. Schubert ‘78
United American Bank of Kentucky
* Estate of Gregory M. Sheehan ‘37
United Technologies Corporation
David L. Shelton ‘66
USX Foundation, Inc.
Jennifer W. Siebenthaler ‘94
* Daniel M. Van Sant ‘47
Employment Research
SPECIAL THANKS Edward D. and Sharon S. Bullard
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CENTENNIAL EDITION | 2025 Office of the Dean 371 Gatton College of Business and Economics University of Kentucky Lexington, KY 40506-0034
Dean Simon Sheather with Ruth Day ’85 at the 2025 Homecoming football tailgate. 58 TRANSFORM | CENTENNIAL EDITION 2025
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