Summer 2024 Kentucky Alumni Magazine

Un iversit y of Kent uck y A lu m n i A s sociat ion

Alumni

His

Impact

Continues

Summer 2024

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Contents

ON THE COVER

Many minority students who attended the University of Kentucky thank Emmett P. “Buzz” Burnam ’74 ’75 ED for the opportunity. An alumnus and a former Wildcat football player, Burman worked at UK for nearly 40 years, recruiting student to come to the university he loves.

Illustration by Whitney Stamper

14 20 22 30

CHARTING THE COURSE

By Kel Hahn Vice President for Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement Jake Lemon sits down for a Q&A to discuss his vision for giving at UK.

CELEBRATING A REUNION The second annual Black Alumni Reunion took place in April. Alumni from across the country and from several generations enjoyed getting together and rekindling friendships.

40 50

MAKING A CHANGE

By Sally Scherer When he came to play football at UK in 1969, Emmett P. “Buzz” Burnam often didn’t feel welcomed.

But his work as the university’s director for diversity undergraduate student recruitment changed that atmosphere for thousands of minority students.

A GREAT EXAMPLE OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP

By Jacalyn Carfagno Sisters Colleen and Maggie Clines took the creative problem-solving skills they learned at the UK College of Design and created an international retail business that allows artisans to sell their work and be paid well for it.

SHARING HER STORY OF SUCCESS

By Sally Scherer She used to want to hide all the parts of herself that reminded her of her life in Kentucky, but now the UK College of Communication and Information graduate wants to share it.

VICTORIOUS AT THE TRACK Kenny McPeek ‘85 BE, one of the world’s top horse trainers, is quoted as saying he thought he had a good chance to win the Kentucky Derby and the Kentucky Oaks in early May. He knew what he was talking about.

Plus...

5 6 8 11 34

From the President Pride in Blue News Research Club News

38 42 52 55 56

Sports Class Notes In Memoriam Creative Juices Quick Take

What are your memories of Memorial Coliseum?

Tell us about your memories of Memorial Coliseum.

See page 4 for more information.

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TOGETHER WE ARE WILDCAT STRONG

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240901_CLG_SY25 _U of Kentucky Alumni Ad Updates_PF01.indd 1

5/16/24 11:47 AM

Much more is done when done together.

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Coverage provided and underwritten by Liberty Mutual Insurance and its affiliates, 175 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA 02116 USA. ©2022 Liberty Mutual Insurance

PER10191 3/2022

BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND LEADERSHIP ADVISORY COUNCIL

CREDITS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Jill Holloway Smith ‘05 BE, ‘11 AFE: Associate Vice President for Stakeholder Engagement and Executive Director of the UK Alumni Association

EDITORS Meredith Weber: Director of Marketing and Communications Sally Scherer: Managing Editor

DESIGNER Whitney Stamper: Graphic Designer

CONTACT US King Alumni House 400 Rose St. Lexington, KY 40506 859-257-8905 800-269-ALUM Fax: 859-323-1063 Email: ukalumni@uky.edu Web: www.ukalumni.net ukalumni @kentuckyalumni @kentucky_alumni ukalumni.net/linkedin @kentuckyalumni Kentucky Alumni (ISSN 732-6297) is published quarterly by the University of Kentucky Alumni Association, Lexington, Kentucky, for its members. © 2024 University of Kentucky Alumni Association, except where noted. Views and opinions expressed in Kentucky Alumni do not necessarily represent the opinions of its editors, the UK Alumni Association nor the University of Kentucky.

Wondering why you received Kentucky Alumni magazine?

All current Life and Active Members of the University of Kentucky Alumni Association automatically receive the Kentucky Alumni magazine quarterly.

All who give $75 or more ($25 for recent graduates) to any UK fund, including UK Athletics/K Fund and DanceBlue, are recognized as Active Members regardless of alumni status.

Officers Janie McKenzie-Wells ’83 AS, ’86 LAW: President Robert “Rob” L. Crady III ’94 BE: President-elect Thomas K. Mathews ‘93 AS: Treasurer Jill Holloway Smith ’05 BE, ’11 AFE: Secretary In-State Representatives Jeffrey L. Ashley ’89 CI Emmett P. “Buzz” Burnam ’74 ED John S. Cain ’86 BE Emily C. Henderson ’01 PHA Mark Hogge ’97 EN Kelly Sullivan Holland ’93 AS, ’98 ED Michael H. Huang ’89 AS, ’93 MED Shelia M. Key ’91 PHA Scott Mason, ‘94 AS, ‘03 LAW Michelle McDonald ‘84 AFE, ‘92 ED Kent T. Mills ’83 BE Tonya B. Parsons ’91 AS Quintissa S. Peake ’04 CI John D. Ryan ’92 ’95 BE Robin Simpson Smith ‘79 BE, ‘82 LAW Jonell Tobin ’68 ’95 ED Blake Broadbent Willoughby ‘11 ‘12 ‘12 BE Allen O. Wilson ’03 AFE, ’06 LAW Dominique Renee Wright ‘08 EN Out-of-State Representatives Erin Burkett ’01 EN Shane T. Carlin ’95 AFE Shiela D. Corley ‘94 AS, ‘95 AFE Amanda Mills Cutright ’06 CI Ruth Cecelia Day ’85 BE Robert M. “Mike” Gray ’80 ’81 BE Anthony G. Hester ‘86 EN John T. “Jay” Hornback ’04 EN Erin Carr Logan ’06 BE Sylvester D. Miller II ’08 AFE Chad D. Polk ‘94 DES Ronald Sampson ‘83 EN Quentin R. Tyler ’02 ’05 AFE, ’11 AS Stephanie D. Wurth ‘05 CI Alumni Trustees Brenda Baker Gosney ’70 HS, ’75 ED Paula L. Pope ’73 ’75 ED Rachel Watts Webb ’05 CI Living Past Presidents Richard A. Bean ’69 BE Michael A. Burleson ’74 PHA Bruce K. Davis ‘71 LAW Scott E. Davis ‘73 BE Marianne Smith Edge ’77 AFE Franklin H. Farris Jr. ’72 BE William G. Francis ’68 AS, ’73 LAW W. P. Friedrich ’71 EN Dan Gipson ’69 EN Brenda B. Gosney ’70 HS, ’75 ED Cammie DeShields Grant ’77 LCC, ’79 ED John R. Guthrie ’63 CI Antoine Huffman ’05 CI Diane M. Massie ’79 CI Robert E. Miller Susan V. Mustian ’84 BE Hannah Miner Myers ’93 ED John C. Nichols II ’53 BE Dr. George A. Ochs IV ’74 DE Sandra Bugie Patterson ’68 AS Taunya Phillips ’87 EN, ’04 BE Robert F. Pickard ’57 ’61 EN Paula L. Pope ’73 ’75 ED David B. Ratterman ’68 EN G. David Ravencraft ’59 BE William Schuetze ’72 LAW Mary Shelman ’81 EN David L. Shelton ’66 BE J. Fritz Skeen ’72 ’73 BE J. Tim Skinner ’80 DES James W. Stuckert ’60 EN, ’61 BE Hank B. Thompson Jr. ’71 CI

VOL. 95 NO.2 SUMMER 2024 Elaine A. Wilson ‘68 ‘23 SW Richard M. Womack ’53 AFE Leadership Advisory Council In-State Representatives Kevin L. Collins ’84 EN Donna G. Dutton ‘87 BE Christopher J. Crumrine ‘08 CI, ‘10 GS, ‘23 AS Cassidy Hyde ‘16 AS Lee A. Jackson ’73 AS Sherry R. Moak ‘81 BE Dr. Barbara Sanders ’72 HS, ’77 ED Michaela Taylor ‘19 HS ‘23 LAW ‘23 PH Out-of-State Representatives Kyle Aaron Bosh ‘08 GS James F. Hardymon Jr. ‘87 BE Vincent M. Holloway ‘83 EN Mark A. Ison ’99 FA Dr. Frank Kendrick ’90 ’92 DE Roshan Palli ’15 AS Jane Cobb Pickering ’74 ED Carolyn C. Riticher ‘81 BE Nicole M. Segneri ’91 CI Becky L. Spadaccini ’80 AFE Winn F. Williams ‘71 AS College Representatives Will Nash ‘06 AS: College of Arts & Sciences Lynnette Canedy ‘88 CI: College of Communication and Information Dr. J. Clifford Lowdenback ’99 AS, ’03 DE: College of Dentistry Regina Summers ‘94 DES: College of Design Cathy Crum Bell ’76 ED: College Education Joel W. Lovan ’77 FA: College of Fine Arts Deana Paradis ‘03 ‘03 BE: Gatton College of Business and Economics Kathy Panther ‘76 HS: College of Health Sciences La Tasha A. Buckner ‘97 AS, ‘00 LAW: Lewis Honors College Michaela Mineer ’18 CI, 18 AFE, ‘21 GS: Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Dr. Debra J. Sowell ’82 MED: College of Medicine Tukea L. Talbert ‘89 ‘94 ‘06 NUR: College of Nursing Dr. Joseph R. Mashni ‘91 ‘92 PHA: College of Pharmacy Amna Al-Jumaily ‘19 EN: Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering Emily Clear ‘06 ED ‘09 ‘13 PH: College of Public Health Shaye Page Johnson ‘02 AS ‘05 LAW: J. David Rosenberg College of Law Cheryl Talbert ‘95 ‘00 ‘23 SW: College of Social Work Constituency Group Representatives James R. Aaron ’04 CI: PrideCats Brian Hunt ‘80 ‘05 FA: Alumni Band Keith L. Jackson ’87 CI: Lyman T. Johnson Alumni Constituency Group Steve Stevens ‘83 BE: Alumni Band Appointed Dr. Michael A. Christian ’76 AS, ’80 DE: Honorary Jo Hern Curris ’63 AS, ’75 LAW: Honorary Katie Eiserman ’01 ED: Athletics Thomas W. Harris ‘85 AS: University Relations Stan R. Key ’72 ED: Honorary Jake Lemon: Office of Philanthropy D. Michael Richey ’74 ’79 AFE: Honorary Marian Moore Sims ’72 ’76 ED: Honorary Jason Marcus: Student Government Association

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YOURS FOR

THE TAKING We want motivated individuals with energy, enthusiasm, and–above all–a passion for learning. If you communicate well, multi-task, and take care of business quickly and responsibly, WE WANT YOU on our winning Longship team.

Balance competition and collaboration in an engaging work environment. With the right resources and opportunity for unlimited earning, you will grow at Longship.

Visit longship.us/careers

What are your memories of Memorial Coliseum?

When it opened in 1950, Memorial Coliseum was the largest basketball arena in the South.

The facility – home to basketball games, concerts and graduation – covered an entire city block.

Currently undergoing renovation, Memorial Coliseum is scheduled to reopen this fall. We’re asking alumni to share their memories of Memorial Coliseum with us for an upcoming Kentucky Alumni magazine article.

What do you remember about Memorial Coliseum?

Send your stories and photos to ukalumni@uky.edu.

From the President I

n May, more than 4,300 students gathered in Rupp Arena — with their support systems waiting eagerly in the stands — and crossed the stage to receive their wellearned degrees. In total, the University of Kentucky awarded 5,412 spring 2024 degrees.

For all these students, these diplomas symbolize academic achievement and a promise of future success, a testament to personal triumph and the key to their next journeys.

Spring Commencement marked a milestone in an already extraordinary chapter for our university. The past academic year saw record-breaking retention and graduation rates, demonstrating our commitment to student success. Our growing enrollment, of nearly 34,000 students, upholds our promise to cultivate a skilled workforce for Kentucky’s economic future.

UK HealthCare continues to stand as a beacon of hope across the Commonwealth. Our recent acquisition of St. Claire HealthCare in Morehead bolsters efforts to expand the hope of healing for more Kentuckians. The integration of St. Claire strengthens a nearly 65-year-old partnership and opens the door to greater opportunities in medical education and strategic collaborations.

While celebrating another successful academic year, I am reminded of the remarkable journey that brings us to these

moments. This year, in particular, holds special significance as we mark the 75th anniversary of integration at the University of Kentucky.

In 1949, Lyman T. Johnson pushed open our doors and courageously paved the way for racial equality at our institution. His unwavering determination and steadfast commitment to justice challenged the status quo and transformed our university — and our state — forever.

We are Kentucky’s land-grant institution, and we remain deeply rooted in our communities, offering unwavering support while advancing this great Commonwealth. And you, our alumni, play a critical role in our mission.

Together, we stand poised at the precipice of boundless possibilities, driven by our shared commitment to excellence and service.

Thank you for your commitment to this remarkable place — Kentucky’s university.

Sincerely,

Eli Capilouto President

Photo by Mark Cornelison, UK Photo

UK President Eli Capilouto interviewed students for a video during commencement ceremonies in early May. The president congratulated students, discussed future plans and talked about their favorite memories of the University of Kentucky.

Visit go.uky.edu/PresidentQA to watch the interviews.

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Pride in Blue

6 K EN TUCKY A LU MNI MAGAZ I NE Summer 2024

Photo by Carter Skaggs, UK Photo

A

s my term as president of the UK Alumni Association comes to an end, it’s time to reflect and celebrate all we’ve accomplished together this past year. And what a year it has been!

We’ve invested in the future of our university in astounding ways. Let me share some that stand out: the Alumni Association and its various clubs have awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships, celebrated new graduates, honored our Great Teachers, hosted numerous events and pre-game parties and recognized distinguished alumni who’ve made a difference at our university, in our state and around the world.

We also started a new tradition this year with Wildcat Wrap-Up as we joined the Student Activities Board in a farewell celebration for our graduating senior class at Alumni Commons. Students received free food, gifts and T-shirts and spent the evening in this lovely area of our campus as they reflected on the end of the school year.

The highlight came when they were joined by Wildcat, Scratch, UK cheerleaders and the UK Alumni Band, and our graduates walked out of the gates of Alumni Commons, only to be greeted and welcomed into their alumni family.

This coming fall, at our Wildcat Welcome Festival, we will welcome our next generation of Wildcats as they walk through the gates and into Alumni Commons as new Wildcats, and the tradition continues. As I often tell our students, “Your time as a student lasts just a few short years, but you are Wildcats for life!”

One of the most important ways we can engage these new alumni is through strong and active alumni clubs.

Throughout this past year, we’ve been working on ways to revive, strengthen and increase involvement with our clubs.

As most of you know, my journey began soon after graduating from law school when I became a member of the Big Sandy UK Alumni Club. My participation in that club helped me reconnect with UK and eventually led me to where I am today. I was able to connect, collaborate and share my love for UK, as I wanted to give back to the university that had given me so much and had opened so many doors in my personal and professional life.

My club experience was and continues to be so valuable. I am excited to see our new alumni join our more than 60 clubs across the country.

I will always cherish my time as UK Alumni Association president and I will always be cheering for and encour-

UK Alumni Association President Janie McKenzieWells posed with soon-to-be graduates (and bugler Will Lovan ’19 FA) who participated in a new tradition on campus: Wildcat Wrap-Up. The students walked through the gates of Alumni Commons as UK alumni cheered them on. aging my Wildcats, in the classroom, in the boardroom, on the field, on the hardwood, or wherever they may roam! This is, and will always be, my old Kentucky home!

And for one last time – always remember you are a part of the Big Blue Nation and that means something.

And for my Eastern Kentucky friends – #606 it’s more than just a number!

Go Cats!

Sincerely,

Janie McKenzie-Wells ‘83 AS, ‘86 LAW UK Alumni Association President

COMMITMENT MAKES US MORE THAN JUST A TEAM. AND IT MAKES CENTRAL BANK MORE THAN JUST A BANK.

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News Throughout his career in Kentucky’s coal mines, Jim Adams was an electrician, worked as a coal mine inspector and for the Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration as a coal mine inspector.

Although Adams had a career he loved, he dreamed of earning a college degree.

“I’d be lying in mud and water trying to repair something and it crossed my mind many times, I could be doing something else,” he said. Adams pursued his education when time and circumstances allowed. He took night classes in the late 80s and received an associate degree from Hazard Community College in 1999.

When he was forced into early retirement in 2014 at age 57 because of an injury, he decided it was time to put into motion what he had dreamed about

all his life and he chose UK. He applied for a Donovan Scholarship at age 65.

The Donovan Scholarship program is celebrating its 60th anniversary at the university this year. In 1964, on the recommendation of then UK President John Oswald, the Board of Trustees approved the Donovan Scholarship for adults 65 and older.

When a friend recently asked Adams why he wanted to go back to school, he thinks it may go back to when he quit high school.

“I feel like I failed myself because I quit high school even though I did go back and finish. Going back and getting my college degree is something I thought might make me feel better about myself.

Even though I’m 67-years-old and disabled, and I’m not going to go out to work, it’s just something I want to do for myself,” Adams said.

Photo by Mitch Caudill

DONOVAN SCHOLAR’S DREAM OF COLLEGE DEGREE COMES TRUE

Adams received his bachelor’s degree in liberal studies in May and he credits the Donovan Scholars program. He also realizes he didn’t take this journey alone.

“I would not have been able to realize my dream if I had not had the support and encouragement from my wife, two daughters and my granddaughter, and I never would have made it without my academic advisor, Jennifer Garlin.” ■

ST. CLAIRE HEALTHCARE TO BECOME PART OF UK

Photo provided

The University of Kentucky Board of Trustees have approved plans to acquire St. Claire HealthCare in Morehead.

The move for St. Claire to become part of UK will expand clinical and academic programs as well as result in greater access to high-quality patient care for more Kentuckians. UK and St. Claire will seek regulatory and other

8 K ENTU CKY A LUM NI MAGAZ I NE Summer 2024

third-party approvals and finalize transition documents with a targeted closing date of July 1.

St. Claire HealthCare is one of the largest employers in the greater Morehead region with more than 1,300 employees including over 50 physicians and nearly 50 advanced practice professionals representing more than 20 medical specialties.

“UK is committed to growing clinical services in the Morehead area as well as expanding programs in many clinical areas to grow the future health care workforce for Kentucky,” said UK President Eli Capilouto.

St. Claire HealthCare includes a hospital with 139 licensed beds as well as seven primary care locations located within five counties, a multi-specialty medical pavilion, two urgent care centers, a pediatrics clinic, a retail pharmacy, counseling center, a medical equipment and supply store and an outpatient center. Additionally, St. Claire HealthCare provides home health and hospice services in eight counties. ■

The University of Kentucky Alumni Association received the 2024 Alumni Association Inclusive Excellence Award from “Insight Into Diversity” magazine, the largest and oldest diversity and inclusion publication in higher education.

The award honors alumni association programs, culture and initiatives that encourage and support diversity, inclusion and a sense of belonging regardless of racial or ethnic background, sexual or gender identity, religion, socioeconomic status and world view.

The UK Alumni Association was selected in recognition of its commitment to fostering lifelong engagement among alumni, friends, the association and the university.

“At the UK Alumni Association, our mission is to create an inclusive environment where every member of our Wildcat family feels valued, respected and celebrated,” said Jill Smith, associate vice president for stakeholder engagement and executive director of the UK Alumni Association.

“This award is a testament to our dedication to building a vibrant and welcoming alumni network.”

The UK Alumni Association will be featured, along with 31 other recipients, in the June 2024 issue of “Insight Into Diversity.” ■

UK’S FIRST PH.D. IN AEROSPACE ENGINEERING AWARDED

Photo provided

“INSIGHT INTO DIVERSITY” MAGAZINE AWARDS UK ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

Sujit Sinha came to UK in 1979. He earned a degree in mechanical engineering before joining NASA at the Marshall Flight Center where he was put in the Launch Control Center, interacting with this mission control team in Houston, Texas.

A turning point came on Jan. 28, 1986 — the day of the Space Shuttle Challenger tragedy when 73 seconds into its flight, the shuttle broke apart. All seven crew members aboard were killed.

“Everything changed,” Sinha said. He served on the Presidential Commission’s Challenger Accident Analysis Team. And while he helped to identify and explain the technical failures that occurred, he found it hard to comprehend “the managerial thinking that contributed to the failure.”

After six years at NASA, he left to pursue an MBA from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. Then he worked as a management

consultant working with high-tech and aerospace CEOs and senior executives.

Considering himself a life-long learner, he began to ‘retire’ and focus more on his work-life balance.

“As a member of the engineering alumni board, over time, I learned about all of the great aerospace research going on at UK,” Sinha said. “And I began to think, once again, about finishing my Ph.D.” After four decades, Sinha made the bold decision to return to UK and pursue his long-deferred dream.

“When I started at UK almost 45 years ago, I could not have imagined in my mind — nor even in any theoretical parallel universe — that I would be getting an aerospace Ph.D. from here,” Sinha said. “Much less to be the first recipient of the degree with an aerospace major.

When you get older, you start to think about legacy, and this is a legacy that will endure.” ■ w w w. u ka l umni . net

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The University of Kentucky James B. Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits has named its first head distiller – Glenna Joyce ’21 AFE. As head distiller, she will oversee all aspects of spirit production at the Institute.

Joyce’s career in distilling began after receiving her undergraduate degree in biochemistry from Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York. She worked at Upstate Distilling for more than two years, where she was involved in shipping and receiving, loading grains, checking fermentations, running the still, making batch notes and even running their tasting room as a tour guide.

She applied to UK in 2018, excited about the possibility of learning more about distilling through the Distilling, Wine and Brewing certificate program in the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.

In early 2021, Beam Institute Research Director Brad Berron offered Joyce the role of education coordinator.

“Glenna flourished in her coursework at UK and in her subsequent education role at the Beam Institute,” said Berron.

“We’re excited to see her bring her technical training together with all of her prior distilling experience to lead the production at the Beam Institute Distillery.”

Photo by Matt Barton, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment

FIRST HEAD DISTILLER IS UK GRADUATE

“Glenna is an excellent communicator and educator,” said Institute Director Seth DeBolt. “She connects with students and truly listens to them. She is the perfect person to be the Beam Institute’s first head distiller and inspire the next generation.” ■

WORK BEGINS ON CANCER, SPINE CENTER become the home to the UK Markey Cancer Center, Kentucky’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, as well as a Comprehensive Spine Center, ambulatory surgery

Rendering provided by HGA

Construction has begun on the UK Cancer and Advanced Ambulatory Building, located across from UK Albert B. Chandler Hospital on South Limestone.

The 550,000-square-foot facility will

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space and other outpatient services.

The Cancer and Advanced Ambulatory Building and an adjacent 2,400-space parking structure are slated for completion in 2027.

“As Kentucky’s flagship university, we have a responsibility to lead the way in health care,” said UK President Eli Capilouto. “This building signifies our commitment to addressing the critical health needs of our state, providing advanced care across various disciplines and ensuring that Kentuckians have access to the most innovative treatments close to home.”

Currently, Markey’s outpatient services are in six different areas across the UK Chandler Hospital campus. The new facility will bring Markey Cancer Center’s outpatient clinics and oncology support services under one roof – providing convenience for patients and fostering collaboration among Markey clinicians and researchers. ■

Research UK HealthCare’s Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center is the first and only location in Kentucky using a new state-of-the-art camera with artificial intelligence (AI) to detect retinopathy in their patients.

“This technology is important because diabetes can cause a complication called diabetic retinopathy,” said Kristen Stakelin, medical director at Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center. “Our patients with diabetic retinopathy often have no symptoms until it is severe, leading to blindness if not treated. The earlier diabetic retinopathy is detected, the more treatable it is.”

More than 440,000 adults in Kentucky have diabetes. That’s 12.9% of the Commonwealth’s population of people ages 18 and older. Only six other states have a higher diabetes prevalence rate.

Those numbers contribute to the national estimate of 37 million Americans living with diabetes and of those, 30% suffer from diabetic retinopathy.

For people with diabetes, high blood sugar levels can, over time,

Photo by Hilary Brown, UKPR

DIABETES CENTER INTRODUCES AI-POWERED SCREENING

damage tiny blood vessels in the retina, which is the back part of your eye that detects light. As a result, these weakened blood vessels may leak, rupture and detach the retina leading to vision loss and blindness. Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most common causes of blindness in the United States. Around 220,000 Americans are blind due to this disease. ■

COAL ASH MAY REJUVENATE OIL, NATURAL GAS WELLS

STUDY UNVEILS THREATS TO FIREFLY POPULATION

Researchers at the Center for Applied Energy Research (CAER) are investigating a new technology that they hope will give new life to Kentucky’s oil and natural gas wells.

Funded by the Kentucky Office of Energy Policy, CAER’s Cementitious Materials Research Group, along with industrial partner Enhanced Solutions Services, have developed a method to utilize coal combustion products to recover and enhance production from preexisting oil and natural gas wells.

The team is using fly ash, which is a fine powder created from coal combustion. CAER is a global leader in fly ash research, having spent decades creating new processes for fly ash utilization. The powder is used in numerous products, including cements and concretes.

Targeting oil and natural gas wells that have either been abandoned or are no longer in production, the CAER team is using ash fracking, a green technology paired with simple pumping equipment that creates a small operational footprint — a crucial factor in Eastern Kentucky topography.

“This technology is showing great promise in giving new life to Kentucky oil and gas wells, while doing so in a much more environmentally sustainable manner,” said Bob Jewell, associate director of CAER’s Cementitious Materials Research Group. ■

A landmark multi-university study including the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment has shed light onto the precarious situation facing firefly populations across North America.

The study, published in Science of the Total Environment, “Illuminating Patterns of Firefly Abundance Using Citizen Science Data and Machine Learning Models,” identified the factors likely responsible for troubling declines in firefly populations across North America, offering a deep dive into how shifting environmental and human factors influence these iconic insects.

Key findings indicate that fireflies, part of the beetle order, are sensitive to various environmental factors, from shortterm weather conditions to longer climatic trends, including the number of growing-degree days related to temperature accumulations.

Certain agricultural practices also seem to contribute to the decline of fireflies. The extensive use of pesticides and herbicides has been linked to decreased firefly numbers, due to reduced prey availability and direct toxicity.

The decline of fireflies signals broader ecological disruptions that could have cascading effects on other species and ecosystems. Fireflies play a role in the food web, serving as prey for some species and as predators for many invertebrates. Their disappearance could have unforeseen repercussions W W W.RE SE ARCH.UK Y.EDU on local biodiversity. ■ w w w. u ka l umni . net

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UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY

HOMECOMING 2024 O C TO B E R 6 – 13

• MR. AND M S . B L AC K U K • G O L D E N W I L D C AT SOCIETY INDUCTION DINNER AND PINNING CEREMONY • LY M A N T. J O H N S O N AWA R D S L U N C H E O N • C A M P U S TO U R • M O’ B E T TA A N N UA L BASKETBALL GAME • K E E N E L A N D DAY AT T H E R AC E S • VA N D E R B I LT V S. K E N T U C K Y F O OT B A L L TA I LG AT E A N D G A M E • S WAG C A B • HOMECOMING AT H O M E

Learn more about how you can celebrate with us at w w w. u k h o m e c o m i n g .c o m .

SPORTS NETWORK

®

Good morning. Strike a pose for Big Blue Nation!

What else are we mixing into today's Brew?

SEC showdown at Rupp Maxey talks Kentucky And much, much more!

,J STOCK UP

was all Home Cookin'. Nineteen minutes son­ sea a e sco Rob Dillingham needed to � s n high 23 points in Kentucky m� ouri at Rupp Miss over win 7 ba sketball's 90-7 Arena on Tuesda niaht!

By Kel Hahn

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VICE PRESIDENT FOR PHILANTHROPY AND ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT JAKE LEMON SITS DOWN FOR A Q&A TO DISCUSS HIS VISION FOR GIVING AT UK.

When it comes to food, my kids have a 35-year-old’s palette,” says Jake Lemon with a laugh. “We got them eating Indian, Thai and other spicy foods at a young age. My 11-year-old son, Nixon, will order stuff not on the menu that makes Thai servers say, ‘Where did you hear about that?!”

Lemon’s remark came in response to a question regarding how his two children, Aubrey and Nixon, have adjusted to life in Kentucky since moving here from Connecticut last summer.

Bottom line: If they could adapt their taste buds to prik nam pla before enrolling in middle school, then getting accustomed to life in the Bluegrass has been a breeze.

Adaptable and resilient — two indispensable traits for someone in Lemon’s shoes. In May 2023, he assumed the role of vice president for philanthropy and alumni engagement at the University of Kentucky. Prior to joining UK, Lemon had led the UConn Foundation as president and CEO, served as senior vice president for development at the University of Connecticut and led development efforts at Florida State University.

“Jake’s proven track record — and the feedback we received from the search committee and throughout interactions with faculty, staff and leadership on our philanthropy campaign council — only reinforced my decision to ask Jake to join our team in this important leadership position,” said UK President Eli Capilouto during the announcement of Lemon’s hire.

Just a few weeks before he completed his first year at UK, we sat down with Lemon to get his perspective on UK’s mission to strengthen the Commonwealth, relationship-building with donors, UK’s passionate fan base and much more.

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KH: What attracted you to the University of Kentucky?

What made you think, “This is a university on the rise”?

JL: I looked at it in two ways: personally and professionally.

On the personal side, I have family and friends spread throughout the Southeast. Although we loved our time in Connecticut, it was difficult to get back to family and friends. This location made a lot of geographical sense. This past spring break, we were able to drive to Orange Beach, Alabama, where I vacationed as a kid. I have so many memories of great times there and was glad to live close Jake Lemon speaks at the Kentucky Can campaign enough to share it with closing event on Oct. 27, 2023. my family.

Professionally, throughout the interview process, it was made very clear to me that this university is on an upward trajectory.

UK has had significant enrollment growth, which addresses the Commonwealth’s workforce needs; and the healthcare side has grown with reference to research into cures. But I was also drawn to the university’s commitment to the Commonwealth. Everyone has bought into the idea that we need to do more for Kentucky. As we do that, we’re going to make a difference in the world through our research priority areas (RPA). The discoveries that come out of our work for Kentucky are going to have a ripple effect around the world because UK is a global brand.

Many years ago, I wrote down my five core career values and then thought about what my ideal university would look like. After interviewing here, I knew UK aligned with all five. I said to my wife, Tiff, “This is it.” After my second visit to campus, I didn’t have any doubts about taking the job — and I still don’t.

KH: Now that you’ve been in this role for a year, what has surprised you about UK and its supporters?

JL: What I’ve come to experience this past year is that UK is a university with a soul.

First, I was surprised by the passion of our students around philanthropy, specifically, DanceBlue. To see our students come together, advocate, lead and raise those kinds of dollars — that’s not happening around the country, and we should be proud of that.

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Also, I knew about UK’s commitment to the Commonwealth, but I didn’t know it was so focused and so bold. I’ve never been part of a university where non-alums have as much passion about this university as alums, but it’s true: people who care about Kentucky care about the University of Kentucky.

And this is a university that is aligned on its mission and priorities. We know why we’re here. We know what we’re doing.

We know the reason behind it. It creates consistency around messaging so we’re all telling similar stories.

Finally, I understand passionate fan bases. I’m an Ole Miss alum and I worked at Florida State; but I can tell you that from a basketball perspective, Big Blue Nation is second to none. It was an absolute pleasure to be a part of that this year. One thing that’s been incredible is that my wife and kids are really into it. They went to all the football games. They tailgate. They know the players.

My 13-year-old daughter follows social media and tells me which football players are in the transfer portal. I heard the news that UK hired Mark Pope to be the men’s basketball coach from her. They love going to basketball games. It didn’t take long — just one year — but we are Kentucky fans in a huge way. I’d just rather UK not play Ole Miss in football.

KH: The university completed its Kentucky Can: The 21st Century Campaign in October of 2023. What was it like for you to witness the successful completion of that massive effort?

JL: Selfishly, the timing for my arrival was great. As the campaign wrapped up, I saw so much excellence already in action. It gave me a lot to build upon, and I could applaud everyone who had worked so hard to meet the campaign’s $2.1 billion goal.

Campaigns are special. They allow us to tell our stories more loudly, and in a way that resonates with others. Campaigns bring awareness to the impact we’re making on the Commonwealth, our country and the world. The campaign is over, but that doesn’t change what we do. It’s our job to engage as many people as possible with our work, build authentic relationships and ultimately offer opportunities for individuals and corporations to invest philanthropically and make an impact. We’re continuing that important work post-campaign.

KH: What are the university’s current philanthropic priorities?

JL: I mentioned earlier UK’s focus on strengthening Kentucky.

One important aspect of that is workforce development. On the healthcare side, we have a national shortage of healthcare professionals — doctors, nurses, technicians, therapists and so on.

So, we’ve started construction on the 500,000 square foot Michael D. Rankin MD Health Education Building, which will significantly increase enrollment in the Colleges of Medicine, Public Health, Health Sciences and Nursing. The building will be impressive, but it’s not about the building; rather, the building will let us aggressively target those workforce needs now and into the future.

DanceBlue, the student-led 24-hour no-sitting, no-sleeping dance marathon, continues to break records and spread joy to kids fighting cancer. In 2024, students raised a record­ $2,129,952.87. With this year’s total, DanceBlue has raised more than $22 million since it began in 2006.

KH: We talk a lot about student success at UK; how do we know that donors’ gifts actually make a difference for our students?

JL: When a donor is investing in LEADS scholarships, we can quantify that their gifts not only alleviate students’ financial burdens, but also improve their graduation rates. We are industryleading as it relates to having an evidence-based, data-informed approach to awarding scholarships to statistically improve retention rates and graduation rates. I’m blown away by this. To me, it’s a proven return on philanthropic investment.

The work in the Office of Student Success, led by Kirsten Turner, has shown that retention and graduation rates begin to steeply decline when a student reaches $5,000 or more in unmet need.

Since implementing the LEADS scholarship program, we’ve seen graduation rates significantly increase. That’s been the result of this evidence-based scholarship award system. So, it’s a straightforward story to tell, and all of us at UK should be proud to tell it.

KH: What makes the donor experience such that they enjoy (or look forward to) giving to the university? How is your office striving to create such an experience for donors?

JL: Our goal is to provide clarity about the impact that they’re making. I’ve been part of lunches where first-time donors got to meet the students on their scholarships. We took their idea of what’s going to happen with their money and made it palpable for them.

It’s powerful. Our task is to take that personal experience and scale it to more people. That’s one of the major initiatives we’ve launched this year — revamping and providing more resources to our stewardship and donor relations department.

We have amazing, loyal and consistent donors, and I believe that as we pour more effort, energy, focus and resources into how we’re stewarding their gifts and demonstrating their impact, The 70 percent graduation rate, we’ll see new donors coming to according to the most recent data, the table and satisfied donors places UK among the top 100 public signing on to make an impact now institutions in the country that grant and into the future. primarily bachelor’s degrees or higher.

President Capilouto says all the time that UK’s doors will always be open widest to Kentuckians. That means we need to raise more money for scholarships. That, too, takes aim at workforce development issues; more Kentuckians coming to UK means more skilled workers staying within the Commonwealth.

We also need to treat and heal as many Kentuckians as we possibly can. Again, President Capilouto says no Kentuckian should ever have to leave Kentucky to receive access to quality patientcentered care. In 2023, the Markey Cancer Center was awarded “Comprehensive Cancer Center” status, which is the highest level of recognition awarded by the National Cancer Institute. In April, we held the groundbreaking for a new Markey Cancer Center facility that will increase access to Kentuckians. Through investment from the state, significant fundraising efforts and UK’s own investment, we’re putting our money where our mouth is by taking on these projects.

Photos by Carter Skaggs and Mark Corneilson, UK Photo

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UK BREAKS GROUND ON NEW CANCER AND ADVANCED AMBULATORY BUILDING On April 25, UK broke ground on the new UK Cancer and Advanced Ambulatory Building, located across from UK Albert B. Chandler Hospital on South Limestone. The 550,000-square-foot facility will become the new home to the UK Markey Cancer Center, Kentucky’s only National Cancer Institutedesignated Comprehensive Cancer Center, as well as a Comprehensive Spine Center, ambulatory surgery space and other outpatient services. The Cancer and Advanced Ambulatory Building and an adjacent 2,400-space parking structure are slated for completion in 2027.

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KH: Do you believe people want to be generous?

JL: I believe that, deep down, everyone wants to be generous; they just might not know it yet. I’ve spent 21 years in this industry and some of the most generous people I’ve met happen to be the most joyful and peaceful people to be around. And I think that their joy and peace come from giving. I don’t think they give because they’re happy; I think they’re happy because they give. In fact, often the donor receives more joy from making a gift than the recipient of their generosity.

KH: As UK’s chief philanthropy officer, you make substantial asks for transformative gifts. How do you connect with people?

JL: I think all people appreciate authenticity. Donors at this level pretty much demand it. They don’t want to be sold anything. They want to be invited in a transparent and authentic way to make the world a better place. So, I’ve always strived to connect with people authentically. I think I’m the same person at work, at home and with my friends. I’m intentional about that, and that’s always been the way I connect with donors.

The best way to connect with a donor is to remember that it’s not about you. You’re the relationship conduit between them and the impact the university is striving for — you’re in the middle. You’re building the relationship in a professional way on behalf of the university to fulfill its philanthropic mission. When someone slips into the mindset of, “If I become better friends with you, you’re going to give more,” it always ends in a mess. Always.

KH: Philanthropy is largely the result of relationships; how does technology support UK’s philanthropic mission?

JL: Technology can help point us in the right direction. It can help us create efficiencies and help us scale. But at the end of the day, nothing will ever take the place of authentic, transparent relationships.

KH: What keeps you positive and motivated when you encounter setbacks?

JL: Whenever you hit an obstacle, I think it’s important to take a grateful step back. Every challenge you go through thickens your skin and creates a resilient spirit, so at this point in my life, I bounce back quickly.

Sometimes the way we’d hoped to partner with a donor doesn’t work out — they’re not interested. That’s OK; we’re blessed to be part of a university that is so vast and comprehensive and has so many ways to make the world a better place. When things are tough, sometimes you have to look around and say, “Look what we get to do! We get to meet these incredibly interesting people. We get to go on a relationship journey with them and learn how they want to make the world a better place. What a special role to play in someone’s life!” On top of all that, we get to do this important, fulfilling work in this beautiful state of Kentucky, and in this fantastic city of Lexington with its incredible food and irresistible culture. What could be better than that? ■

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UK B L ACK A L UMN I R E U N I O N SECOND ANNUAL BLACK ALUMNI REUNION HONORS PAST AND PRESENT

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lumni from every decade since the 1960s celebrated at the second annual UK Black Alumni Reunion in early April. Collaborating with the Office for Institutional Diversity, the Commonwealth Institute for Black Studies in the College of Arts and Sciences, and the J. David Rosenberg College of Law, the weekend was filled with events that allowed alumni to reconnect and reminisce about their days at UK. Activities included a panel discussion of J. David Rosenberg College of Law graduates; an author conversation and book signing, a student-focused breakfast event and a gala that spotlighted the winner of the Emmett P. “Buzz” Burnam Inclusive Excellence and Expansion Impact Award. The weekend concluded with a campus bus tour, the Blue-White Spring Football Scrimmage and an after party. ■

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Photos by Shawntayne Hopkins, Joe Bandy and BWPhoto

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A Visionary, an Encourager, a man with a Noble Legacy

By Sally Scherer

Photo by Pete Comparoni

The University of Kentucky is commemorating the 75th anniversary of its desegregation this year with programming and events.

As part of that commemoration, we’re sharing our story about Emmett P. “Buzz” Burnam who, for nearly 40 years, helped recruit minority students to UK. Burnam impacted the lives of thousands of students in Kentucky and beyond by encouraging them to attend the University of Kentucky and then by helping them achieve their goals once they got here.

Buzz Burnam speaking at a Black History Month social media series.

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Photos from ExploreUK

A defensive back, Buzz Burnam came to UK in 1969 as one of its first Black football players. He decided to attend UK because he knew some of the coaches and some of the other Black players.

His team was the last team to play at Stoll Field.

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he tribute was so touching it brought tears to his eyes.

The young woman spoke at the 2023 Black Alumni Reunion recognition dinner honoring Emmett P. “Buzz” Burnam ’74 ‘75 ED for his commitment to the University of Kentucky, including all the years he worked as an academic recruiter for the university. She popped up from the audience, went to the microphone and told her story.

And of the thousands of students he helped recruit over the years, he remembered her.

“She had the desire, and I could work with a student with a desire,” he recalled of the Lexington high school student.

“She wanted to come to UK. She didn’t have the best test scores, but we wrote letters of support and appealed to the people we could because I knew she was a keeper. She was teachable. She wanted to go to UK. She hounded me about it,” he said with a laugh.

And, thanks to the hard work of Burnam and others, she did. And she graduated with two degrees in 2002 from the College of Arts & Sciences.

“I remember she had a child and she wanted to get in school because it

was the only way she could help her child. She was admitted and she made the most of it. She was a winner. You never know how it impacts kids when you go to bat for them, but she told us about it at the dinner. It just brought tears to my eyes.”

Dr. Christopher Chance ’10 AFE, ’14 DEN was a student at Lexington’s Paul Laurence Dunbar High School when he met Burnam. They talked about the possibility of Chance, now the owner of a pediatric dentist practice in Houston, Texas, attending UK. Chance remembers how Burnam made him feel.

“I felt like he’d be an advocate for me,” said Chance, a 2023 winner of UK’s Lyman T. Johnson Torch of Excellence Award. “He was just so easy to talk with and to connect to. From a young, Black male perspective, it was a no brainer that I’d go to UK. I felt comfortable with him.”

Chance and the young woman are just two of thousands of students Burnam brought to UK to help reach their educational dreams. Burnam served 42 years at UK with 35 years as the director for diversity undergraduate student recruitment.

UK’s Black enrollment grew exponentially in 2009-2010 with a record enrollment of 404 firstyear Black freshmen. By 2016, 626 Black freshmen enrolled making up 12% of the freshmen class.

But there were less than 50 minority students on campus when Burnam started his freshman year.

In 1969, Burnam was one of six Black football players recruited to play for UK. The news of the number of Black athletes – the largest recruited at UK – made national magazines “Jet” and “Ebony,” Burnam said.

The six weren’t the first, though. Nate Northington and Greg Page were the university’s first two Black scholarship athletes in 1966 and Wilbur Hackett and Houston Hogg were recruited in 1967.

The UK football pioneers are honored in a statue at Kroger Field.

Tragically, during Page’s sophomore season in 1967, he suffered a neck injury at football practice.

He died six weeks later. In 1968, no Black football athletes came to UK. Burnam attributes that to the rumor that some of the Black community believed UK killed Page.

“And people said, ‘And they’ll kill you, too.’ That was real talk. Most people said, ‘boy, you’re crazy.’”

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But Burnam wasn’t swayed. His parents said the decision was up to him. He talked with some of the other Black UK football players and recruits – Darryl Bishop, Carey Eaves, Bill Denny and Cecil “Bad News” Bowens and Arvel Carroll – and decided to attend UK. “You know when you’re 17 and 18 you think you’re invincible. We (the other Black players recruited in 1969) got together and decided to come to UK. It was up to us to make a difference at UK,” Burnam said.

The deck was stacked against them, Burnam said. The Black athletes didn’t get many breaks, he said. Some people on campus weren’t friendly. Some students in his dormitory weren’t exactly welcoming. Insults were hurled, names were called.

“But we just sucked it up,” Burnam said. “Our salvation was playing on the football field. That’s where we got our relief. We showed them what we could do on the football field.”

A defensive back from Winchester, Kentucky, Burnam played football and was also involved with the Black Student Union, Kappa Alpha Psi and the Black Voices choir.

Those experiences turned what could have been a difficult college experience into something Burnam is still grateful for.

“I had a good experience at UK,” he said during a recent interview. “I put up with some stuff, but nothing that affected my success on campus.”

After graduation, Burnam made a couple of career stops, including with the local Urban League office, before being hired into a federal program at UK that focused on recruiting minority and rural students into healthcare professions.

He worked in the Health Careers Opportunity Program from 1978-1985. Then Jerry Stevens, the director of the office of minority student affairs, called Burnam and asked if he was interested in helping with a program to recruit minority students.

The job required a lot of travel, mostly in Kentucky and nearby states in areas with large Black populations, and Burnam loved it, he said. His friendly personality and encouraging attitude won over a lot of students, many of whom told him that no one had ever approached them about attending college before his visit to their school.

In the 2023 recognition dinner video about Burnam, Michael Eaves, ’94 CI graduate, an ESPN “SportsCenter” anchor and Kentucky native, remembered Burnam saying that if not for Burnam, Eaves wouldn’t be where he is today.

“He was the main reason so many of us went to UK, and stayed there,” he said. “His impact is immeasurable.”

Geoff Young ’03 AS and his wife Shnieka Johnson ’03 AFE met Burnam in 1999 and remember his influence on them, too. The couple reminisced in the 2023 award dinner tribute video. Young, an attorney at Reed Smith and Johnson, a teacher at New York City’s Calhoun school, said Burnam was an “important and gracious” mentor and the

Left: Buzz Burnam was hired

by UK to recruit students into health-related careers through the federally funded Health Careers Opportunity Program.

Right: Buzz Burnam's commitment to UK continues today. He's an active member of the Lyman T. Johnson African American Alumni Group and is a regular attendee of UK Alumni Association events. And he's still talking with UK students, offering advice and help.

Photo submitted.

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Photos by UK Alumni Association

couple thanked Burnam for “rooting” for them during their college years.

Burnam said his job wasn’t that different from other recruiters.

He just had a specific focus.

“I’d ask them (minority high school students) what they wanted to do and then I tried to determine if UK had what they wanted.

And UK did. We had a business school, a medical school. Then I’d invite them to come on campus and check it out,” he said. He credits the on-campus recruitment event, “Come See for Yourself,” as a major turning point in his recruitment work. The event was held yearly beginning in 1992.

“We’d set up an event and the high school student could meet other Black students, we had a college fair so they could talk with the colleges, we talked about scholarships. And I’d tell them, ‘You can’t get a scholarship if you don’t apply’,” he said.

“We’d have nice meals and we’d tour the campus. In the early years we had 400 students at ‘Come See for Yourself.’ Then, one year we had 5,000. The number of minority students enrolling just kept going up.”

Also offered was a six-week summer program for freshmen where minority students could come to campus and take classes, giving them an early start on their college career.

“They stayed in college dorms with air conditioning and carpet and had three meals a day and earned college credits. It was a huge selling point to get students to UK. We were successful,” Burnam remembered.

Though he retired several years ago, he’s still informally recruiting. At his church, Greater New Hope Christian Center, Burnam still talks with the young people about what recruiters are looking for and encourages them to give UK a look.

And he’s still involved at his alma mater. He is the former president of the Lyman T. Johnson UK Alumni African American Constituent Group and former member of the UK Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. He has received the UK Alumni Association Distinguished Service Award, the YMCA Adult Achiever of the Year Award and the Louisville LEEPS Program’s Community Partner of the Year Award.

Burnam opened the doors of opportunity for Danny Murphy, senior assistant dean of community engagement and operations at the UK College of Law, and his wife Fayette District Court Judge Melissa Moore Murphy.

Danny Murphy ’93 AS, ’98 LAW said he owed his career and his college education to Burnam. As a student at Anderson County High School, Danny Murphy dreamed of attending UK. He was active and engaged in high school serving as class president.

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Photos submitted and UK Alumni Association

“It was my goal since I was 14,” he said. “But I didn’t know how to make that happen. My family situation didn’t afford that opportunity to me. They didn’t know how to get me there.”

Fortunately, a family member encountered Burnam and mentioned Danny Murphy to him. Burnam reached out and told him that he’d help him get into UK. “He opened the door for me, and I received scholarship money. Sending me to UK was not something that was ever possible for my parents,” Danny remembers. He was the first person in his family to attend college.

Melissa Moore Murphy ‘98 AS, ’01 LAW was a student at Louisville’s Atherton High School when Burnam helped her along a similar path. The couple’s daughter is now a UK student.

“I remember feeling like I was part of something special at UK,” recalls Danny. “Buzz encouraged all of us. He made us feel special. He is kind and caring and he made me believe I could achieve what I wanted to do.

“Because of Buzz, I’m doing the work I do. I want to give back, just like Buzz did.” ■

Buzz Burnam served the University of Kentucky in a variety of leadership roles for more than 40 years. During his years of service, he was a champion for student success and many students and graduates say the impact Burnam had on them changed their lives.

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AWARD RECIPIENT IN HIS IMAGE

The Emmett P. “Buzz” Burnam Inclusive Excellence and Expansion Impact Award recognizes individuals who create a community of belonging where they live and work. Buzz Burnam (above) received the inaugural award in 2023, and Cassandra Jean Johnson (below, center) is the 2024 recipient.

Photos by BWPhoto

The University of Kentucky Office for Institutional Diversity awarded Cassandra Jean Johnson ’96 ’97 SW with the Emmett P. “Buzz” Burnam Inclusive Excellence and Expansion Impact Award at the second annual Black Alumni Reunion in April.

This award is given to someone who emulates the spirit of Burnam. Johnson, a Lexington native, was influenced by Burnam’s guidance during her high school years, which led her to choose UK over her initial preferences. This pivotal decision set the course for her successful academic and professional journey.

“I am so excited and so humbled,” Johnson said the night of the awards ceremony. “There is no greater honor than to be in the ranks of Buzz Burnam who has made such an important contribution to my life as a student and an employee, and in such in impactful way.”

Throughout her time at UK, she actively engaged in student organizations and support services, fostering her commitment to helping others succeed.

Johnson was a faculty member at Berea College, where she excelled in student recruitment and support initiatives.

In 2001, she transitioned to her current role as program counselor/advisor at Student Support Services at UK, under the mentorship of Lydia Wims. She has dedicated herself to assisting first-generation, low-income, disabled, nontraditional and transfer students, providing guidance in academic, career and personal matters. She has also been instrumental in coordinating peer mentoring programs and educational enrichment initiatives.

Beyond her professional duties, Johnson is an active member of the Kentucky Association of Educational Opportunity and Program Personnel and the Southeastern Association of Educational Opportunity and Program Personnel, advocating for underrepresented college students. ■

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DANCEBLUE 2024 IS RECORD BREAKER At April’s DanceBlue marathon, more than 800 University of Kentucky students stood inside Rupp Arena for 24 hours in solidarity with the patients and families of the DanceBlue Kentucky Children’s Hospital Hematology/Oncology Clinic. It was all in celebration of this year’s recordbreaking DanceBlue fundraising total: $2,129,952.87. With this year’s total, DanceBlue has raised more than $22 million “for the kids” since it began in 2006. DanceBlue was founded in memory of clinic patient Jarrett Mynear. His final request to his parents was to do something to help the clinic.

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Photo by Carter Skaggs, UK Photo

A GRADUATE CLASS TRIP TO INDIA PRODUCES

IN THE WORLD

By Jacalyn Carfagno

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Photos by Clay Cook and Nicola Harger

here are a lot of ways to measure the success of Anchal, the nonprofit social enterprise founded by two UK design alumnae.

Revenues have grown more than tenfold since they began in 2010, to $900,000 in 2022. Anchal has collaborated with the Guggenheim Museum (twice) and claims Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters as clients. Last year Anchal moved into a new space in Louisville with a storefront retail shop and workspaces, a photography studio, meeting room and space to fulfill online orders in the back.

A workforce of eight has grown to almost 300. The Clines sisters, Colleen ’08 AFE and Maggie ’11 DE, founded Anchal and have gone from keeping things afloat by living at home and working other jobs for three years to earning decent livings running Anchal full-time (and more).

None of that, though, is quite the point for the sisters.

They are proud they’re close to achieving a million dollars in sales (“As a woman-run business that would be a very exciting milestone to reach,” said Colleen, Anchal’s CEO).

But the biggest measure of success, the “biggest motivator, the reason we do what we do,” Maggie (COO and creative director) said, is “knowing how much of an impact one quilt sale can have on a woman’s life and her family’s life.”

That’s what they had in mind back in 2010 after Colleen had made a trip to India with a class from graduate school. There she saw women who had worked in the sex trade who struggled to find a way to give their children better lives. Partnering with a local non-governmental organizations they talked about the lack of economic opportunities for women and learned about the local kantha stitching tradition used in quilting.

An idea began to form, why not use one to address the other?

Back in the U.S., Colleen and classmates raised $400 for a sewing machine, training and materials for artisans, and to pay them for their work. When the first quilts, pieced together from vintage saris, arrived Maggie helped her sister sell them. They had a vision of combining their shared passion for design with traditional Indian textiles and techniques to create opportunities for women who had none.

“Naively,” Colleen said, the sisters thought “let’s make this into a business.” Maggie added, “we had no idea what we were doing.”

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Above: Female artisans use traditional kantha stitching to sew quilts and hundreds of other home and clothing items for Anchal.

Left: Third and fourth from t he left are Colleen Clines (cofounder and CEO) and Maggie Clines (co-founder, COO and creative director) visiting with some of the women who sew their products in India.

It might seem like some other degree – business, marketing? – could have prepared them better for their enterprise but the sisters think their training has served them well.

“The basis of both of our educations at UK and in design school is creative problem solving,” Colleen said. “Regardless of what we don’t know, I think we felt empowered to figure it out in a creative way.”

Plus, they learned how to work hard. Theirs “weren’t easy majors,” Maggie said. “We came out of school knowing how hard you have to push to get something that you’re proud of. We weren’t afraid of that.”

They also learned how to market their ideas through presenting projects to professors, guest critics and peers.

“You have to defend your work and learn how to be confident about what you’re doing,” Maggie said. “And sell your ideas,” Colleen added.

So, when it came to renting a booth at trade shows in New York – critical exposure for a Kentucky-based company – they were ready to meet hundreds of buyers and show them what Anchal can do. Also, with a small space costing as much as $10,000 for three days at a show, design skills were critical to organizing their displays for maximum impact.

The first Anchal collaboration with the Guggenheim Museum was to create clothing and quilts for the museum’s store to compliment a show of the work of Swedish painter Hilma af Klint.

“The simplicity and shapes of the quilts and jackets and totes, etc. were a beautiful compliment to the colors and

scale of Hilma’s works,” said Kristin Rae, general manager of the Guggenheim Store.

They didn’t try to compete with Hilma yet were clearly inspired by her works. When a few years later the Guggenheim mounted a large exhibition of the American painter Alex Katz, they turned again to Anchal.

“They were tasked to find the fine line to create something of their own but not entirely,” Rae said. When curators asked for design changes, “they pivoted beautifully. More the reason to love them,” she added.

At UK, design professors see a direct line between their education and their work.

“I mention Anchal all the time to my students as a great example of entrepreneurship, doing something with your design degree as well as doing some good in the world,” said Anne Filson, an associate professor in the school of architecture. Maggie worked with Filson as a research assistant after graduation. She is “super talented at drawing,” Filson said, and has “the ability to design in different media and at different scales.”

The quilts were an example of that ability to translate skills across materials. Filson said some of the early quilt designs Maggie shared with her were sketched, “almost the way you would draft the floor plan of a building.”

Ned Crankshaw taught Colleen as an undergraduate.

“She was a really great designer,” he said, with a persistent social conscience. As the classes discussed design projects Colleen always asked, “what is it doing, what’s the point of this?” w w w. u ka l umni . net

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Like Filson, he sees the sisters’ work as a credit to the programs at UK. “We are extremely proud of her,” he said. When talking about “who were some of our really great graduates, Colleen is always on that list.”

Both Filson and Crankshaw are happy Anchal customers.

“We have Anchal everything,” Filson said, and every Mother’s Day she orders Anchal for her mother and sister-in-law.

Crankshaw’s home is also full of Anchal products. Recently an Anchal heart hanging on the wall caught his granddaughter’s eye. “Wow, who made this,” she asked in amazement.

Another group of people who are proud of their connection to Colleen and Maggie are the artisans who sew the Anchal creations, said Shefali Modi who oversees the program in Jaipur, India. On visits to India, the sisters are often photographed with their artisans, sometimes in the workshop, sometimes in their homes, where many of them work.

“They visit their houses, that means a lot,” Modi said. And a photo with the Clines is a prized possession. “Proudly, they show it to everyone.”

Modi has worked in the corporate world of textile production in India for over 20 years, the last five or so with Anchal.

“There’s a big difference,” between the commercial standard and what Anchal offers the women who work with them, she said. “There is so much respect,” and “they’re paid well.”

About 25 women are employed full-time in the workshop.

Another 180 or more women do piecework from home, either because they have small children or husbands or in-laws that don’t want them working outside the home.

Each artisan has her own account and “they know clearly how much they are getting,” for the work they produce, Modi said, “which is not so common here.”

Each Anchal product is signed by the artisan who made it.

Modi says that for women who are sometimes illiterate and often have hardly traveled beyond where they were born, it is a point of pride knowing the pieces they made are going around the world “and with their name and signature.”

As a non-profit, Anchal offers more than just pay. Anchal has employee workshops on everything from quality control to stress management and financial planning, annual eye camps to provide new glasses, field trips and even chai tea breaks.

The women who have worked for Anchal for over a decade have grown along with the company. They start off with simple pieces and progress to more complex, more highly paid work.

For many, their earnings initially paid for basics like housing and fresh food, Maggie said. “And then we’ve watched their children go to college, the first generation, they’re buying new homes, scooters and water filters.”

Now, some are even buying jewelry for themselves. Colleen sees that as wonderful landmark: “I just thought, ‘whoa, that’s so cool, it’s not about the basics anymore.’”

Neither sister knew much about sewing when they decided to create a company that makes sewn goods. But Maggie learned how (she’s “taken it to the next level,” her sister says) and so she designs and then makes samples of new products, drawing the details on the CAD software system she learned in architecture school to translate the process to the women in India.

While they started with quilts, Maggie said they knew that in order to grow “we can’t keep selling one product for eternity.”

Things took off when she designed the first pouch and the artisans learned how to sew in zippers. “It revolutionized the business.”

From a few quilts in 2010 Anchal has expanded to produce over more than 740 different (known in the trade as stock keeping units or SKUs). And that number will expand this fall when their first line of baby products comes on the market.

That growth means more opportunities and better lives for the women who first moved Colleen and Maggie to start this venture.

A recent show about Anchal’s work at the Kentucky Museum of Arts and Crafts featuring the work of photographer Clay Cook (who is married to Colleen but that’s another, although related, story) included portraits of artisans accompanied by recordings of their accounts of their lives.

“I remember my life with a great deal of pain,” one woman says, recounting a difficult family life made worse when she married. Eventually, though, she joined Anchal and “it was the best thing that ever happened to me.” Now, she says, she works hard “to make sure my children do not face the difficulties I have faced in life.”

From all this she has learned “there are good and bad people in this world and, after spending most of my life with bad people, I have finally found good people.” ■

Maggie, left, and Colleen Clines in their new workspace.

Anchal moved last year and now has a retail storefront in addition to design, order fulfillment, office and meeting spaces, at 1229 S. Shelby in Louisville, Kentucky.

Visit anchalproject.org to see more photos and learn more about the products for sale.

32 K ENTU CKY A LUM NI MAGAZ I NE Summer 2024

BRING YOUR

WILDCAT SPIRIT ON AN ADVENTURE IN

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Club News

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5 34 K ENTU CKY A LUM NI MAGAZ I NE Summer 2024

1. The Central Ohio UK Alumni Club held a Kentucky Derby party. Judi Cole won the hat contest. Barb Kerr surprised the crowd of about 30 with seven delicious homemade Derby pies.

2. The Las Vegas UK Alumni Club held its 15th annual Kentucky Derby party this year. More than 50 people attended. A “best outfit” contest was held and there was a tie between Chuck Dewees and Nick Springston for best suit. Amanda Lush won for best dressed woman.

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3. A group of UK alumni in the Space Coast area of Florida had 29 in attendance at its 2024 Derby party. The Space Coast UK Alumni Club looks forward to growing. There were five new individuals/households at the event.

4. The Greater Houston UK Alumni Club held its Kentucky Derby party at the Sam Houston Race Park. Kurt and Kathy Adkins were just two of the attendees who had some fun.

7

5. The Sarasota Suncoast UK Alumni Club hosted about 65 guests for a day at the races to celebrate the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby. More than $1,100 in prize money was passed out along with raffle items and a 50/50 raffle as guests enjoyed a Kentucky favorites buffet with burgoo, mini hot browns, barbecue and Derby pie squares for dessert. The best Derby hat winner was Janie Nozell who combined Florida flair with Kentucky tradition for a flamingothemed Derby hat.

6. The Northern Alabama UK Alumni Club celebrated the Kentucky Derby with a silent auction of bourbon, by placing bets with a random draw and enjoying beer cheese, Ale-8-One and drinking mint juleps from souvenir Derby glasses.

7. The New York City UK Alumni Club dressed in style to celebrate the 2024 Derby at Jack Demsey’s.

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8. The Greater Birmingham UK Alumni Club celebrated the 2024 Kentucky Derby with a hat contest. Kaitlyn Thomas, second from right, was the winner. w w w. u ka l umni . net

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JOIN THE UK ALUMNI ASSOCIATION ON THE ROAD THIS FOOTBALL SEASON! We’re hitting the road and we want you to come along for the ride!

Our alumni travel will include the opportunity for game tickets, ground transportation, lodging and fun gatherings with fellow UK fans. It’s the perfect way to experience the thrill of cheering on the Cats in enemy territory, while reconnecting with old friends and making new ones.

More information is available at www.ukalumni.net/roadtrip or by scanning the QR code.

SEPTEMBER

NOVEMBER

VS.

VS.

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Save Date the

Pumpkin Festival Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024 1 – 4 p.m.

The Club at UK’s Spindletop Hall 3414 Iron Works Pike | Lexington, KY 40511 Bring your little Wildcats out for a fantastic fall time at the 20th annual Pumpkin Festival! Activities include: petting zoo, pumpkin painting, inflatables and hayrides.

Big Blue Santa Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024 1 – 5 p.m.

King Alumni House 400 Rose St. | Lexington, KY 40506 Join us for a special visit with Big Blue Santa at this can’t-miss holiday event! Activities include: Santa visits, Santa’s workshop, holiday crafts and games.

Visit www.ukalumni.net/legacyevents for more information.

ITS ALL ABOUT

CONNECTIONS A Big Blue thanks to all our new Life Members! We are pleased to recognize your commitment to the Wildcat family and intention to stay connected to the University of Kentucky for life.

Howard Agee Eric Atwell Kristy Baars James Bailey Stacey Baker Maryann Bandy Rachel Bandy Amy Banks Glenn Barnes Stephen Barry Jennifer Barton George Bauer Deborah Benjamin Andrew Bertram Carrie Blake David Blake Ruth Brewer Carl Brooks Laura Brooks Paris Burd Jann Burks John Burks Marie Calabrese Shana Carter Tom Caudel Matthew Church Thomas Code Alan Craig Molly Crain Sarah Cummins Vaun Cummins Michael Davidson Kimberly Davis

YOU CAN MAKE A

Kathy DeHart Elizabeth Demaree Louis Demaree George Dickens Lisa Dickens Elizabeth Duncan Brian Durbin Teresa Eckdahl William Eckdahl Samantha Ethier Scott Ethier Roy Faulkner Robert Fenton Alex Fleener Tara Foltz Lucy Freiburger Eugene Glowatch James Gore Stacy Gore Thomas Graler Holly Haga Jim Hangis Alexandra Hart Mary Hendricks Anthony Hester Carolyn Hornback John Hornback John Johnson Thomas Jones John Kyser Beau Lane Daniel Lane Gail Lane

DIFFERENCE

Fon Rogers Jessica Schertz Richard Schertz Graham Shepherd Hayden Shepherd Todd Smith Tona Smith Carol Snider Jeffrey Stringer Steve Sukup Vicki Sukup Jeffrey Sutton Marion Sutton Kelly Taylor Travis Taylor Sarah Trumble Michael Wallace Lisa Watson Michael Watson Rebecca Westerfield Christopher White David Wilcox Jennifer Wilcox Robert Winans Sandra Winter David Witt Linda Witt Christopher Wujcik Matthew Zarth Nathalya Zarth *New paid in full Life Members March 1 – May 14, 2024

Family watches out for family. When you become a Life Member of the UK Alumni Association, you help open doors of opportunity to transform the lives of students, serve alumni and improve the Commonwealth of Kentucky and beyond!

K E N TUCKY A LU MN I MAG A ZIN E Fall 2022 www.ukalumni.net/membership or call 800-269-ALUM (2586)

34

Joseph Leon Marc Lewis Barbara Mabry Michael Madison Peggy Marting Richard Marting Dominique Metze Jeff Metze J. Miller Jean Miller Merideth Moore Kathryn Nash Will Nash Matthew Neale Brad Newsome Pamela Noble Randall Norris Scott Parker Cody Prater Shana Raglin Jennifer Raley Jesse Raley Travis Ramey Colin Randall Whitney Randall Mark Reed Mary Reed Donald Rice Denotra Ricketts Bobby Riddle Lili Riddle Angela Roddy Candice Rogers

Sports UK ATHLETICS COACHES BRING HOME COACH OF THE YEAR HONORS

UK ATHLETES MAKE THE GRADE

After starting the season 15-1 and boasting a 39-12 overall record, No. 2 Kentucky Baseball Head Coach Nick Mingione was voted SEC Coach of the Year by the coaches of the conference.

Mingione helped lead his team to become regular season SEC champs and set a school record 22 SEC wins, earning himself his second Coach of the Year award in eight years.

“I view this as a team award,” Mingione said. “There’s no way I could do this by myself, the preparation and everything that goes into assembling a team and getting them ready to compete at the highest level.”

Also receiving the SEC Coach of the Year award this year was gymnastics head coach Tim Garrison who is sharing the honor with LSU’s Jay Clark. Garrison has now won the award in back-to-back years.

The team set a school record for

With grades for the 2024 spring semester now finalized, UK Athletics has surpassed its goal of a 3.0 cumulative grade-point average for 24 straight semesters, as Wildcat scholarship student-athletes combined to achieve a GPA of 3.27. Including nonscholarship athletes from all sports, the overall UK Athletics GPA was 3.30.

The men’s cross-country team led the department with a spring GPA of 3.738 in the all student-athlete category, setting the benchmark among all 23 varsity teams.

Men’s cross country had the highest men’s team GPA in either category with a 3.645 in competing scholarship. The women’s soccer team had the benchmark GPA in the competing scholarship category at 3.708.

The women’s swimming and diving team topped the women’s side in the all studentathlete category with a 3.676.

Individually, 465 Wildcats achieved a GPA of 3.0 or higher, including 139 who reached 4.0 for the semester.

UK’s high marks in the spring semester continue the trend of strong academic news: Spring graduation marked yet another milestone of academic success as UK Athletics had a total of 163 graduates during the 2023-2024 school year alone. ■

highest meet score of 198.100 and placed third in the SEC tournament.

In Garrison’s 13 seasons at the helm of UK gymnastics, the team has qualified for regional competition each year.

The other UK head coach to bring home the hardware this season was men’s Tennis Coach Cedric Kauffmann ‘98 BE Kauffmann played for the university from 1995-98 under Coach Dennis Emery and was the first tennis player ever inducted into the UK Athletics Hall of Fame.

Now leading his alma mater, Kauffmann and the Wildcats went on an impressive 20-match winning streak that saw them bring home both the regular season and SEC tournament titles this year. The historic season led to Kauffmann’s first SEC Coach of the Year.

“It’s an honor just because it’s done by other coaches, you know, they vote.” Kauffmann said. “I feel really appreciated and honored.” ■

Photos courtesy of UK Athletics

DANCE TEAM GETS NEW HEAD COACH Janet Brock, who has served as the assistant coach of the University of Kentucky Dance Team for the past four years, has been hired to be the head coach of the UK Dance Team. She replaces retiring coach Dawn Walters.

Brock ’05 ED served as an assistant coach under Walters beginning in 2020, leading the UKDT to multiple top-five finishes in the Universal Dance Association national competition.

A native of Corbin, Kentucky, Brock arrived at UK after 15 years as the dance team coach at Tates Creek High School in Lexington. During her college career, Brock was a four-year member of the UK Wildcat Danzers, where she was coached by Walters from 2000-2004. ■

38 K ENTU CKY A LUM NI MAGAZ I NE Summer 2024

KENTUCKY LANDS THREE ON TEAM USA Kentucky men’s basketball alumni Anthony Davis, Devin Booker and Bam Adebayo will represent Team USA in Paris this summer at the 2024 Olympic Games.

The trio is part of a 12-man, 2024 USA Basketball Men’s National Team which will go for a fifth-straight Olympic gold medal when the event is held July 27-Aug. 10.

Kentucky’s three representatives lead all colleges, as no other school has more than one former player on the roster. ■

FOR NEW MEN’S COACH, THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME Mark Pope, a captain of the University of Kentucky’s 1996 National Championship team, has returned to Lexington as the 23rd head coach of Kentucky’s men’s basketball program.

Pope ’96 AS is a nine-year head coaching veteran with stops at BYU and Utah Valley, amassing a 187-108 career record. His squads won 20 or more games in six of the last seven seasons and he has made six postseason appearances.

“As a captain on the ’96 championship team, Mark Pope was a beloved and respected teammate. As a head coach, he is highly regarded nationally as an innovator. His teams run a unique and dynamic up-tempo offense and they get after it on defense. He is a strong recruiter with international ties and a person of integrity,” said UK Director of Athletics Mitch Barnhart.

Pope returns to UK from Provo, Utah, where he compiled a 110-52 record (.679) during five campaigns at the helm of BYU and took the Cougars to three postseason appearances.

“UK changed my life forever as a human being. The love and passion I have for this program, this university and the people of the Commonwealth goes to the depth of my soul,” Pope said.

Pope began his collegiate playing career at the University of Washington.

After his sophomore season, he transferred to Kentucky, where he appeared in every game of his two-year career with the Wildcats. UK won the 1995 and 1996 regular-season Southeastern Conference championships, the 1995 SEC Tournament title and the 1996 NCAA Tournament.

Following his playing days, Pope enrolled in medical school at Columbia University and completed two years before returning to basketball. He joined Mark Fox’s staff at Georgia in 2009. He then spent one season as an assistant coach for Jeff Bzdelik at Wake Forest and four seasons at BYU under Dave Rose.

Pope and his wife, Lee Anne, have four daughters, Ella, Avery, Layla and Shay. ■

BROOKS BRINGS UP-TEMPO PLAY TO UK WOMEN Kenny Brooks, who took Virginia Tech to the 2023 NCAA Final Four and won the 2024 Atlantic Coast Conference regular-season championship, has been named the ninth head coach of the University of Kentucky women’s basketball program.

Boasting a 517-204 (.717) career record through 22 seasons as a head coach, Brooks has compiled five Colonial Athletic Association Tournament titles, four CAA regular-season titles, one ACC Tournament title, one ACC regular-season title, 10 NCAA Tournament appearances and one Final Four.

Brooks arrives in Lexington after serving eight seasons as the head coach at Virginia Tech.

Under his guidance, the Hokies enjoyed eight consecutive winning seasons (2017-2024) and made four straight appearances in the NCAA Tournament (2021-2024).

“Kenny has a strong history of player development and championship performance at James Madison and Virginia Tech,” said UK Director of Athletics Mitch Barnhart. “When you combine his coaching excellence with his vision for this program and his passion to take us there, he is ideally suited to be head coach of the Wildcats.”

“I don’t plan on wasting any time building a positive atmosphere, winning environment and a persistent program that Big Blue Nation can be proud of,” Brooks said.

Brooks joined Virginia Tech after an impressive 14-season stint as head coach at James Madison University, where he compiled a record of 337-122 (.756), which made him the winningest coach in school history.

The Waynesboro, Virginia, native has coached seven WNBA Draft picks in his tenure. A 1992 graduate of James Madison, Brooks played for three seasons under coach Lefty Driesell and made two NIT appearances, while also earning a degree in business management.

Brooks and his wife, Chrissy, have four children: Kendyl, Chloe, Gabby and Nicholas. ■ w w w. u ka l umni . net

39

AFTER CONCEALING THE TRUTH,

SHE TOLD EVERYONE

Jenisha Watts, UK alumna and senior editor of "The Atlantic," speaks at an event about the future of journalism at the Singletary Center for the Arts in March.

40 K ENTU CKY A LUM NI MAGAZ I NE Summer 2024

Photo by Carter Skaggs, UK Photo

By Sally Scherer

T

here’s no typical UK student with a typical story about a typical life. Everyone has a story to tell.

After trying to hide her story for many years, University of Kentucky graduate Jenisha Watts ’08 CI told hers in an essay that appeared on the cover of “The Atlantic” magazine last year.

The headline read: “Jenisha from Kentucky. I came to New York sure of one thing – that no one could ever know my past.”

She embraces the past now, she says, but it was a long time coming.

Jenisha grew up in Charlotte Court, a Lexington public housing project. She and her siblings were raised – if you can call it that – by their mother who was a drug addict. Growing up, Jenisha was neglected and hungry and left alone a lot. She remembers the police officers at her home, illegal drugs found hidden in cereal boxes and her mother in handcuffs.

Eventually, Jenisha went to live with her grandmother where her love of reading and books was encouraged. Some of her siblings went to live with other family members. Some went to foster care.

Even now, in her late 30s, she can easily remember the trauma of growing up.

“I can still see myself sitting on the Charlotte Court steps waiting on my mom to come home. I can see us all laying on the bed at the Salvation Army when we had to stay there,” she said, adding that the memories are clear.

“I can still go there,” she said.

Jenisha attended what was then Lexington Community College before coming to UK. She was a journalism major. “I was in survival mode,” she said of her days at UK. “I wanted to get out of Kentucky and make something of myself.”

She was a good student but at the student newspaper “The Kernel” she was told her writing wasn’t good enough. She didn’t really understand why, but she wanted to. She says the elective classes she took helped “unlock” a part of herself. She enrolled in a linguistics class to better understand Ebonics and why she spoke the way she did and wrote the way she wrote.

Dr. Rusty Barrett, a professor in the department, taught the class.

“She wanted to learn grammar. She wanted to compare what she learned growing up with what was acceptable,” Barrett said. “She had been told the way she spoke was wrong and that her writing wasn’t good enough. I taught her to analyze her own speech and she did an independent study, her own project, on Bluegrass Black English in Kentucky.

“The more she learned, the more I could see her self-worth coming back,” he said. “It was an amazing thing to see.”

The experience taught Jenisha it was OK to ask questions and to not know the answer to everything. She took full advantage of her curiosity.

She took theatre classes to explore cultural opportunities.

She made friends with engineering students who tutored her in her Math 109 class. She attended lectures at the student center and got to know Rosenberg College of Law Professor

Dr. Melynda Price who taught her about law and introduced her to books she’d not heard of.

At the time, she never stopped asking questions of Chester Grundy, director of the Office of African American Student Affairs and the Martin Luther King Jr. Cultural Center at the university; Phil Kramer, Chellgren Chair for Undergraduate Excellence; Lisa Higgins Hord, assistant vice president of community engagement at UK; and author and alumnus Dr. William Turner.

Poet, National Book Award-winner and creative writing professor Nikky Finney inspired her. The duo visited campus in 2023 after her story was published in “The Atlantic.” They spoke at a program “Sisterhood and Mentorship” and reminisced about their time together on the UK campus.

“I use the word daughter with her, not mentor,” Finney said of their relationship. “I told Jenisha not to say any word in my class that she could not pronounce. She had her eyes on the things she wanted most, not the things she wanted now.

There’s a difference. She was in it for the long run so I could say that to her. She went to the writing center because she wanted to be a writer. But her toolbox had to be right. Now, I celebrate her ascent, her climb, her fight. She got there.”

That kind of support, and Jenisha’s lust for learning, led her to earn her master’s degree at New York’s Columbia University and to her successful journalism career that included an internship at “Essence,” a researcher and editor job at ESPN and ultimately senior editor at “The Atlantic.”

She wrote plenty of other people’s stories during her career, but writing her own was the toughest, she says. She decided to do it after she became a mother and to help let go of her anger.

“I’ve watched what anger does to people,” she said. “At least once a week I get a call from someone in my family crying and angry about something that happened in our childhood. At some point, you can’t use it as an excuse anymore. You have to let it go. Otherwise, it eats you. It helped me to let it go.”

She spent nearly two years drafting her essay. She interviewed family members who did their best to avoid talking to her. She knew the story would change her and her family. She didn’t want to embarrass anyone, but as a journalist, she wanted to be truthful. She wanted to write about leaving Kentucky for New York and what it was like to try to fit into the city’s sophisticated literary world.

The essay has received critical acclaim and was a finalist in the feature writing category for a 2024 National Magazine Award. She has been asked to speak at events and she was honored with a First Decade Award from Columbia University during alumni weekend.

And she’s continuing to write her story. She’s writing the manuscript for a book after signing a book contract with Ecco, a part of HarperCollins Publishers.

“I used to want to hide all the parts of me that were ‘Kentucky,’” she said. “Now that I’m older, I embrace it. It made me who I am.” ■ w w w. u ka l umni . net

41

Class Notes 1950s HERE’S TO ALL THE WILDCATS IN THIER

Photos by UK Photo and UK Alumni Association

Wildcaps

Jim Host ’59 CI received the 2024 Tom Jernstedt Lifetime Achievement Award during the 2024 Men’s Final Four in Phoenix, Arizona. Host was founder and CEO of Host Communications, a collegiate sports marketing and production services company. He is credited with starting what is now the NCAA’s Corporate Partner and Championship program.

42 K ENTU CKY A LUM NI MAGAZ I NE Summer 2024

Jonathan Van Lahr ’77 AS has been elected as the 2024 president of the Kentucky Board of Pharmacy. Van Lahr has been employed as a pharmacist at Save-Rite Drugs in Irvington, Kentucky.

He is a lifelong resident of Breckinridge County.

1960s

1980s

Marty E. Sik ’69 AS has received the 2024 Faeverner Beese Kramer Loyalty Award from the Atlanta Alumnae Panhellenic Association.

The award recognizes an alumna who has exhibited loyalty through service to her sorority and to the Greek community. The award Is sponsored by the Atlanta Alumnae Chapter of Delta Gamma. Sik is a member of Zeta Tau Alpha.

Robert A. Heil ’85 EN was honored with the Gateway to Greatness Award from Gateway Community and Technical College in Covington, Kentucky. Heil has been an advocate for education throughout his career. He formerly served as president and CEO of KLH Engineers.

1970s

Wildcats expressed their creativity and set themselves apart from the pack during May commencement ceremonies by decorating their graduation caps.

Whether announcing their future plans or simply identifying themselves, these new alumni gave their graduation attire a lift and some sparkle. Congratulations to all – decorated cap or not – on their achievements.

of the Year. An architect with 40 years of experience, Iamello operates Iamello Architectural Studio along with his daughter Marissa Iamello.

Denise Y. Alvey ‘75 NUR has been appointed to a twoyear term on the Kentucky Nurse’s Association Board of Directors. She will serve in the role of student nurse liaison/Kentucky Association of Nursing student consultant.

Robert M. Iamello ’77 DES was honored by the Amerigo Vespucci Society of Long Branch, New Jersey as Man

L. Douglas Knight ‘82 AS, ’86 DE recently published “The FACE book, Functional and Cosmetic Excellence in Orthodontics.” Knight served in the United States Army Dental Corps and maintains private practice in Radcliff and Louisville, Kentucky.

Monica A. Valentovic ’83 PHA has been named the 2024 Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine Alumni Association Honorary Alumna. She is a professor of biomedical science at Marshall.

H. David Wallace ’83 AFE received the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Community Award. Wallace is chairman and CEO of Heritage Bank.

R. Jeffrey Hord ’85 AS, ’89 MED has been elected as president of the American Society of Pediatric Hematology Oncology for the 2024-2025 term.

Hord is the director of the Showers Family Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders at Akron Children’s Hospital, Akron, Ohio and is a professor of pediatrics at Northeast Ohio Medical University.

Elizabeth Beck Hughes ’86 CI participated in the Prime Video Show “The Blox.”

Hughes owns Little Flour Baked Goods in Fort Mitchell, Kentucky. “The Blox” is a competition show about entrepreneurship. Hughes started her baking business at home before opening a brick-and-mortar location.

Joan Ruttle-King ’89 NUR was awarded the 2023 Military Health System Federal Civilian Nursing Leadership Award, US Army. She has worked as a Department of the Army civilian nurse for 30 years and is currently nurse executive for the US Army Health Contracting Activity, Joint Base San Antonio, Texas.

1990s Charlie Sizemore ’90 AS is being inducted into the

Kentucky Music Hall of Fame. Sizemore began playing music at 16 when he replaced Keith Whitley in Ralph Stanley’s Clinch Mountain Boys. In addition to performing with the Charlie Sizemore Band, he has operated a successful law firm.

Stephen Grigsby ’91 BE, ’94 PH has been appointed vice president and CFO of Brunswick-based Southeast Georgia Health System. He has served as vice president and CFO for Springhill Medical Center and was CFO at Jupiter Medical Center.

Amanda Orlando ’91 CI won her third Gracie Award from the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation. A longtime Cincinnati radio personality, Orlando is the morning host at WRRM-FM. David Dalton ’92 AS has been promoted to distinguished professor of history at College of the Ozarks (Missouri) where he has taught since 1988. The rank is the first ever awarded by the college in its 118-year history.

Joe Haas ’92 LAW was honored by the Exchange Club of Sturgis, Michigan, with the Book of Golden Deeds Award.

Haas volunteers in many community organizations and has been named Exchangite of the Year as well as Southwest Michigan Exchangite of the Year.

Information in Class Notes is compiled from previously published items in newspapers and other media outlets, as well as items submitted by individual alumni. Send us your class note by emailing ukalumni@uky.edu or submitting your information in the online community at www.ukalumni.net/class.

COLLEGE INDEX AFE Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food & Environment AS Arts & Sciences BE Gatton College of Business & Economics CI Communication & Information DE Dentistry DES Design ED Education EN Pigman College of Engineering FA Fine Arts GS The Graduate School HS Health Sciences HON Honorary Degree LAW Rosenberg College of Law MED Medicine NUR Nursing PHA Pharmacy PH Public Health SW Social Work

w w w. u ka l umni . net

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Class Notes

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Charles Kim ’92 MED has been named medical director of ambulatory anesthesia sites at TidalHealth.

Previously he was chief of anesthesia at the University of Florida-Central Florida Health Hospital.

Sean Weddell ’92 CI has been named men’s and women’s swimming head coach of Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory, North Carolina. His most recent coaching stop was at LeesMcRae College in Banner Elk, North Carolina.

Lais Costa ’94 AFE joined the University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in the department of population, health and reproduction as an assistant professor of cooperative extension for rural community disaster preparedness.

Alan Lang ’95 BE has been named senior vice president of physical services and auctions at Inventory Solutions at Cox Automotive.

Lang joined Cox in 2016 as Manheim divisional vice president.

Jeffrey Keller ’96 AS has been named principal investigator to oversee Answer ALS’ open access data repository, neuromine.

Keller is director for Pennington Biomedical’s Institute for Dementia Research and Prevention and a professor of aging and neurodegeneration.

Dave Schroeder ’97 CI has been elected president of the Southwest Ohio Network Library Consortium Board of Directors. Schroeder is the executive director of the Kenton County Public Library and has been with the library for more than 30 years.

Youqing Xiang ’97 EN will lead the new AI development center in Silicon Valley, California for Phoenix Motor Inc. The vice president of electrical and software engineering at Phoenix Motor, Xiang has 35 years in engineering experience, including 25 in the automotive industry.

Christopher A. Feddock ’98 MED, ’05 ED has been appointed vice president of competency-based assessment in the growth and innovation division of the National Board of Medical Examiners, a leading medical assessment company. Before joining NBME, Feddock held several positions at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine.

Brooke Grant Jeffy ’98 AS has earned the 2024 Women’s Choice Award Best Doctors designation.

Jeffy is a dermatologist.

WomenCertified Inc. is the home of the Women’s Choice Award.

2000s John Paglia ’00 BE has been appointed to the board of directors and chair of the audit committee for Splash

Beverage Group. Paglia is a tenured professor of finance at the Pepperdine Graziadio Business School.

Adam Ballash ’01 EN has been named as a partner in the Memphisbased commercial real estate company Boyle Investment Company. Ballash joined Boyle in 2007 as development manager.

Stephanie Cook ’01 FA has been named vice president for institutional advancement at Pratt Institute. She has fundraising experience in non-profit, cultural and higher education sectors.

Previously she served as vice president for development with the National Audubon Society.

Michael Masick ’01 AS will become president, Emerging International leadership and executive leadership team at Brown-Forman Corporation.

Masick has been part of Brown-Forman for more than 14 years, serving in a number of finance, strategy and commercial leadership positions. He is currently the managing director for the Latin America, Africa, Ukraine and CIS markets.

Ushma Patel ’01 CI has rejoined BrandCottage as director of digital operations.

BrandCottage is a paid media company helping marketers navigate a complex paid media advertising ecosystem.

Ryan Barrow ’02 BE, ’02 EN has been named executive director of the Kentucky

Public Pension Authority. He has served as the executive director of Kentucky’s office of financial management since 2012.

Jeremy Jarvi ’02 CI is Metro United Way’s new chief development officer in Louisville. Jarvi served as the inaugural executive director of the LouCity & Racing Foundation and as the regional chief development officer for the American Red Cross.

Charmaine McKissickMelton ’02 CI is a board member of the Duke University Center for Documentary Studies.

She recently retired as an associate professor in the Department of Mass Communication at North Carolina Central University.

She was awarded the Coca-Cola Minority Faculty fellowship at the University of Notre Dame.

Stacy Stanifer ’02 ’20 NUR has been selected as a scholar for the Environmental Health Research Institute for Nurse and Clinician Scientists. Stanifer is an advanced practice registered nurse and an assistant professor for nursing at UK. Denise Trauth Durbin ’03 AS, ’04 ED has been named special counsel to Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman. The Campbell County attorney recently was assistant dean and director of the University Cincinnati College of Law’s Center for Professional Development. w w w. u ka l umni . net

45

Career Corner

by Caroline

Francis

EMERGING TRENDS IN THE WORKPLACE To remain relevant in our careers, it is necessary to keep up with shifts in technology and the global economy and workplace.

These are four trends that we are tracking as we assist clients through UK alumni career services.

Artificial Intelligence and automation While the impact of AI on employment remains uncertain, its integration into various sectors is undeniable. Adapting to utilize AI in your current role will be to your advantage. For instance, exploring AI’s potential to enhance drafting processes for letters, articles or resumes can boost efficiency and effectiveness.

Sarah Sanders (‘12 BE), co-founder of Native AI, recently shared, “Although many are afraid of job elimination due to AI, what we are seeing with our clients is that AI is proving to be a tool to have in your larger tool kit. Employees can utilize it to become more efficient, take on additional projects and eliminate the mundane or boring parts of your job to focus more on what you enjoy.”

Watch a timely presentation on “Leveraging AI in the Job Search” by Alumni Career Services Associate Director Amy Gamblin at www.ukalumni.net/jobclub.

Demographics and impact on the workforce The impact of COVID-19 on the workplace and the decline in the number of prime age workers (20-64), has resulted in a perfect storm. The largest demographic, baby boomers (born 1944– 1964) are rapidly transitioning out of full-time work or retiring. As a result, employers are experiencing a strain on available labor.

The silver lining is a growing number of individuals are choosing to work beyond retirement age. According to a 2022 report by Mercer (Tenure, Age, and Performance: What employers need to know by Mercer), 84% of people anticipate engaging in some form of work post-retirement. Opportunities will be created to ease labor shortages and help boost individual retirement income while offering a chance for late career professionals to continue engaging with society, learning and giving back. By tapping into the skills and experience of older employees, businesses will cultivate a diverse and multigenerational workforce, driving innovation and resilience.

Remote/hybrid work Post-COVID-19, we have seen a push from employers to return workers to physical office spaces. Yet, those employers embracing flexibility and hybrid work arrangements stand to gain by attracting and retaining their workforce. The Robert Half “2024 Hiring and Compensation Trends: Numbers to Know in a Complex Labor Market” report indicates that 62% of employees now value roles offering flexibility over those with higher salaries but rigid office-bound requirements.

Upskilling and Reskilling will remain essential To remain relevant throughout our careers, it is becoming evident that professionals will need to continuously update their skills and training. Alumni career clients are encouraged to focus on lifelong learning and enhancing current and new skills.

Strategic employers will offer training for all their workforce, no matter their age or career stage. When was the last time you learned a new skill to add to your resume and LinkedIn profile?

Review trending courses on LinkedIn Learning to get some ideas for professional growth.

Caroline Francis is director of UK Alumni Career Services. Visit http:// www.ukalumni.net/career to learn more about resume critiques, career assessments, interview preparation, Central Kentucky Job Club, encore careers and other Alumni Career Services.

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Class Notes William “Drew” Ellis ’03 AS has joined the law firm of Christian & Small LLP as a partner in its Birmingham, Alabama office. Ellis focuses his practice on litigation involving business, real estate, construction, healthcare and professional liability.

Kelly Forbes ’05 CI has been named executive director of operations and communications at the Madisonville-Hopkins County Economic Development Corporation.

Lesley Martinez Graham ’07 ’09 AFE has been named vice president of programs for the national nonprofit Action for Healthy Kids. She previously worked as an elementary educational interventionist and family resource director within the Kentucky education system.

Michelle Woods ’07 GS has been appointed vice presidents of RAND’s Homeland Security Research Division. Woods, a homeland security policy expert, was associate director of the division prior to her promotion. She held several high-level positions prior to joining RAND including the program director for Homeland Security at the National Governors Association’s Center for Best Practices.

Jeremy Waddell ’08 HS has joined CHI Memorial Family Practice Associates in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Waddell is a physician assistant.

2010s Laura Ray Iwanski ’10 CI has been named to Editor and Publisher’s 2024 25 under 35. Iwanski is the director of digital sales and services, Hagadone Media Group, Coeur D’Alene, Idaho.

Preston Spradlin ’11 ED has been named basketball coach at James Madison University. Spradlin began his coaching career at Morehead State as interim coach in 2016 and was named coach in 2017. He guided the team to two NCAA tournament appearances.

Jessica Egerton ’12 BE is the new marketing vice president at Kumho Tire.

She has previous experience with roles at Delta Faucet, Whirlpool Corp., Cooper Tire and Rubber Co. and Tempur Sealy International.

Deborah Givens ’12 CI was inducted into the Kentucky Journalism Hall of Fame. She is the former editor-publisher of The Butler County BannerGreen River Republican and is a former journalism professor and department chair at Eastern Kentucky University.

Matt Roan ’12 LAW has been named the athletic director at James Madison University. He arrives following four years as AD at Eastern Kentucky University.

Chris Sparkman ’12 BE has been named manager at the Village of Long Grove in Long

Grove, Illinois. He was most recently assistant village manager of the Village of Grayslake.

Robin Rudd ’13 ED has been promoted to professor of mathematics at East Texas Baptist University. She is chair of the department of mathematics at ETBU. Amanda Skidmore ’13 ’18 AFE is the new state apiarist for the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. She had been serving as the assistant professor of agronomy at Morehead State University before becoming a full-time grant writer.

Lizbeth Price Sturgeon ‘13 NUR has been named the director of the Western Kentucky University School of Nursing and Allied Health in the WKU College of Health and Human Services. She is a professor at SONSH and has served as interim director since July 2023.

Tyler McHugh ’14 ED has been hired as the executive director of the MaysvilleMason County Industrial Development Authority.

For 10 years he worked for Proctor and Gamble in Cincinnati.

Ana Megrelishvili ’14 BE has joined author Jack Canfield and a group of professionals to co-author the book, “Success Redefined” by Celebrity Press. Megrelishvili is the CEO and co-founder of Christian Professionals of Atlanta, a networking organization.

Aaron Stephens ’15 BE has joined the Vehicle Maintenance Program team as the new vice president of business development. He was complex commodity manager for the United Parcel Service and managed operations and third-party logistics with UPS Supply Chain Solutions.

Meredith Helline Denari ’16 CI has been named the public information director for the city of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Denari previously served as assistant director of public information for the city.

Rebekah Jewel Brewer Fabela ‘16 AS was named March Resident of the Month for the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine. Fabela is finishing her third year of pediatrics residency.

Anna Hawkins Burnett ’17 ’20 AFE has been named U.S. Dairy Marketing Lead at Alltech. Burnett has been with Alltech for nearly five years. She previously served as the director of consumer affairs for the Kentucky Beef Council Waqas Ahmed ’19 BE has been selected to serve on the Next Generation Advisory Group of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority. Ahmed is the deputy executive director of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission.

Zach Smith ’19 BE has been promoted to senior associate w w w. u ka l umni . net

47

Class Notes

PART-TIME MBA

TOP OFF YOUR

CAREER

SCAN TO LEARN MORE & APPLY TODAY!

at Lexington, Kentucky-based NAI Isaac. He joined NAI Isaac in 2019 and specializes in the sales and leasing of retail and office properties.

2020s Catherine Denning-Jannace ’20 AS won the graduate student award from the Cook Society at Duke University. She is a chemistry postdoctoral fellow and is studying the role of metal homeostasis in fungal pathogensis to develop

more effective antifungal treatments.

Sydni Joseph ’21 BE has been named to Benzinga’s 20 most influential women in the cannabis industry and spoke at the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference. Joseph is co-founder of Big Plan Holdings and she launched 3rd Eye Hi, a luxury CBD subscription box.

Brystin Denguessi Kiwin ’21 LAW has been named counsel to Deputy Attorney General Rob Duncah and

Solicitor General Matt Kuhn by Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman.

She previously served as an assistant Fayette County attorney.

Marika Christofides ’22 FA exhibited her work at the Stephanie Ann Roper Gallery in the Fine Arts Building at Frostburg State University. A print maker and visual artist, Christofides is an assistant professor of studio art at Oklahoma State University.

Abigale Campbell ’23 ED is the winner of the Ohio Farm Bureau’s Young Agricultural Professionals 2024 Discussion Meet competition. Campbell and her husband are fourth generation farmers in a swine and sheep operation.

SEND US YOUR

Class Note!

Want to see your name on these pages?

Share your news with us!

Email us at ukalumni@uky.edu or submit online at www.ukalumni.net/class

w w w. u ka l umni . net

49

KENNY McPEEK ’85 BE

REINS

SUPREME

From UK to the Winner’s Circle ... and back again!

Photos by Matt Barton, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment

Horse Trainer Kenny McPeek ’85 BE won the 2024 Kentucky Derby with his horse Mystick Dan and the 2024 Kentucky Oaks with Thorpedo Anna, becoming the first trainer since 1952 to win the Oaks and the Derby in the same year. McPeek earned his first Kentucky Derby victory with the win.

McPeek is among the top Thoroughbred trainers in the world. He is also respected as one of the top Bloodstock agents for finding talent and value at yearling sales. He was born in Arkansas but grew up in Lexington. He received his trainers license in 1985.

McPeek won the 2002 Belmont Stakes with Sarava and the 2020 Preakness with the filly Swiss Skydiver but was 0-for-9 in his home state’s famous race. His best finish was second with Tejano Run all the way back in 1995.

Nancy Cox, dean of the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment and vice president of land grant engagement, visited with Kenny McPeek on May 8, discussing his Derby and Oaks wins and UK’s role in the equine industry.

50 K ENTU CKY A LUM NI MAGAZ I NE Summer 2024

He serves as a member of the UK Agriculture Equine Program’s advisory board and the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association. ■

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In Memoriam William F. McShane Jr. ‘49 EN Norfolk, Va.

Samuel Haigis Jr. ‘60 EN Howe, Texas

R. C. Daniel ‘68 EN Lewes, Del.

William S. Curtis ‘83 DES Woodstock, N.Y.

Paul W. Walters ‘49 EN Pawleys Island, S.C.

Milton H. Nichols ‘60 AS Richmond, Ky.

Patricia A. Rush ‘68 HS Denver, Colo.

Susan C. Scott ‘85 EN Atlanta, Ga. Life Member, Fellow

Bettye L. Mastin ‘50 CI Lexington, Ky.

Martha J. Cox ‘61 ED Elizabethtown, Ky.

Jack A. Kain ‘51 AS Versailles, Ky. Life Member, Fellow

Dr. Amanda D. Lange ‘61 ‘71 MED Burlington, N.C. Life Member

Dr. Ronald P. Easterly ‘70 ‘78 ‘80 AS Lexington, Ky. Life Member, Fellow

Roy G. Rector ‘52 AFE Glen Allen, Va.

Delbert Randell Young ‘70 EN Barbourville, Ky.

Dr. Roger L. Meredith ‘62 AS Wilmington, Ohio Life Member, Fellow

Phyllis A. Hafling ‘73 AS Pleasure Ridge Park, Ky. Life Member

Claude V. Pierce Jr. ‘62 EN Brooklet, Ga.

Smith E. Newton ‘73 BE Hopkinsville, Ky.

Robert Hall Smith ‘52 LAW Lexington, Ky.

George L. Atkins Jr. ‘63 BE Louisville, Ky. Life Member, Fellow

Dr. Donald H. Graves ‘74 AFE Lancaster, Ky.

Mary Lou Smith ‘55 BE Shepherdsville, Ky. Life Member, Fellow

Cecil F. Dunn ‘65 LAW Lexington, Ky. Life Member, Fellow

Michael J. Heitz ’75 DE ’82 CC Louisville, Ky. Life Member

Robert J. Holt ‘57 AS Largo, Fla. Life Member

Dr. Charles D. Wade ‘65 AFE, ‘74 ED Frankfort, Ky.

Kathy M. Jump ‘75 AFE Franklin, Ky.

Roy E. Griggs ‘58 BE Lexington, Ky. Life Member

Diana H. Wall, Ph.D. ‘65 AS, ‘71 AFE Fort Collins, Colo.

Andrew K. Speer ‘75 AS, ‘79 FA Denver, Colo.

Daniel G. Tudor ‘58 ‘60 AS Lexington, Ky. Life Member

Dr. Ira P. Mersack ‘66 MED Lexington, Ky. Life Member, Fellow

Lynda Tully Guthrie ’78 ED Knoxville, Tenn.

Life Member

Robert Adams ’59 EN Louisville, Ky. Life Member

Ann M. Watts ‘66 ED Henrico, Va.

Rebecca M. Sims ‘82 CC Versailles, Ky.

Dane Bridgewater ‘67 DES Talcott, W.V. Life Member

Gary R. Sisler ‘82 EN Louisville, Ky.

Richard H. Hunt ‘54 ED Charleston, W.V. Homer T. Smith ‘54 EN Plantation, Fla. Fellow

Howard Baker ’59 ’61 AFE Granville, Ohio Life Member David B. Spain ‘59 BE Hopkinsville, Ky.

Norayne McCreery ’68 FA Brecksville, Ohio

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Tammy J. Blaydes ‘83 BE Louisville, Ky.

Dr. Robert B. Welch ‘85 FA Roswell, Ga. James J. Witemyre ‘86 EN Covington, Ky. Timothy M. Henderson ‘88 AFE Hopkinsville, Ky. Dr. Marian A. Swope ‘89 MED Lexington, Ky. Life Member Lisa A. Young ‘89 AS Farmington, Maine Daniel P. O’Brien ‘92 CC Lexington, Ky. Judge Brandy Oliver Brown ‘93 LAW Richmond, Ky. Benjamin David Wicke ‘10 FA Louisville, Ky. Zachary E. Lewis, M.D. ‘22 MED Bowling Green, Ky.

UK PRESIDENT DAVID ROSELLE David Roselle, the ninth president of the University of Kentucky, passed away April 15. He was 84.

Roselle served as president from 1987 to 1990, continuing former President John Oswald’s task of turning UK from an agricultural college to a respected academic university. He is remembered for leading the university through an NCAA investigation that started shortly after his arrival. He was praised for his honest and thorough approach to the investigation and in 1989 was named Kentucky Sportsman of the Year.

In 1990, he left UK to become president of the University of Delaware, where he remained until retiring in 2007. He successfully led the University of Delaware through a capital campaign, tripling the university’s endowment. After retiring from UD in 2007, he became executive director of Winterthur Museum for 10 years. A dorm on UK’s campus is named after him.

Roselle was a long-time mathematics professor before moving to the administrative side of universities. He had degrees from West Chester State College and Duke University.

Roselle is survived by his wife, Louise, and their two children.

Roselle’s son, Arthur, told the Herald-Leader his father loved his time at UK and said his dad was thoughtful, calm and considerate in everything he did.

“We have awesome memories from when I was little and he was a math professor, all the way up to when he was running a big institution,” Arthur said. “The time pressures of that are very different, and he found time to be just a fantastic family man.”

Arthur said that his parents loved Lexington and kept in contact with friends from UK until his father’s death.

Despite only spending a few years at UK, Arthur said, “He cast a big shadow on UK, and the university made a big difference to him and his career. It sort of defined who he was in a lot of ways, even though he spent a long time at Delaware afterwards.” ■

GEORGE L. ATKINS JR. ‘63 BE George L. Atkins Jr., past president of the UK Alumni Association, died in April.

Atkins was president in 1975 and remained an active volunteer within the Alumni Association for many years. Most recently, he attended the dedication of Alumni Commons in October 2023.

Atkins was born in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. He graduated from Hopkinsville High School. He graduated from the University of Kentucky in 1963 where he attended on a basketball scholarship.

He always gave men’s Head Basketball Coach Adolph Rupp and the University of Kentucky credit for preparing him for his life’s journey. The journey encompassed the business and consulting world in Kentucky and Washington D.C., as well as various positions in Kentucky government and public service. In 1972, at the age of 32, Atkins was appointed mayor of Hopkinsville to fill a vacancy left by the mayor’s resignation. Atkins became the youngest mayor of Hopkinsville at that time.

After serving as mayor, he ran and was elected state auditor of public accounts in 1975. He was 35 years old. He also served as finance secretary and secretary of the governor’s cabinet under Gov. John Y. Brown.

He was a Life Member of the UK Alumni Association and received the 1979 Distinguished Service Award from the Alumni Association.

Atkins participated in many civic, charitable, professional and educational organizations and served on several boards. ■

LEAVE YOUR MARK ON CAMPUS FOREVER

www.wildcatalumniplaza.com 859-257-8905 (ALUM)

w w w. u ka l umni . net

53

THIS FLAT WILDCAT

IS ON THE MOVE! No matter where your summer adventures take you — take Flat Wildcat along for the ride. The flat version of your beloved Wildcat mascot makes a cat-tastic travel companion and wants to be included in your photos as you explore the world! Share your Flat Wildcat pictures on social media using #FLATWILDCAT!

Need a Flat Wildcat of your very own?

Visit www.ukalumni.net/flatwildcat.

Creative Juices Jon Carloftis ’86 CI has published “Jon Carloftis Fine Gardens,” a coffee table book that highlights landscapes and gardens that Carloftis has transformed.

In urban, rural and commercial settings, the garden and landscape designs put into practice by Carloftis resolve challenges to create welcoming outdoor spaces that make beautiful properties come alive. The accompanying chapter essays give insight into the property owners’ hopes, dreams and challenges which are met or exceeded. A Kentucky native, Carloftis has become one of America’s pioneers in rooftop/small space gardening. He has more than 30 years of gardening and landscape experience.

James W. Holsinger Jr. ’97 AS has edited “Patton’s Tactician: The War Diary of Lieutenant General Godfrey Keyes.” While Gen. George S. Patton Jr. is the subject of numerous books and films, Godfrey Keyes has gone unrecognized, but his anonymity is not an accurate reflection of the value of his contributions and dedicated service in WWII and the succeeding Cold War. This is the first transcribed edition of the lieutenant general’s diary to be published. This day-to-day chronicle of Keyes’s experiences in WWII Mediterranean Theatre and the early days of the Cold War is an invaluable primary source that offers readers a glimpse into the mind of one of America’s most important WWII corps commanders.

Burton Milward Jr. ’73 LAW has published “Transcending,” a luminous book that describes a gentle path to enlightenment through the practice of transcending meditation. Though transcending may seem elusive, the book demystifies the process into observable nuances. The author describes transcendence and what happens when meditators experience consciousness by repeating a mantra and opening to infinite awareness.

Stephen McGuire ’73 AS has recently published “Secret Deceit,” a fiction thriller about a coup to assassinate a president whose aggressive legislative agenda, backed by broad popular support, poses an ominous threat to corporate greed of a major American industry. McGuire, a native of Louisville, had a 30-year legal career serving as an attorney and federal judge in Washington, D.C. He retired in 2008 as the chief judge of the Federal Trade Commission.

He has also published two other political thrillers, “Prior Restraint” and “Fractured Power.”

Cleopatra Charles ’08 GS and Margaret F. Sloan ’02 AS, ’08 ’10 GS have written “Financial Leadership for the Arts: Sustainable Strategies for Creative Organizations.” This book will prepare leaders in the arts to make the best possible decisions for the financial sustainability of their organizations.

Designed for individuals without formal training or previous on-the-job experience in nonprofit management or accounting, “Financial Leadership for the Arts” makes organizational finance simple and clear, freeing creative leaders to do their important work for communities.

Eric Schlich ’10 AS recently published his first novel, “Eli Harpo’s Adventure to the Afterlife,” a coming-ofage story of a boy who is from a fictional Kentucky town. The novel explores belief and forgiveness as a boy grapples with his faith and sexuality on a rollicking family road trip to Bible World. The novel is described as “A bighearted, highly entertaining odyssey in the tradition of ‘Little Miss Sunshine’.”

UK and the UK Alumni Association do not necessarily endorse books or other original material mentioned in Creative Juices. The University of Kentucky and the UK Alumni Association are not responsible for the content, views and opinions expressed on websites mentioned in Creative Juices or found via links off of those websites.

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55

A NEW TRADITION BEGINS The UK Alumni Association celebrated with the Class of 2024 at Wildcat Wrap-Up, a farewell event for the graduating senior class. Students walked through the gates at Alumni Commons and into their new lives as soon-to-be graduates and alumni. Pictured from left to right are Dasha Boikov, president of the Student Alumni Ambassadors, Jason Marcus, student body vice president and Hannah Bondi, student activities president.

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Photo by Carter Skaggs, UK Photo

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