From The Blue: The UK Alumni Association Podcast

On this episode, we feature Alumni Commons, a $9 million development project located on the University of Kentucky campus along the former Rose Street corridor between Columbia Avenue and Huguelet Drive. We highlight three stories about Alumni Commons: first, we talk with students at the first public event held on the site; second, we hear from UK dignitaries during the dedication ceremony; and finally, we interview the lead landscape architect for the project. 

We talk with eight UK alumni about their favorite Homecoming memories. 

Three recent graduates of the University of Kentucky discuss their time as students, in service as an Alumni Ambassador, and what they've been doing since graduating. 

Janie McKenzie-Wells serves as president of the UK Alumni Association and takes a moment to discuss the impact UK has had on her life and career as well as the impact she hopes to make during her term at the helm of the UKAA Board of Directors. 

UK Alumni Association President Antoine Huffman is completing his year at the helm of the Board of Directors. In this episode, Huffman discusses the impact UK has had on his life and career as well as the impact he hopes he has made through his volunteerism. 

As the UK Alumni Association recognizes the impact women have made upon the university over the past 135 years, it is essential to consider the influence of the Board of Trustees as it governs the institution’s educational and financial policies. The UK Board of Trustees consists of 16 members appointed by the Governor, two members of the faculty, one university staff employee and one member of the student body. The terms of the appointed members are six years. Georgia M. Blazer was the first woman appointed to serve on the Board of Trustees and served from 1939 to 1961. Mira Snider Ball was the first woman to serve as chair of the UK Board of Trustees in 2007. Today, the three alumni representatives to the Board are three accomplished female alumnae:·      Brenda Baker Gosney ’70 HS, ’75 ED·      Paula Leach Pope ’73 ’75 ED·      Rachel Watts Webb ’05 CIThese women recently spent time with UK Alumni Association Associate Director for Strategic Initiatives Christina Yue to share how UK has impacted their personal and professional lives.For more information about the 135 Years of UK Women initiative, visit www.ukalumni.net/135years.

In 2023, the UK Alumni Association is celebrating 135 Years of UK Women in honor of the graduation of its first female, Belle C. Gunn, in 1888. The first event to kick off this initiative was a Luncheon and Panel Discussion featuring four prominent alumnae: Jennifer Barber, Dr. Laneshia Conner, Dr. Ima Ebong and Ouita Michel. UK Student Government Association Vice President Amelia Pace served as the discussion moderator. These women shared personal experiences from their career journeys as well as practical advice for the audience of current students and alumni. To read more about the 135 Years of UK Women, visit the website at ukalumni.net/135. 

Nationally, March is designated as Women’s History Month, a time set aside to honor the contributions of women throughout American history. On campus, in 2023, we are celebrating the 135th anniversary of UK’s first female graduate, Belle C. Gunn, as well as the numerous women who have followed in her footsteps in making a positive impact upon UK. This historic event marks the beginning of a year-long remembrance of the numerous ways women have made strides toward equality in higher education. This month’s From the Blue podcast features a conversation between UK Alumni Association Executive Director Jill Smith and Associate Director for Administration and Strategic Initiatives Christina Yue, who discuss a little of the history of women at the University of Kentucky.  For more information about our emphasis on 135 Years of UK Women, check out our website: www.ukalumni.net/135years

On this episode, you’ll hear from two former editors-in-chief of the Kentucky Kernel. Duane Bonifer, journalism and political science graduate from the class of 1991, sits down with fellow journalism graduate and mentor Jack Guthrie. Jack graduated in 1963 and left his mark on UK and the state of Kentucky in many ways. While they now live in different parts of the country, they remain connected by the spirit of UK and the Kentucky Kernel. 

It's hard to believe that 19 years ago, UK Alumni Career Services was just an idea. UK alumna Caroline Francis was tasked to create a valuable program for alumni to jumpstart careers, assist with career transitions, conduct resume reviews and share interview tips. She started part-time at just six hours per week and the program was never heavily marketed at the time. By word of mouth and successful experiences, meetings, counseling sessions and more, the UK Alumni Career Services team is now a sought after model for universities across the country. Caroline continues to lead UK Alumni Career Services along with Amanda Schagane, a fellow alumna, to never before seen heights and they still have dreams for the future. In this episode, colleague and fellow alumna Marci Hicks, talks with Caroline and Amanda about the history of UK Alumni Career Services and the plans they have to serve UK's 200,000 alumni. Here's a breakdown of what you will hear and links you'll want to check out along the way:Introducing Caroline Francis and Amanda Schagane of UK Alumni Career Services. (1:38)How UK Alumni Career Services began and where it is today. (3:16)A day in the life of a UK Alumni Career Services counselor. (7:18)Special programs you may have never known Alumni Career Services offers. (9:50)One of the most credentialed Alumni Career Services team in the nation. (12:30)Learn more about Job Club. (14:01)Pivoting in response to COVID-19. (16:05)Future plans for Alumni Career Services. (19:31)Leadership Week is April 26-29. (21:13)The Jane I. Morris Endowment Fund was created and how it supports Alumni Career Services. (22:10)Alumni Career Service is a benefit for all Active and Life Members. Join now! (25:26)Support Alumni Career Services on One Day for UK, the University of Kentucky’s day of giving on April 21. (28:08)

On this episode of From the Blue, UK basketball great and philanthropist Jamal Mashburn has a conversation with George Wright, UK Alumni Association Hall of Distinguished Alumni inductee and interim vice president for institutional diversity at UK.

Welcome Wildcats! We are excited to introduce the UK Alumni Association’s official podcast, From the Blue! You will hear conversations between UK graduates that have journeyed through many walks of life after leaving campus. You will hear nostalgic stories about UK but with a new and surprising perspective. You will even hear the rest of the story or maybe a behind the scenes recount to what REALLY happened. No matter where you are, the From the Blue podcast will keep you connected and informed with news and features about the University of Kentucky and fellow alumni. And don’t forget to subscribe! You can do this wherever you listen to podcasts. Just search for From the Blue and join your fellow classmates by listening to the podcast. From all of us at UK, we hope you enjoy From the Blue. Go Cats!