APRIL 8, 2015
EKU ALUMNI WEEKEND APRIL 24-25
RICHMOND, Ky. – Calling all Eastern Kentucky University alumni: you’re invited to a celebration of “all things EKU” during the University’s annual Alumni Weekend April 24-25.
“We have designed a more robust experience, a weekend that appeals to alumni of all ages, and provides unique opportunities for alumni to connect with today’s campus and students,” said Nick Perlick, vice president of development and alumni relations for the University.
“The weekend will be high-energy, lively and full of excitement,” added Kari Martin, assistant vice president for alumni and donor engagement.
This year’s event features special reunions for the classes of 1945, 1950, 1955, 1960, 1965, 1970, 1975, 1980, 1985 and 1990; members of the Class of 1965 will be celebrated as Pioneers. Alumni of all class years are welcome, as are their families, Martin emphasized.
One highlight of the weekend is the Alumni Celebration Luncheon, which beginning this year incorporates the annual inductions into EKU’s Hall of Distinguished Alumni and other award presentations, as well as recognition and induction of EKU’s new class of Pioneers. The event, which begins at noon on Saturday, April 25, in the Keen Johnson Ballroom, will be “fun, festive and celebrate all things EKU,” Martin said.
Other highlights include concerts on Saturday evening, April 25, by country music duo Sundy Best, which originated in Prestonsburg, and Rosanne Cash, daughter of country music legend Johnny Cash and a much-celebrated artist in her own right. The Sundy Best concert, at 7:30 in the Van Peursem Amphitheatre in the Ravine, is free. EKU alumni can enjoy a 15 percent discount at the Cash show at the EKU Center for the Arts (tickets sold separately; refer to #ForeverColonel for discount rate), also at 7:30. The 15 percent alumni discount also applies to a concert on Friday, April 24, at 7:30 p.m. at the Center by the Australian Chamber Orchestra.
The five inductees into the EKU Hall of Distinguished Alumni are: Brent Barton, Richmond, director of bands, Madison Central High School; Dr. Paul Motley, Richmond, retired EKU Foundation Professor of physical education; Michael W. Poehlitz, Tampa, Fla., retired, U.S. Embassy in Belgium; Reginald G. Walters, Indianapolis, Ind., co-founder and director, Indianapolis Symphonic Praise Choir; and Dr. Donald Whitaker, Muncie, Ind., retired educator and administrator, Ball State University.
Also, Kelly Thorne Gore, Paint Lick, owner of iBloom, and John Wilson, Salt Lake City, chief photographer for KSL-TV, will receive Young Alumni Awards. Distinguished Service Awards will be presented to Janie Miller, Shelbyville, CEO, Kentucky Health Cooperative, and member of the EKU Board of Regents; State Sen. Jared Carpenter, Berea, and Paul Laslo, Mentor, Ohio, mechanical engineer, BSK Industries.
Other Alumni Weekend features include:
Campus Beautiful trolley tours, Friday, 3:30-5:30 p.m., led by Student Alumni Ambassadors and Admissions staff.
Alumni Welcome Reception with President Michael Benson, Friday, 5:30-7:30 p.m., a festive evening in the historic Blanton House, featuring live music, hors d’oeuvres and drinks. “It’s a unique opportunity to reminisce with good friends while getting to know EKU’s 13th president and other wonderful EKU alumni,” Martin said.
Alumni Weekend Breakfast, Saturday, 8:30 a.m., Keen Johnson Building, a chance to reconnect with friends and get the latest news from numerous departments across campus.
Color of Maroon 5K Run, Saturday, 10 a.m., cheer on the runners as they race through campus “wearing” splashes of every color in the rainbow. Alumni can also serve at the alumni water station or even register to run ($20 in advance) at www.athletepath.com/thecolorofmaroon5k.
Class Reunions and Enrichment Mini-Sessions, Saturday, 10:30 a.m., Keen Johnson Building, class photos plus mini-sessions featuring Colonel Commanders, a Pioneer Story Exchange, Estate Planning 101, and more.
Colonel Connections and Softball Tailgate, Saturday, 2:30-4:30 p.m., depart from Keen Johnson Building, with transportation provided, and enjoy a chance to explore EKU through the eyes of current students. Experience the world of the ever-popular EKU Dance Theatre, enjoy an exclusive Hummel Planetarium presentation, take a behind-the-scenes tour of the University’s newest residence halls, visit or even tackle the new Challenge Course, participate in an EKU service project, and more. All Colonel Connection participants will receive an #EKUstrong t-shirt. Immediately after the Connection experience, tailgate with friends and cheer on the EKU women’s softball team as it hosts Tennessee Tech.
For a complete, up-to-date schedule of Alumni Weekend events, visit the EKU Power of Maroon Facebook page, follow on Twitter (@easternalumni) or visit www.alumni.eku.edu.
The total cost to participate in any or all weekend activities is a flat fee of $50; children under 12 are free. Advance registration by April 20 is encouraged. For more information, or to make reservations, contact the Office of Alumni and Donor Engagement at alumni@eku.edu or 859-622-1260.
