2024 Mobley Awards shine a spotlight on champions of UK’s philanthropic mission 

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 10, 2024) — The University of Kentucky Office of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement recognized five outstanding employees on Dec. 5 during the 2024 Terry B. Mobley Philanthropy Awards ceremony at the Round Barn in Lexington. The awards celebrate Mobley’s legacy in university advancement by honoring staff members and volunteers who have significantly contributed to advancing UK’s philanthropic mission. 

Recipients of the Mobley Award are presented with a commemorative julep cup, a monetary honorarium generated by the Terry B. Mobley Development Awards Endowment and their names engraved on a plaque displayed in the Sturgill Philanthropy Building. This year’s honorees exemplify dedication to supporting and growing the university’s culture of philanthropy. The awards and those feted this year were: 

Front Line Award (presented to a UK Philanthropy, UK Alumni Association or other support staff member to recognize outstanding performance supporting philanthropy efforts at the university): Gretchen Bower.

Bower, associate director of gift receiving, oversees gift processing, reconciles monthly and year-end reports, and facilitates stock and mutual fund gifts. She works closely with donors to ensure contributions are processed as intended and collaborates with colleges and departments on financial operations. Bower leads her team by improving workflows, providing training and fostering a collaborative, solution-driven environment. Her focus on accuracy and efficiency has strengthened cross-departmental coordination. A dedicated leader, she emphasizes continuous improvement and ensures effective task completion to support the university’s mission. The Williamsport, Pennsylvania, native earned a degree in Hospitality Management from UK and later completed a master’s degree in sports administration from Eastern Kentucky University while working at the UK Alumni Association. After several years in the lodging industry, she returned to UK to combine her professional expertise with her passion for the university.

Rising Achievement Award (presented to a professional staff member who has UK Philanthropy, UK Alumni Association or college/unit philanthropy or alumni relations tenure of fewer than five years and who demonstrates excellent work performance, significant success and potential of further outstanding achievement and impact as a philanthropy or alumni professional): Kirtland Roach.

Roach, associate director of annual giving, oversees mail campaigns and the phonathon program. Since joining Philanthopy and Alumni Engagement in 2021, she has advanced through three roles on the annual giving team, progressing from administrative support associate to assistant director for student philanthropy and now to her current position. Her commitment to philanthropy extends beyond the university. She advises the Student Philanthropy Board, fostering student engagement and innovation in giving. Roach graduated from Samford University with a BA in communication studies and is currently pursuing a graduate certificate in nonprofit management at UK. 

Professional Achievement Award (presented to a professional staff member who has UK Philanthropy, UK Alumni Association or college/unit philanthropy or alumni relations tenure of five or more years and who consistently demonstrates excellent work performance and has achieved significant success and impact as a philanthropy or alumni professional): Danielle Jostes.

Jostes, senior director of philanthropy and alumni at the UK Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, leads major fundraising efforts, managing principal-level donors and supporting more than 14 departments and 20 units. She oversees a team of 10 and engages more than 30,000 alumni. Jostes’ leadership has driven initiatives such as the Beam Institute’s largest 2023 gift and millions in faculty and scholarship support, placing Martin-Gatton CAFE among the university’s top-performing units. 

Impact Award (presented annually to a staff member whose efforts during the calendar year led to a momentous, positive, lasting change at the university): Kate Joseph.

Joseph, director of philanthropic accounts for the UK College of Medicine and UK Children’s Hospital, has worked in philanthropy and alumni engagement at the university for more than a decade. She currently oversees all philanthropic funds within the college and UK HealthCare and works closely with a multitude of departments in the college and clinics along with other units on campus to assist with philanthropic fund utilization — scholarships, fellowships, lectureships, chairs and professorships, enrichment and support/other funds — to ensure donor gifts are being effectively utilized and align with donor intent. Joseph is the primary liaison for College of Medicine scholarship donors and the Office of Medical Student Education and serves on the scholarship committee. Prior to this role, Joseph was a stewardship officer on the Donor Relations and Stewardship team for the Office of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement.

Philanthropy Service Award (presented to a UK senior professional, administrator, faculty member or volunteer who has demonstrated extraordinary support for the philanthropy effort at the university, is a strong advocate for philanthropy and is not a full-time UK Philanthropy or UK Alumni Association professional): Carl Nathe.

Nathe has been a beloved voice of the University of Kentucky since 1997, serving as the Public Address Announcer for UK Football at Kroger Field. His iconic calls, such as “First Down Kentucky” and “Touchdown Kentucky,” are cherished by fans and integral to the game-day experience. A dedicated UK Public Relations employee for more than 30 years, Carl covered university events, hosted UK at the Half, and served as an ambassador for the UK Alumni Association, engaging alumni across Kentucky and beyond. A broadcasting professional for more than a half-century, Nathe began his career after graduating from the University of Maryland in 1974, working as a sports anchor and reporter in radio and television. He joined UK Public Relations in 1989, where he hosted television and radio programs, emceed major university events, and worked closely with departments across campus. Beyond his office role, Carl supported UK Athletics, announcing for baseball, gymnastics and high school sports. Retiring in 2019, Carl continued part-time work until 2021 and still handles special assignments for UK. His contributions have been widely recognized, including his induction into the Kentucky Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame in 2023 and the Al Temple Award in 2012. The 2024 football season marked his 28th year as the voice of UK Football, cementing his legacy as a champion for the university. 

“We’re immensely proud to recognize these five exceptional team members for their unwavering dedication to advancing the University of Kentucky’s mission,” said Jake Lemon, vice president for philanthropy and alumni engagement and UK’s chief philanthropy officer. “Their passion, hard work and commitment to building relationships inspire all of us. Each of these individuals embraces our core values and exemplifies the very best of what it means to be a Wildcat — putting integrity, creativity and heart into everything they do. Not only have their efforts helped secure vital resources for the university but have also strengthened the bonds between UK and our supporters. Their work uplifts our campus and impacts the lives of so many across Kentucky and beyond.”

Terry Mobley graduated from the University of Kentucky in 1965 and began his professional journey with IBM in Lexington. In 1977, he returned to his alma mater as chief development officer, charged with building a fundraising team to enhance the university's financial future. At that time, UK raised $1.6 million annually. Mobley, however, envisioned far greater possibilities. 

A former basketball player under legendary coach Adolph Rupp, Mobley leveraged his strong connections to grow the university’s fundraising to an impressive $61 million annually. During a pivotal lunch meeting with then-President Lee Todd, Mobley proposed an unprecedented $1 billion fundraising campaign. Todd, Mobley later recalled, was stunned by the audacity of the goal. Undeterred, Mobley assembled a team of talented fundraisers and staff, ultimately achieving the historic milestone. 

Mobley’s contributions extended beyond his fundraising prowess. Known as a master relationship-builder, he served on various boards, including the UK Board of Trustees. His unwavering commitment to integrity, credibility and honesty earned him widespread respect, whether in the office, on the basketball court or in personal relationships. 

To honor his extraordinary legacy, the Mobley Awards were established in 2005. The program has since recognized more than five dozen individuals for their significant contributions to UK’s philanthropic mission. Through his vision and dedication, Mobley fostered a culture of collaboration and philanthropy, leaving an indelible mark on UK.