Torch Awards Given From Alumni Association

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 13, 2009) – Distinguished University of Kentucky students and alumni were honored with the Torch Bearer and Torch of Excellence Awards during the recent 19th annual Lyman T. Johnson. The recipients are honored for significant contributions to the university and the community.

In addition, Sanford T. Roach was honored with the group's first Legacy Award in recognition of his efforts to promote education, athleticism and civic responsibility throughout Kentucky.

The Lyman T. Johnson UK Alumni African American Constituent Group hosts the event each year to commemorate the memory of Johnson, who was the first African American admitted to the University of Kentucky in 1949.

The 2009 Torch Bearer (students) and Torch of Excellence (alumni) award recipients are as follows:

College of Agriculture

Cinnamon Butler,Torch of Excellence Award

Whitney McKoy, Torch Bearer Award

UK Athletics

Corey Peters, Torch Bearer Award

Hillary Ferguson,Torch Bearer Award

Joseph “Joker” Phillips, Torch of Excellence Award

UK Gatton College of Business and Economics 

Chinaecherem Omenyinma, Torch Bearer Award

Darrell Williams, Torch of Excellence Award

UK College of Communications and Information Studies

Ashley Jackson,Torch Bearer Award

Lakendra Leandre, Torch Bearer Award

UK College of Dentistry

Draak Davis,Torch Bearer Award

Carol B. Bolden, Torch of Excellence Award

UK College of Design 

Randall Vaughn,Torch of Excellence Award

Araba Prah,Torch Bearer Award

UK College of Education

Tina Stevenson, Torch of Excellence Award

Tera Warren,Torch Bearer Award

UK Graduate School

Danelle Stevens-Watkins, Torch of Excellence Award

Mark A. Kano, Torch of Excellence Award

UK College of Health Sciences 

Brandon Reeves,Torch Bearer Award

Mikal Mathies, Torch Bearer Award

UK School of Library and Information Science

James O’Rourke Sr., Special Torch Bearer Award 

O’Rourke (1913-1999) was the first African American graduate of the University of Kentucky School of Library and Information Science in 1957.

UK College of Medicine 

Dr. Jai Gilliam, Torch of Excellence Award

Alfred Hurley Jr., Torch Bearer Award

UK College of Nursing 

Roslyn C. Young, Torch of Excellence Award

Andrea Helton Packer,Torch Bearer Award

UK College of Pharmacy 

Deon Mason, Torch Bearer Award

Rodney Armstrong, Torch Bearer Award

UK College of Social Work

Pamela Black, Torch of Excellence Award

Ashle Motley, Torch Bearer Award