UK Honors Program Celebrates 50th Anniversary
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 8, 2011) — The Honors Program at the University of Kentucky will celebrate its 50th anniversary with alumni, students, faculty and staff with a variety of events Sept. 9 and 10 at the Hilary J. Boone Center.
The UK community is invited to attend all sessions from 2-5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9, as well as a free brunch 9:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 10.
Dr. Frank Ettensohn, director of the Honors Program, said the events recognize those who have shaped the program over the years.
“Honors is about people, those especially talented students, faculty and staff who have come together to form a learning community that benefits everyone. So this event is about celebrating the past 50 years by celebrating the lives and experiences of those who have already been through Honors and helped to develop the community,” Ettensohn said.
One such person, Ouita Michel, is the keynote speaker for a Friday session. Michel and her husband own three local restaurants: Holly Hill Inn, Wallace Station Deli and Bakery and Windy Corner Market and Restaurant. Michel said her Honors Program experiences were influential in choosing her career and are still used in making her menu choices.
“The Honors Program through its emphasis on philosophy, art, and history encouraged the development of my empathy, critical thinking skills and my deep interest in and love of food history, and how our food expresses our cultural values. I use these tools every single day and return to history for almost every menu I write, and I write hundreds of menus," she said.
In addition, many former and new Honors faculty will contribute their memories of the program. One of Michel's former professors, James Albisetti, has been with the Honors Program for 32 years. He said requiring Singletary Scholars to be in the Honors Program has "insured a core of the very top students."
Former students will also relive some of their memories. In particular, David King, Honors Program alumnus and author of "Vienna 1814 and Finding Atlantis: A True Story of Genius, Madness, and an Extraordinary Quest for a Lost World," will be attending the event and giving a talk.
The complete schedule of Friday's events includes:
2-2:50 p.m.: "Honors to Careers: Liberal Arts Education in a Technological World." Presenters: Drew Andrews, Doug Martin, Melody Flowers, Irene Hong, David King, and Paige Daniel Ware.
3-3:50 p.m.: "What Honors Program Students Are Doing Now." Presenters: Larry Grabau, Elizabeth Greenfield, John Greenway, and Damarias Moore.
4-4:50 p.m.: "Reconnect with Your 'Old' Professors." Presenters: Jim Albisetti, David Olster, Bob Rabel, and Jane Vance.
A reception and reunion will follow the Friday afternoon sessions from 5-9:30 p.m. Anyone attending the dinner must register and the cost is $50. They may register with the Alumni Association at www.ukalumni.net/honors. Registration will remain open until all seats are filled. All other events are free and do not require registration.
For more information, please contact the Honors Program office at (859) 257-3111 or visit www.uky.edu/Honors/anniversary.htm.
MEDIA CONTACT: Jenny Wells, (859) 257-5343; Jenny.Wells@uky.edu or Rayma Beal, event coordinator, rayma.beal@uky.edu