College of Education Unveils New Outdoor Space
LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 21, 2015) — With blooming flowers, umbrella-topped tables and bright blue custom-made benches inhabiting the courtyard in the center of Taylor Education Building, you wouldn't believe that the space sat barren only a short time ago.
The Jim and Kaye Burton Courtyard opened Thursday, April 16, with a ribbon-cutting and crowd of faculty, students and guests celebrating the revival of the outdoor space.
Kaye Burton was a 1965 graduate of the UK College of Education and went on to teach elementary school in Bullitt County.
"Her parents' love for UK and strong legacy in education has driven her and Jim to support the college enthusiastically," said Jeffrey Francisco, director of development in the College of Education.
The Burtons helped fund the courtyard and also fund a scholarship in honor of Kaye's parents, the John P. and Frances Charlton Samuels Presidential Scholarship. The Burtons are also leaders on the College of Education Board of Advocates.
This year's recipient of the John P. and Frances Charlton Samuels Presidential Scholarship, Rachel Allegeier — an English education senior, college ambassador, and student council leader — helped secure the funding for the College of Education-themed benches, a focal point of the courtyard.
The UK blue benches feature the image of the Taylor Education Building clock tower and the college's motto, "Inquire. Innovate. Inspire." The benches were brought to life by artists Scot and Laura Kellersberger of Salvisa, Kentucky, parents of Beth Kellersberger, a graduate student in the Educational Psychology Program.
A second courtyard in the Taylor Education Building, a more formal space, is also undergoing a renovation and should be completed this summer.
View before and after photos of the Jim and Kaye Burton Courtyard below.
MEDIA CONTACT: Whitney Harder, 859-323-2396, whitney.harder@uky.edu