Hidden in plain sight: Wildcat pride painted into Gatton Student Center loading dock
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 25, 2026) — With the daily hustle of students moving through the Gatton Student Center, most never realize that a hidden mural stretches beneath their feet. Spanning thousands of square feet, this hand-painted artwork transforms the walls of the loading dock into an unexpected gallery of Wildcat pride.
For staff members, delivery crews and truck drivers passing through the dock, the mural often serves as their first — and sometimes only — impression of campus. What makes the artwork even more remarkable is that it wasn’t commissioned or professionally installed. Instead, it was created entirely by the Gatton Student Center Receiving team.
Over the course of four summers, the team devoted countless hours to measuring, tracing and painting every section of the wall. The project was led by receiving manager John Parnell, who worked closely with a dedicated group of student employees to bring the vision to life.
“We’re at the dock 12 hours a day,” Parnell said. “We wanted to make it look nice, inviting and brighter — a place you don’t mind working in.”
Despite having no formal artistic training, the team relied on careful planning, stencils, levels, painter’s tape and a great deal of patience. Every element was thoughtfully mapped out before paint ever touched the wall. The mural became a true collaborative effort, with team members rotating between painting and stepping back to offer feedback, ensuring that each detail felt intentional and cohesive.
Visually, the artwork is deeply rooted in University of Kentucky tradition. UK colors, logos, paw prints, championship references and even lyrics from the fight song come together to transform the loading dock into a bold celebration of Wildcat spirit.
“It shows that this is more than just a loading dock,” Parnell said. “We take pride in where we work.”
Beyond the finished mural, the experience itself proved especially meaningful. The summers spent working side by side allowed for team bonding, idea sharing and a deeper appreciation for the student employees who helped shape the project.
“My favorite part was getting to know my student employees during the summer,” Parnell said. “Learning how much they care about where they work and listening to their ideas.”
The process wasn’t without challenges. Summer heat, working on scaffolding along a steep incline and the need to keep the dock fully operational required careful coordination and trust. Still, the effort paid off. Reactions from those who encounter the mural have been overwhelmingly positive, often leaving viewers smiling as they pass through.
In total, about seven student employees contributed to the project, working within a limited 13-week window each summer. Today, the mural stands as a lasting reminder of their dedication. Even after graduating, those students can return and see a permanent piece of campus shaped by their hands.
Hidden from public view but rich in meaning, the Loading Dock mural is a powerful example of how creativity, teamwork, and pride can transform even the most unexpected spaces within the Gatton Student Center.
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.