Martin School Honors Outstanding Service, Careers

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 5, 2014) — A former mayor of Lexington and a distinguished alumna were honored recently at the annual Alumni and Friends reception of the University of Kentucky's Martin School of Public Policy and Administration.

Pam Miller, the first woman ever to be elected to Lexington's top local office, was inducted into the Kentucky Public Service Hall of Fame. Margaret Prizer 'Peggy' Graymer, a Martin School graduate who served in higher education and governmental administrative and executive roles for a quarter-century, received the Martin School's Distinguished Alumnus Award.

In addition, longtime Martin School student affairs officer Sarah Lee, who is retiring, was recognized for her dedicated service to the school during her career at UK.

Miller, who served as mayor from 1993-2003, also was a member of the Lexington Fayette County Urban County Council for a total of 16 years. She was a founding member and former chair of the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence and currently serves as chair of the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education.

Graymer was an adminstrator at UK, the University of North Carolina, and UCLA.  She also served in the Governor's State Budget Office in North Carolina. Graymer later established a consulting firm to assist institutions of higher education and not-for-profit organizations.

Merl Hackbart, faculty member and interim director of the Martin School said, "We are proud to bestow this well-deserved recognition on Pam Miller and Peggy Graymer. They both are shining examples for our current students and all of our graduates to emulate."

With regard to Lee, Hackbart added, "Sarah's contributions to the Martin School have always been above and beyond the call of duty. Individuals like her help ensure that our students and faculty get the support they need to be successful."

MEDIA CONTACT: Carl Nathe, 859-257-3200; carl.nathe@uky.edu.