‘UK at the Half’: 20 inducted into the Hall of Distinguished Alumni
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 19, 2025) — Every five years, the University of Kentucky inducts alumni into the Hall of Distinguished Alumni, recognizing those who have made meaningful contributions to the Commonwealth, nation and the world.
This year 20 were inducted, joining the 333 alumni previously honored. Information on this year's inductees can be found here.
“The University of Kentucky is proud to count among its alumni individuals whose exceptional accomplishments inspire our entire community,” said Jill Smith, executive director of the UK Alumni Association. “Through the Hall of Distinguished Alumni, we honor these outstanding leaders and offer a powerful example for current and future Wildcats to follow.”
The 2025 inductees represent excellence across fields including the arts, sciences, public service, business and education. Their selection follows a months-long process led by a volunteer committee of alumni.
For this “UK at the Half,” Smith joins Tom Matthews, the incoming 2025-26 Alumni Association president, to discuss the highest honor bestowed by the UK Alumni Association.
“UK at the Half” airs during halftime of each UK football and basketball game broadcast on the radio and is hosted by UK Public Relations and Strategic Communications and UK Marketing and Brand Strategy. To hear the “UK at the Half” interview, click the play button above.
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.