James F. Hardymon receives UK Founders Day Award

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 21, 2025) — In honor of the University of Kentucky’s founding in 1865, the UK Alumni Association has named James F. Hardymon the recipient of the 2025 UK Founders Day Award. The award recognizes individuals who personify goodwill, service and dedication to the people of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.  

Hardymon, the retired chairman and CEO of Textron Inc., was recognized Friday for his extraordinary contributions to business, education and the community. Throughout his distinguished career and ongoing commitment to the University of Kentucky, Hardymon has exemplified the highest standards of professional excellence and civic engagement. 

“James Hardymon embodies our mission of service, leadership and commitment to Kentucky, a promise made 160 years ago,” UK President Eli Capilouto said as he presented the award. “His dedication to UK and commitment to and belief in all that we make possible define the very essence of the Founders Day Award.” 

Hardymon received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from UK’s Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering in 1956 and 1958, respectively. His professional journey began in 1961 at Browning Manufacturing Co. in Maysville, Kentucky, following two tours of duty in the U.S. Army. He rose through the ranks at Emerson Electric Co. before joining Textron in 1989, where he served as president, CEO and chairman until his retirement in 1999. 

His service to the University of Kentucky has been equally remarkable. He served three terms on the UK Board of Trustees, including leadership roles as chair of the board, chair of the University Hospital Committee, chair of the Finance Committee, chair of the Executive Committee and a member of the Investment Committee. After his tenure, he continued to contribute as a community advisory member to the Investment Committee from 2019-22. His dedication to student success is further reflected in his support of the UK Pigman College of Engineering’s BS/MBA Program Advisory Board, where he helped shape opportunities for future generations of engineers. 

This latest recognition adds to Hardymon’s accolades from UK, underscoring his lasting impact at UK. In 1995, he was inducted into the Pigman College of Engineering’s Hall of Distinction, and in 2000, he was inducted into the UK Alumni Association’s Hall of Distinguished Alumni and received an honorary doctorate. His generosity is visible across UK’s campus with several key facilities bearing his name including the James F. Hardymon Building, the James and Gay Hardymon Center for Student Success and the James and Gay Hardymon Patient Care Unit at the Markey Cancer Center.  

He and his late wife, Gay Hardymon, a 1961 graduate from the UK College of Arts and Sciences, were devoted supporters of their alma mater. Hardymon is a Life Member of the UK Alumni Association and a Presidential Fellow. 

“It was the best decision ever in my life to come to UK,” Hardymon said during his remarks at the Founders Day Award ceremony. "Back in those days, if you got a degree it gave you a real good start in business. I owe a lot, a whole lot, to the University of Kentucky. I’m very honored to get this award.”

Hardymon received the Founders Day Award medallion and a one-time monetary donation of $10,000 will be made in his name to an existing university philanthropic fund of his choice.   

For more information about the Founders Day Award and past recipients, visit www.ukalumni.net/FoundersDayAward.