Eastern Kentucky University and the EKU Foundation Board welcomed several guests and alumni to the Whitlock Building Thursday night to celebrate philanthropy. Mary Beth Neiser, the Vice President for Development and Alumni Engagement, opened the program in the O’Donnell Auditorium and welcomed the special honorees and other guests in attendance.
Dr. McFaddin thanked everyone for their support of the 2022 $50 million fundraising goal and announced $61 million in gifts were contributed to EKU. McFaddin expressed his appreciation to Betina Gardner who served EKU for 28 years. Gardner spearheaded the recent “Make No Little Plans” campaign that exceeded the 2022 fundraising goal by $11 million. McFaddin announced 2,323 scholarships totaling $1.7 million were awarded in 2022, and total scholarships increased by 250 from the previous year. McFaddin also thanked the guests for making Giving Day a success. The President said that “EKU seeks to serve more students, do what is best for the students, and the best days are yet to come.”
Gary and Jane Booth received the Keene Johnson Society award for contributing more than $1 million to EKU. Gary, a 196 EKU graduate, had a 31-year career at Procter & Gamble. Gary and Jane, a Richmond native, are supporting EKU students seeking math and science careers.
Dr. John Wade was presented the Philanthropist of the Year Award by Dr. David McFaddin for giving 46 scholarships to Latino students attending EKU. The former dean of the College of Arts and Science is following the example set by his parents to help others.
Jeri Isbell, the Chair of the EKU Foundation Board presented awards to members of the President’s Circle, Legacy Society, and the Ravine Society. A delicious dinner featuring “crawfish etouffee and cheese grits” was served following the program.
