Eight individuals were recognized during the University of Pikeville’s Alumni Awards Dinner for their outstanding achievements and commitment to the university.
Rosemary Gilliam Holbrook, Brad Hall and Jesse Rudd II were recognized as Rising Alumni for their professional achievements, pursuit of excellence early in their careers, and the commitment and positive impact they have made in service to others. A certified public accountant in Ashland, Ky., Holbrook is currently pursuing a master of science degree in accountancy from Marshall University. Hall is the President/CEO of the Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. Rudd is a pharmacist at McDowell Professional Pharmacy.
The recipients of this year’s Honorary Alumni Award are Frank and Mattie Justice. The award is presented to individuals who are not graduates, but whose service reflects the spirit and tradition of the University of Pikeville. A native of Pike County, Frank, along with his wife, Mattie, have been outstanding business and civic leaders.
Kitty Baird and Judith Walters Hinkle received the Distinguished Alumni Award, presented to alumni whose contributions have enriched the lives of others and who bring honor and distinction to the individuals, their families and the University of Pikeville. Baird, former CEO of the Pike County Chamber of Commerce, is an active member of several community service and civic organizations. A graduate of Pikeville College Training School, Pikeville College Academy and Pikeville College, Hinkle is a true Pikeville alumna. Her ties to the college go back to its beginning with her grandmother, Elizabeth Syck Walters, who was in the first graduating Class of 1894. Hinkle taught in the Pikeville Independent School System for 27 years.
The University of Pikeville Alumni Association also honored Frank Welch with the “Gary Thrash Outstanding Ambassador Award.” The award is presented to recipients whose service to the University, and to the Alumni Association, exemplifies Thrash’s dedication to the mission of the institution. Welch, a retired educator, has received high honors for his contributions in the classroom and his leadership as an administrator.
Caption: The University of Pikeville recognized several individuals during the annual Alumni Awards Dinner. Honorees include, from left, Frank Welch; Carla Corbin, accepting on behalf of her parents Frank and Mattie Justice; Rosemary Gilliam Holbrook; Judith Hinkle; Kitty Baird; Jesse Rudd and Brad Hall. -UPIKE-