Recognizing the impact that more than 50,000 alumni have made in their communities, The Washington Center celebrated the accomplishments of many during their annual gala in Washington, D.C., in October.

University of Pikeville faculty, administration, students and alumni were among those in attendance at The Washington Center gala, themed “A Bold Look Ahead.” Held at the renowned National Building Museum, NBC news correspondent Luke Russert served as master of ceremonies. Proceeds from the event provide support and scholarships for students participating in The Washington Center programs.

University of Pikeville students have participated in The Washington Center seminars for several years. Founded 35 years ago, The Washington Center is the largest independent, nonprofit academic internship and seminar program in the country. The organization brings together exceptional and dedicated college students and civic, governmental and business leaders, hundreds of colleges and universities and scores of public and private host organizations.

Nancy Cade, professor of history and political science, has served as a faculty advisor and mentor for the organization since 2004, including two national political conventions and two presidential inaugurations. Honored by The Washington Center in 2007 as a “Faculty Leader of the Year,” she is the campus liaison for the program and a member of The Washington Center’s national Liaison Advisory Board. Cade established the Fred W. Meyer Jr. Washington Center Scholars Scholarship Fund at the University of Pikeville in honor of her father.

During the gala, Kentucky Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers received the 2011 Pillar Award for Leadership in recognition of his outstanding efforts in southern and Eastern Kentucky and in the U.S. Congress. Tiffany Thacker, a graduate of the University of Pikeville, had the honor of presenting Rogers with the award.

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Photo Caption: Front row, from left: University of Pikeville alumnae Miranda Dotson and Tiffany Thacker, UPIKE students Jocelyn McCown and Taylor Mullins, and former First Lady of Kentucky Judi Patton. Second row, from left, Tom Hess, dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, Nancy Cade, UPIKE student Lacey Kyle Ferrell, Congressman Rogers, University of Pikeville President Paul Patton and UPIKE student Wes Farmer.