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By: Amy Charles | November 4, 2021
The University of Pikeville Alumni Association held an event in Louisville, Ky. Former UPIKE Trustee Robert “Bob” Ayotte and his wife Judith hosted a dinner for alumni and friends at the Louisville Country Club on October 21.
More than 40 alumni and guests gathered for dinner to reconnect and share experiences of their time on “the hill.” Those in attendance also learned of new projects and upcoming plans for the university discussed by Chancellor and former Kentucky Governor Paul E. Patton, UPIKE President Burton J. Webb and First Lady Kay Webb.
Ayotte got to know Patton while chairing a leadership council that helped raise funds in Louisville for the construction of The Coal Building, home to the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine (KYCOM).
“Governor Patton and I traveled all over the city making our pitch to Louisville foundations explaining why KYCOM needed to expand,” recalled Ayotte. “There has been tremendous growth in UPIKE and KYCOM since my time as a trustee. I remember going to the first medical school commencement years ago. With so many of the graduates staying in rural areas to practice medicine, it is incredible what all those doctors have done for healthcare in that area.”
Ayotte enjoyed the opportunity to catch up with Patton in Louisville. He also got the chance to meet UPIKE’s newest trustee Janice Sword Way, who has served as president of Leadership Kentucky since 2015.
“It was wonderful to connect with several folks whom I hadn’t seen in a long while. The hosts Bob and Judith Ayotte were so gracious,” said Way. “These events are always great opportunities to make new friends and increase one’s network around the commonwealth.”
The university’s alumni network includes more than 12,000 active members who continue to show their Bear pride and commitment to support the UPIKE community at memorable alumni events and activities hosted throughout the United States. For a list of future UPIKE Alumni Association events, email alumni@upike.edu or call (606) 218-5276.