Five Inducted into Union College Hall of Fame
Ceremony held during Homecoming 2002 festivities

Five honorees were inducted into the 2002 Union College Hall of Fame on October 19; from left: John Luttrell, Jane Blair Skidmore; Paula and Bill Bush, (wife and son of Dr. Herman Bush honored posthumously), and Leonard Shetler. Not pictured is Dr. Deril Mays.

A local professor, a much-loved elementary school teacher, a successful family businessman, a three-time NAIA football All-American, and the coach of Union’s “golden age” of basketball were inducted into the Union College Hall of Fame on October 19 at a ceremony held during the Homecoming alumni banquet.

Dr. Deril Mays, Educator
Like many young men of his generation who came of age during the World War II years, Dr. Deril Mays came to Union after serving his country in military service. Having earned his Bachelor’s degree in biology and sociology in 1951, Mays first taught secondary school biology, then worked as an industrial safety engineer for Chrysler.

In 1955, now holding a Master’s in Secondary Education from UK, Mays joined the Oak Ridge Institute of Nuclear Studies as instructor. He became a member of Union’s faculty in 1968 as Assistant Professor of Psychology and earned his doctorate in Educational Psychology from the University of Tennessee in 1970.

By 1975, Mays was a full professor of psychology and later served as chairman of the division of social sciences, as well as head of the Behavioral Sciences department.

Mays had a passion for the behavioral science approach to teaching reading—work he had begun with his doctoral dissertation. He developed a Reading Specialist curriculum for the graduate program, a reading program for adults in vocational education and also did consulting work with the Clay County school system for children with reading and behavioral problems.

During his 22-year career at Union, Mays received many honors, including a 1984 commendation from the board of trustees for his significant contribution in the development of the campus gas well, which greatly reduced the college’s energy costs. Upon his retirement from Union in 1990, he was named Professor Emeritus of Psychology.

Mays was also quite active in the Barbourville and Knox County communities. A board member of the Artemus Volunteer Fire Department, he has also served as Knox County representative to the U.S. Selective Service Board and as Knox County election commissioner. Mays’ wife Doris, a fellow Union alum, served the college for 13 years as an adjunct faculty member, Dean of Women and Dean of Students.

Jane Blair Skidmore, Educator
“She viewed her students as clay and herself as the potter. She molded their minds in such a way that they knew they could accomplish anything.” That’s how Mike Davis, former principal and superintendent of the Barbourville Independent School system describes her.

“Without fail, she made the students’ best interest a priority. They entered her class knowing she’d have high expectations, but also that they’d have fun learning,” says former colleague Malena Bingham, Knox County Assistant Superintendent.

And here’s what Larry Warren, current Barbourville Superintendent has to say: “She always challenged her students to do a bit more. She was a leader and inspired her fellow teachers. She will be sorely missed.”

So who are they all talking about? None other than alumna, neighbor and friend—Jane Blair Skidmore.

Skidmore, who just retired this August, began her teaching career 38 years ago in the Jefferson County school district, following her graduation from Centre College in 1964. After several years teaching in Louisville and California, she returned to Barbourville in 1981 to begin what would be a nearly 20-year tenure with Barbourville Independent Schools. She earned her Master’s in Elementary Education from Union in 1985.

Honored as Elementary Teacher of the Year and recipient of Golden Apple Award, Skidmore devoted countless hours outside the classroom to ensure students had the best education possible. A former member of the Pritchard Committee for Academic Excellence, she also served on the Barbourville Elementary site-based decision-making council, was the writing specialist for over 10 years and also the academic coach of both junior high and high school teams.

Mirroring her dedication to her students, Skidmore has also been quite active in the community. Among a list of organizations too lengthy to enumerate, she’s a member of the Barbourville Community Chorus, has held numerous leadership positions in the Barbourville Woman’s Study Club and been involved in many First United Methodist Church programs.

Skidmore was just elected to Union’s Board of Trustees and her loyal and enthusiastic support continues a multi-generational legacy. Her mother Jane was a Union grad, as are sister Emily and son Blair, while sister Nancy was a Union trustee, as was their father Douglas. The 1999 recipient of the Distinguished Service Award, Skidmore has worked with Union’s student teachers, been the public school representative on the undergraduate education committee, and served as Alumni Association secretary.

Leonard Shetler, Jr., Business & Professional
When Len Shetler’s grandfather began tinkering with lawnmowers in his garage back in the 1940s, he probably never dreamed that some 50-odd years later, his grandson would have grown that business into a company with $3.5 million in annual sales, two Akron area locations and 23 employees.

Shetler grew up around the family business and went to work with his father right after graduating in 1965 with a degree in Business and Accounting. He became part owner when they incorporated in 1969, adding retail sales to the existing service and repair operation. In 1977, the company opened its second store in a nearby community.

By 1987, annual sales were nearing the $1.9 million mark and Shetler had computerized the parts department, in essence creating a “just-in-time” inventory system—an innovative step for an outdoor power equipment dealer. By 1997, when his father passed away, Shetler became President and CEO of Shetler’s Outdoor Power Equipment—a company with $2.5 million in sales.

Shetler was an early and avid proponent of standardized electronic communications in the industry. He backed his convictions with personal involvement, serving as a member of EDI committees for both a national dealers trade association and the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute. Many in the industry credit him with being instrumental in getting fiercely competitive manufacturers to commit to a common standard. That significant accomplishment earned him Power Equipment Trade’s 1998 Dealer of Year honors.

“Len is on the leading edge of market development, improving customer satisfaction and creating a good work environment for his employees,” said Matt Thelen, sales manager for the John Deere Company. “His honest and sincere approach to doing business, his willingness to share ideas and follow up with customers have earned him the respect of not only the local business community, but many other dealers.”

In addition to serving in various leadership positions in industry trade organizations, Shetler has been a Union Trustee since 1992 and chairs the planning and human resources committee. He is also active in his church, singing in the chancel choir.

Community service has been part of Shetler’s life since his days at Union, where he was involved in Circle K. He has been a member of the Kiwanis Club for 35 years, serving as past president, among other positions.

Shetler also found something else at Union—his wife of 37 years, Sandra Hays Shetler, also a 1965 grad. They married in the Chapel between semesters their senior year—his favorite memory of Union, he says. They have raised 2 children and have 2 grandchildren.

Dr. Herman Bush, Athletic
To some, Herman Bush was a coach, a professor and an administrator. To others, he was a family man, a church leader and a friend. But no matter how one knew Coach Bush, who passed away at the age of 77 this past January, no one was ever the same after crossing paths with him.

“He was an exceptionally good friend. He was a mentor of mine,” said former Union vice president and basketball coach Pete Moore.

Coach Bush’s tenure at Union lasted 13 years during which he coached basketball, golf, track and field and tennis. He helped usher in the “golden age” of Union basketball as his teams went 83-66 from 1956-62, ranking him fourth all-time in wins and third in winning percentage. Two of his former players, Moore and Don Lane, have already been inducted to the Union College Athletic Hall of Fame, and Lane is a member of the NAIA Hall of Fame as well.

Moore enjoyed the unique position of interacting with Coach Bush on several different levels. He played basketball under him for several seasons at Union before joining him on the bench as an assistant. When Herman stepped down as the basketball coach following the 1961-62 season, he handpicked Moore to be his successor. Throughout the years, the two developed a strong friendship, one that Moore held dear.

“It is a rare thing to find a friend like I had in him,” Moore said. “We’ve all got acquaintances and friends, but to find a friend like he was to me is a rare and special thing. Things like that happen just once in a lifetime.”

In addition to coaching at Union, Bush taught in the health and physical education department and was the school’s athletic director.

In 1970, Coach Bush left Union to chair the health education department at Eastern Kentucky University. Despite the move, he was always there for anyone who needed his help.

“Whenever I needed help or advice, I could always call on him even after he left. He was always ready to listen,” Moore recalled.

David Austin, a 1963 graduate and former athlete under Coach Bush, remembered, “Some very practical words of advice he gave me that have worked well both in athletics and in life were, ‘Always stick with a winning strategy and always change a losing strategy.’ I can’t count the number of times I have used this strategy.”

Though Coach Bush will be missed, his legacy will live on and he will never be forgotten.

“Herman was a wonderful mentor and truly a great man,” Austin said.

John Luttrell, Athletic
Whether on the football field or the battlefield, John Luttrell has always been ready to defend his ground.

Luttrell has approached life as he did the gridiron—head on. As his numerous athletic, scholastic and military awards indicate, he was always ready to serve and defend.

A member of the newly reinstated Union College football team in the mid-1980s, Luttrell was one of the first of the new breed of football heroes. In 1985, he set the record for most tackles in a season with 135, and he holds the program record for most tackles in a career with 392. In addition, he remains the only person in Union College football history to be named to the NAIA All-American Team three times.

“I admired his outstanding accomplishments during his career at Union,” said Timothy Saylor, Harlan County Superintendent. “I had the privilege of having him serve on my coaching squad at James A. Cawood High School. I respect his dedication, talent and love for the sport of football. He was a tremendous asset.”

Calling it his proudest moment at Union, Luttrell was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army as he received his degree in 1988. He was immediately deployed on two military endeavors—Operation Just Cause and Operation Desert Shield-Desert Storm—where he led a platoon of 30-plus soldiers in armed conflict.

“His leadership and abilities enabled him to return each of his soldiers home safely,” said Lieutenant Colonel Brian D. Wade. “In accomplishing these missions, he helped restore peace and sovereignty and made a difference both nationally and internationally.”

For his superb service in the military, Luttrell was awarded the Bronze Star, National Defense Medal, Meritorious Service Medal and 11 other honors.

“If all your alumni made similar contributions to their nation, state and local communities,” Wade added, “the Hall of Fame would overflow with members.”

After being honorably discharged, Luttrell began his teaching career. From 1995-2001, he was not only Cawood High School’s head football coach but also a physical education teacher. During the 1997 and 1998 seasons, he was honored with three “Coach of the Year” awards and was a Kentucky High School Athletic Association Class “AA” Coach of the Year honorable mention.

Having maintained his status as a citizen-soldier for 10 years in the Kentucky Army National Guard, Luttrell returned to active duty in 2001. In light of the events of September 11th , “His decision to return to full-time service seemed predestined,” said Lieutenant Colonel Wade.

“I personally admire his devotion and service to our great country,” said Tim Saylor. “John has selflessly used his military and athletic experience in service to the youth of our community, state and nation.”

October 23, 2002