Union College Alumni Inducts Two into Hall of Fame, Awards Others

Union College Alumni inducted two new members into the Hall of Fame and awarded the Rising Star and Alumni Distinguished Service award at the Homecoming Banquet and Awards Ceremony held Saturday, October 23, 2004.

Amber Spencer '93 was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame, while Robert Clement '64 was inducted into the Educator's Hall of Fame. In addition to the Hall of Fame inductees, Timothy J. Jones '98 received the Rising Star Award while Wilma "Willie" DeSpain '56 received the Alumni Distinguished Service award.

Spencer, a four-year member of both the women's basketball and softball programs, left an indelible mark on the hardwood for Union College holding nine school records.

Even though the Lady Bulldog basketball team only had one winning season and amassed a 38-78 record during her tenure, fans still came out to watch Amber play. Spencer became the Lady Bulldogs all-time leading scorer during her junior season and finished with 2,273 career points - nearly 900 more than any other person in program history.

In addition, she ended her career with 1,178 rebounds, joining her with Hall of Fame members Paul Andrews '70 and Ken Meibers '70 as the only persons in Union College basketball history to post over 2,000 points and 1,000 rebounds.

Spencer was named the KIAC Player of the Year and earned NAIA All-American honors after scoring a school-record 725 points for an average of 24.2 points per game. She also set the school marks for most field goals and free throws made in a season with 283 field goals and 180 free throws.

Spencer received her B.S. in Physical Education in 1993 and her Master's from Eastern Kentucky University in 1994. Currently, she is working in the Toyota Motor Manufacturing fitness facility in Georgetown, Ky., where she has been for the past four and half years.

Also inducted to the Hall of Fame was Robert Clement '64. Clement devoted 38 years of his life to Higher Education. During this time, he served five institutions, three of which were United Methodist: Union College, MacMurray College in Illinois, and McKendree College also in Illinois. He also served at Sangamon State University, the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) and Southwestern Illinois College.

Bob graduated from Union in 1964 and earned a Master's Degree in Education in 1970. From Union he went on to make his mark in world. He began his career in Nashville, Tennessee as and Elementary School teacher then moved into the realm of Higher Education. He's worked as a Dean of Students, Financial Aid Director, Public Information Director and Alumni Relations Director. Within each of these positions, Bob accomplished goals and set new and higher standards by going above and beyond the call of duty. He has raised thousands of dollars, been appointed to state boards and implemented innovative programs and processes that have improved each institution that he's been associated with.

In addition to receiving his Master's degree from Union, Bob attended Vanderbilt College and earned a Doctorate in Education from the University of Kentucky in 1976.

The Rising Star award is given to a young Union graduate who has made great progress toward reaching goals and making a difference in their community. This year, Union College awarded Timothy J. Jones, '98 The Rising Star award.

Jones grew up in Four Mile, Kentucky, and a few miles south of Union College. After graduating from Middlesboro High School, he enrolled at Union under the precedence of playing tennis, but once he stepped foot on campus, he realized that it was meant for him to become a Union College graduate.

He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 1998 majoring in criminal justice and psychology with a minor in sociology and environmental science. He served as a resident assistant and resident assistant specialist, was a member of the campus activities board, participated in the Big Brother Big Sister program, played tennis, ran cross country, played golf and at one time, was even the bulldog mascot. Tim was awarded the tennis team's most valuable player, the senior award for leadership, top ten males on campus and named one of Who's Who in American College's and Universities.

Since graduation, Jones has devoted his time to fulfilling his dream of becoming one of the nation's finest United States Capitol police officers. After passing the extremely rigorous testing required by the U.S. Capitol police force with flying colors, he began the pain staking process of enlisting into this elite force. Only one in 1000 who apply is accepted into the program. Jones was that one.

After months of training, interviews, and examinations, he received a letter of acceptance from the 106th U.S. Congress for employment as a United States Capitol Police Officer. Since his employment with the force, Jones has been named Physical Fitness Coordinator helping fellow officers achieve their fitness goals and been appointed to be a Field Officer Trainer overseeing and training new recruits. He has also been chosen to attend mountain biking training so that he will be able to patrol the Capitol grounds.

Union also awards The Alumni Distinguished Service award to a Union graduate who displays a commitment to community through service. This year's award recipient was Wilma "Willie" (Boughton) DeSpain '56.

DeSpain is a very active member of the Greensburg United Methodist Church in her hometown of Greensburg, Kentucky serving as a Sunday school teacher. She is also on the Staff Parish Relations Committee and volunteers for the Upward Basketball program and other special activities. Her past church-related activities include serving on the Administrative Council; the recording secretary; serving as chair of the Staff Parish Relations Committee; serving on the Finance Committee; and as a member of the church choir. In 2004, Willie was named delegate to the Kentucky Annual Conference from the church and from the Columbia District.

DeSpain is also dedicated to promoting tourism. She currently serves as the Vice President of Southern Kentucky Lakes and Rivers Tourism and as a member of Southern Eastern Kentucky Tourism Development Association. She has also served as a member the Rotary Club and for the Chamber of Commerce, as President of the Historical Society and on the Greensburg Renaissance Committee.

From graduating Cum Laude in 1956 until today, Willie Dispain has proven that she is deserving of the Union College Alumni Distinguished Service Award.

Nearly 500 people from all across the country attended Union's Homecoming activities and 250 of those attended the annual Homecoming Banquet and awards ceremony.

November 19, 2004

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