Stegman Named to Inaugural Lou Gehrig Community Impact Team

Maisie Nelson • February 22, 2024

Union Baseball senior Colton Stegman has been honored with a prestigious recognition, being named to the inaugural Lou Gehrig Community Impact Team, as announced on Monday by Phi Delta Theta in collaboration with the Live Like Lou Foundation.

Since its inception in 1955, Phi Delta Theta has bestowed the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award upon the Major League Baseball player who best embodies the spirit and character of Lou Gehrig, both on and off the field. Established to commemorate the esteemed Phi Delta Theta member Lou Gehrig, following his passing from ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease), the award is housed in the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, New York. Through the growing impact of this award, Phi Delta Theta acknowledges outstanding individuals in baseball while making a positive difference in the ALS community through its recipients and finalists.

In continuation of Lou Gehrig’s legacy and his illustrious baseball career that commenced at the collegiate level at Columbia University, Phi Delta Theta, in partnership with the Live Like Lou Foundation, proudly introduces the inaugural Lou Gehrig Community Impact Team to annually recognize collegiate baseball players for their philanthropic endeavors and community impact.

Nominees for this honor were put forth by their respective institutions, with the team selection based on exceptional achievements in three key areas:

Demonstrating a significant commitment to their community through service and philanthropy.
Exemplifying the generous spirit and character reminiscent of Lou Gehrig.
Making noteworthy contributions to the success of their respective teams.

In 2023, the baseball team received the Union College Community Service Team of the Year award, with Stegman, a native of Colorado Springs, Colorado, at the forefront of numerous campus and community service initiatives. Despite maintaining a stellar 4.0 GPA in the fall and a 3.75 GPA in the spring, Colton's commitment to both campus and community service remains evident through his outstanding contributions. On campus, Colton dedicated his time to various tasks, including landscaping, maintenance, event assistance, and supporting athletic activities.

However, Colton's impact extends beyond the confines of the campus as he actively engages with organizations in the Barbourville community. He volunteers with prominent establishments such as the Boys & Girls Club, the City of Barbourville, and the East Barbourville Baptist Church, participating in a wide array of activities ranging from holiday events to youth programs.

On the diamond, Colton proved to be a versatile asset for the Union Bulldogs in 2023, showcasing his skills both in the outfield and at first base. With an impressive batting average of .292, five home runs, and fifteen stolen bases, Colton played a pivotal role in the team's successes, including securing their first conference tournament championship in seventeen years and achieving the program's largest turnaround in history.

Union College Baseball Head Coach Chris Lewis commended Colton on this honor, stating, “Colton is as steady as they come. He just takes care of business on a daily basis in every phase of his life. He is a ‘first and last’ type of young man; the first one to show up and the last one to leave.”

Joining Stegman on the Lou Gehrig Community Impact team are John West, Boston College; RJ Austin, Vanderbilt; Karter Fitzpatrick, Wayne State; Rodney Green Jr., California; Ben King, Georgia Tech; Nick Kurtz, Wake Forest; Brandon Peace, Ripon College; Tommy White, LSU.

For more information about the 2024 Lou Gehrig Community Impact Team, click here.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

UCU Announces Next Round of “50 Under 50” Honorees

By Maisie Nelson • June 25, 2025

Union Commonwealth University proudly announces the next ten distinguished alumni honored as part of the university’s ongoing “50 Under 50” recognition program. The initiative celebrates alumni under the age of 50 who are driving change and making a difference in their professions and communities.

Bill and Merrill Davies with the Union Mascot, Mack the Bulldog.

Bill & Merrill Davies — A Union of Service & Learning

By David Saylor • June 24, 2025

William “Bill” Davies ’66 and Merrill Johnson Davies ’64 were brought together by their education at Union College and their Baptist faith in 1962. Since then, they have built a lasting legacy of service, learning, and community impact — one that has spanned more than 56 years of marriage.

UCU Celebrates Barbourville High School Seniors with Over $88,000 in Scholarships

By Maisie Nelson • June 13, 2025

Union Commonwealth University is proud to recognize the achievements of seniors from Barbourville High School who have committed to continue their academic and athletic pursuits at Union. Together, these students have been awarded more than $88,000 in scholarships as part of the university’s commitment to supporting local talent and making higher education more accessible.

Lynn and Amanda with Union's mascot, Mack the Bulldog, all wearing caps and gowns on Union's campus.

Lynn Smith & Amanda Hensely — Like Mother, Like Daughter

By Rachel Dorroh • June 5, 2025

This past fall, Lynn Smith was appointed as Executive Vice President of Union Commonwealth University. She draws on her nearly 25 years of service and three Union degrees to oversee operations including business & finance, information technology, and human resources, among other responsibilities.

Summer Brings Improvements and Guests to Union’s Campus

By Maisie Nelson • June 4, 2025

Union Commonwealth University is proud to share several exciting updates as work gets underway on key campus improvement projects this summer. These initiatives, made possible through successful fundraising efforts, reflect Union’s commitment to creating a welcoming, well-maintained environment for students, visitors, and the broader community.

Eight Bell County Seniors Commit to UCU, Over $190,000 Awarded in Scholarships

By Maisie Nelson • June 4, 2025

Union Commonwealth University is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of seniors from Bell County High School who have committed to continue their academic journeys at Union. Together, these students have been awarded over $190,000 in scholarships, recognizing both academic excellence and athletic talent.

Union Offers Free Swim Days for Local Youth This June

By Maisie Nelson • June 2, 2025

Union Commonwealth University is inviting school-aged children to enjoy free swim days every Saturday in June, beginning June 7 at the Center for Health & Learning’s Stivers Aquatic Center. These open swim opportunities are a way to give back to the community and celebrate the start of summer with local families.

Miller standing beside the sign for Conway Boatman Chapel.

The Rev. David Miller retires after 21 years of ministry at UCU

By Rachel Dorroh • May 30, 2025

After 21 years as the chaplain of Union Commonwealth University (UCU), the Rev. David Miller is retiring this month. Since his first ministerial appointment in 1984, he has served as the pastor of several Kentucky congregations, has taken on leadership roles in multiple Kentucky organizations, and has led countless campus programs and groups dedicated to student development. He says supporting students to find their personal calling, however, has been the highlight of his career.

Union Celebrates Another Ten Honorees in its “50 Under 50” Recognition Program

By Maisie Nelson • May 27, 2025

Union Commonwealth University proudly announces the next ten distinguished alumni honored as part of the university’s inaugural “50 Under 50” recognition program. Celebrating alumni who are making an impact before the age of 50, the program continues to highlight exceptional leaders across diverse industries — from public service and business innovation to healthcare, marketing, education, and law.

Leadership Tri-County class of 2025 with Andra Butler and Tori Doyle standing at the far right end.

The essence of leadership at UCU

By David Saylor • May 22, 2025

Leadership is about more than a title, it's a commitment to personal growth, professional excellence, and something greater than yourself. For many, this may mean embracing new challenges or simply striving to make a meaningful impact. At Union Commonwealth University, however, leadership also means investing in the potential of others by creating opportunities for growth, mentorship, and collaboration at every level.