Students awarded for academic excellence at Union College’s Honors Convocation

Rachel Dorroh • April 28, 2023
Honors Day Photos

Union College celebrated its annual Honors Convocation ceremony Thursday in Conway Boatman Chapel. Thirty-three students, two athletic teams, and one professor won 46 awards.

 

“We the faculty, staff and administrators of Union College salute all of you who receive awards today,” said Executive Vice President and Provost Dr. Marisa Greer, “and we look forward to sharing in your future success.”

 

The yearly awards ceremony acknowledges outstanding academic performance in various disciplines, including business, mass communications, psychology, education, composition, literature, fine arts, history, political science, natural science, athletics, nursing, and more. Several students won multiple awards, with senior Makynzie Miller receiving four, and seniors David Cody Saylor and Curtis Miracle each receiving three.

 

This year, the Madison Taylor Triple ‘A’ Award was newly added in memory of Union student Maddie Taylor, who died in a tragic accident last year. The three ‘A’s represent Taylor’s excellence in athletics, academics, and positive attitude. Taylor’s family traveled from Tennessee to present the inaugural award to sophomore Raigan King.

 

“We lost a bright, shining star last summer,” said Greer. “This award will be given out each spring during our Honors Convocation to help keep Maddie's spirit alive and recognize the loving person that she was to her teammates, to her fellow students, and to just our campus in general.”

 

In addition to awards given to individuals, the Athletic Team Academic Awards recognized the archery team and the swim team as the sports teams with the highest cumulative GPA.

 

The final award – the Student Government Association (SGA) Distinguished Professor Award – went to Dr. Larry Inkster, who received a standing ovation. In just a few days, Inkster will retire from his 50-year career with Union College, making this his final Honors Convocation as Union faculty.

 

SGA student leaders for the 2023-2024 school year were also announced, with Carlos Sainz Barroso reelected as President and Ethan Whyte as VP of Academic Affairs. New leaders are as follows: Allie Williams, VP for Student Development; Kassidy Koogler, VP for Academic Affairs; Jessica Rodrigues, VP for Communications; and Jack Brodie, VP for Business Affairs.

 

College Minister Rev. David Miller concluded the ceremony with a benediction. Speaking of the students honored, he said, “We have been blessed by their presence in the classroom, blessed by their presence on our campus, blessed by their presence in our lives.”

 

Live choral music for the program was performed by Union Harmony, conducted by Associate Professor of Music Dr. Virginia Gay Gandy. Assistant Professor of Music Dr. Yukiko Fujimura performed live piano accompaniment.


2023 Honors Convocation Awards Recipients:

 

Megan Baker

  • Outstanding Student in Criminal Justice Award

 

Isaac Bargo

  • Rena Milliken Award
  • Dr. Erwin S. Bradley History Award

 

Monica Bingham

  • Leadership in Nursing Award

 

Griffen Brown

  • Arthur E. Spurlock Business Award

 

Paige Catoe

  • Connie Danner Book Award

 

Sidney V. Chrisman

  • Dr. Paul S. Moore Wellness, Human Performance, and Recreation Management Faculty Award

 

Tia Cobb

  • Bjornstad Freshman Composition Award

 

Beverly Cook

  • Clinical Excellence in Nursing Award

 

Emily Davis

  • Educational Studies Award for Middle Grades Education
  • Dr. Mary Alice Lay Service Award

 

Josh (Jay) Falls

  • Jane Minton Blair Endowed Award for the Arts

 

Nicholas Garrison

  • Dr. L. A. Geiss Senior Award

 

Nora Taya Howard

  • Iota Sigma Nu Freshman

 

Madison Jennings

  • Educational Studies Award for Elementary Education

 

Raigan King

  • The Madison Taylor Triple ‘A’ Award

 

Hope Elizabeth McKeehan

  • John Henry Wilson Sophomore Award

 

Whitney Messer

  • Dr. Paul Muncy Memorial Award

 

Makynzie Miller

  • Dr. Mahlon A. Miller President Emeritus Award
  • Governor James D. Black Senior Award
  • President’s Award
  • Katherine V. Sutphen Memorial Award

 

Taryn Mills

  • Sampson Political Science Award

 

Curtis Miracle

  • Dr. Albert D. Graham, Jr. Social Studies Award
  • Educational Studies Award for Secondary Education
  • H. H. Owens History Award

 

Tyler Napier

  • Outstanding Psychology Major Award
  • Eastern Kentucky Essay Award

 

Jacob Newby

  • H. B. Jones Business Enterprise Award

 

Rita Pereira

  • Steve Jones Memorial Award
  • Wimmer Chemistry Award

 

MiKayla Phillips

  • The Jones Foundation Award in Education

 

Kayla Breanne Richardson

  • Iota Sigma Nu Sophomore

 

David (Cody) Saylor

  • Ronald and Mary Alice Marley Mass Communication Award
  • Beverly P. and Mossie B. Wilson Memorial Award
  • The Literature Award

 

John Schneider

  • Rev. Charles Hansel Award for Philosophy and Religion

 

Jalyn Sharp

  • H. B. Jones Business Enterprise Award

 

Alicia Sikora

  • Excellence in Research Award

 

Caleb Teague

  • Blackwell Political Science Award

 

Haden Uhrig

  • William Faulkner Rushton Memorial Awards - Poetry

 

Virginia Wagers

  • Dr. L. A. Geiss Junior Award
  • Accounting Award

 

Morgan Warren

  • Theodore R. Davies M.D. Senior Biology Award

 

Macy Love Yother

  • Dr. Cecil H. Wilson Junior Award
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.
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.
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.
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.
Dr. Christine Marley-Frederick holding a mounted camera.
By David Saylor May 21, 2025
As Union Commonwealth University (UCU) sends off its new 2025 class of graduates, another farewell is underway. After 40 years of teaching, researching, and mentoring — 31 of them at Union — Dr. Christine Marley-Frederick, Professor of Communication, will retire this May. During her time at UCU, Marley-Frederick has had a profound influence on the Union community. She led the communication program through years of growth and change, served a decade as a department chair, became a faculty trustee, produced ten years of yearbooks, won several teaching awards, and even ran a coffee shop in the basement of Centennial.
photo shows coaches painting in the athletic complex
By Maisie Nelson May 19, 2025
Although student-athletes may be away for the summer, Union Commonwealth University’s athletic staff is staying busy—committed to building stronger programs both on and off the field.
By Maisie Nelson May 7, 2025
In celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week, Union Commonwealth University’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions provided 120 meal vouchers to teachers at Knox Central High School on Wednesday, May 7. The vouchers were redeemable at The Grub Hut food truck, which was set up on-site as a special thank-you to educators for their dedication and impact.
Students studying in Union's library.
By Rachel Dorroh May 6, 2025
The pre-professional program at Union Commonwealth University (UCU) is growing. New partnerships with Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) and the University of Kentucky (UK) create clear pathways and unique advantages for students wishing to pursue osteopathic medicine, physician assistant studies, and engineering.
Superintendent Tom Gambrel and President Dr. DJ Washington.
By David Saylor April 30, 2025
Following the recent retirement of Superintendent Waylon Allen ’93, another dedicated Bell County leader and Union alumnus is preparing to close a meaningful chapter in his career. Tom Gambrel ’98, Superintendent of Bell County Schools, has announced his upcoming retirement. Known for his unwavering commitment to students and educators, Gambrel leaves behind a legacy defined by perseverance, student-focused leadership, and lasting impact on the Bell County community.
By Maisie Nelson April 29, 2025
Union Commonwealth University proudly announces the first ten distinguished alumni honored as part of the university’s inaugural “50 Under 50” recognition program. Celebrating the accomplishments of alumni who are making an impact before the age of 50, the program highlights leaders across industries, from healthcare and education to business, finance, and public service.
More Posts