Union College Visitors Club meets for inaugural luncheon
Rachel Dorroh • June 2, 2023
The Union College Visitors Club met for the first time Wednesday, May 31 at noon in the Sharp Academic Center. Organized by Union’s Office of the President, the inaugural luncheon brought leaders from the Barbourville community together with leaders from the college for dialogue and engagement.
The luncheon was attended by Betty Cole, Barbara Daniel, Bill Daniel, Sam Davies, Nic Dople, Claudia Greenwood, Dr. Marisa Greer, Dr. Marcia Hawkins, Kateena Haynes, Sherry Partin, Tom Retherford, Jennifer Skidmore, Rev. Charles Tinsley, and Sherry Tinsley.
Union plans to host regular luncheons for the Visitors Club every four to five weeks, with the goal of supporting connection between the college and community. Guests are currently being surveyed to determine the next luncheon date.
Real-world career experiences, educational travel adventures, and immersive arts exploration await Union Commonwealth University (UCU) students this summer. Funded by the Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education (NetVUE), a program of the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC), ten students have been awarded Circles of Purpose grants to support their self-designed enrichment projects. Named after Union’s core values of celebration, integrity, responsibility, civility, lifelong learning, engagement, and spirituality – abbreviated CIRCLES – the microgrant program supports students in discovering and developing their unique vocational paths.
Union Commonwealth University is celebrating exciting momentum in its undergraduate enrollment, as highlighted in the latest report from the Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities (AIKCU).
According to AIKCU’s March snapshot of all 18 member institutions, Union ranked near the top in several key categories.
A well-known name in Union Commonwealth University athletics is making a welcome return. Bart Osborne has rejoined the university as Associate Athletic Director for Development and Fundraising.
UCU students Tia Cobb and Lena Visarius and their professor Libby Megna are building on a body of knowledge tracing back to Darwin’s observations of differences in bird beaks that led to his insights about natural selection. As co-authors on a paper they will submit to academic journals, the three hope to contribute to the scientific community’s understanding of trait evolution and biodiversity. Both students want to continue their studies after graduation – Lena in forensic anthropology and Tia in biology – and experiences like this are part of how UCU is preparing them for these chosen paths.
This school year, Cody, Conner, and Macy Saylor are attending Union Commonwealth University, are grateful for where they’ve landed, and are focused on making the most of their opportunities and giving back to make things better for others.
Union Commonwealth University (UCU) celebrates several new hires and staff promotions in line with President DJ Washington's vision for growth and development. This strategic and human capital growth stretches across the entire campus touching athletics, academics, university operations, development, communications, and admissions.
Sizzling sandwiches, sweet treats, savory barbecue, and other food truck specialties spell springtime in Barbourville this year. Union Commonwealth University has launched a new initiative to bring campus and community together while supporting local businesses – UCU Street Eats. The food truck series kicks off April 2 and features a variety of local vendors and spring-themed activities.
Hoedown hits, a dixie dance-off, secret plans, mistaken identity, and family-friendly comedy are packed into Union Commonwealth University’s (UCU) spring production of “County Fair: A Country Hits Musical.” Written in 2021 by Matthew Webster and Taylor Ferrera and loosely based on Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing,” the musical comedy follows sisters Claudia and DJ as they leave the big city to reckon with their rural inheritance: a beloved county fair.
Union Commonwealth University’s Spring Concert, themed "Mountain Harmony," will honor the rich traditions of Appalachia, the mountains, and folk music. This year’s performance holds special significance as it will be presented in celebration of Barbourville’s 225th anniversary.
Union Commonwealth University is proud to launch Reimagining Our Residences, a $125,000 fundraising campaign dedicated to revitalizing student housing and elevating the residential experience for future Bulldogs. This initiative will fund essential upgrades to Lakeside, Pfeiffer, Stevenson, and Stewart Apartments, creating modern, comfortable, and welcoming living spaces that foster academic success and community.
