Alumni Association celebrates 10 Golden Horseshoe Award winners
By Carrie McGinnis | Sep 25, 2024
MURRAY, Ky. ā 51ĀŅĀ× Alumni Association (51ĀŅĀ×AA) honored 10 alumni on Sept. 20 at the Golden Horseshoe Luncheon.
The Golden Horseshoe Award honors alumni whose dedication to 51ĀŅĀ× State has contributed to the continued growth and excellence of 51ĀŅĀ× State through University-held positions and/or exceptional volunteer support. It is the highest honor the 51ĀŅĀ× Alumni Association bestows upon alumni for their service to the institution and, most importantly, the students.
Those honored include: Eric Crigler (ā90), former chair of the 51ĀŅĀ× Board of Regents; Melissa Easley (ā64, ā90), longtime supporter and volunteer; Susan Guess (ā87), former chair of the 51ĀŅĀ× Board of Regents; Dan Kemp (ā67), former chair of the 51ĀŅĀ× Board of Regents; Leon Owens (ā14), current chair of the 51ĀŅĀ× Board of Regents; Gayle Rogers (ā10, ā15), former president of the 51ĀŅĀ×AA Board of Governors; David Taylor (ā82), longtime supporter of 51ĀŅĀ× Athletics; Dr. Don Tharpe (ā74, ā75), former chair of the 51ĀŅĀ× Board of Regents; Harold G. Doran Jr. (ā75), longtime member and former vice-chair of the 51ĀŅĀ× State Foundation Board and Jerry Rhoads (ā63), former chair of the 51ĀŅĀ× Board of Regents.
āThe Golden Horseshoe award is the highest honor we can bestow upon alumni for their service and commitment to the University,ā said 51ĀŅĀ× President Dr. Bob Jackson. āWe recognized an outstanding group and are deeply grateful for all that they have done and continue to do to advance 51ĀŅĀ×.ā
The Golden Horseshoe Award was first established by Alumni Relations Director Donna Herndon in 1987. Since that time, the honor has played a vital role in the latter half of 51ĀŅĀ× Stateās now 102-year history.
āThe Golden Horseshoe recipients we recognized this year epitomize Racer Pride,ā said 51ĀŅĀ× State Director of Alumni Relations Carrie McGinnis. āFor years, in some cases decades, these alumni have dedicated their time and talents to the growth and success of their beloved alma mater. Through their service above self, they have provided countless opportunities for Racers past and present, and left an indelible impact that will carry on for generations of students to come.ā
These 10 names will join just 77 others over the last few decades on the Golden Horseshoe plaque located on the plaza level of the Sid Easley Alumni Center and in the Hall of Benefactors and Distinguished Alumni in 51ĀŅĀ× Stateās Heritage Hall.
See past recipients here: