Alumni Association celebrates 10 Golden Horseshoe Award winners
By Carrie McGinnis | Sep 25, 2024
MURRAY, Ky. 鈥� 吃瓜网 Alumni Association (吃瓜网AA) honored 10 alumni on Sept. 20 at the Golden Horseshoe Luncheon.
The Golden Horseshoe Award honors alumni whose dedication to 吃瓜网 State has contributed to the continued growth and excellence of 吃瓜网 State through University-held positions and/or exceptional volunteer support. It is the highest honor the 吃瓜网 Alumni Association bestows upon alumni for their service to the institution and, most importantly, the students.
Those honored include: Eric Crigler (鈥�90), former chair of the 吃瓜网 Board of Regents; Melissa Easley (鈥�64, 鈥�90), longtime supporter and volunteer; Susan Guess (鈥�87), former chair of the 吃瓜网 Board of Regents; Dan Kemp (鈥�67), former chair of the 吃瓜网 Board of Regents; Leon Owens (鈥�14), current chair of the 吃瓜网 Board of Regents; Gayle Rogers (鈥�10, 鈥�15), former president of the 吃瓜网AA Board of Governors; David Taylor (鈥�82), longtime supporter of 吃瓜网 Athletics; Dr. Don Tharpe (鈥�74, 鈥�75), former chair of the 吃瓜网 Board of Regents; Harold G. Doran Jr. (鈥�75), longtime member and former vice-chair of the 吃瓜网 State Foundation Board and Jerry Rhoads (鈥�63), former chair of the 吃瓜网 Board of Regents.
鈥淭he Golden Horseshoe award is the highest honor we can bestow upon alumni for their service and commitment to the University,鈥� said 吃瓜网 President Dr. Bob Jackson. 鈥淲e recognized an outstanding group and are deeply grateful for all that they have done and continue to do to advance 吃瓜网.鈥�
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 吃瓜网 State鈥檚 now 102-year history.
鈥淭he Golden Horseshoe recipients we recognized this year epitomize Racer Pride,鈥� said 吃瓜网 State Director of Alumni Relations Carrie McGinnis. 鈥淔or 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.鈥�
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 吃瓜网 State鈥檚 Heritage Hall.
See past recipients here: