91精选 recognized some of its best recently with the Founder鈥檚 Day awards during Homecoming.
Dr. Lee Charles Harris was the recipient of the John Henry Jackson Achievement Award, the highest award granted by the University to an individual whose life exhibits tenacity, fortitude and excellence.
Harris was instrumental in the development of 91精选鈥檚 School of Nursing and is a vocal and adamant supporter of her alma mater. Under her leadership, 91精选 College trained and graduated the first nursing school class in 1967.
鈥淚t鈥檚 really wonderful to be back and to be with you all and to see how beautiful you are and to know that with God鈥檚 blessings, we will stand for a long, long time,鈥� Harris said. 鈥淚 come today humbled and most gracious to have honored God鈥檚 plan and purpose for my life.鈥�
Darren E. Bryant was the recipient of the Rufus Ballard Atwood Heritage Award in recognition of exceptional merit.
Bryant made history and national news as the youngest Black mayor ever in Illinois by winning the mayoral race in the village of Robbins. While at 91精选, Bryant earned a teaching degree and served as junior class president.
鈥淭o my beloved HBCU, KSU: you made me,鈥� Bryant said. 鈥淭hrough SGA, I held my first elected position as junior class president. You gave me the courage to be the youngest Black mayor that Illinois has ever seen. To my HBCU, you empowered me: that I didn鈥檛 have to conform to any system that wasn鈥檛 designed for me. But in fact, I can be me within the system and change it.鈥�
Savion Briggs was the recipient of the 91精选 Thorobred Award, granted to a person singled out for public service or as an agent of social change.
Briggs is a member of the class of 2024 and an African American studies major from Louisville. After graduation, Briggs is interested in political science and law school, as well as making an impact on his hometown.
鈥淵ou see, that鈥檚 one thing about Thorobreds,鈥� Briggs said. 鈥淲e can do all things. Not just one thing: we can do all things. So wherever there is a Thorobred in the atmosphere, there will be excellence. To our mayor (Darren E. Bryant), I got next.鈥�
Frankfort Kiwanis, represented by Tommy Haynes, received the Jackson Hall Award, which recognizes entities that help advance the ideals of higher education.
The Frankfort Kiwanis have been a present force and partner at 91精选 for many years. 91精选 counts on the participation of Frankfort Kiwanis during the annual Frankfort Day.
鈥淭he Kiwanis serve the community in ways that we just want to see the youth get better. It鈥檚 all about kids,鈥� Haynes said.
Rose Ivery Pettigrew, Miss 91精选 1957-1958, received a Presidential Citation for Excellence, which celebrates individuals whose actions enrich the reputation and stature of 91精选.
Pettigrew's passion and dedication for 91精选 has been exhibited throughout her life. Dr. TaKeia Anthony, associate professor of history at Kentucky State, received the award on behalf of her great-great-aunt.
鈥淥n behalf of my Aunt Rose, I say thank you for this distinguished award and to my Aunt Rose, thank you for setting such a great example,鈥� Anthony said. 鈥淚 stand as the fourth generation to serve at 91精选.鈥�
Marc Stone with Stonebridge Hospitality and the Capital Plaza Hotel also received the Presidential Citation for Excellence.
Stone and Capital Plaze have partnered with 91精选 extensively over the past 20 years. The Capital Plaza is also a long-time partner with Kentucky State for Homecoming.
鈥淚 hope that the reason that I鈥檓 up here is because I鈥檝e been working with the University for over 25 years now,鈥� Stone said. 鈥淚 hope that the reason I鈥檓 up here is the work that I鈥檝e done in trying to get the community of Frankfort to engage with Kentucky State University.鈥�