B.S. in Civil Engineering, 1951 When Garey White was seven years old, his father gave him a calf as a reward for doing chores on the family farm. The young entrepreneur then did what any industrious kid with a passion for construction would do: he sold the calf and bought a basic carpenter’s tool set. Thus was born an engineer who would go on to found the largest non-residential construction employer in central Kentucky.
B.S. in Computer Science, 1985 Before arriving at the University of Kentucky, Beth Weeks had very little exposure to computer science and certainly had never considered it as a viable major or career option. Strong in math, the Horse Cave, Ky., native planned to major in accounting; however, during her freshman year, she added a computer science class to her schedule and was hooked. A new career direction followed.
B.S. Chemical Engineering 1974 M.S. Chemical Engineering 1975 Ph.D. 1977
B.S. in Chemical Engineering, 1990
B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, 1974 The son of a small-town family physician, Joe Halcomb grew up around medicine. From an early age, he was fascinated by the miracle of life—and the inner workings of the human body. When he came to the University of Kentucky, he looked for ways to put medicine and engineering together. Since one of his goals was to become a physician, he took pre-med courses alongside his engineering courses. This enabled him to earn a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering in 1974 and his M.D. degree in 1978.
B.S. in Electrical Engineering, 1990 Since his days as a student at the University of Kentucky, AT&T senior vice president of corporate strategy Michael Bowling has excelled in leadership roles. Convinced that participation in student organizations would prepare him for life, Mr. Bowling served as two-term president of UK’s Student Activities Board and president of Kappa Sigma fraternity. As a result, he received the honor of being named the Otis A. Singletary Outstanding Senior Male. Without question, Mr. Bowling’s college career portended future success.
B.S. in Computer Science, 1973
B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, 1983
B.S. in Civil Engineering, 1972
B.S. in Chemical Engineering, 1969 During Wayne Purdom’s 44-year career in the refining industry, he has become a recognized leader in applied process safety management, improving business unit performance, personnel selection and development, litigation and emergency response. In the United States and abroad, Mr. Purdom has consistently demonstrated leadership in both normal and abnormal situations, as well as entrepreneurial instincts that have increased business unit safety, efficiency and profitability.
