Morehead State University will induct three new members into its Alumni Hall of Fame and honor Carol Johnson and the late W. H. “Honie” Rice with the 2015 Founders Award for University Service during its Homecoming Banquet at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9
The event will be held in the Crager Room of the Adron Doran University Center (ADUC).
Johnson is a 1967 and 1973 graduate of MSU. Johnson spent more than 40 years in service to the University and served as an assistant to seven presidents. Her professionalism and dedication was unwavering and much of her “behind the scenes” work went unrecognized during her long and impactful tenure.
“Carol is a professional in every way. As my assistant she was hardworking, knowledgeable and absolutely dedicated to the success of the institution. Sue and I owe a large part of our success at MSU to Carol’s support, attention to detail and commitment to excellence,” said Wayne D. Andrews, MSU president.
Rice served for more than 30 years as superintendent of buildings and grounds during MSU’s most dramatic growth. Beginning with a staff of seven, he saw that number grow to more than 200 before his retirement. He was described as “knowing more about the entire campus than anyone else except maybe the president,” a role he didn’t take lightly. The Office of Facilities Management is located in Rice Services Building, which is named in his honor.
The Founders Award for University Service was established by the Board of Regents in 1978 and has been presented each year to individuals with records of outstanding service to the University over a sustained period.
Inducted in the Alumni Hall of Fame will be:
Chuck Charles is a 1974 graduate residing in Ashland. He is the mayor of Ashland, as well as vice president and chief development officer for Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital Foundation. A former member and ex-president of the MSU Alumni Association Board, Charles served from 1998-2006. He was recently the recipient of the 2015 Leadership Tri-State Community Service award.
Kelly Kulick is a 2000 graduate residing in Union, New Jersey. She is a successful professional bowler who made history in 2010 when she became the first woman to win a national title on the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) Tour. She was the 1997 and 1998 Collegiate Bowler of the Year while at MSU and a six-time member of Team USA.
Randy Lillard is a 1998 graduate residing in League City, Texas. He is the assistant director, advanced development projects at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). While a student at MSU, he served as interfraternity council president, president of the Student Alumni Ambassadors and member of the Student Government Association.
Kandi Brown Parker and Jim Wells also will be inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame.
Tickets to the Homecoming banquet are $25 per person.
Prior to the banquet, the Alumni Association will host a complimentary Alumni Welcome Reception from 5-7 p.m. on the third floor of ADUC. A complete Homecoming schedule is available online at www.moreheadstate.edu/homecoming.
To purchase tickets or for additional information, contact the Office of Alumni Relations and Development at 606-783-2080 or 800-783-ALUM.
