The UK Libraries National Advisory Board presents the 2016 UK Libraries Spring Gala

130 people attended the second annual UK Libraries Spring Gala on May 10, 2016, in William T. Young Library. The Gala, presented by the UK Libraries National Advisory Board, included the presentation of the Dean's Awards for Outstanding Staff Performance and the Paul A. Willis Outstanding Faculty Award. Dr. James C. Klotter received the UK Libraries Medallion for Intellectual Achievement.

Josh Monroe, Beth Reeder, and Kopana Terry received the Dean's Awards for Outstanding Staff Performance, presented by Dean Terry Birdwhistell. Read more about Josh, Beth, and Kopana here.

Josh Monroe receives his award

Beth Reeder

Kopana Terry

Dr. LuAnnette Butler, president of the UK Libraries National Advisory Board, spoke on behalf of the Board. The National Advisory Board sponsored the 2016 Gala.

Dr. LuAnnette Butler

Special Collections Research Center Learning Lab Intern Abigail King, a sophomore history major at UK, spoke on the importance of opportunities for students.

Abigail King

Frank Davis, Medical Center librarian, received the Willis Award, presented by UK Provost Timothy S. Tracy. Read more about Frank here. 

Provost Timothy S. Tracy, left, and Frank Davis

President Eli Capilouto presented the Medallion for Intellectual Achievement to Dr. James C. Klotter. Dr. Klotter is the State Historian of Kentucky, the author of twenty books on Kentucky history, and a professor at Georgetown College. Read more about Dr. Klotter here.

President Eli Capilouto, left, and Dr. James C. Klotter

Gala guests enjoyed a catered reception in the first floor atrium of William T. Young Library.

Below is a video highlight reel of the Gala, courtesy of the UK Media Depot:

 Thank you to all who joined UK Libraries for this special night of celebration.

Employee tickets now available for UK Libraries Spring Gala

The 2015 Spring Gala 

UK Libraries faculty and staff are invited to purchase tickets to the 2016 Spring Gala at a discounted price of $20 each. Tickets may be purchased from Amanda Jewell in the Dean's Office, with payment made in cash or via check made payable to the University of Kentucky. Each employee may purchase up to two discounted tickets. The Gala will be held on May 10, 2016, at 6 p.m.

Tickets to the Spring Gala include the presentation ceremony for the Paul A. Willis Outstanding Faculty Award, recognition of this year’s Outstanding Staff Awards recipients (to be announced soon) and the UK Libraries Medallion for Intellectual Achievement.

The Willis Award this year will be presented to Frank Davis, Medical Center librarian. A full description of Frank's achievements will be publicized beforehand in a news release from the university.

The 2016 recipient of the UK Libraries Medallion for Intellectual Achievement is Dr. James C. Klotter. Klotter is the state historian of Kentucky, a prolific author of more than twenty history books, former director of the Kentucky Historical Society, and a member of the faculty at Georgetown College.

Following the awards presentation, the Gala will include a reception in William T. Young Library with catered hors d'oeuvres, beverages, and an opportunity to mingle with honored guests including UK President Eli Capilouto and Provost Tim Tracy.

UK Libraries Event: Save the date for the UK Libraries Spring Gala

The 2016 UK Libraries Spring Gala presented by the UK Libraries National Advisory Board will be Tuesday, May 10, 2016, at 6 p.m. in the William T. Young Library. Dr. James C. Klotter, professor of History at Georgetown College and Kentucky State Historian, will be presented with the UK Libraries Medallion for Intellectual Achievement by Provost Tim Tracy.  The recipient of the Paul A. Willis Outstanding Faculty Award will also be announced.  A reception will follow the program.

More than 150 attend UK Libraries Spring Gala

On May 12, 2015, more than 150 guests attended the UK Libraries Spring Gala in William T. Young Library. The event began with a presentation in the UK Athletics Auditorium, during which guests heard updates from Dean Terry Birdwhistell, Director of Development Daniel King, and UK Libraries National Advisory Board President Gail Hart.



Advisory Board President Gail Hart

2014-2015 Undergraduate Diversity Scholar Nathan Moore, a recent UK graduate, shared his experiences working in UK Libraries.

Student Intern Nathan Moore

UK Provost Tim Tracy presented the Paul A. Willis Award for Outstanding Faculty to Dr. Doug Boyd of the Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History at the Special Collections Research Center.

Provost Tim Tracy and Dr. Doug Boyd

UK President Eli Capilouto spoke, and presented the UK Libraries Medallion for Intellectual Achievement to Dr. George C. Wright, UK alumnus and President of Prairie View A&M University.

President Eli Capilouto

Left to right, Provost Tim Tracy, Dr. George C. Wright, President Eli Capilouto

Dr. Wright delivered the keynote address offering an overview of his four decades of international research on race relations.

Dr. George C. Wright

Dr. Wright addressed attendees. 

Dr. Wright received a standing ovation.

Following the presentation, guests enjoyed a reception in the atrium of Young Library including music provided by the UK College of Fine Arts School of Music, hors d'oeuvres, and beverages.

Student musicians from the UK School of Music performed.

William T. Young Library was transformed for the Gala. 

Young Library provided an excellent venue for guests.

Dr. George Herring, left, and Dr. George C. Wright

Left to right, Jenny Dr. Boyd, Doug Boyd, and Mary Beth Thomson

All in attendance deemed the event to be a success, and guests lingered long into the evening.

The UK Libraries Spring Gala: You Are Invited

The University of Kentucky Libraries Spring Gala will take place at William T. Young Library on May 12, 2015. The evening will begin at 6 p.m. with a program including remarks from Dr. George C. Wright, recipient of the UK Libraries Medallion for Intellectual Achievement. Dr. Doug Boyd will receive the Paul A. Willis Outstanding Faculty award. A reception will follow. 

Tickets are $25 per person. We hope many of our UK Libraries faculty and staff, along with our friends and supporters, can join us for this special occasion.

RSVP to Amanda Jewell, (859) 218-1221 or awjewe2@email.uky.edu.