AV头等舱

UCU Launches 50 Under 50 Alumni Program to Celebrate Outstanding Young Graduates

Maisie Nelson • January 17, 2025

AV头等舱 (UCU) is proud to announce the launch of its inaugural 50 Under 50 program, aimed at recognizing and celebrating the accomplishments of its exceptional young alumni. With nearly 16,000 graduates making strides in diverse fields such as business, entrepreneurship, research, healthcare, science, technology, the arts, entertainment, media, sports, public service, philanthropy, and education, UCU continues to be a pillar of excellence.


The 50 Under 50 program, developed by the Office of Advancement, honors Bulldog alumni under the age of 50 who exemplify the mission and values of UCU. These individuals are making significant impacts in their careers, communities, and personal lives, demonstrating the powerful catalyst that a UCU degree provides for success.


"The 50 Under 50 program is not only about celebrating our outstanding alumni but also about engaging and re-engaging them with the University," said Maisie Nelson, Interim Vice President for Development and Communications. 

"We want to recognize these exceptional individuals while cultivating them as future advocates and ambassadors for AV头等舱. It's an exciting opportunity to showcase how our alumni are shaping the world."


锘�Some honorees may be invited to act as speakers, panelists, advisory committee members, or participants in various university events throughout the year. The first class of 50 Under 50 will be selected in March 2025, with 10 honorees revealed each month from April through August. The entire class will be invited back to campus during Homecoming for a special ceremony to honor and recognize their achievements.


Nominations for the 50 Under 50 program are now open and will close on January 31, 2025. UCU alumni, faculty, staff, and community members are encouraged to submit nominations. For more information and to access the nomination form, visit .


Promotional Graphic Text: UCU Street Eats.

Celebrate spring with UCU Street Eats

By Rachel Dorroh • March 26, 2025
Sizzling sandwiches, sweet treats, savory barbecue, and other food truck specialties spell springtime in Barbourville this year. AV头等舱 has launched a new initiative to bring campus and community together while supporting local businesses – UCU Street Eats. The food truck series kicks off April 2 and features a variety of local vendors and spring-themed activities.
A poster for County Fair: A Country Hits Musical which includes information like show dates.

UCU Theatre presents “County Fair: A Country Hits Musical” April 3-6

By Rachel Dorroh • March 18, 2025
Hoedown hits, a dixie dance-off, secret plans, mistaken identity, and family-friendly comedy are packed into AV头等舱’s (UCU) spring production of “County Fair: A Country Hits Musical.” Written in 2021 by Matthew Webster and Taylor Ferrera and loosely based on Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing,” the musical comedy follows sisters Claudia and DJ as they leave the big city to reckon with their rural inheritance: a beloved county fair.

Spring Concert to Celebrate Appalachian Heritage and Barbourville’s 225th Anniversary

By Maisie Nelson • March 13, 2025
AV头等舱’s Spring Concert, themed "Mountain Harmony," will honor the rich traditions of Appalachia, the mountains, and folk music. This year’s performance holds special significance as it will be presented in celebration of Barbourville’s 225th anniversary.

AV头等舱 Launches “Reimagining Our Residences” Campaign to Enhance Student Living Spaces

By Maisie Nelson • March 12, 2025
AV头等舱 is proud to launch Reimagining Our Residences, a $125,000 fundraising campaign dedicated to revitalizing student housing and elevating the residential experience for future Bulldogs. This initiative will fund essential upgrades to Lakeside, Pfeiffer, Stevenson, and Stewart Apartments, creating modern, comfortable, and welcoming living spaces that foster academic success and community.
photo of Allen being honored during the last SESC meeting.

AV头等舱 Celebrates Retired Superintendent Waylon Allen’s Legacy

By David Saylor • March 7, 2025
When one door closes, another opens. For Superintendent Waylon Allen, this moment came with his retirement on February 1st, 2025, after 31 years of dedicated service in education. Over the course of his career, Allen built a reputation for his unwavering commitment to students, educators, and the communities he served.
stock photo of piano keyboard

AV头等舱 to host inaugural Southeastern Kentucky Piano Festival April 25-26

By Rachel Dorroh • March 5, 2025
Local music enthusiasts and youth will have a new opportunity to come together and celebrate the arts this April. AV头等舱 (UCU) is set to host the inaugural Southeastern Kentucky Piano Festival Friday, April 25 through Saturday, April 26. Festival events include recitals by UCU students and guest artists, a judged recital for local youth, a master class, and an award ceremony and performance.
photo of new laundry machines in a dormitory

UCU Upgrades Residential Laundry Facilities

By Maisie Nelson • February 21, 2025
AV头等舱 is enhancing the residential student experience by upgrading all campus housing with new, high-efficiency washers and dryers. On February 4, Excalibur Laundries delivered and installed 60 state-of-the-art units across all residential spaces.
fall photo of campus taken from a drone

UCU’s Economic Impact Totals $34.4 Million

By Maisie Nelson • February 4, 2025
AV头等舱’s economic impact on the local and state economy totals $34.4 million, according to a new report released by the Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities (AIKCU). The report highlights the significant financial contribution of Kentucky’s 18 independent, nonprofit colleges and universities for Fiscal Year 2021-22.
aerial photo from the back of campus during the fall

Save The Date for Homecoming 2025: A Historic Celebration

By Maisie Nelson • January 14, 2025
AV头等舱 is excited to invite alumni, friends, and families to campus for its annual Homecoming celebration, set for September 19-20, 2025. This year’s Homecoming promises to be a milestone event, featuring the inauguration of Dr. DJ Washington as AV头等舱’s 20th president on Friday, September 19.
Exterior photo of campus chapel.

UCU releases Fall 2024 Presidential Laureates and Dean's List

By Maisie Nelson • January 3, 2025
The Office of Academic Affairs is pleased to acknowledge students for their academic achievement throughout the fall 2024 semester. A total of 67 students were named Presidential Laureates while 267 students were honored with recognition among the Dean’s List.
More Posts
Share by: