A Legacy of Leadership

In 1879, Union College arose out of a need – a need for education. For the citizens of Barbourville, then a town of 450 citizens and three brick buildings establishing an institution of higher learning for their children was imperative. They believed education was the path to leadership and a brighter future.

With that same visionary spirit Union continues to be a springboard for great minds, for young leaders, and for all those with a commitment to education—thanks to many who continue to invest in the mission.

In 2008-09 the Vision Maker Societies were created to honor those that continue to provide Union with the support needed to carry it into the future.

Daniel Stevenson Society: $1,000,000 or more lifetime giving

Credited with rescuing Union from almost certain closing, Daniel Stevenson of Versailles, Kentucky served as Union’s president from 1888 to 1897. He fulfilled his dream of establishing a Methodist college in the area he considered in the greatest need of service. He was the first president after the College became affiliated with The Methodist Episcopal Church.

Fanny Speed Society: $500,000 - $999,999 lifetime giving

Mrs. Fanny Speed of Louisville was Union’s first great benefactress. Her interest in Dr. Stevenson’s purchase of Union’s property is evident through her gifts totaling over $60,000 during his administration. Following her death in 1902, Union received half of her estate, approximately $266,000. These funds helped to complete Speed Hall, and rebuild both Stevenson Hall and the Administration building (renamed Classroom building and later Centennial Hall).

Abigail E. Weeks Society: $100,000 - $499,999 lifetime giving

Miss Abigail Weeks a beloved head of the English department and librarian served the College for thirty two years. In the June 2, 1937 issue of the Orange and Black, the school paper commented regarding her service to Union by writing, “She gave to Union College her sacrificial loyalty, and fulfilled the sentiment of her own lines, written as a fitting close to the college Alma Mater, “We will live for thee”.

Each year, endowed scholarships provide assistance to hundreds of students. These scholarships aid in recruitment and retention of students by supporting those who demonstrate academic promise, interest in a certain field of study, and/or financial need.

Over the years, donors have chosen to honor family members, faculty, or other individuals through endowed scholarships. In some cases, members of a particular class or group have pooled gifts to create a special scholarship. The minimum required to establish an endowed scholarship is $10,000.

Endowed awards provide funds for recognizing students with superior academic performance in particular fields of study or areas of interest, talent, or leadership. Annual recipients are chosen by academic departments.  Those selected for awards are typically recognized at our annual Honors Convocation. The minimum required to establish an endowed award is $5,000.

For more information or to learn about other institutional priorities in need of funding, contact Denise Wainscott at 606.546.1218 or via e-mail at dwainscott@unionky.edu.