UK Alumni Association Reinstates Founders Day Award

To commemorate the founding of the University of Kentucky on February 22, 1865, the UK Alumni Association is pleased to announce the Founders Day Award will be a part of annual Founders Day celebrations beginning in 2023.  

The restoration of the Founders Day Award is dedicated to D. Michael Richey, UK Vice President for Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement, in recognition of his 50-year career and achievements.  The Founders Day Award had not been given since 1958.  Reinstituting the award will reinforce the university’s land grant mission established in 1865. The award will recognize individuals who personify goodwill and demonstrate, through their work, service, mission and spirit, a dedication to the Commonwealth of Kentucky and its residents.   

Recipients will receive an award medallion, and a one-time monetary donation will be made in their name to an existing university philanthropic fund of their choice. Richey was named as the inaugural recipient of the Founders Day Award in 2022. Thereafter, a committee appointed by the Executive Director of the UK Alumni Association will review nominations to determine the Founders Day Award recipients and monetary donation amount.