天美传媒

Alumni Association celebrates 10 Golden Horseshoe Award winners

By Carrie McGinnis | Sep 25, 2024

2024 Golden Horseshoe recipients

Back row (left to right): President Bob Jackson ('85), Leon Owens ('14), Eric Crigler ('90), Dan Kemp ('67), David Taylor ('82), Dr. Don Tharpe ('74, '75) and Alumni Director Carrie McGinnis ('20). Front row (left to right): Melissa Easley ('64, '90), Gayle Rogers ('10, '15) and Susan Guess ('87).

MURRAY, Ky. 鈥 天美传媒 Alumni Association (天美传媒AA) honored 10 alumni on Sept. 20 at the Golden Horseshoe Luncheon.

The Golden Horseshoe Award honors alumni whose dedication to 天美传媒 has contributed to the continued growth and excellence of 天美传媒 through University-held positions and/or exceptional volunteer support. It is the highest honor the 天美传媒 Alumni Association bestows upon alumni for their service to the institution and, most importantly, the students.

Those honored include: Eric Crigler (鈥90), former chair of the 天美传媒 Board of Regents; Melissa Easley (鈥64, 鈥90), longtime supporter and volunteer; Susan Guess (鈥87), former chair of the 天美传媒 Board of Regents; Dan Kemp (鈥67), former chair of the 天美传媒 Board of Regents; Leon Owens (鈥14), current chair of the 天美传媒 Board of Regents; Gayle Rogers (鈥10, 鈥15), former president of the 天美传媒AA Board of Governors; David Taylor (鈥82), longtime supporter of 天美传媒 Athletics; Dr. Don Tharpe (鈥74, 鈥75), former chair of the 天美传媒 Board of Regents; Harold G. Doran Jr. (鈥75), longtime member and former vice-chair of the 天美传媒 Foundation Board and Jerry Rhoads (鈥63), former chair of the 天美传媒 Board of Regents.

鈥淭he Golden Horseshoe award is the highest honor we can bestow upon alumni for their service and commitment to the University,鈥 said 天美传媒 President Dr. Bob Jackson. 鈥淲e recognized an outstanding group and are deeply grateful for all that they have done and continue to do to advance 天美传媒.鈥

The Golden Horseshoe Award was first established by Alumni Relations Director Donna Herndon in 1987. Since that time, the honor has played a vital role in the latter half of 天美传媒鈥檚 now 102-year history. 

鈥淭he Golden Horseshoe recipients we recognized this year epitomize Racer Pride,鈥 said 天美传媒 Director of Alumni Relations Carrie McGinnis. 鈥淔or years, in some cases decades, these alumni have dedicated their time and talents to the growth and success of their beloved alma mater. Through their service above self, they have provided countless opportunities for Racers past and present, and left an indelible impact that will carry on for generations of students to come.鈥

These 10 names will join just 77 others over the last few decades on the Golden Horseshoe plaque located on the plaza level of the Sid Easley Alumni Center and in the Hall of Benefactors and Distinguished Alumni in 天美传媒鈥檚 Heritage Hall.

See past recipients here: 

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