Our students, Advancement team and President Mitzel thank YOU for continued support. Hear our appreciation for the difference you make.

Kentucky Wesleyan College will host Homecoming 2020 the weekend of Sept. 25-27, and we are privileged to recognize and honor several individuals with induction into the Kentucky Wesleyan College Alumni Hall of Fame and with Alumni Awards. These annual recognition programs highlight the amazing successes and impact of our graduates and are selected by the members of the Alumni Association Board of Directors.

Alumni Hall of Fame Class of 2020
President Emeritus Barton D. Darrell ’84, J.D.
Joel Utley ’74

2020 Alumni Awards
Outstanding Alumnus – Mitch Major ’92
Alumni Achievement Award – Adam Hancock ’05
Outstanding Young Graduate Award – Dr. Kyle Blackburn ’10
Alumni Service Award – Dr. BC Childress ’05
Gus E. Paris Distinguished Service Award – Dr. Gene Tice
Honorary Alumna – Jennifer “Miss Jennifer” Taylor

Kentucky Wesleyan College is pleased to invite prospective students and families as well as alumni and friends to visit campus through our virtual campus experience, from the comfort of home.

The virtual campus experience was introduced in 2018, but has become more relevant during the current coronavirus pandemic. It allows guests to explore Kentucky Wesleyan College in a fully immersive 360-degree virtual experience. Powered by YouVisit, the tour takes guests through each of the campus’ buildings and also highlights the rich history and tradition of the institution. To enjoy the Kentucky Wesleyan virtual campus experience, visit https://kwc.edu/#virtualtour.

“The virtual tour cannot replicate the personalized visit experience students and families have come to know from Wesleyan, but it is a great first step for guests to explore our beautiful campus,” said Matthew Ruark, VP of admissions and financial aid. “We are eager to safely present the storied academic and athletic traditions of Kentucky Wesleyan College to as many families as possible, and this is a great introduction.”

This series profiles members of the Kentucky Wesleyan College Class of 2020. These are featured in The Wesleyan Way e-newsletter and we are proud to share our graduates’ accomplishment and future plans.

“I grew up on a tobacco farm, which is grueling manual labor. I had strong encouragement to get a degree and avoid that type of work. I give back because KWC afforded me the opportunity to build a successful life for myself and my family.

“I see KWC alumni as a team, and the ultimate team mentality means helping someone else win at life.

“I encourage others to be part of the KW team and help their ‘teammates’ by giving back.”

My Family

“Kyle and I have been married 15 years. He is a Purdue graduate and is the divisional seed sales manager at CPS in Owensboro. We have three blessings in Isabella (12), Elijah (9) and little Brayden (6).”

My Career

“I have spent the bulk of my career in various finance roles in the aluminum manufacturing industries of Hancock County, Ky. Currently, I am the vice president and CFO of Gryphon Environmental, LLC in Owensboro. We manufacture large industrial dryers, targeting municipalities. We are a young company just beginning to gain a foothold in the industry.

“I also coach high school girls’ basketball at my old high school, Hancock County High School.”

This series profiles members of the Kentucky Wesleyan College Class of 2020. These are featured in The Wesleyan Way e-newsletter and we are proud to share our graduates’ accomplishment and future plans.

“KWC has given so much to me, and I want to remain as involved as possible. I decided that the best way to begin is by giving back. I encourage our alumni to give because the College gave so much to you. Your contributions will help students just like you in ways you will never know.” – Kayce Dallas ’19

Major: Psychology
Minor: Religion
Pursuing MSW at Kent School of Social Work, University of Louisville
Works at YMCA Safe Place, helping runaway and homeless youth

“I gained confidence in myself and my abilities at KWC, which was a great help when I applied to graduate school. Through my work with children in Kappa Delta, I have a desire to help children, so my present job at the YMCA means a lot to me. There are many times in graduate school when a professor will say something that reminds me of KWC. I got such a good foundation and great preparation at Wesleyan. My research professor recently said, ‘Correlation does not mean causation.’ I already knew that because Dr. Mackey at KWC drilled that into us! I have discovered that I have a love for policymaking in my first year in graduate school, so I may begin my career in that field. Whatever I do, I am grateful for the solid start I got at Wesleyan. The College prepared me well.”

Kentucky Wesleyan is proud to continue community partnerships in the fight against COVID-19. We, along with Brescia University, invite first responders and those serving to protect our community during the coronavirus pandemic to apply for housing on our campuses. We are providing individuals a place to go to so they lower risk of possibly transmitting COVID-19 to friends and family. Below are some conditions and an overview of the process our campuses have agreed to use. Both institutions will begin reviewing and processing applications on Monday, April 13, 2020.

Kentucky Wesleyan College will celebrate the institution’s 152nd Annual Commencement on Saturday, April 25, at 10 a.m. via a virtual online ceremony due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The event will premiere via Facebook Live (facebook.com/kywesleyan).

View Commencement

The College looks forward to hosting an on-campus commencement with the graduates and their families on Sept. 25 during Homecoming 2020. The ceremony will be a dual celebration also featuring the Inauguration of President Thomas Mitzel.

Attorney and law professor Stephen B. Bright will address the Class of 2020 during the virtual ceremony.

“Stephen Bright has been a champion of human rights throughout his legal career, and his life exemplifies service to others,” said President Thomas Mitzel. “We are honored that he will address our students this year.”

As we adapt to the changes caused by COVID-19, Kentucky Wesleyan College continues to identify new ways to engage and interact with our students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends. Last week, we launched #WesleyanCares under the leadership of VP of Student Affairs, Rebecca McQueen-Ruark.

#WesleyanCares is an initiative designed to pair each student with a member of staff, in hopes of alleviating some of the stress surrounding the situation. This provides students with one single person to reach out to about whatever they may need during this time.

“Although we weren’t surprised, we were very grateful for the number staff members who agreed to volunteer their time to provide this added mentorship to our students,” Becca explained. “Our volunteers began making their first contacts with their mentees late last week and the response from both sides has been extremely positive. Mentors were able to provide assistance to their students regarding fall registration, filing FAFSA’s, remote learning and more. Staff are also acting as a general sounding board to share their worries.”