“We are proud of KWC and appreciate the impact upon our lives. We want to encourage all alumni to take a little time to get involved through the many activities offered. It has helped us recognize that every gift is important for the continued goals of KWC service to the community and world.”
“In connecting with students through the many different activities of the Alumni Board, we hope we have encouraged them; they have encouraged us!”
The Hills give to KWC in many ways that make a positive difference for today’s students and for future generations of Panthers. Below they share more reflections on the impact of the College on their lives.
Barbara and Phil Hill met in 1972 on a bus headed to Dallas, Texas for the huge Campus Crusade for Christ event called “Explo 72.” Nearly 100,000 youth packed the Cotton Bowl at the height of the Jesus Movement. Phil had just graduated from Butler High School in Louisville, and Barbara was about to begin her senior year at Seneca High School. Their first date was attending a session of the Louisville Annual Conference because Phil had already started his studies to become a United Methodist pastor. In the fall of 1972, Phil enrolled at Lindsey Wilson College where he graduated with an associate degree. In the meantime, Barbara graduated and earned a Presidential Scholarship to Kentucky Wesleyan where she began in the fall of 1973, majoring in biology with a minor in chemistry. Phil transferred to KWC as a music education major in 1974. While students at KWC, they were married in January of 1976 and were house parents at the old Sigma Nu House on Stadium Drive. The following year they became dorm parents at Peeples Hall and then graduated in the spring of 1977.
Their education at KWC gave them both a depth, understanding and strong foundation for their career paths. Connections among students, faculty and administration continue today. Barbara taught biology, chemistry and physics in schools across the commonwealth of Kentucky while Phil became an ordained United Methodist clergy serving churches at KWC, Masonville, Henderson, Hopkinsville, Middlesboro and Frankfort.
KWC has continued to see a lot of positive change through the years as it has focused on being a leading institution of learning with lots of hands-on experience, so students are ready for the workplace. It offers a quality liberal arts experience through a strong faith-based foundation. This has produced the pillars of KWC that include an emphasis on the values of empathy, time management, respect, inclusivity, commitment, empowerment, professionalism, integrity and caring.
Barbara and Phil have been serving on the Alumni Board of Directors for several years. They enjoy their opportunity to stay connected to their alma mater. Getting a behind the scenes look at the operations of KWC has been an inspiration and has encouraged them to contribute financially to the college.