KHP department and UK Dance Ensemble receive gift from Blandas

Leah Marsh, Jen Weber, Lynn Zalewski, Shelby Neenan, Brienne Lawson of the Dance Ensemble performing "Praise Him" (Jen Weber, Choreographer)

George and Betty Blanda, alumni of the College of Education with degrees in health and physical education, made a joint contribution to establish the George and Betty Blanda Professorship in Education. The professorship will be used to enhance faculty in the college’s Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion. In addition, Betty Blanda made a special gift to the UK Dance Ensemble to commemorate her love and support of dance and choreography.

George Blanda is a well-known UK alumnus, inducted into both the College of Education’s Alumni Hall of Fame and the University of Kentucky’s Hall of Distinguished Alumni. As a UK student, Blanda was quarterback for the Wildcat football team under legendary coach Paul “Bear” Bryant. After UK, Blanda went on to post the longest-ever career in professional football. He played for 26 seasons as a quarterback and kicker with the Chicago Bears, Houston Oilers, Oakland Raiders, and Baltimore Colts. At age 49, Blanda retired from a distinguished football career with two American Football League championships, a scoring record of 2,002 points that continues to stand, and a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Dance was a major facet of Betty (Harris) Blanda’s physical education degree. Mrs. Blanda also taught dance at Eastern Kentucky University.

Her contribution to the Dance Ensemble has enabled UK students to work with guest choreographers Laura Everling, a professional dancer and former UK student, and April Berry, a teacher and choreographer for BalletMet in Columbus, Ohio. It also allowed ten dance students to travel to New York City to learn from dance teachers as well as attend several professional dance performances.

Responding to a letter of thanks for her gift, Mrs. Blanda wrote that her most memorable student experience was going to Cincinnati to meet famed dancer and choreographer Martha Graham.

“It was the intent of her gift to support choreography in the department. We are very grateful for her support of the ensemble,” said Rayma Beal, dance program coordinator in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion and director of the UK Dance Ensemble.