Governor's Award

		Doctoral graduate overcomes addiction, earns Governor’s Award for Volunteers


GEORGE MOORMAN

George Moorman, a 2006 Educational Psychology doctoral recipient, was awarded the Governor's Award for Volunteerism for 2005. The ceremony was held in the rotunda of the capitol.

Moorman’s award was in the individual category. The award is given to the person who has done extraordinary volunteer work in the community.

Due in large part to George's "unique story," he was the only recipient out of 18 to receive a standing ovation. Many people commented afterwards on how truly touched with, and impressed by, all of the work George has done in the community and with his academic pursuits as well.

The Lexington native spent nine years of his life addicted to crack cocaine and in and out of jail for his $200-$300 a day habit. “I decided a long time ago, even when I was in jail, that if I got myself together, I was going back to school,” commented George Moorman prior to graduation.

It is now his goal to replace every charge on his record with something positive. In addition to his doctorate in educational and counseling psychology, Moorman has received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work from UK. He has also earned numerous academic and community service honors and awards during his tenure at the university.

“I’m going back to my community to clean up what I messed up,” said Moorman. “Everywhere I've gone, I've told my story and people have accepted me. They told me it wouldn't be easy, but that if I was willing to try, I could make it. Through constant mentoring and support, from faculty and students, I have been able to persevere and get to this point.”

In addition to degrees earned at UK, Moorman also has obtained a graduate certificate from UK's Interdisciplinary Human Development Institute. He is concerned with the needs of people with disabilities. He also received a certificate from Hospice of the Bluegrass for dealing with death and bereavement of youth.

Along the way, he’s paid state and federal taxes that he owed from years of substance abuse, says Moorman. “I’ve almost finished paying back child support I've owed. I’m committed to a life of service.”
He said that he can't change his past. “I can, however, try to make sure nobody else follows in my footsteps.”

Moorman hopes to continue his career in community service following graduation.

A short list of his community leadership and service since turning his life around include:

Developed, implemented, and co-coordinated the first Lexington Back to School Rally, which has grown from serving 250 students the first year to now over 3,000. The program provides school supplies and workshops for parents of Lexington schoolchildren.
Worked with UK's University Health Service director to help evaluate alcohol and drug policies at the university
Speaks to school groups, churches and neighborhoods about substance abuse
Helped train new police recruits on how to deal with substance abusers
As part of Fish and Chips program, takes inner-city kids fishing and helps them take chips off their shoulder
He uses the popular dance, the Electric Slide, to teach diversity. Goal is to be in Guinness Book of World Records for Worlds Biggest Electric Slide. Previously, he recruited 800 participants to set the book's first published record, however the event was not documented correctly. His ambition is to set the record with 2,000 -3,000 participants this year following the annual Black Football Classic.
Moorman plans the annual Happy New Youth program at the Dunbar Center to help youth in his neighborhood with grief. Held every New Years Eve, the program involves a memorial service for youth who have passed away that year, followed by a meal, empowerment rally, and talent show. The youth are encouraged to go to church afterwards or to do something positive for the new year.