Building and scholarship named to honor Skeeter Johnson

The new student recreation facility under construction at the Seaton Center will be named in honor of Bernard "Skeeter" Johnson, beloved physical education instructor, who died May 2, 2001, at age 84. Bill Pierrat, director of Campus Recreation, made the announcement at the annual alumni banquet for the Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion (KHP). The banquet was in honor of the former professor. Phil Greer, alumnus and chair of the college's Capital Campaign, was master of ceremonies.

Keynote speaker Sam Ball dedicated his speech to Johnson and his family. Ball is a 1968 graduate of the KHP program and former All-American for the UK football team. He is also a member of the Super Bowl V champion Baltimore Colts.

Skeeter Johnson

Ball delivered a lively speech with stories drawn from his football experiences. He explained how Johnson inspired him and other students in the program.

C.M. Newton, retired director of UK Athletics, was among many special guests invited to relate their memories of Johnson as a gymnastics and physical education teacher, a soldier in the National Guard Horse Cavalry, a Kentucky Derby party host, a friend, and father.

One of the most memorable presentations came from Johnson's daughter, Carolyn "Candy" Mullins, who talked about Johnson's commitment to health and physical exercise, his spirit and energy, and his lifelong determination to be the best he could possibly be. Even to his last days, Mullins said, Skeeter was a teacher. Just days before his death, he was asked to talk with hospital physicians about the importance of keeping regular physical exams. She expressed thanks to everyone attending the banquet for the honor they bestowed upon her father.

In a touching moment, Frankie Johnson, Skeeter's wife of over 60 years, said it was appropriate to mention that their favorite song is "Because of You." "It is because of you [the audience] that tonight was possible. Thank you," she said.

Vicki Sageser, KHP alumnus and the college's associate director of development, announced the establishment of the Bernard "Skeeter" Johnson Scholarship. The scholarship, Sageser said, was created in his memory with donations from friends and family. The college seeks to endow the scholarship and preserve Johnson's name and association with the department.

The evening concluded with a dance performance by Lisa Wallace, dance student and president of the UK Dance Ensemble.

Johnson was an instructor at UK for 32 years. During that time, he was director of Campus Recreation and founder of the UK Troupers, an acrobatic dance troop. In 1968, he was named one of UK's top ten teachers.

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