Kathleen Columbus, daughter of
Robert and Barbara Columbus of Centerville, Ohio, and Brad Beckman, son of Jeff and
Pat Beckman of Edgewood, Ky., were crowned the University of Kentucky homecoming king and
queen in halftime ceremonies at the UK-LSU homecoming game today. Columbus is a senior
marketing major in the Gatton College of Business Economics. She serves as president of
the UK chapter of Habitat for Humanity and UK's Alpha Gamma Delta sorority. She is a
volunteer with the American Diabetes Association and a member of the Golden Key honor
society. She represented Alpha Gamma Delta in homecoming activities.
"Heart. If there was a single word that could define the passion, drive and
determination that makes me who I am, it would have to be my heart," Columbus said.
"I find happiness through experiencing as much as I can from what the world has to
offer me – and my heart is what guides me and acts as my light through the darkness,
my map through the roadblocks and my strength through life's trails and
tribulations."
Beckman is a junior finance major in the Gatton College of Business and Economics. He
is president of UK's student chapter of the American Marketing Association, Sigma Alpha
Epsilon Intramural chairman and Pledge Committee member, a member of UK Habitat of
Humanity and a Sunday School teacher. He represented Alpha Delta Pi sorority.
"Anyone who represents the University of Kentucky must be a leader by example,
hold strong moral values and be passionate about the Wildcats and the University,"
Beckman said. "When people hear my name they do not doubt my convictions or my
ability to get the job done. From the time I was a small child, I never questioned my
intense admiration for the blue and white. For me, having the opportunity to represent the
University of Kentucky is the greatest honor of my life."
Other members of the homecoming royalty were:
• Luke Riddle, a senior communications major in the College of Communications and
Library Sciences, son of George and Brenda Riddle of Lexington, Ky., sponsored by Kappa
Kappa Gamma sorority.
• Eric Browning, a senior biology major and history minor in the College of Arts
and Sciences, son of Bill and Judy Browning of Baxter, Ky., sponsored Sigma Chi
fraternity.
• James H. "Jimmy" Glenn III, a junior civil engineering major in the
College of Engineering, son of James and Cornellis Glenn of Owensboro, Ky., sponsored by
Phi Kappa Psi fraternity.
• Ashley Reynolds, a senior political science and Spanish major in the College of
Arts and Sciences, daughter of Lawrence and Virginia Reynolds of
Owensboro, Ky., sponsored by the Panhellenic Council.
• Deborah Perry, a senior political science major and computer science minor
in the College of Arts and Sciences, daughter of Samuel and Darlene Perry of Grayson, Ky.
sponsored by Pi Beta Phi sorority.
• Robin Fugate, a senior integrated strategic communications major in the
College of Communications and Library Sciences, daughter of Debbie Fugate of Bellevue,
Ky., sponsored by Delta Delta Delta sorority.
