By Kelley Bozeman

During his tenure, Oberst was active in the governance of UK and the promotion of the University and the College of Law nationally. He served on the Athletic Board and the Faculty Senate, and was instrumental in securing legislation that placed two elected faculty members on the UK Board of Trustees.

April 24, 2002 (Lexington, Ky.) -- The University of Kentucky College of Law will host "A Celebration of the Life of Paul Oberst" at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 27, in the College of Law Courtroom. Oberst, a professor of law at UK for 57 years, passed away in February.

During his tenure, Oberst was active in the governance of UK and the promotion of the University and the College of Law nationally. He served on the Athletic Board and the Faculty Senate, and was instrumental in securing legislation that placed two elected faculty members on the UK Board of Trustees.

Oberst was a member of the first Kentucky Human Rights Commission - going on to serve 22 years, seven as chairman.

"Professor Oberst is a towering figure in the history of the College of Law. He is well known in national academic circles for his work in the legal academies and is honored and well-remembered in the Commonwealth for his pioneering work on civil rights. We will remember him within the College of Law community for his excellent teaching and constant collegiality. He truly touched the lives of generations of friends within those different groups," said Allan Vestal, dean of UK's College of Law.

Oberst is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, and five children.

Contributions are accepted to the Paul and Elizabeth Oberst Legal Education Fund, payable to the UK College of Law, 226 Law Building, Lexington, Ky. 40506-0048.