Contact: George Lewis

Merl Baker

D. Duane Gilliam

Ralph J. Palmer

Warren C. Pratt

April 25, 2003 (Lexington, Ky.) -- University of Kentucky graduates inducted into the UK College of Engineering Hall of Distinction today include the chairman of the company that produces Oscar-winning 3D graphics software used in movies such as “Toy Story,” “Monsters, Inc.” and the forthcoming “Finding Nemo;” an educator who began the first engineering education program in South Vietnam; a state and national leader in the promotion of engineering education; and a corporate leader who successfully merged two giant companies.

The 2003 UK College of Engineering Hall of Distinction inductees are:

• Merl Baker, a native of Cadiz, Ky. An educator throughout his career, Baker has become nationally known as an expert in public higher education organizational management.

• D. Duane Gilliam, a native of Greenup, Ky. Gilliam provided expertise and experience that were essential in the completion of Ashland Petroleum’s merger with Marathon Oil Company.

• Ralph J. Palmer, a native of Trapp, Ky. A longtime resident of Clark County, Palmer has distinguished himself as a state and national leader in the promotion of engineering education and the engineering profession.

• Warren C. Pratt, born in Lexington and raised in Hindman. Pratt heads Alias/Wavefront, which received a Special Merit Academy Award for Scientific and Technical Achievement in March 2003.