Contact: Dan Adkins

Back to Commencement

Brandon Edward Leo Fenley

Megan Sonya Thomas

Judy Harrison

LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 8, 2005) -- The University of Kentucky will present the 2005 Algernon Sydney Sullivan Medallions, recognizing outstanding community service to three people at the university’s 138th Commencement on Sunday, May 8, at Rupp Arena.

The awards are presented annually to a graduating male student, a graduating female student, and a non-student to recognize characteristics of heart, mind and conduct that demonstrate a spirit of love and helpfulness to other men and women.

This year’s recipients are:

• Brandon Edward Leo Fenley of Frankfort, the graduating male student. Fenley was selected for his efforts to create community forums to address the issues of Lexington’s indigent population. These forums were designed to include the poor in the discussions. Fenley also volunteered at the Catholic Action Center in service to the homeless and led groups of volunteers at the Hope Center and the Women’s Hope Center.

• Megan Sonya Thomas of Lexington, the graduating female student. Thomas’s selection was based on her service to Lexington’s Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Relay for Life and God’s Pantry. She also has been a mentor to a young girl, provided babysitting for parents attending educational sessions at the Salvation Army, and helping out at the UK Hospital’s Hospitality House. She also has been a leader in the UK Gatton College of Business and Economics’ student chapter of the National Association of Black Accountants.

• Judy Harrison of Lexington, this year’s non-student recipient. An employee in UK’s Training Resource Center, Harrison has for more than 30 years provided foster care to children with severe and frequently life-threatening conditions, including nonfunctional organs and malformations. While several of her foster children have defied doctors’ prognoses and survived to adulthood, others have, as Harrison describes it, been “rocked into heaven” while in her home. She has worked with state officials to provide quality training to other foster parents caring for medically fragile children. She recently helped the Kentucky Community and Technical College System develop a 12-credit-hour course that will be available to foster and adoptive parents statewide.