Founder’s Day award recipients represent the best of Kentucky State University and its partners

Founder’s Day award recipients represent the best of Kentucky State University and its partners


Kentucky State University recognized some of its best recently with the Founder’s Day awards during Homecoming. 

Dr. Lee Charles Harris was the recipient of the John Henry Jackson Achievement Award, the highest award granted by the University to an individual whose life exhibits tenacity, fortitude and excellence. 

Harris was instrumental in the development of Kentucky State University’s School of Nursing and is a vocal and adamant supporter of her alma mater. Under her leadership, Kentucky State College trained and graduated the first nursing school class in 1967. 

“It’s really wonderful to be back and to be with you all and to see how beautiful you are and to know that with God’s blessings, we will stand for a long, long time,” Harris said. “I come today humbled and most gracious to have honored God’s plan and purpose for my life.”

Darren E. Bryant was the recipient of the Rufus Ballard Atwood Heritage Award in recognition of exceptional merit. 

Bryant made history and national news as the youngest Black mayor ever in Illinois by winning the mayoral race in the village of Robbins. While at Kentucky State, Bryant earned a teaching degree and served as junior class president. 

“To my beloved HBCU, KSU: you made me,” Bryant said. “Through SGA, I held my first elected position as junior class president. You gave me the courage to be the youngest Black mayor that Illinois has ever seen. To my HBCU, you empowered me: that I didn’t have to conform to any system that wasn’t designed for me. But in fact, I can be me within the system and change it.”

Savion Briggs was the recipient of the Kentucky State University Thorobred Award, granted to a person singled out for public service or as an agent of social change. 

Briggs is a member of the class of 2024 and an African American studies major from Louisville. After graduation, Briggs is interested in political science and law school, as well as making an impact on his hometown. 

“You see, that’s one thing about Thorobreds,” Briggs said. “We can do all things. Not just one thing: we can do all things. So wherever there is a Thorobred in the atmosphere, there will be excellence. To our mayor (Darren E. Bryant), I got next.”

Frankfort Kiwanis, represented by Tommy Haynes, received the Jackson Hall Award, which recognizes entities that help advance the ideals of higher education. 

The Frankfort Kiwanis have been a present force and partner at Kentucky State University for many years. Kentucky State University counts on the participation of Frankfort Kiwanis during the annual Frankfort Day.

“The Kiwanis serve the community in ways that we just want to see the youth get better. It’s all about kids,” Haynes said.   

Rose Ivery Pettigrew, Miss Kentucky State University 1957-1958, received a Presidential Citation for Excellence, which celebrates individuals whose actions enrich the reputation and stature of Kentucky State University. 

Pettigrew's passion and dedication for Kentucky State University has been exhibited throughout her life. Dr. TaKeia Anthony, associate professor of history at Kentucky State, received the award on behalf of her great-great-aunt. 

“On behalf of my Aunt Rose, I say thank you for this distinguished award and to my Aunt Rose, thank you for setting such a great example,” Anthony said. “I stand as the fourth generation to serve at Kentucky State University.”

Marc Stone with Stonebridge Hospitality and the Capital Plaza Hotel also received the Presidential Citation for Excellence. 

Stone and Capital Plaze have partnered with Kentucky State University extensively over the past 20 years. The Capital Plaza is also a long-time partner with Kentucky State for Homecoming. 

“I hope that the reason that I’m up here is because I’ve been working with the University for over 25 years now,” Stone said. “I hope that the reason I’m up here is the work that I’ve done in trying to get the community of Frankfort to engage with Kentucky State University.”