Union Commonwealth University: A Legacy of Notable Alumni

Union Commonwealth University, formerly Union College, is a private university located in Barbourville, Kentucky. Founded in 1879 and affiliated with the United Methodist Church, Union has a rich history of fostering leaders and innovators. The university's alumni have made significant contributions across various fields, leaving a lasting impact on their communities and the world. This article explores the achievements and contributions of some of Union Commonwealth University's most notable alumni.

Recognizing Alumni Excellence: Hall of Fame and Awards

Union Commonwealth University actively celebrates the accomplishments of its alumni through various recognition programs. The Union College Alumni Association hosts annual awards to honor distinguished alumni for their outstanding contributions.

Alumni Hall of Fame

Created in 1993, the Hall of Fame honors select alumni who have made outstanding contributions to their country, state, or the college through good deeds, services, or contributions.

In 2022, the Union College Alumni Association recognized five distinguished alumni with its highest annual awards as part of Homecoming 2022: Dr. Robert McGuire '60, Carol Clouse '72, MA '76, Haley McCoy '07, Dr. Larry Inkster '72, MA '73, and Monica Hurd '11.

Educators Hall of Fame

The Educators Hall of Fame shares similar characteristics to the Business and Professional Hall of Fame, focusing on contributions that dynamically shape and serve their respective communities.Dr. Robert McGuire '60, of Cynthiana, Kentucky and Carol Clouse '72, MA '76, of Barbourville, Kentucky, were inducted into the Educators Hall of Fame.

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Business and Professional Hall of Fame

The Business and Professional Hall of Fame focuses on contributions that dynamically shape and serve their respective communities. Haley McCoy '07, of Richmond, Kentucky, was welcomed into the Business and Professional Hall of Fame.

Distinguished Alumni Service Award

The Distinguished Alumni Service Award honors an alumnus who contributes substantial time, talent, and treasure toward the improvement of Union College. The inductee also exhibits leadership and service to others and has excelled personally and professionally. Dr. Larry Inkster '72, MA '73, of Barbourville, Kentucky, received the Distinguished Alumni Service Award.

Rising Star Award

The Rising Star Award recognizes outstanding young alumni who have graduated within the past decade. Honorees were involved on campus while students, are enjoying career success and continually give back to their community and Union College. Monica Hurd '11 received the Rising Star Award.

Courtney Oliver '03, Director of Alumni Relations, stated, "Each of these individuals has made the College proud with their accomplishments and service to Union and their communities. We are incredibly excited to welcome them back to campus and have the opportunity to honor and recognize them."

50 Under 50 Program

Union Commonwealth University proudly announces the next ten distinguished alumni honored as part of the university’s ongoing “50 Under 50” recognition program. The initiative celebrates alumni under the age of 50 who are driving change and making a difference in their professions and communities. Representing industries such as education, law, nonprofit leadership, athletics, and higher education, this month’s class continues to reflect the diverse impact of Union graduates.

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Maisie Nelson '11, Vice President of University Relations, noted, “These honorees are not only advancing in their respective fields - they’re also mentoring others, starting nonprofits, and championing causes that matter.” The “50 Under 50” program is designed to spotlight outstanding alumni who embody the values of Union Commonwealth University and inspire the next generation of students and leaders.

The “50 Under 50” recognition program is part of Union’s ongoing effort to honor its outstanding alumni and inspire current and future students through their stories of perseverance, leadership, and impact.

Alumni in Academia and Research

Union alumni have made significant contributions to the fields of academia and research.

Björn Birnir '76

Björn Birnir '76 was featured in The New York Times story, "Now Arriving: A New Theory of In-Flight Turbulence." Birnir is a leading scholar of turbulence and is professor and chair of mathematics and director of the Center for Complex and Nonlinear Science at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Dr. Sue Goldie ’84

Dr. Sue Goldie ’84, an award-winning Harvard professor, physician, and public health scientist, shared her experience with Parkinson’s disease in The New York Times. Goldie was Union’s commencement speaker in 2021.

Notable Alumni in History

This list of Union College alumni includes graduates of Union College in Schenectady, New York, United States who have achieved some notability or influence in the public or private spheres.

Morris S.
John B.
James M.
John W.
John C.
John F. Founder of the Oneida Institute and Knox College (Illinois).
Richard M. Secretary to William H.
Richard M.
Robert J.
Andrew W.
Archibald L.
William H.
George A.
Sherlock J.
Albert S.
David P.
John A.
Charles J.
Amasa J.
John F. M.
Samuel W.
William W.
Erasmus D.
Joseph G.
Robert A.
Israel T.
John L.
Henry S. Lawyer; stock market manipulator; successor of William M.
Orsamus H.
Don A. J.
George F.
Henry W.
Clarence A.
Joel T.
John W.
Charles C.
Clarkson N.
Franklin B.
Alexander H.
Edward P.
John M.
John T.
Chester A.
Charles C.
Frederick W. Diplomat; journalist; son of William H.
John F.
Orlow W.
Edwin W.
Philip S.
William G.
George W.
Seaman A.
Seth L.
Laurenus C.
Charles E.
Charles E.
Ridgley C.
Amasa J.
La Mott W.
Joseph M.
Franklin H.
Joseph E.
Wallace T.
Henry A.
Robert P.
Clare W.
Armand V.
Gordon F. Scientist in the field of applied mathematics; Gordon-Newell theorem named for him and colleague William J.
Baruch S.
Elmer H.
Hermann A.
Herman W.
John H. President and COO of Warner Bros.
Victor H. D.
Mark J.
David B. Emmy-award winning television and film producer.

University Initiatives and Alumni Engagement

Union Commonwealth University is strengthening its commitment to both students and the region by welcoming several new employees who are alumni or have strong local ties. The university actively engages with its alumni through various initiatives and programs.

Union Commonwealth University formally inaugurated Dr. D.J. Washington as its 20th president on Friday, September 19, in a ceremony that honored the institution’s history while celebrating a bold vision for its future.

Union Commonwealth University has officially announced a bold new initiative that will make college more accessible for local students. Beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year, all graduating seniors from Knox County-including Knox Central High School, Lynn Camp High School, and Barbourville Independent.

Union Commonwealth University will host a week of celebrations leading up to the formal installation of Dr. DJ Washington as the 20th President of the institution. The inauguration, set for Friday, September 19, will honor Union’s proud heritage while spotlighting a bold vision for its future.

Union Commonwealth University is making bold strides to strengthen and grow its academic foundation. Union Commonwealth University has announced a major restructuring of its academic leadership and college organization, ushering in a new era of innovation, agility, and student-focused growth under the direction of Dr. Joshua Wilkey, the university’s newly appointed Provost.

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