Spotlight Awards

Spotlight Awards

Midway University is Under Construction…and you are invited to help us celebrate!

Thursday, May 30th at 5:30 p.m.

Caution! Fun times are ahead at our 6th Annual Spotlight Awards. Throw on your best “construction chic” attire and join us on Thursday, May 30th at the McManis Student Center for an evening of good food and even better company!

As an attendee of this year’s event, you will get a sneak peek at Midway University’s four active construction and renovation projects. You’ll also have a chance to bid on exciting experiences during our live auction – including a dinner for eight prepared by Ouita Michel and her chef friends followed by a bourbon tasting with Chris Morris at Woodford Reserve. And, one lucky attendee will walk away with a Big Green Egg!

This is the one summer event you don’t want to miss! The cocktail reception will begin at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner and awards at 7 p.m.

Register to Attend

About the Live Auction

Each year we pull together an exciting array of packages, experiences, and artwork to auction off during Spotlight Awards. All proceeds from the live auction support ongoing academic programming and student scholarships at Midway University.

Some of the items up for bid this year include:

  • Two night stay at The Gasparilla Inn & Club in Boca Grande, Florida
  • Dinner for eight prepared by Ouita Michel and her chef friends, followed by a bourbon tasting with Master Distiller Chris Morris at Woodford Reserve
  • An overnight stay and golf for two at French Lick Resort
  • A TEMPUR-ProAdapt mattress and foundation from Tempur-Sealy
  • Getaway Package – Includes a tour at Heaven Hill; a tour, lunch, and wax dipping at Maker’s Mark; a ride on the Old Kentucky Dinner Train; and, tickets to The Stephen Foster Story
  • Kentucky-themed paper collages by renowned artist Nancy Gramps

About the Awards Evening

The Spotlight Awards evening is designed to highlight those who have been leaders in representing women’s issues; have made an impact that benefits women in the state of Kentucky and beyond, and innovative women in their chosen field. In addition, the awards ceremony is a time for the University to bestow honors on someone who has directly impacted Midway University.

The evening begins with a cocktail hour followed by dinner and award presentations for the Pinkerton Vision Award and the Midway University Legacy Award and ends with a dessert reception.

The Pinkerton Vision Award

This award honors the legacy of Dr. L.L. Pinkerton, whose vision of the Kentucky Female Orphan School in 1847 established it as the first formal education for orphaned girls on the site that is now Midway University. Criteria for consideration of award recipients includes: a) an individual or group (male or female) who has had a direct impact on improving the lives of women, b) a woman who has served as an outstanding role model, or c) a woman who has displayed great leadership, innovative thinking and influence in her chosen field. The recipient must be a Kentucky native, resident or organization located in Kentucky. A committee of college representatives will select the award recipient from the pool of nominations received.

This year’s recipient will be chef Ouita Michel, recognizing her professional accomplishments in the culinary world and her impact on the local food movement.

The Midway University Legacy Award

This award honors a person or persons that have impacted Midway University over a period of many years by giving time, service, support, and/or resources.

This year’s recipient will be longtime trustee Lyle Wolf. Wolf has served as a Midway University Trustee for more than 30 years.

Special Thanks to Our Event Sponsors

LG&E and KU Foundation

Previous Spotlight Awards

Pinkerton Vision Award

Midway University Legacy Award

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