Spotlight Awards

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.

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.

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.

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.

Previous Spotlight Awards

Pinkerton Vision Award

Midway University Legacy Award

2019 – Lyle Wolf
2018 – Janet Green Hunter
2017 – The Parrish-Roach Family
2016 – The James C. & Ann Bowling Family
2015 – Libby Lloyd Jones
2014 – Mira Ball

: Dr. John Marsden presents the 2016 Pinkerton Vision Award to Isabel Yates, former Vice Mayor of Lexington.

: Board Chair Donna Moore Campbell presents Ann Bowling the 2016 Midway University Legacy Award for the James C. & Ann Bowling Family’s service to the University.

: Board Chair and Alum, Donna Moore Campbell ’62, presents Libby Lloyd Jones with 2015 Legacy Award.

: Elizabeth “Libby” Lloyd Jones won the Legacy Award during 2015 Midway Spotlight Awards in Midway, Kentucky.

: Jean Hale receiving the L.L. Pinkerton Vision Award from Dr. John Marsden during 2015 Midway Spotlight Awards.

: Jean Hale accepts the L.L. Pinkerton Vision Award during 2015 Midway Spotlight Awards.

: Dr. John Marsden and Rev. Dr. Nancy Jo Kemper at 2014 Spotlight Awards

: Rev. Dr. Nancy Jo Kemper, 2014 Pinkerton Vision Award Recipient at Spotlight Awards

: Mira Ball, 2014 Midway Legacy Award Recipient

: Members of The Parrish-Roach Family Accept 2017 Legacy Award

: Dr. John Marsden presents the 2017 Pinkerton Vision Award to Rob Samuels for his grandmother, Margie Samuels.