- Rogers Scholar Kelly Brown, a junior at Bell County High School, presents University of Kentucky president Dr. Eli Capilouto with a Rogers Scholars’ blanket.
Growing up, Dr. Eli Capilouto’ parents impressed upon him the value of a good education.
Dr. Capilouto has carried that philosophy throughout his career and continues to strive for academic excellence as the latest president of the University of Kentucky (UK).
“One of my favorite expressions is, “Success has lots of fathers and mothers,’ and it always reminds me of how many people need to come together to ensure our future,” Dr. Capilouto said Thursday at a presentation before the second and final summer class of 2012 Rogers Scholars. “The Rogers Scholars program has the same spirit of what we are doing at the University of Kentucky.”
Dr. Capilouto, who previously served as provost of the University of Alabama-Birmingham (UAB) and was dean of the UAB School of Public Health, became UK’s 12th president on July 1, 2011.
“I know that Congressman (Harold “Hal”) Rogers (KY-05) has said that he does not want any Kentuckian to have to leave home to secure his or her future, and get an education,” Dr. Capilouto said referring to Congressman Rogers’ signature motto for the Rogers Scholars program. “It all starts here with this program, and we hope it continues at the University of Kentucky.”
UK is one of 16 partner colleges and universities to provide exclusive college scholarships to graduates of The Center for Rural Development’s Rogers Scholars program.
“We think we have world-class programs, world-class faculty, and word-class experiences that you can get right here in your own backyard,” Dr. Capilouto said. “This is about making sure that the next generation has a better life.”
Dr. Capilouto shared many of his life stories and secrets for success this week with Rogers Scholars here at The Center in Somerset for the last summer session of the youth leadership program.
“Dr. Capilouto was a really awesome presenter,” said Rogers Scholar Lexie Parks, a junior at Pulaski County High School. “He really encouraged all Scholars, including myself, to make sure we pursue college.”
“I was very impressed with Dr. Capilouto’s message,” added Rogers Scholar Jacob Williams, a junior at Clinton County High School. “His themes of hard work and determination particularly resonated with me.”
Congressman Rogers will be at The Center on Friday to speak to Rogers Scholars and later draw the winning ticket for a Houseboat Vacation of Lake Cumberland—the grand prize in a regional fundraising campaign to support Rogers Scholars.
Click here to view photographs from Thursday’s activities.
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