Awards & Recognition

Sarah Bennett Holmes was a distinguished Dean at the University of Kentucky, who tirelessly championed rights throughout her career. Widowed at a young age, Holmes raised four children while completing her education. She then began a successful career at UK where she inspired young women to persevere in the face of hardship and pursue their career goals. Among her accomplishments, Holmes developed work programs for women during the Depression.

The UKWF recognizes and celebrates the accomplished of University of Kentucky employees who have been nominated and selected each year for one of the below awards.
 

Faculty and Staff Awards
The Sarah Bennett Holmes Faculty and Staff Awards recognize two UK employees —one faculty member and one staff member — for their contributions to the university and across the Commonwealth. These awards recognize efforts that would otherwise go unnoticed through typical channels. 


Graduate Student Award
The Sarah Bennett Holmes Graduate Student Award recognizes a graduate student for their contributions to the university and across the Commonwealth. This award recognizes efforts that would otherwise go unnoticed through typical channels.


Team Award 
The Sarah Bennett Holmes Team Award recognizes a team of faculty, staff, students and/or external partners who have shown efforts to promote the well-being and growth of the UK Community at the university and throughout the Commonwealth. 


30 Under 30 Award
The UKWF is pleased to present the "30 under 30" category. This showcases a chance to celebrate individuals under 30 who are current undergraduates or recent alumni, recognizing their significant contributions to the university and the Commonwealth.

Award Information

The UKWF Educational Assistance Award will provide a $250 reimbursement to eligible UK employees to assist with the cost of books and/or other materials, supplies, and fees related to their UK coursework, complementing the existing tuition waiver program (Employee Education Program [EEP]) for UK employees. 

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must be regular full-time employees (0.75 FTE and greater).

Applicants must have submitted an Employee Education Program (EEP) form. More information about EEP is available here.

Applicants must be currently enrolled in University of Kentucky classes, a minimum of 3 credit hours for each of the Fall and Spring semesters, excluding independent study program courses (minimum number of hours is waived for the summer semester).

Previously enrolled students are required to have a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better. First time college enrollees are encouraged to apply.

Applicants are required to take all courses for a letter grade unless the course is offered only as Pass/Fail.

Employees taking classes through EEP at any educational institution aside from the University of Kentucky cannot be considered for this award.

Applicants can only receive the EEAA once per academic year.

The Summer 2025 EEAA application will be available from June 1-15.  The link is:  https://qualtricsxmx9whdn3dz.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9RMgY8PmzGZk3Iy

Selection Process

The UKWF Educational Assistance Award is a competition in which applications will be evaluated and ranked by committee members. The decisions of the selection committee are final. The committee will consider the applicant's:

1) Essay describing how this award will support the applicant's educational and career goals;
2) Financial need, as demonstrated in the essay;
3) Biographical sketch;
4) Cumulative college grade point average (if applicable)