LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Lucy Helm ’79 ’82, who as chief partner officer guided Starbucks through multiple human resources and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, is now leading another exceptional group – the 2022 UofL Alumni Awards class.The Alumni Awards are the highest honors bestowed by Louisville Alumni. Helm is one of 18 honorees who will be celebrated this fall during Homecoming Week, Oct. 17-23.
Helm received a Bachelor of Arts with highest honors in political science in 1979 and a Juris Doctor, cum laude, from the Brandeis School of Law in 1982. She was twice selected as a University of Louisville Alumni Fellow: in 2008, for the College of Arts & Sciences and in 2017, for the Brandeis School of Law.
She retired from Starbucks Coffee Co. after a prestigious 21-year career in legal and human resources roles, including serving on the company’s executive team as executive vice president, general counsel and secretary and executive vice president, chief partner officer (leading human resources).
At Starbucks, Helm was a champion of diversity, equity and inclusion, including leading the company’s achievement of gender and racial pay equity in the U.S. She also created Starbucks’ pro bono services program, which became a model for other corporate law departments. Helm is now the global chair of the board of Mercy Corps, a global relief and development organization.
The Alumnus of the Year honoree personifies the qualities, mission and values of the university. The award is presented to a graduate who has demonstrated exceptional leadership in professional and philanthropic endeavors and has shown loyalty and support to the entire university.
Helm joins the 2022 Alumni Fellows who represent each of UofL’s colleges, schools, libraries and student affairs division, as well as the signature award winners, who will be recognized for extraordinary achievements in their profession and enduring service in their community.
The 2022 Alumni Fellows are:
- Charles P. Denny ’75, ’80
- Sadiqa N. Reynolds ’93
- Evan Holladay ’13
- Lois S. Cronholm ’62, ’67
- E. Lynn Hampton ’78, ’83
- Amy B. Farnsworth ’92, ’95
- Awab Habib ’15
- Michael D. Anthony ’05, ’10
- Renee Campbell ’82
- Gulam Zade ’11
- Carol Friedman Abrams ’68
- Christa-Marie Singleton ’92
- Barry C. Johnson ’81, ’85
- Kimberly Meyer ’92, ’16
- Duke Appiah ’09, ’13
- Norbert E. Paulin ’70
For more than 30 years, the Alumni Awards have honored and celebrated the historic achievements of graduates who are exemplary ambassadors for the university and reflect the high standing and character of their alma mater.
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