$50,000 gift from ’87 grad
RICHMOND, Ky. (Dec. 14, 2016) — Eastern Kentucky University has received a $50,000 gift for the newly established EKU Diversity Non-Endowed Fund, the largest gift EKU has ever received for diversity and minority initiatives, said Nick Perlick, vice president for development and alumni relations at EKU.
The gift is from Troy and Michelle Ellis. Troy Ellis, who grew up “poor, but not deprived” in a single-parent home in Louisville, earned a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems from EKU in 1987. He now serves as executive vice president for supply chain with Domino’s, overseeing 26 supply chain centers in the U.S. and Canada. He also is responsible for supplier management, including procurement, quality assurance and compliance functions within the company.
“All those who have seen any measure of success have a responsibility to pull others with them,” he told EKU Magazine in 2016, the same year he joined the EKU Foundation Board. “I truly believe the more you give the more you will receive.”
The EKU Diversity Non-Endowed Fund supports EKU’s efforts to foster a diverse campus and support and enable the recruitment, retention and graduation rates of EKU’s diverse student populations. Uses may include, but are not limited to, recruitment initiatives, scholarships, student travel opportunities for academic or cultural enrichment, life skills coaching, mentoring and advising. Examples include the Bridge Program, Freshman Academy, First Colonel Program, GLIMPSE conference, multi-cultural fairs, guest speakers and the Student Success Center.
Add Comment