Special to The Times-Tribune
William and Sofia Starnes came to Union College last week as guest lecturers and left as major donors.
The Starneses visited Union’s campus as part of the Distinguished Alumni Scholar program. William Starnes is an accomplished chemist with numerous patents to his name. He attended Union as an undergraduate in the 1950s. Sofia Starnes is a distinguished poet and editor.
At a reception in their honor late Friday afternoon, Starnes announced that he and Sofia plan to give Union approximately $1.5 million to bring speakers, artists and scholars to campus.
The gift will be used to establish the William H. Starnes Jr. and Sofia M. Starnes Endowed Speakers and Artists Series.
The couple hopes the series will reflect their wide-ranging interests and benefit the campus and community.
“One of the really nice things about Union is the town and gown relationship,” said Starnes. “So this would be good for the entire area.”
Starnes remembers being exposed to live classical music performances as a child in Ewing, Va., and believes it’s important for college students and community members to have access to similar opportunities.
Though Union has several arts and cultural events each year, the couple’s gift will enable the college to bring top artists and speakers to campus from around the world.
“There’s nothing like personal exposure,” said Sofia. “Being exposed to somebody who excels in a field is really wonderful. It opens up possibilities and immediately makes you feel the world is wide.”
The Starneses also announced a $100,000 gift to create scholarships for Union students who major in chemistry or English or minor in music. The scholarships will help cover tuition costs for students who show promise and demonstrate financial need.
Denise Wainscott, Union’s vice president for advancement, says their gifts will leave a long legacy.
“What Bill and Sofia have done will enrich the education of Union students and the life of our community for generations to come,” she said.
Both the scholarship trust and the speaker and artist series endowment are bequests.
Union College is a private liberal arts college related to the United Methodist Church and located in Barbourville. To learn more, visit www.unionky.edu.
Local News
Starnes family announces $1.5 million gift to Union
- Local News
-
-
Barbourville’s done. What’s next, Corbin?
With Barbourville saying “No” to alcohol sales by the drink and by the package Tuesday night, the attention now turns to Corbin’s vote just six days away — Tuesday, Feb. 14.
-
Whitley man missing since Monday
First responders and neighborhood volunteers will continue their search Wednesday at 11 a.m. for a Whitley County man who’s been missing for two days.
-
Former sheriff Hodge appears in Whitley County Circuit Court
Former Whitley County sheriff Lawrence Hodge appeared in Whitley Circuit Court Monday, according to Commonwealth’s Attorney Allen Trimble.
-
Search underway for man in Whitley County - Online Exclusive
A ground search is currently underway in the Bee Creek area of Whitley County for a 63-year-old man who has been missing since yesterday, according to Woodbine Fire Department Chief Rick Fore.
Richard "Dick" Martin hasn't been seen since he left his house about 11:30 a.m. Monday. He was riding a red Honda ATV. -
Alcohol election underway in Barbourville
Just before noon today (Tuesday) about 500 Barbourville residents had voted in the local option election that will decide if alcohol can be sold in the city.
-
W’burg jewelry thieves arrested
Williamsburg men connected to at least 10 burglaries have been arrested, according to Whitley County Sheriff Colan Harrell.
-
New temporary tag now on motorcycle market
A new temporary license tag for motorcycles was presented Monday to the owners of London’s Wildcat Harley-Davidson by Laurel County Clerk Dean Johnson.
-
Police search for stolen state truck
Police continued their search Monday night for a Kentucky Department of Transportation truck after the 2005 model white Chevy S-10 Blazer was stolen from the parking lot Sunday night near the Knox County Ambulance Service (EMS Station 2) office in East Corbin.
-
Animal ordinance to be discussed in London
In a meeting that lasted about an hour, the London City Council decided to have the animal ordinance it has been discussing for several months ready to be seriously considered at the March meeting.
-
B’ville alcohol vote is Tuesday
The first local option election in the Tri-County area will be held Tuesday at Barbourville’s Kentucky National Guard armory on Manchester Street.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Barbourville’s done. What’s next, Corbin?









