Dr. Terry L Birdwhistell, fondly remembered as Kentucky’s keeper of stories, will be inducted into the University of Kentucky’s Hall of Distinguished Alumni next September.
Every five years, UK recognizes alumni who have distinguished themselves and their alma mater through their contributions to the Commonwealth and the nation. To date, a total of 353 alumni have been inducted. We are proud that Dr. Birdwhistell’s illustrious career will be recognized with this prestigious honor.
Selfless, thoughtful, and generous, Dr. Birdwhistell was a Kentucky treasure. He dedicated over five decades to UK Libraries, serving as Dean of Libraries and William T. Young Endowed Chair and the Founding Director of the Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History.
“Dr. Birdwhistell shared the experiences of others in ways that remind us that the power of connections can better unite us," said UK President Eli Capilouto. “He told the stories of our university and our state in ways that made us one people, despite our differences. We are better for it.”
To celebrate Dr. Birdwhistell’s life work and build upon his remarkable contributions to the University of Kentucky and beyond, UK Libraries has established the Dr. Terry L. Birdwhistell Endowment.
To further honor Terry and to support future growth of the Nunn Center, we are setting our sights on a goal of raising an additional $500,000 for the Birdwhistell Endowment by the time he is officially inducted in September 2025.
By raising an overall amount of $1 million for the Birdwhistell Endowment, our aim is to create the Terry L. Birdwhistell Distinguished Professorship at the Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History. This professorship will help elevate and distinguish the Nunn Center as the leading oral history program in the nation and serve as a lasting legacy to Terry’s remarkable contributions to the University of Kentucky and beyond.
With your help, we can continue to attract and retain the best and brightest to lead the Nunn Center and preserve Dr. Birdwhistell’s legacy for generations to come.
To donate to the endowment, you can give online or by mailing a check to:
UK PhilanthropyPO Box 910628Lexington KY 40591-0628
Please make out your check to the “University of Kentucky” and use the check memo line to indicate your gift is for the Birdwhistell Endowment. If you have any questions about giving towards the endowment, please contact David Timoney at davidtimoney@uky.edu or (859) 218-7317.
Thank you for your continued support as we begin this exciting new phase.
