SUCCESS  ACADEMIC AND ATHLETIC
Through the years, the University of Kentucky basketball program has produced one of the top graduation rates in the country. In the last decade, more than 80 percent of the players who have completed their eligibility at UK have earned a degree. Coach Eddie Sutton brings with him the same dedication to the importance of earning a degree. During his tenure at Arkansas, 90 percent of those players who completed their eligibility with the Razorbacks earned a degree.
In the last seven years, two Wildcat basketball players have been awarded the Sullivan Medallion. The Sullivan Medallion is the highest single honor that can be received by a UK student. Since 1977, the award has been presented to a male and female student who most exemplifies the characteristics of heart, mind and conduct as evidence of a spirit of love for and helpfulness to other men and women. The Wildcats honored recently were Jack Givens (1978) and Kyle Macy (1980). Other Wildcat basketball players who have been awarded the Medallion are Gayle Mohney (1928). George Skinner (1933) and James Line (1951).
The University of Kentucky has produced seven Academic All-Americans:
Louie Dampier, 1966 & 67 Dan Issel, 1970 Mike Pratt, 1970 Mike Casey, 1971 Bob Guyette, 197S Jimmy Dan Conner, 1975 Kyle Macy, 1979
Perhaps the greatest measure of success of the Wildcat basketball program has been how the players have fared AFTER earning their degrees from Kentucky. UK has turned out professionals in nearly every field, from basketball to doctors, from businessmen to teachers:
DAN ISSEL - (1970)
Recently retired after an illustrious career with the NBA's Denver Nuggets. Is currently in the thoroughbred horse business in Lexington.
ED BECK - (1958)
Is currently a minister in Denver. Colorado.
SCOTTY BAESLER - (1963)
Currently the popular mayor of Lexington.
CARL STAKER  (194Z)
Now a consulting engineer in Lyndhurst, Ohio.
KENNY ROLLINS  (1948)
This member of the "Fabulous Five" currently works as a supervisor for a national container company in Lexington.
LLOYD RAMSEY - (1942)
Now a doctor in Nashville, Tennessee.
HARRY DENHAM - (1939)
Now a practicing dentist in Maysville, Kentucky.
CLYDE PARKER - (1943)
A successful dentist in Evansville, Indiana.
MULFORD DAVIS - (1947)
A school principal in Frankfort, Indiana
ALEX GROZA - (1949)
This member of the "Fabulous Five" is an executive with the Reynolds Co. in Lexington
WALLACE "WAH" JONES - (1949)
This member of the "Fabulous Five" currently owns and operates several businesses in Lexington.
CLIFF HAGAN  (1954)
Spent several years in the NBA after graduation. Is currently the director of athletics at the University of Kentucky.
LOUIE DAMPIER  (1967)
After a career in the old ABA, he has entered business
and is currently owner of his own audio-visual company
in Louisville, Kentucky. LARRY CONLEY  (1966)
This member of "Rupp's Runts" is now a sales representative of the Converse Shoe Company and works as a color
analyst for several television networks. TERRY MOBLEY
Is currently the director of development at the University
of Kentucky. DICK PARSONS  (1961)
Currently the Director of Deferred Giving at the University of Kentucky. Is a former Wildcat assistant coach. FRANK RAMSEY  (1954)
Is a highly-successful Western Kentucky businessman.
Owns several banks and farms. GENE STEWART  (1967)
Is currently a Circuit Court Judge in Brookville, Ind. BILL LICKERT  (1961)
Currently treasurer of Mann & Hanger  Silas Mason Co. ADRIAN SMITH  (1958)
Gold Medal winner in 1960 Olympic Games. NBA All-Star
Game MVP in 1966. Now an executive for Central Trust
Bank in Cincinnati, Ohio. AL CUMMINS  (1947)
Owns a financial planning company. LARRY PURSIFUL  (1962)
Owns shoe stores in Elizabethtown, Ky., and Louisville. VERNON HATTON  (1958)
Realtor and auctioneer in Lexington. RANDY EMBRY  (1965)
Teacher and coach at Owensboro (Ky.) Senior High School. COTTON NASH  (1964)
Owns a real estate-investment company in Lexington. CARROLL BURCHETT  (1962)
Division Director of Kentucky Department of Education,
Office of Vocational Rehabilitation. JIM LEMASTER  (1968)
Currently an attorney and state representative from
Paris, Kentucky. TOMMY PORTER  (1968)
Is currently a dentist in Hopkinsville, Ky. JOHN ADAMS  (1965)
Is now a district judge in Lexington (Fayette County). JIM ANDREWS  (1973)
Was drafted by the NBA; played two years of professional
basketball in Italy. Is currently district manager of Dubois Chemical Corporation in Lexington. LARRY STAMPER  (1973)
Is currently teaching at Ezel Elementary School in West
Liberty, Kentucky. RONNIE LYONS  (1974)
Is currently employeed by IBM in Lexington. RICK DREWITZ  (1974)
Currently plant manager for Blue Grass Industries in Cyn-
thiana, Kentucky. RAY EDELMAN  (1974)
Is an attorney in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. MIKE FLYNN  (1975)
Was drafted by the Indiana Pacers of the NBA and played
74