LEXINGTON, Ky.—David A. Jones, co-founder and chairman emeritus of Humana Inc. and one of Kentucky’s best known entrepreneurs, philanthropists and civic leaders will deliver the commencement address at Transylvania University Saturday, May 26, at 10 a.m.
Jones, a Transylvania trustee, will deliver his speech on the steps of historic Old Morrison to 237 graduating seniors and their families, faculty members and friends.
In addition to his achievements in business, Jones is one of Louisville’s most active civic leaders. With backing from the Human Foundation, the human Festival of New American Plays at Actors Theater of Louisville had become a premiere national event for showcasing new theatrical talent. Jones has been a board member of the Greater Louisville Fund for the Arts and the Kentucky Center for the Arts. In 2004, he was presented the Milner Award, the most prestigious of the Governor’s Awards in the Arts, for his personal commitment to the arts and their role in the economy, community and culture of Kentucky. He recently made a major commitment of time and recourses to the City of Parks, a long-term project to expand and connect Louisville’s extensive park system.
At Transylvania Jones is a founding member of the Bingham Board of Trust, which oversees the Bingham Awards fro Excellence in Teaching program. Along with his wife, Betty, he helped to endow the David and Betty Jones Fund for Faculty Development in 1990. He and his family have supported virtually every major Transylvania program over the years, including capital campaigns and such initiatives as the William T. Young Scholars program, the William T. Young Campus Center and other major projects.
Transylvania conferred an honorary degree on Jones in 1981 and the Transylvania Medal in 1994 for his friendship and outstanding service in promoting the interests of the University. During commencement, Jones will receive the President’s Award, given in recognition of extraordinary contributions of service and financial support to Transylvania.
Continuing the tradition of a graduating senior speaking at commencement on behalf of the students, Mark Rouse, a history major graduating magna cum laude with minors in drama and philosophy and honors in history, has been selected to speak to the graduating class.
A celebration reception in Haupt Plaza for graduates and their families will follow commencement. (Approximately 11:30 a.m. – noon)