2013 Parent of the Year

Julie Dupont of Fort Thomas, Ky., received the 2013 Parent of the Year Award on October 19 as part of the Homecoming festivities. Her daughter Cecily, a senior at the School of Business, nominated her.

The award, now in its sixth year, is designed to let students recognize their parents/guardians or the help and support they have given throughout the students’ lives. Students nominate their parents/guardians by letter during the fall semester. During the ceremony, Dr. Michael Mardis, Dean of Students, welcomed and recognized each of the parents.In thanking the parents for committing themselves to their sons and daughters and for showing support for their decision to attend UofL, Mardis said that the Parent of the Year award reception is one of his favorite events of the year.

"Parents, each of you are the foundation. You are the ones who build them up," Mardis said.Before recognizing the parents,Dean Mardis read selections from some of the nomination letters, which perhaps were the first time students publicly stated how they love and appreciate their parents.

“When reading all the submitted essays, a common theme is the how giving and loving these parents are,” Mardis said. “These parents are selfless passing on love, knowledge and trust that shapes their children and impacts many other