LEXINGTON, Ky., (May 2, 2022) —The University of Kentucky’s Gatton College of Business and Economics added three remarkable members to its Alumni Hall of Fame. This prestigious lifetime award recognizes Gatton alumni who have earned exceptional success in their careers and in their communities.
2022 Alumni Hall of Fame Inductees
Laura T. Boison is the market president for Truist Bank in Lexington, Kentucky. She has years of experience in commercial banking at JPMorgan and US Bank prior to joining Truist (then BB&T) in 2015. Boison holds multiple leadership positions, including chair of the Gatton College of Business and Economics Finance Advisory Board, chair of the Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors, as well as many other local community positions. Boison earned a BS degree in accounting in 1977 and an MBA in 1982.
Gary A. Smith, Sr. is the president and CEO of Kentucky Trailer in Louisville, Kentucky. Smith’s experience in public accounting, management experience with public and private enterprises, and his sense of stewardship and passion for Kentucky Trailer’s heritage and the principles of Servant Leadership have come together to position the company to build upon on its long history of success. Smith earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1982 and is earning his professional MBA from the college with an expected graduation date of May 6, 2022.
2022 Distinguished Young Alumni Inductee
Edward M. Berry, Jr. is a football agent at Creative Artists Agency (CAA) Sports, a division of leading entertainment and sports. CAA Sports represents some of the world’s best athletes in sports such as baseball, basketball, football, hockey, soccer, and Olympic/action sports, in addition to icons, on-air broadcasters, coaches, and other pre-eminent personalities. Berry is based in Atlanta and represents many of the world’s top football players, including Aaron Rodgers, Saquon Barkley, Randall Cobb, Amani Oruwariye, Darian Kinnard, among others. Berry earned a double major in management and marketing in 2013 and his MBA in 2014.
“Our 28th class of the Alumni Hall of Fame are among the finest and most accomplished graduates of the Gatton College of Business and Economics,” said Simon Sheather, dean of the Gatton College. "As members of the Hall of Fame, these inductees join a group of outstanding individuals who have demonstrated leadership, creativity, service and excellence in all they do.”
Hosted by Dean Simon Sheather and emceed by Carl Nathe at the Apiary in Lexington, Kentucky, each honoree was featured in an exclusive video montage featuring several special guests and dignitaries, including football NFL star, Randall Cobb. The inspiring evening highlighted the business pursuits and civic and community leadership of the honorees. For more information about each of these amazing alum and to watch their videos, visit here.
Pictured L-R, Gary Smith (2021 HOF), Laura Boison (2021 HOF) Terry Hemmings (2020 HOF) Ed Berry (2021 Distinguished Young Alumni) and Dean Simon Sheather