LEXINGTON, Ky., (April 9, 2025) – The University of Kentucky’s Gatton College of Business and Economics celebrated its Hall of Fame ceremony on April 9th at the Signature Club of Lansdowne, recognizing four graduates for their exceptional career achievements and community impact. This year marked the 31st anniversary of the Hall of Fame ceremony.
The Alumni Hall of Fame award is a prestigious lifetime honor bestowed upon Gatton College alumni who have demonstrated remarkable success in their professional lives and have made significant contributions to their communities. The Distinguished Young Alumni Award recognizes graduates under the age of 45 who have achieved significant accomplishments early in their careers.
“Our class of inductees into the Alumni Hall of Fame and our Distinguished Young Alumni recipient represent the finest and most accomplished graduates of the Gatton College of Business and Economics,” said Simon Sheather, dean of the Gatton College. “They have demonstrated leadership, creativity, service, and excellence throughout their careers and in their communities, and we are incredibly proud to recognize their achievements.”
This year's inductees into the Alumni Hall of Fame are:
Jane Brown Wells, who received a Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree from UK in 1974 and a Master of Science in Accounting degree from UK in 1986. Prior to joining the faculty at UK, she worked at Potter & Company and later joined the School of Accountancy at UK, serving as Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Studies and Director of the Master of Science in Accounting Program. Wells has received numerous teaching awards, including UK’s Great Teacher Award.
John S. Cain, who earned his degree in finance, accounting, and German from UK in 1986 and his law degree from Chase College of Law in 1993. At UK, Cain was Student Body President and a Trustee to the UK Board of Trustees. He is the recently retired president & CEO Emeritus of Wiseway Supply and is immediate past chair of the National Association of Electrical Distributors. Cain has also founded Performance Rental and co-founded Alliance Business Lending.
Silas Deane, who currently serves as Vice President of Tyler Technologies. He is a successful entrepreneur who founded VendEngine, which was later sold to Tyler Technologies, as well as Logic Media Group and Baden Bath, Inc. Deane holds a B.S. in Economics from UK and is actively involved in the community, serving as the Chairman of the Board for the Von Allmen Center for Entrepreneurship at UK.
The recipient of the 2025 Distinguished Young Alumni Award is:
Alicia Reitano, who graduated in 2003 from Gatton with a double major in Marketing and Finance. Currently the Senior Director of U.S. Operations Quality at DHL Express U.S., Reitano has held various roles within the company, including Senior Import Compliance Manager and Director of U.S. COG. She is also a volunteer leader within the DHL4HER Employee Resource Group.
