LEXINGTON, Ky. — The University of Kentucky Alumni Association honored Stanley and Karen Pigman with the 2026 Founders Day Award on Thursday, recognizing the couple for their extraordinary philanthropic contributions and commitment to expanding educational access in the Commonwealth.

The award recognizes individuals who personify goodwill, service and dedication to the people of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The Pigmans were recognized April 24 during a Founders Day ceremony at the Gatton Student Center on UK's campus.

Both first-generation college graduates, Stanley Pigman earned a scholarship to study mining engineering at UK, which transformed the course of his life, while Karen, raised in High Point, North Carolina, was taught the value of giving back and has dedicated her life to supporting others.

UK President Eli Capilouto highlighted the Pigmans' lasting impact on the institution. The Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering and Pigman Hall, home of the Engineering Living Learning Program, stand as lasting tributes to their impact on campus. Their legacy at UK includes the Stanley and Karen Pigman Distinguished Chair in Power, the Stanley and Karen Pigman Scholarship Fund and the Stanley and Karen Pigman Heritage Science Chair, along with support for initiatives such as the SPARK Lab and PEIK program.

Their support spans scholarships, research, academic programs and capital projects, with a focus on students with unmet financial need and those from Appalachia. Their shared vision led to the creation of The Lighthouse Beacon Foundation, which advances opportunity and access to education, and through this work and their personal philanthropy, they have helped build a pipeline of support for students, including scholarships, graduate fellowships and research opportunities.

With their recent gifts, Stan and Karen's philanthropic impact on UK totals more than $55 million, including a 2023 pledge of more than $34.5 million to UK Engineering — marking the largest single gift in the 158-year history of the university. They have also mentored and invested in the educational journeys of more than 380 students.

Stanley is a Life Member of the UK Alumni Association, and both are Presidential Fellows. Stanley earned his bachelor's degree in mining engineering from UK in 1981 and was later awarded an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters, and was inducted into the college's Hall of Distinction in 2009 and the UK Alumni Association's Hall of Distinguished Alumni in 2020.

As part of the Founders Day Award, the Pigmans received a commemorative medallion, and a one-time monetary donation of $10,000 will be made in their name to a university philanthropic fund of their choice.