The Transylvania University community is saddened by the passing of Dr. Byron Young ’61, a lifetime trustee and supporter of literature through the school’s Judy Gaines Young Book Award. He died Jan. 31 in Westerville, Ohio, at the age of 85.
A native of Richmond, Kentucky, Young was a neurosurgery professor at the University of Kentucky and a U.S. Army veteran who made a positive impact on Transylvania over the years.
The generosity of his family made the annual book award possible. For the past decade, it has honored authors from the region whose works resonate with the Appalachian experience. The recognition is named in honor of Young’s late wife, who was a poet, avid reader and 1962 Transylvania graduate.
The school has recognized his philanthropy with the Morrison Medallion, Irvin E. Lunger Award and an honorary degree.
Young’s many other contributions to the university include chairing alumni campaigns like the Kresge Foundation Science Initiative for science equipment and a major lab renovation effort. “Through the giving of his time and resources over the years, Dr. Young has demonstrated that Transylvania remains close to his heart,” the 2001 Alumni Board noted. He joined the Board of Trustees in 2000.
“He truly can be described as both a very accomplished medical doctor and administrator, but at the same time a true gentleman,” said professor emeritus Dave Shannon when Young won the Ivrin Lunger Award. “It seems to me he exemplifies what a good liberal arts college hopes to accomplish — graduates that pursue a career with passion and accomplishment” while appreciating others and looking for “ways to give back.”
After graduating from Transylvania, Young finished second in his class at the UK College of Medicine and did his neurosurgery residency at Vanderbilt University.
Returning to UK, professor Young was chief of neurosurgery, Johnston-Wright Endowed Chair of Surgery and director of the Kentucky Neuroscience Institute.
He also served as chief of staff of the hospital and senior associate dean for clinical affairs of the medical school, according to his obituary. Additionally, his research in brain injury and stereotactic radiosurgery won many grants from the National Institutes of Health, where he served on the Council of the NIH Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Council and an advisory committee to the NIH director.
Young’s career recognitions include the Mahaley Award for brain tumor research from the Congress of Neurological Surgeons.
Read more, including how you can donate to the Judy Gaines Young Book Award in his memory.