Samuel G. Barnes, Mary Lou Dietrich Harmon, Brian Clark Wood, Charles L. Shearer and Susan P. Shearer receive top honors at Transylvania’s alumni weekend awards ceremony
LEXINGTON, Ky.—Transylvania bestowed its top awards to distinguished alumni and friends during the university’s annual alumni weekend awards luncheon on April 26. Samuel G. Barnes, president and CEO of Fifth Third Bank, Central Kentucky, received the Irvin E. Lunger Award, which is presented to a non graduate for unique and exceptional service to Transylvania; Mary Lou Dietrich Harmon, an activist for peace, justice and nonviolence, received the Morrison Medallion, which is presented to a graduate for outstanding service to Transylvania and its programs; Brian Clark Wood, president and chief executive officer of BC Wood Properties, received the Outstanding Young Alumni Award for extraordinary involvement at Transylvania, and President Charles L. Shearer and his wife Susan were both surprised with a Transylvania Medal for outstanding service to the university. Barnes joined Transylvania’s board of trustees in 1995, and over the last 13 years, has freely shared his time and expertise as a member of the board’s student life committee and finance committee. He has generously supported Transylvania’s 225th Anniversary Campaign, the Clive M. Beck Athletic and Recreation Center and the Shearer Art Building. The list of Central Kentucky charitable organizations that Barnes has served is extensive and includes the board of directors of the 2010 World Equestrian Games, Bluegrass Community Foundation, Kentucky Horse Park Foundation, Lexington Philharmonic Foundation, Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Lexington Corporation and Commerce Lexington. Harmon graduated from Transylvania in 1956 with majors in history and political science.