The University of Kentucky has announced a $3 million gift from alumnus James F. Hardymon (’56, ’58) in support of new undergraduate programs in the College of Engineering.

The gift will fund laboratories and classroom space for the  new Department of Engineering Technology, laboratory space for the forthcoming aerospace engineering undergraduate program, and renovations to and an expansion of laboratory space dedicated to biomedical engineering. The college has launched four new undergraduate majors in the past two years: biomedical engineering, lean systems engineering technology, computer engineering technology, and aerospace engineering.

Born in Maysville, Kentucky, in 1934, Hardymon served in various executive positions at Emerson Electric before becoming CEO of Textron Inc. He retired in 1999.

“The UK College of Engineering does an outstanding job of educating young people for the task of improving our world,” said Hardymon. “I am pleased to make this gift that directly supports student success in the college’s exciting new undergraduate programs.”

“The University of Kentucky was created to advance the Commonwealth, through discovery, economic advancement and workforce development,” said University of Kentucky president Eli Capilouto. “This generous gift helps fuel that mission. It further embeds ingenuity and innovation into the distinctive experience we provide, in our labs, in our classrooms, and in cutting-edge programs supporting the fields of the future, such as aerospace engineering. We are deeply grateful for this investment that will help us build a brighter future for Kentucky.”

(Photo credit: Mark Cornelison/UK Photo)