Out of the Big Blue

Entrepreneur. Stylist. Shopping addict. UK alumna. All four of these descriptions fit Suzanne Kopulos to a tee.

Suzanne Kopulos

A Chicago, Ill., native, Kopulos was recruited to the University of Kentucky to play on the first UK women’s softball team. Upon visiting UK, Kopulos was hooked.

“Lexington has such beautiful scenery,” she says. “The horse farms are beautiful and the weather is nice. But beyond that, UK is a huge school yet has a small town feel. Everything is so compact, and I liked that.”

At UK, she received a business degree in marketing and then went on to receive her law degree from St. Thomas University in Miami, Fla. After law school, she returned to the Windy City, and her career took a decidedly fashionable turn.

“Rather than starting a legal career, I wanted to dive into fashion,” she says. “I was very interested in what it took to launch businesses and to build brands. I liked working with local boutiques. I believe that small businesses are the soul of the community. There is always an interesting story behind why a boutique started.”

One of Kopulos’ first forays into entrepreneurship was her creation of Boujie Baby Couture, a brand that features stylish diaper bags. Most recently, Kopulos cofounded Garmental.com, which she cites as a “virtual rolodex of fashionable shops” and is like “window shopping on the Web.”

The website is akin to having your own personal stylist, featuring daily fashion fixes and trends in the fashion world. The website also promotes Chicago’s local boutiques and small businesses, a cause that means a lot to Kopulos. Someday, Kopulos hopes to venture into other markets outside of Chicago.

“Right now we have a database from all Chicago boutiques,” she says. “However, many of the brands that we feature on Garmental.com can be found in boutiques throughout the United States. One day, I would love to be in New York City, L.A., and in large southern markets like Dallas or Houston.”

Garmental.com has also recently started recruiting campus trendsetters to join their team as style representatives as part of Garmental U. Kopulos says she would love to have style reps from her alma mater. For more information about this program, click here.

When not promoting her businesses, Kopulos is a Ford Model Management stylist. Perhaps one of her most exciting career moments took place last year when she was requested to work as a stylist on Oprah’s last show featuring a star-studded lineup. There, she worked with Beyonce and saw a plethora of A-list stars.

“Although it was a 20-hour workday, I seriously saw every single star you can think of,” she says. “I stood right next to Tom Cruise forever!”

We’re proud to have Suzanne Kopulos as an alumna. She truly has a passion for fashion.

Kopulos, sitting on the far right, regularly provides fashion and style advice.

Congratulations to the UK Men’s Basketball team on winning the South Regional on Sunday! We loved this photo of the team with current UK President Eli Capilouto and former President Lee T. Todd, Jr., on each side of Coach John Calipari holding the trophy! It’s an exciting time to be a Wildcat!

Photo by Chet White, UK Athletics

In the fall of 2008, the University of Kentucky lost an exceptional student and person, Tom May. Tom, a mechanical engineering junior, was involved in a tragic car accident on the way back to Lexington from a UK Baptist Campus Ministry retreat at Laurel Lake.

He is remembered by all as a kindhearted, giving individual with a servant-like mentality to others. Before he came to UK, Tom ran cross-country and track at Louisville Male High School. He loved running, always encouraging others to do it with him, and continued to run regularly in college.

In Tom’s honor, the UK Baptist Campus Ministry will hold the 4th Annual Tom May Memorial 5K at the Commonwealth Stadium Green Lot on Sunday, March 25. Registration begins at 2 p.m. Click here for more race details.

Tom’s parents, Rob ’74 EN and Valerie, have also set up an endowed scholarship in Tom’s memory to assist UK engineering students. The Mays are a true UK legacy family. Tom’s older brother, also named Rob, received a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering in 2000, and Tom’s youngest brother, Scott, is currently pursuing a degree in computer science (Tom’s two sisters also attended UK).

The memory of Tom May continues to live on and help others.

Tom May

Whether you are an alum, current student, fan or friend of the University of Kentucky, Wildcat Pride seems to be the common denominator that unites us all. Although this pride is something we all have in common, it means something different to everyone. In an effort to define this quality, we asked a few alums and current students to give us their definition of Wildcat Pride. Enjoy their responses, below!

We’d love to hear from you too. What does Wildcat Pride mean to you? Feel free to leave us a comment with your definition.

“At the University of Kentucky, Wildcat Pride extends beyond the classroom, beyond the realm of competitive sports, beyond the borders of the Commonwealth and reaching all across the globe. Wildcat Pride is an ideal that is instilled in everyone, not just students and alumni, who believes in the spirit of the university. ‘Pride’ by definition is a form of satisfaction, but ‘Wildcat Pride’ is never being satisfied and constantly excelling. Wildcat Pride is a responsibility to represent the spirit of the university and its mission till your last breath.” Stephen Bilas, Class of 2013

“Wildcat Pride is a sense of love for UK. I call this place my home and know that this is where I belong. I’m proud to attend UK and it will always hold a special place in my heart even after I walk across the stage in May. I will always bleed BLUE!” Jennifer Cox, Class of 2012

“As a young person in the 1960s planning to enter the University of Kentucky, I often took note of those UK graduates in my hometown of Maysville and how proud they seemed to be of their university. Since then, I have had that same opportunity to experience that Wildcat Pride feeling for many years. It is a true sense of feeling good about our university and what it means to so many people throughout the Commonwealth, whether students, alumni or friends of the university. We are all truly blessed to be associated with the University of Kentucky, and our Wildcat Pride should be a source of all that is good about our university and our Commonwealth. Go Cats! Go UK!” Franklin Farris ’72 BE

“As a Wildcat I am proud of my degree, the education I received at UK, and the opportunities that my four years in school have provided. Wildcat Pride is being proud of who we are and everything that campus entails. From raising $850,000 for children with cancer to having the best athletic teams in the nation, I have pride in all that our students do. My pride in this institution will extend long beyond these four years in college especially as I see how support for the Big Blue Nation extends beyond the Commonwealth.” Micah Fielden, Class of 2012

“For me Wildcat Pride is both a feeling and a life goal to be reached daily. Wildcat Pride is the desire to show support for and appreciation of all things UK — academic, athletic, cultural, and philanthropic. Wildcat Pride is honoring the traditions of those who came before us, supporting the efforts of the administrators, students, and employees who are currently on campus, and being loyal, active, involved alumni by providing for those who will come after us. For me, the avenue to engaged involvement and demonstration of Wildcat Pride is the University of Kentucky Alumni Association!” Cammie Deshields Grant ’79 ED, President of the UK Alumni Association

“To me, Wildcat Pride is more than just possessing school spirit and esteem for your university. Wildcat Pride is seeing blue in everything you do, be it cheering on the Cats or studying for that last final exam on the fifth floor of Willy T. Wildcat Pride is knowing that no matter where your life may lead you, you will always be a part of the Big Blue Nation.” Nikki Hurt, Class of 2012

“When someone asks, ‘Where is your home?’ I always say, ‘I live in Chicago, but my HOME is Kentucky.’ There is never any question as to where my allegiances lie­ — I carry Kentucky pride wherever I go. The wonderful thing about being involved with the Alumni Association is that I hear all of the positive changes that are happening at the University of Kentucky. I am proud that the University of Kentucky opens doors for Kentuckians and others and allows them to improve their lives and community with education.” Diane Massie ’79 CIS

“Wildcat Pride means having had the opportunity to obtain an excellent education which has enabled me to have a measure of success in life and give back to UK first of all myself and then other resources that can be utilized to benefit UK. Wildcat Pride is taking pride in not only the educational programs, but the school athletic programs, showing our Big Blue to the world.” Bob Pickard ’57 ’61 EN

“As a current student at the University of Kentucky, diehard Wildcat fan, and descendent of a long line of UK graduates, I have an exceptional grasp on what it means to truly experience ‘Wildcat Pride.’ Being a fan of UK is not just rooted in the tremendous success of our athletic programs, but, instead, in the incredible impact that our university has in the lives of so many students, throughout the Lexington community, and all over the globe. The University of Kentucky has given me so many opportunities and chances to grow intellectually, socially, and personally, through experiences like undergraduate research, education abroad, and involvement in a wide array of meaningful student organizations. I’ve received a world-class education at the University of Kentucky, and there is not a place I would have rather spent my college years. I know my connection to UK and ‘Wildcat Pride’ will only grow stronger when I graduate, and I look forward to spreading my love and passion for the Big Blue Nation across the globe. Go Cats!” Mary Ellen Wimberly, Class of 2013

The Big Dance, March Madness — whatever you call it — there’s no denying the excitement surrounding this year’s NCAA tournament. With the UK men’s basketball team earning a No. 1 overall seed and the UK Hoops team capturing a No. 2 seed, University of Kentucky fans are sure to see some great basketball over the next month!

At the UK Alumni Association, we’re just as excited as the rest of Big Blue Nation! Wherever you are, we want to make sure you can cheer on the Wildcats with fellow UK fans. For a list of game watch parties all across the country, information about pregame gatherings and special room rates for UK alumni, be sure to check out our March Madness website at www.ukalumni.net/2012marchmadness. Check back often as this page will be updated as the tournament progresses.

Also, if you’re in Louisville, join fellow alumni and fans at Patrick O’Shea’s prior to the game at the KFC Yum! Center against Western Kentucky University. UK alumni and fans will enjoy drink specials, giveaways and an appearance by the UK band and cheerleaders. The band and cheerleaders will perform at approximately 4:45 p.m. outside the venue off of Washington Street. If the Cats advance in the tournament, a repeat event will take place on Saturday, March 17.

There is no admission fee to attend. Patrons will be admitted on a first come, first served basis. Special thanks to Patrick O’Shea’s and Central Bank on their sponsorship of this event. UK alumni and fans without game tickets are welcome to cheer on the Cats from Patrick O’Shea’s.

Go Cats!

Today we are excited to be giving away a cool official UK plaid item to one of our Out of the Big Blue blog followers. If you’re not yet a follower, you’ll want to subscribe to Out of the Big Blue to get weekly updates on the happenings of UK alums and news from the UK Alumni Association!

Subscribing to Out of the Big Blue is simple. Just follow the steps below to subscribe and to enter the UK plaid giveaway contest!

-On the right hand side of Out of the Big Blue’s home page, under the ‘Email Subscription’ heading, enter your email address and click ‘Sign me up!’
-Follow the instructions then go to your email inbox.
-Open the email with the subject line ‘Follow Out of the Big Blue.’
-Click on ‘Confirm Follow’ in the body of the email.

Good luck to all of our followers!

We will randomly select a winner on Thursday, March 15, at 5 p.m. EDT. We will contact you by email at the address you provided when subscribing to Out of the Big Blue.

Growing up in Catlettsburg, Ky., alumnus Nate Rice ’06 AS had a passion for the game show “Jeopardy!” and a flair for fast-paced trivia competitions.

“My family was always intensely competitive over the show,” he says. “I grew up watching my mom and dad, aunts and uncles, and grandparents all going after family bragging rights. I played on academic teams all my life growing up. By the time I was in high school I could consistently outplay just about everyone in the area.”

Last month, a lifetime of trivia practice culminated as he was featured on the “Jeopardy!” Teachers Tournament. Rice is an ACT prep teacher at his alma mater, Boyd County High School, and has also appropriately coached the school’s quick recall team.

Rice gave solid performances during his showings. During the quarter-finals round on Feb. 17, he ended up losing in Final Jeopardy. However, because of his high score, he made it into the tournament’s semi-finals round as a wild card on Feb. 23, where Brooks Humphreys, a teacher from Omaha, Neb., ended up winning.

Although he didn’t make it to the finals, Rice views his time on “Jeopardy!” as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

“On the whole, I am happy with my performances,” he says. “I broke $16,000 in both of my games; that just wasn’t enough to win. I underestimated how game-changing the Daily Doubles can be if contestants really want to push the envelope. Brooks Humphreys nearly locked the game up with one monster bet and by running one category. Hats off to him. He was a stellar player and a better guy.”

“Being onstage was the most natural part of all of it,” he says. “When you’re out there it’s either sink or swim, and I’d come too far to clam up and not try to answer some questions! Like Tom Petty sings, ‘The waiting is the hardest part.’ I was far more nervous in the green room or in my hotel waiting on the bus to take us to the studios than I ever was on the show.”

He also had a great time meeting the show’s iconic host.

“I couldn’t believe Alex Trebek was 6-feet tall — TV makes him look smaller,” he says. “Plus, he looks great for 71, and has an absolutely razor-sharp wit. Cross Alex at your own risk!”

Rice also credits some of his UK professors with an enriching academic experience.

“Dr. Robert Ireland [former history professor at UK] taught me more about the history of American law in two semesters than I could have learned from 50 law books,” he says. “Dr. David Wilke [adjunct faculty member of philosophy] taught me how to write well and with a real purpose — not to waste words on points that didn’t matter. He taught me a lot about life and how to demonstrate patience, too.”

When not sharpening his trivia skills, Rice enjoys traveling, rooting for any UK sports team and attending races at Keeneland as much as possible.

That, in a nutshell, is Nate Rice.

Check out the show’s website to learn about the 2012 Teachers Tournament, to view Rice’s contestant video and more!

Nate Rice and "Jeopardy!" host Alex Trebek. Photo courtesy of Jeopardy! Productions, Inc.

Today’s guest post comes from CareerCat, the official blog of UK Alumni Career Services. CareerCat periodically spotlights UK alumni who are doing something unusual or out-of-the-ordinary with their major in a special blog series titled: “You’re Doing What With Your Major?” Be sure to check CareerCat often for great career tips and features!

Major:  Equine Science and Management (2010)

Current Career: Registrar and Social Media Curator

Description of career path:
After graduation, I transitioned from a job teaching riding lessons to working as a part-time customer service and operations agent at Equibase, the racing information and statistics division of The Jockey Club. After six months, I was promoted to a full-time quality control coordinator, managing and distributing racing data and part-time employees; I also got my first taste of website design and management working on the new Equibase site that premiered spring 2011. I worked my way through the hectic Triple Crown season, learning to handle a busy corporate environment and teaching myself basic website and graphic design along the way. When I made the move to Maryland in July 2011, I was hired (thanks to a contact at Equibase) by the Maryland Horse Breeders Association, which also encompasses Maryland Million and the Mid-Atlantic Thoroughbred magazine. Not only did they require a registrar with experience in data control for their state-bred programs, they recognized the need for someone who could navigate the realm of social networking. As such, my job description continues to evolve; I manage the website and social media, connect with Thoroughbred farms and owners for social marketing and help organize events and develop new strategies to promote Thoroughbred breeding and racing in Maryland.

Favorite UK memory/class, etc.:
In 2009, I spent the summer studying grass as an intern for the UK Equine Initiative Pasture Evaluation.  Working with UK faculty and graduate students, I sampled for tall fescue toxicity, identified weeds and grasses, and provided pasture management techniques based on current forage research to farms. Not only did I get to spend some time on some beautiful horse farms, but the addition of forage knowledge I believe is a unique and useful skill.

Class I wish I had taken at UK:
I wish I had taken a graphic design class because I think I would have fallen in love with it and changed my major (for the fourth time). Then again, I’d probably still be in school.

Future dream job:
Working on my own farm, raising my own horses.  Cliché I know, but I didn’t grow up with my own horse, so it’s still a lifelong dream. Perhaps some graphic and Web design freelancing on the side, when I’m not riding.

What I know now that I didn’t know as a student:
Networking is important, but merely socializing isn’t always enough. If you prove that you are willing to work hard and always strive to improve yourself and your work, people are going to remember you.

Advice to others considering a job or career change:
Don’t be afraid to seek out knowledge for yourself and don’t be limited by the curriculum provided to you in the classroom. Seek out new, different experiences on your own. Learning a somewhat-related skill set (or completely unrelated in my case with Web design) could prove instrumental in securing a future career.

Favorite books:
“The Hobbit” by J.R.R. Tolkien and “Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe” by Fannie Flagg

Favorite blogs:
Currently obsessed with the Retired Racehorse Training Project, http://www.retiredracehorsetraining.org, which is proving that off-the-track Thoroughbreds can be inspiring and valuable in a second career.

Anne Pennington '10 AG

A Connecticut native, Amberlee Isabella ’07 DES had never visited Kentucky before deciding to come to UK.

But she doesn’t hesitate when you ask her about it: “It was sort of on a whim,” she says overlooking downtown Atlanta from the skyscraper where she works each day as an interior designer for Gensler, one of the largest design firms in the world. “But it was the best decision I ever made.”

To read more about Isabella’s inspirational experiences during her time at UK, including her role in organizing the student-run philanthropy effort DanceBlue, read this story from UK Public Relations and Marketing.

Amberlee Isabella '07 DES