Gateway Honors Oakley and Eva Farris as Benefactors of the Year

Covington residents Oakley and Eva Farris were named Benefactors of the Year by Gateway Community & Technical College in honor of their commitment to provide $500,000 to create a child development center at the colleges proposed Urban Campus in downtown Covington.

The Farrises were recognized by Gateway and the Kentucky Community and Technical College System during KCTCS 12th annual benefactors awards gala in Lexington in November.

We are pleased to have the involvement of Oakley and Eva, whose names are synonymous with support for higher education in the Northern Kentucky region, said Ed Hughes, Gateway president and CEO. Not only is their commitment indicative of widespread community support for the Urban Campus, but it also will have a lasting beneficial impact on the lives of the community they love so well.

The Covington couple were among 35 of the states leading citizens, businesses and foundations who were honored for their support of KCTCS and its 16 member colleges.

More than 600 state and local dignitaries from across the Commonwealth also attended the event. KCTCS President Michael B. McCall presented the Presidents Medallion for Distinguished Service to U.S. Congressman Hal Rogers. The only other recipient of this award is former Kentucky Governor Paul E. Patton, who received the medallion in 2008.