A Little Encouragement
Goes a Long Way

Cynthia Fletcher (’81) remembers well the challenges she faced as a first-generation college student new to the University of Kentucky. She was a shy young woman from Flatwoods, a small town in northeastern Kentucky. She loved animals but had no specific career in mind, no support from others, and no money for college.

“My mother and father always stressed the importance of education, and I have witnessed the
importance of education throughout my life. Through my support, if I could convince one kid to get an education, it would make me very happy!”
John Heick

Not to be hindered by such obstacles, Fletcher found a job at Central Bank and Trust, worked during the day while going to school at night, and seven years later graduated with a degree in animal sciences.

“The people in the College of Agriculture were great,” Fletcher remembers fondly. “I felt comfortable with them and I liked the small environment.”

Fletcher has learned the importance of giving, and she firmly believes that a part of the human spirit does not develop until a person gives back from what he or she has received. Fletcher puts this philosophy into practice through a variety of volunteer activities. When she’s not carrying out philanthropic work, she works as the Director of Internal Audit at General Electric Evendale Employees Federal Credit Union in Cincinnati.

Fletcher had been a contributor to the College’s annual Phonathon for a number of years when she decided to create a scholarship in her name and support it in perpetuity through a will bequest. Every year she makes a contribution so that the Cynthia J. Fletcher Scholarship can be a awarded while she is living and so that she can get to know the recipients.

“I hope my recipients not only benefit from the financial gift but, more importantly, take courage from the realization that others have walked this path before them. With hard work and a steadfast heart, they, too, can achieve their goals,” Fletcher said.

These words of encouragement apply to Nicole McHam, a freshman biotechnology student from Columbia, Kentucky, who is this year’s recipient of the Cynthia J. Fletcher Scholarship.
“I’m very thankful for Cynthia’s scholarship support,” said McHam. “My mother is single and having to pay for my college education. It’s comforting to know that someone is interested in me; that inspires me to do my best.”

McHam and Fletcher got acquainted at the College of Agriculture Scholarship Banquet this past November and now share a genuine affection for each other. “I feel as if I’ve known her for a long while,” said McHam. “She asks about me and takes an interest in my progress.”
“I’m so impressed with Nicole,” said Fletcher. “Knowing her gives me a real hope for the future of the human race.”

Fletcher said being a donor makes her feel that she’s made the most of her life and has had an influence in the lives of others, the difference a little encouragement can make.

“Our jobs allow us to see children use what they learn and realize that they have more potential than they thought. There’s a real excitement in seeing them develop.”
Kristy Jury