Locals receive alumni awards at Union College homecoming

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Billy Parrott received the Alumni Community Service Award at the Union College Alumni Banquet and Awards Ceremony.

BARBOURVILLE, KY (10/11/2013)(readMedia)-- Union College recently held the annual Alumni Banquet and Awards Ceremony as part of the homecoming weekend. Eight alumni were recognized at the ceremony, with several local residents included.

Sharron Oxendine, who graduated from Union in 1983, was inducted into the Union College Educators Hall of Fame. After 30 years in public education, Oxendine has a long list of accomplishments and experiences. Most notably, she served as the state president of the Kentucky Education Association for six years, where she assumed various roles and responsibilities both state and nationwide.

Robert "Bob" Dunaway, DMD, who graduated from Union in 1986, was inducted into the Union College Business and Professional Hall of Fame. Following his time at Union, Dunaway entered dentistry school at the University of Louisville, where he graduated in 1990 with a DMD. Since then, he has become very successful and respected in his field and his community, which is reflected by his past service as president of the Southeastern Dental Society.

Billy Parrott, who graduated from Union in 1987, received the Alumni Community Service Award in recognition for his outstanding service to the Knox County community, and also nationwide. Parrott, who is heavily involved with his church, the United Methodist Church in Heidrick, Ky., has served through various ministries there. Also notable is the work he has done with worldwide mission opportunities.

Lana Faulkner, Administrative Assistant for the Union College Department of Athletics since 1999, received the Athletic Service Award. During the past 14 years, Faulkner has been a tremendous asset to the department with her willingness to go above and beyond her position requirements on a day-to-day basis.

In addition to these individual awards, there were also two athletic Teams of Distinction recognized at the ceremony. The 1992 football team, and the 2006 baseball team. Teams of distinction must have won either a conference, region and/or national championship, qualified and participated in a national championship tournament, and/or been ranked nationally.