Friends and colleagues of the late James Baker Hall are working to honor the legacy of the former University of Kentucky professor and Kentucky Poet Laureate by instituting an endowed scholarship in his name. The scholarship will benefit an English major who displays an interest in creative writing as well as a commitment to civic responsibility.

A group of Hall's friends came together soon after his death in June, 2009, to establish the memorial fund. The primary leaders of the fund drive are: Richard Hurst, a childhood friend of Hall and president of longtime Lexington business Hurst Office Furniture and Supplies; Gurney Norman, professor of creative writing at UK and current Kentucky Poet Laureate; and Adalin Wichman, a local artist and friend of Hall.

The James Baker Hall Memorial Fund will be coordinated by the UK College of Arts and Sciences. Inquiries should be directed to Mimi Ward, (859) 257-8124. Checks may be made payable to:

James Baker Hall Memorial Fund
UK College of Arts & Sciences
Office of Advancement
231 Patterson Office Tower
Lexington, KY 40506-0027

Allison Elliott - UK Public Relations