The Joseph R. Yanek Engineering Scholarship Fund Will Support Future UK Engineering Students in the Air Force ROTC Program
“I hope that more people with the ability to bless others in this way won’t say, ‘I can’t do it, because I don’t have a million dollars.’ I think we’re proof that you can make a difference at any level.”
—Joe Yanek
Joe Yanek received a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Kentucky in 1970. While on campus, Joe joined the university’s Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps program (AFROTC). After graduation, he served in the United States Air Force on active duty for 10 years.
So, when Joe and his wife, Donna—also a Wildcat alum—were writing their will and deciding where to give back, Joe knew he wanted to create a gift that blended engineering and AFROTC.
Joe and Donna have created the Joseph R. Yanek Engineering Scholarship Fund, which will fund two annual need-based scholarships for undergraduate students who are majoring in mechanical engineering at UK and participating in the university’s Air Force ROTC program.
In addition to providing scholarships for current students, the Yaneks have now created a legacy gift to support their fund in perpetuity.
“Donna and I believe that each of us can make a difference in the lives of others and encourage them to also contribute to our great country,” explains Joe. “I felt the need to give back to the two programs that formed the foundation for my career.”
A History of Generosity
Joe and Donna are passionate about giving back to those in need. They have been loyal donors not only to UK but to Samaritan’s Purse, the United Way, humane societies and other charitable organizations in the communities where they have lived.
The Yaneks are members of the Golden Wildcat Society, Life Members of the UK Alumni Association and members of the UK’s Fellows Society. Always appreciative of their alma mater, they hope this new scholarship fund will take what they have received and pay it forward.
“My family sacrificed to save and put away so that I could attend college,” says Donna. “There were times that were really lean, and they would still put five dollars toward my education. They had the foresight to look up the road. I was blessed to never have to take out a student loan.”
“People need to know they can make a difference at every level,” adds Joe. “Often, we read about multi-million-dollar grants or gifts and those are great, but I don’t think people realize that you can make a difference by giving a smaller amount. If you create a scholarship fund that will generate scholarships for a couple of students, that makes a huge difference to those who receive them.”