LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 8, 2024) — It’s University of Kentucky Homecoming week — a time when the UK community comes together to celebrate and honor its alumni. This week, UKNow is shining a spotlight on just a few of the thousands of alumni who embody the university’s mission to advance Kentucky. Spanning generations, these Wildcats are making lasting impacts in the Commonwealth and beyond through their careers and service to their communities.
Today’s spotlight is on Laura Farnsworth, a 2006 graduate from the UK College of Arts and Sciences, originally from Bardstown, Kentucky. Farnsworth has served as director of development and events for the Downtown Lexington Partnership since 2008. The nonprofit organization, helps create a dynamic urban core that enhances Lexington’s appeal. In her role, Farnsworth plans and produces popular downtown events and programs, including Central Bank Thursday Night Live, the annual holiday parade and the ice skating rink at Triangle Park.
****
UKNow: What’s your favorite UK memory?
Farnsworth: Meeting so many people from different walks of life who would become my very best friends and professional colleagues.
UKNow: What did you study at UK, and how are you using your degree(s)/UK education to advance Kentucky?
Farnsworth: I studied political science and English at UK, both of which taught me to be incredibly detail oriented. As part of a small team at DLP, I’m always juggling several community events and engagements. The skills I learned at UK have enabled me to stay focused and work in multiple lanes to produce fun, family friendly community events like the ice skating rink downtown and the weekly Thursday Night Live concerts.
UKNow: What does it mean to you to be a graduate of UK?
Farnsworth: UK is an incredible part of the Lexington community, and to me, being a graduate means always working to compliment and strengthen that investment. By passionately working to create an entertaining and safe environment, I believe that my efforts shine brightly to all who live, work, play and visit downtown Lexington.
UKNow: Were there any specific professors, mentors or student organizations that had a lasting effect on you?
Farnsworth: During my freshman and sophomore years I lived in Blanding Tower, and served on the Resident Student Government committee, including being the president my sophomore year. Planning different resident-focused events, like pizza and ice cream night, foretold my future in the world of event production, I haven’t stopped working to create fun community events since.
UKNow: How did UK prepare you for life after graduation, both personally and professionally?
Farnsworth: Personally, my time at UK prepared me for life in Lexington! UK provides so many fun opportunities for the community and downtown and staying involved makes me feel close to my Wildcat roots! Professionally, having UK in my background has opened several doors for collaboration during my time at DLP — my favorite being working with current students each year to produce Lexington’s Holiday Parade!
UKNow: What advice would you give current Wildcats?
Farnsworth: The time goes by quickly, so check-in anything you think might interest you. Take advantage of opportunities in downtown to network and meet folks who may play a role in your future — you never know who you might meet at Central Bank Thursday Night Live.