On Sept. 12, the University of Kentucky will induct 20 alumni into the 2025 Hall of Distinguished Alumni, including five Pigman College of Engineering alumni. The alumni will be honored for their meaningful contributions to the Commonwealth, nation and the world.
The prestigious event, held every five years, is the highest recognition bestowed by the UK Alumni Association. Since its establishment in 1965, the Hall of Distinguished Alumni has celebrated graduates whose professional achievements and community service exemplify the impact of a UK education.
“The University of Kentucky is proud to count among its alumni individuals whose exceptional accomplishments inspire our entire community,” said Jill Smith, executive director of the UK Alumni Association. “Through the Hall of Distinguished Alumni, we honor these outstanding leaders and offer a powerful example for current and future Wildcats to follow.”
The 2025 inductees represent excellence across fields including the arts, sciences, public service, business and education. Their selection follows a months-long process led by a volunteer committee of alumni.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of leading this committee is learning about the extraordinary journeys of our alumni," said Hannah Myers, chair of the selection committee and past president of the UK Alumni Association. “This year’s inductees exemplify the excellence of Wildcats across every field. Their achievements have left a lasting impact on their professions and communities, and we are honored to recognize their remarkable contributions.”
The new class of inductees will join 333 alumni previously honored in the Hall of Distinguished Alumni.
The 2025 engineering inductees include:
Xiangming “Jack” Cheng
Xiangming “Jack” Cheng, Ph.D., is a visionary entrepreneur and founder of AA Metals, a global enterprise with nearly 600 employees and $1.6 billion in annual revenue. A first-generation Chinese immigrant, Cheng launched his business with just $600 in savings, growing it into an international leader in aluminum and steel distribution. He has received the Ernst & Young Florida Entrepreneur of the Year Award, supports cancer research and the Chinese American community, and serves on the UK Pigman College of Engineering Dean’s Advisory Council.
Rebecca M. Cowen-Hirsch
Rebecca M. Cowen-Hirsch is senior vice president for government strategy and policy for global affairs at Viasat Inc., shaping policy in space sustainability, commercial integration and strategic initiatives. A decorated member of the U.S. Department of Defense Senior Executive Service, she has led multiple high-level programs, including the Defense Spectrum Office, and was the first female civilian mission commander for the Advanced Range Instrumentation Aircraft mission. Cowen-Hirsch serves on multiple industry and university advisory boards and has received numerous honors for her contributions to national security, space technology and engineering leadership.
Rebecca B. Liebert
Rebecca B. Liebert, Ph.D., is president and CEO of The Lubrizol Corporation, a Berkshire Hathaway company, leading the company’s mission to deliver sustainable solutions that advance mobility, improve well-being and enhance modern life. She previously held senior leadership roles at PPG Industries, Honeywell UOP and Reynolds Food Packaging, and began her career as a development engineer with Nova Chemicals. Liebert serves on the boards of Dow and the American Chemistry Council. In addition to her degree from UK, Liebert holds a Ph.D. from Carnegie Mellon University and an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.
Michael L. Marberry
Michael L. Marberry retired in July 2022 after 25 years as a senior executive with J.M. Huber Corporation, including 13 years as corporate president and CEO, leading the company to record growth and global recognition for sustainability. Prior to becoming CEO, he held multiple senior roles at Huber and previously served as director of corporate strategy for PolyOne Corporation, a consultant with McKinsey & Company, and a product development engineer at Procter & Gamble. Marberry has extensive corporate governance experience, including board leadership roles at CP Kelco and American Water Works.
David B. Ratterman
David B. Ratterman built an international career in construction law after becoming one of the first in his family to graduate from high school and college, working as a construction laborer before earning a scholarship to the University of Kentucky. Following service as a naval engineering and intelligence officer, he earned both a Juris Doctor and an MBA from the University of Louisville and developed a global practice representing the structural steel industry and advising counterparts worldwide. In recognition of his contributions to the field, the American Institute of Steel Construction established the David B. Ratterman Undergraduate Scholarship, which has awarded nearly 200 need-based scholarships to children of construction workers.
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.
