Gloria Walton Singletary passed away this morning. Gloria was the wife of the late Otis A. Singletary, eighth president of the University of Kentucky. She served as the first lady of the University from 1969 to 1987.
The Gloria W. Singletary Gallery at Lexington’s Living Arts and Science Center recognizes her many contributions to the Center. She was a member of their governing board since 1971.
In 1978, she received the University of Kentucky Alumni Service Award. In 1987, in honor of her work with the University Women’s Club, a Gloria W. Singletary scholarship is given annually to an outstanding non-traditional woman student.
UK’s President Eli Capilouto made this statement today about Gloria’s passing.
“As a first-rank historian, Dr. Singletary understood the promise this institution represents to Kentucky. Mrs. Singletary, as his partner, understood how important and deeply held our traditions and sense of history are for so many Kentuckians. Mary Lynne had the honor of meeting Mrs. Singletary shortly after our arrival in Lexington. After a lovely afternoon at Mrs. Singletary’s home near here, Mary Lynne simply said, ‘that’s a grand lady.’ Indeed, she was.”
