LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 27, 2025) — Caroline Sumner, a University of Kentucky alumna, continues to draw inspiration from her love for the Lexington community, dedicating herself to making a difference through her ongoing contributions.
Throughout her undergraduate studies, she served as DanceBlue’s overall chair while also studying in the College of Arts and Sciences and the Lewis Honors College.
Sumner led a 180-person committee and led the planning for the fund-raising campaign and the dance marathon. Under her leadership, the organization raised a record-breaking $2.1 million for the DanceBlue Kentucky Children’s Hospital Hematology/Oncology Clinic in 2024.
Sumner is now a student in the UK College of Medicine. With the skills she has learned from her leadership positions, she is looking for more opportunities to strengthen and improve the Commonwealth community.
This year’s institutional TV commercial focuses on the people across campus who put in the work to advance Kentucky. Sumner and other members of the community shared their voices for both the 30-second and 60-second spots.
UKNow asked Sumner a few questions about what it means to be part of the UK community.
*****
UKNow: What makes the University of Kentucky special?
Sumner: As the flagship institution of the Commonwealth, the University of Kentucky brings together a huge student body, providing opportunity in an encouraging community. I believe UK strikes the perfect balance of innovation and tradition — cultivating a campus that prioritizes advancement through research, education and leadership, while maintaining beloved traditions. UK empowers students to engage with the campus, Lexington and Kentucky communities to advance and serve our neighbors. As a student, I receive an extensive and applicable education, complemented by many research and leadership opportunities, while spending time with friends of different backgrounds and interests, on the same campus my great-grandfather walked 80 years ago. That’s pretty special.
UKNow: What does “advancing Kentucky” mean to you?
Sumner: Advancing Kentucky looks likes actively contributing to the education, health and overall well-being of all Kentuckians. This looks like more higher education opportunities and continuing cutting-edge research. This looks like advancing patient care across the state, reaching underserved communities and addressing health challenges. This looks like community advocacy and nurturing the next generation of leaders. Educated, ambitious and compassionate students will continue to drive Kentucky’s advancement for the next century.
UKNow: How has your time at UK helped you be part of UK’s mission to advance Kentucky?
Sumner: As an undergrad, I pursued a B.S. in neuroscience and a B.A. in biology with a business minor, preparing me to become a College of Medicine student; through my future practice, I hope to advance Kentucky health care. Throughout my last five years at the university, I have been involved in numerous research projects, with incredible guidance from faculty mentors. Apart from educational and research pursuits, I believe the greatest influence on my time at UK was DanceBlue. As an entirely student-led organization, DanceBlue raises funds for the DanceBlue Hematology/Oncology Clinic at Kentucky Children’s Hospital.
My senior year, I was able to serve as the overall chair, working with hundreds of other passionate student volunteers to serve pediatric patients and their families, organizing a yearlong fundraising campaign that culminated in a 24-hour dance marathon. In 2024, we raised $2.1 million for the clinic. Along the way, we engaged thousands of students and hundreds of thousands of Kentuckians through campus fundraising, mini-marathons and community events. Having the opportunity to serve my state and one of its most vulnerable populations as a student, inspired and surrounded by hundreds of students doing the same, taught me what it meant to serve one’s state and strive to advance it.
UKNow: What is your hope for UK’s next 160 years?
Sumner: After seeing UK’s growth over my short five years here, I have big hopes for UK’s next 160 years. I see UK continuing to expand, pushing boundaries in all fields placing Kentuckians at the forefront. UK will continue to foster an environment that values academic excellence and innovation, growing the reach of healthcare initiatives and leading cutting-edge research. I hope UK’s community becomes even stronger, allowing students and all members of the campus to have their voice heard and impact made. I’m excited to see UK become home for others, continue to advance my home state, and grow exponentially.