LWC Honors Late Doctor at Naming and Dedication Ceremony


Dr. Jann Aaron poses with the 2017-18 LWC cycling team after the dedication ceremony of the Dr. Phil Aaron Cycling Complex on Sept. 29. The team presented Dr. Jan Aaron with a jersey in memory of Dr. Phil Aaron. The 20-acre property acquisition was made possible in part by contributions by Dr. Jan Aaron, son, Blake and other members of the Aaron family. COLUMBIA, Ky. -- The Lindsey Wilson College community honored a man who was considered "a massive influence to Lindsey Wilson" on Friday afternoon when it dedicated the Dr. Phil Aaron Cycling Complex.

The Dr. Phil Aaron Cycling Complex, 200 Block Bomar Heights, is named in honor of beloved local physician and LWC alumnus, the late Dr. Phil Aaron. The property was made possible in part by a contribution by Dr. Jann Aaron and Dr. Phil Aaron’s son, Blake Aaron and other members of the Aaron family.

“We want to thank Dr. Jann Aaron who stepped up and made the contribution to allow the acquisition of this nearly 20 acres possible,” said LWC President William T. Luckey Jr. “Dr. Jann knew how valuable this complex is to the college and she was eager to honor Dr. Phil Aaron with this gift.”

And Dr. Luckey says this is not the first significant gift made by the Aaron family.

“Dr. Phil and Dr. Jann worked together to fund a beautiful stained-glass window on the lower level of the Jim and Helen Lee Fugitte Science Center,” said Luckey. “Other gifts from the Aaron family include the Edith Carol Cottage near Green River Lake as a retreat for the administration and guests of Lindsey Wilson. And when LWC started its nursing program in 2009, it was Dr. Phil Aaron who graciously donated the funds for nurses entering the program to have traditional white coats.”

And Dr. Luckey thanked other benefactors including Junior and Connie Stotts of Columbia and from Pyles Excavating, Danny and Sandy Pyles of Columbia – for their part in making this dream a reality for the students.

“Certainly this day would never have arrived without the constant generosity of supporting friends at seemingly every critical moment in the evolution of this beautiful gift.”

LWC Athletic Director Willis Pooler called Dr. Aaron “a massive influence” on Lindsey Wilson College.

“It has been my pleasure to watch our student-athletes train and compete on one of the best intercollegiate cycling dirt facilities in the country,” said Pooler. “It has helped hundreds of students hone their craft.”

The cycling track is the home of the 2012 LWC BMX team national champions and 2014 Olympian and alumnus, Daniel Caluag. The cycling track has also contributed to the success of 13 individual national champions from LWC including coaches Charles Mooney and Andrew Parson and current students, Sabrina Bice, Heather Collman and J.D. Swanguen.

LWC Cycling Coach Charles Mooney presented a LWC cycling jersey to Dr. Jann Aaron on behalf of the LWC cycling team in memory of Dr. Phil.

“He (Dr. Phil Aaron) and this property mean so much to these kids and their lives and the program. It changed everything,” said Mooney.

And Dr. Jann Aaron said that Lindsey Wilson College was one of Dr. Phil’s favorite places.

“He loved the people of Lindsey Wilson and knew so many of them. He always had them in his mind and tried to do whatever he could to help out at the school,” recalled Aaron. “He was so proud of Lindsey Wilson and he would be ecstatic with how beautiful this complex is right now.”

Dr. Luckey says the college is honored to have Dr. Phil Aaron’s name forever associated with Lindsey Wilson College.

“Dr. Aaron has meant so much to Lindsey Wilson for well over 50 years. He cared about so many people in so many beautiful ways. It is our honor to name this property after him.”