Intro Storiest
Alumni Showing that Great Things Grow from UC Roots
We are asking for submissions from alumni or friends who have been authorized to submit. The goal is to inspire new graduates and those still making their way toward life goals.
As first-examples, we're presenting our 2019 and 2020 Alumni of the Year:
Class of
1958 Jan Passmore
1967 David Young
DY
David Young, 1967, Entrepreneur, Supporter of Union City Education
After serving in the Coast Guard during the late ‘60s, Dave parlayed his military experience into an entrepreneurial career as a defense contractor. Along the way he has built and sold 5 companies and in the 21st Century has demonstrated his versatility in the fields of real estate, motorcycle manufacturing and most recently TV production.
His series ToyMakerz -- a love affair with power vehicles -- has advanced from Discovery Channel to a weekly slot on History Channel and most recently a place in A&E's line-up of regular programming.
Over the years, David and his wife Carol have quietly distributed nearly $500,000 to Union City graduates. Kelsey Cross, Class of 2012 is an appreciative recipient whose education and career were shaped by the Youngs’ support. She recently finished her studies in London.
David reports exciting future plans: “Inspired by the remarkable excellence in education attained by Union City schools in the face of extreme financial adversity, Carol and I are going to broaden our giving to support the trades and focused career paths such as nursing that require shorter programs of education and apprenticeship."
David's direct assistance and counsel have been instrumental in development of the Union City Education Foundation.
JP
Jan Passmore, 1958, Financial Services, Community Service, Long-Time Alumni Association Leadership
...began his career with Aetna Life and Casualty, advancing to Western Regional Director by age 32, before choosing a career in independent agencies.
As President of a small agency called Sanders & Sullivan, Jan achieved premium volume of $100 million making S&S a leading Silicon Valley brokerage firm. Jan positioned Sanders & Sullivan for acquisition by New York Stock Exchange listed Corroon & Black. He stayed with C&B when offered the opportunity to serve as Chairman & CEO, and ran Corroon & Black for ten years.
During a brief "first retirement," Jan and his wife Pam moved back to the Midwest where he relaxed by building and selling First Richmond Corporation and Quaker City Storage. He then accepted insurance mega-giant AON's offer to serve as CEO of their turnaround operation, with solid results at multiple troubled divisions.
Retirement #Two includes running the Wellesley Group and service on numerous not-for-profit boards including Ball State University Foundation Cardinal Funds (Chairman), Ball State University Miller College of Business Insurance Advisory Board (Past Chairman) and United Methodist Foundation of Indiana.
From 2012 to 2019, Jan served as President of the Union City Alumni Association where his forward thinking steps included organizing as a 501(c)(3) leading to the possibility of a Union City Education Foundation.*
Jan's Honors include Citizen of the Year: Silicon Valley, two State of California legislative proclamations, Kiwanis International Distinguished Presidents Award, Aetna Life & Casualty Citizen of the Year, two Stuben Eagles from Corroon & Black and Honorary Kentucky Colonel.
