Two School of Kinesiology alumni, Judith Ray and Luke Carlson, were recognized at a reception at the November 10, 2022, CEHD Alumni Society Distinguished Alumni Awards Ceremony at the McNamara Alumni Center. The Society seeks to create lifelong connections with alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends of the college; to enhance the student experience; and to advocate for the college and university. It honors alumni who have brought distinction to their professions and communities. This year the Society recognized two of Kinesiology’s outstanding graduates.
Judith Ray has been a trailblazer her entire life. Born in a segregated community in St. Louis, she was part of the first cohort of black students to integrate Harris Teachers College. After getting her teaching degree and two different master’s degrees, Judith was hired to teach physical education at West Chester University, where she was the first and only black person in her department. While at West Chester, she took leave to pursue a doctorate in kinesiology at the U of M as part of the first cohort of Common Ground Consortium, a CEHD program that recruits black graduate education students and supports them through their advanced academic journey. Judith later moved to Cheyney University, the nation’s first Historically Black College and University, where she retired from the School of Business and Professional Studies in 2013. She also was an exceptional athlete in multiple sports, despite participation barriers for females and African Americans, and she played flute with the St. Louis Orchestra.
Luke Carlson is the founder and CEO of Discover Strength based in Minneapolis. Discover Strength’s eight strength training studios are among the highest volume and revenue boutique fitness studios in North America. Luke graduated from the Executive Leadership, Strategy and Innovation program at Stanford University, and speaks around the world on the topic of evidence-based exercise, strategy, and leadership. He is an American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Certified Exercise Physiologist and received an Honorary PhD from Solent University in Southhampton, England. Luke has a BS and MS in kinesiology, and the late Dr. Arthur S. Leon was a favorite professor. He remembers Dr. Leon’s dedication to and passion for his work and the concept of “living life in crescendo,” along with the stacks of books and journals in his office. Luke stays active by training for and competing in marathons.
