March 19, 2025
CI students recognized on Rupp Arena Floor
Shown left to right are CI students Kylie Hert, A.J. Nava, Mary P'oryem and Noah Wehby.
On March 1, 2025, shortly before the University of Kentucky Men's Basketball team took the court against the then top-ranked Auburn University, four College of Communication and Information students were recognized on the floor of Rupp Arena. The students were part of the first cohort of students to take classes in the new studio space inside Central Bank Center in downtown Lexington.
Kylie Hert (MAS/MKT, senior), A.J. Nava (JOU/COM, junior), Mary P'oryem (MAS, senior) and Noah Wehby (MAS/JOU, senior), are students in MAS 403 Live Studio Production, JOU 408 Sports Broadcasting and Production or JAM 395 independent study classes during the Spring 2025 semester.
Below are the recognition and the video shown.
"Big Blue Nation, the University of Kentucky is not only a powerhouse in athletics but also a leader in leveraging sports and private-sector partnerships to create academic and career opportunities for students.
Today, as you will see on the video boards, we are celebrating a new chapter in student learning and innovation: UK’s brand-new, twenty-thousand-square-foot studio and production center right here in Rupp Arena at the Central Bank Center!
This space, a partnership between UK’s College of Communication and Information, UK Athletics and JMI Sports, is a game-changer for students pursuing careers in media production, sports marketing, broadcasting and beyond.
Joining us today at center court are four outstanding UK students who are already putting this incredible space to use!
Give a Big Blue welcome to:
Kylie Hert
AJ Nava
Mary P'oryem
Noah Wehby
These students represent the many Wildcats who are gaining hands-on experience, working alongside industry professionals and preparing to be the next generation of media and sports communication leaders.
This innovative space will not only enhance their education but also attract top talent and industry collaborations to Big Blue Nation—strengthening our commitment to excellence in and out of the classroom.
Join us in celebrating this milestone and giving another round of applause to the College of Communication and Information, UK Athletics and JMI Sports for making this vision a reality!
Go Cats!