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Mark Hogge - President

After his graduation from the University of Kentucky with a chemical engineering degree, Mark Hogge worked at Honeywell Process Solutions as a Controls Engineer working on DCS systems and PLC’s. In 2000, Mark joined Middough Inc. where he has gained over 25 years of experience in chemical and refining industries and more than 15 years of experience in project management. He originally specialized in control system installations and implementation but is now very comfortable working with engineering, maintenance and construction personnel on projects involving any discipline.  Mark is the Client Account Manager (CAM) of several client accounts that cover multiple industries and states. 

Mark has been active with the University of Kentucky Alumni Association and the UK College of Engineering Alumni Association.  In 2017 he received the University of Kentucky Alumni Association Distinguished Service Award.

In addition to his involvement with the UK Alumni, Mark has proudly been the KSPE (KY Society of Professional Engineers) Ashland MATHCOUNTS Chapter coordinator for over 25 years and is a past Kentucky MATHCOUNTS State Coordinator. He received the 2014 KSPE MATHCOUNTS Outstanding Contributions Award.

In his personal life, Mark resides in Catlettsburg Kentucky with his lovely wife, Lisa, and children Erica Balmer and Connor Flowers. His oldest daughter Brittany (Balmer) Boyd lives with her wife (Tiffany) near Little Rock (AR) where Tiffany is stationed with the Air Force. Although Brittany and Tiffany’s son Aspyn is being raised in Razorback territory, he proudly wears his blue and white and cheers on the Cats for all UK games! 

Mark Hogge.

John Taylor - Vice President

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Nicholas Spalding - Chair, Finance

Nicholas Spalding graduated from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and later earned his MBA from Bellarmine University. He works in Generation Planning at LG&E and KU, supporting long-term resource planning and the evaluation of future generation needs. His career has spanned generation, transmission, and distribution, beginning as a co-op at Mill Creek Power Plant through the University of Kentucky’s Cooperative Education Program. Nicholas lives in Louisville with his family and enjoys endurance sports, including competing in marathons and Ironman events.

Nick Spalding headshot

Sydney Kolnsberg - Chair, Communications & Advancement Committee

Sydney Kolnsberg graduated from the University of Kentucky in 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Materials Science and Engineering, a Minor in Mathematics, and a Certificate in Distillation, Wine and Brewing Studies. During her time at UK, Sydney was actively involved in the Society of Women Engineers, Material Advantage, and Engineering Student Council. She is passionate about leadership, professional development, and creating opportunities for connection within the Pigman College of Engineering community.

Sydney is currently a Program Management Consultant with Turner & Townsend based in Nashville, Tennessee. Her professional experience spans consulting, manufacturing, supply chain, and capital project delivery, with a focus on program assurance, information management, process improvement, and project controls. She has supported global and multi-site portfolios across a variety of industries, helping clients improve reporting, governance, operational efficiency, and decision-making through data-driven solutions and cross-functional collaboration.

Since graduating, Sydney has remained actively involved with the University of Kentucky through several volunteer leadership roles. She currently serves as Recruitment and Outreach Chair for the UK Pigman College of Engineering Young Alumni Philanthropy Council, an Engineering Alumni Ambassador, an alumni mentor, and a member of the UK College of Engineering Alumni Association Board. Sydney is passionate about mentorship, STEM outreach, and fostering meaningful connections between students, alumni, and industry professionals to support the next generation of engineers.

Sydney Kolnsberg headshot

Madhu Taylor - Secretary; Chair, Alumni Engagement & Events Committee

Madhu Taylor graduated from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor’s degree in Biosystems Engineering in 2022. She is now a Senior Manager in Procter & Gamble at their largest volume site in North America.

In her time at UK, Madhu served in leadership roles in Tau Beta Pi, Engineering Student Council, and was a College of Engineering Student Ambassador. She was a member of the Dean’s Leadership Class and graduated from the Lewis Honors College in the Scholars in Engineering and Management Program.

Since graduating, Madhu has continued in her passion for serving UK as an Engineering Alumni Ambassador and is a Men’s Basketball season ticket holder. She served as the UKEAA Board Vice President in ‘24/25 and President in ‘25/26. She is honored to continue her 5th year on the Board as the ‘26/27 Secretary and Chair of Alumni Engagement and Events.

Professional headshot of Madhu Sekar.

Stephen Borders - Chair, Academic Outreach Committee

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Members

First Last Major Year Email
Michael  Graehler CE 2018 mgraehler@gmail.com
Mark Hogge CHE 1997 Mark.Hogge@middough.com
Isabel Moore EE 2020 isabelmoore0@gmail.com
Madhu Sekar BAE 2022 madhum.sekar@gmail.com
Sujit Sinha ME 1983 sujit.sinha01@gmail.com 
Abby  Styer ME 2020 abbynoels@gmail.com
John Taylor CHE 2022 johntaylorjtt@gmail.com
Auburn Mattingly CE 2023 amattingly@BKSE.net
Austin Mitchell CE 2018 austin.mitchell@aecom.com
Nick Spalding EE 2015 nicholas.spalding@lge-ku.com
Chess  Necessary ME 2022 chess.necessary@gmail.com
Ashanti Hall ME 2016 ashantihall@yamil.com
Stephen  Borders CE 2011 stephen.borders@outlook.com 
Sydney Kolnsberg MAE 2023 sydkolns@gmail.com
Lori Strosnider CE   llstrosnider@gmail.com
Michael  Engle ME 1979 emengle34@gmail.com