Contact: Crystal Drake, Office of Strategic Communications
Tuskegee alumnus Kenny Rocker, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Sales at Union Pacific Railroad, has made a $100,000 gift to Tuskegee University in honor of his mother, Peggy Rocker, on the occasion of her 80th birthday. Mr. Rocker’s gift will support Tuskegee’s University Library Services, University Archives and The Legacy Museum.
Mr. Rocker’s donation recognizes a lifetime of sacrifice, faith, hard work, and unwavering support that Mrs. Rocker provided to her family including her son as he pursued his education and career.
In a heartfelt tribute to his mother, Rocker reflected on the values she instilled in him from an early age.
"The examples you set for me have built a foundation for me to work hard and give thanks for my many blessings. Today as we honor you on your 80th birthday, I'm donating $100,000 to Tuskegee University in your name. Thank you for your love and support."
Rocker's journey from a Tuskegee University graduate to an accomplished executive exemplifies the impact of a Tuskegee education. He earned a bachelor's degree in finance from Tuskegee University before beginning his career with Union Pacific in 1994. Over more than three decades, he advanced through a series of leadership positions across the company's marketing and sales organization and was appointed Executive Vice President of Marketing and Sales in 2018.
Today, he oversees Union Pacific's three major business units, including Bulk, Industrial, and Premium markets, as well as Marketing and Sales Operations, Commercial Strategy, the company's Mexico business, and its Loup Logistics subsidiary.
"By honoring his mother through this contribution, Mr. Rocker is supporting Mother Tuskegee in continuing to honor our past and share it with future generations by improving climate control, digitizing records, supporting future exhibitions, and creating more opportunities for student engagement and experiential learning,” said Dr. Mark A. Brown, President and CEO.
Tuskegee’s University Library Services, which includes four libraries and the University Archives currently house close to 300,000 volumes of books and journals, 30,000 government documents, more than 600 collections, and 200 databases and e-resources. The Legacy Museum includes more than 2000 artifacts – and features a unique opportunity to engage with art through the lens of bioethics with rotating art exhibitions and permanent exhibitions that explore complex histories and their present-day ramifications.
Tuskegee’s University Archives and Legacy Museum are one of five HBCU teams piloting a partnership with the Smithsonian Institution to increase access to HBCU cultural heritage collections.
“In Tuskegee’s Renaissance Era we continue to connect and translate our legacy into the future to create better, more informed outcomes for all people and this gift will help our University Library Services team do that important work,” said Dr. Brown.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Rocker has maintained a strong commitment to civic and community leadership. He currently serves on the boards of Joslyn and GMXT and has previously served in leadership roles with numerous nonprofit and educational organizations. He and his wife, April, are the proud parents of four daughters.
To learn more about ways to support Tuskegee University, please visit www.tuskegee.edu/tugives.
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