LOUISVILLE, Ky. 鈥 Lucy Helm 鈥79 鈥82, who as chief partner officer guided Starbucks through multiple human resources and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, is now leading another exceptional group 鈥 the 2022 UofL Alumni Awards class.
The Alumni Awards are the highest honors bestowed by Louisville Alumni. Helm is one of 18 honorees who will be celebrated this fall during Homecoming Week, Oct. 17-23.
Helm received a Bachelor of Arts with highest honors in political science in 1979 and a Juris Doctor, cum laude, from the Brandeis School of Law in 1982. She was twice selected as a University of Louisville Alumni Fellow: in 2008, for the College of Arts & Sciences and in 2017, for the Brandeis School of Law.
She retired from Starbucks Coffee Co. after a prestigious 21-year career in legal and human resources roles, including serving on the company鈥檚 executive team as executive vice president, general counsel and secretary and executive vice president, chief partner officer (leading human resources).
鈥淟ucy Helm is an extraordinary Cardinal who is deeply committed to UofL鈥檚 mission. We are proud and excited to recognize her accomplishments at this year鈥檚 Alumni Awards celebration,鈥 said Josh Hawkins, assistant vice president for alumni relations. 鈥淗er commitment to excellence inspires all of us to follow her lead and make a positive impact on our community.鈥
At Starbucks, Helm was a champion of diversity, equity and inclusion, including leading the company鈥檚 achievement of gender and racial pay equity in the U.S. She also created Starbucks鈥 pro bono services program, which became a model for other corporate law departments. Helm is now the global chair of the board of Mercy Corps, a global relief and development organization.
The Alumnus of the Year honoree personifies the qualities, mission and values of the university. The award is presented to a graduate who has demonstrated exceptional leadership in professional and philanthropic endeavors and has shown loyalty and support to the entire university.
Helm joins the 2022 Alumni Fellows who represent each of UofL鈥檚 colleges, schools, libraries and student affairs division, as well as the signature award winners, who will be recognized for extraordinary achievements in their profession and enduring service in their community.
The 2022 Alumni Fellows are:
鈥 Charles P. Denny 鈥75, 鈥80
鈥 Sadiqa N. Reynolds 鈥93
鈥 Evan Holladay 鈥13
鈥 Lois S. Cronholm 鈥62, 鈥67
鈥 E. Lynn Hampton 鈥78, 鈥83
鈥 Amy B. Farnsworth 鈥92, 鈥95
鈥 Awab Habib 鈥15
鈥 Michael D. Anthony 鈥05, 鈥10
鈥 Renee Campbell 鈥82
鈥 Gulam Zade 鈥11
鈥 Carol Friedman Abrams 鈥68
鈥 Christa-Marie Singleton 鈥92
鈥 Barry C. Johnson 鈥81, 鈥85
鈥 Kimberly Meyer 鈥92, 鈥16
鈥 Duke Appiah 鈥09, 鈥13
鈥 Norbert E. Paulin 鈥70
For more than 30 years, the Alumni Awards have honored and celebrated the historic achievements of graduates who are exemplary ambassadors for the university and reflect the high standing and character of their alma mater.
“Louisville Alumni is grateful for the strong culture of alumni innovators, educators and collaborators who share the common bond of being UofL graduates,鈥 Hawkins said. 鈥淭he Alumni Awards is our opportunity to honor and celebrate our extraordinary alumni.鈥
The 2022 Alumni Awards presented by Commonwealth Credit Union will be held Thursday, Oct. 20. Read winner bios, get ceremony details and connect with UofL alumni.





















