A lifetime of love and loyalty: Jay and Becky Collier’s EKU story started with a swing

RICHMOND — Jay and Rebecca “Becky” Collier’s love story began at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) and has blossomed into a life dedicated to each other, their family and giving back to the institution that shaped them. 

Both Becky and Jay grew up in Kentucky—Becky in Louisville, and Jay in Pikeville—and their shared dedication to education and community brought them together.

Becky Sizer, who enrolled at Eastern in 1963, was inspired by the caring teachers she had growing up. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1967 and went on to complete a Master of Arts in Education in 1976, pursuing her dream of teaching. 

As a student, Becky fully immersed herself in campus life, joining the Eastern cheerleading squad and later being elected as Miss Cheerleader in 1967, as well as being pinned into the “E Club” as their very first female honoree. Becky’s campus involvement extended beyond cheerleading—she was the homecoming attendant for Sigma Tau Pi, a member of the KYMA Club and Kappa Delta Tau and the president of the Women’s Inter-Dorm Council her senior year.

Jay, who began his undergraduate path at Eastern and graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration from Pikeville College, was similarly impacted by his experience at EKU. A longtime college administrator, he understands the profound impact education can have on someone’s future. 

For Jay and Becky, their Eastern memories are intertwined with moments that changed their lives—none more memorable than the day they met as freshmen in a physical education class. A miscalculated golf swing from Jay resulted in Becky taking a playful hit on the head, a moment they now credit as the beginning of their lifelong partnership. Just two weeks after graduation, they were married, starting their life together with a shared commitment to each other and to EKU.

Their connection to Eastern runs deep, and even now, a visit to campus brings back memories of walks through the scenic Ravine and the energy of their student years. Motivated by their own fulfilling careers in business and education, Jay and Becky are committed to supporting the next generation of Eastern students, particularly those from Floyd, Pike and Letcher counties pursuing degrees in business. Through their endowment, they hope to provide students from Eastern Kentucky with the chance to experience the life-changing opportunities a college education can offer.

For Jay and Becky, philanthropy is about investing in the potential of young people. “We want to provide an opportunity for them to earn a degree while also enjoying all the other aspects of college life without the worry of financing,” they explained. 

They hope their scholarship inspires students to set goals, prioritize their studies and engage in campus life just as they did. For the Colliers, EKU will always hold a special place in their hearts, both as the place that brought them together and as the university they are proud to support in helping future generations achieve their dreams.