Transforming Legacy into Opportunity: Scholarship Supports Future Therapists
June 22, 2026Donors partner with the university in numerous ways to create new scholarship opportunities for students. Holly Shipp Buchanan (Oziel) (master's, UNM College of Business; doctorate, UNM College of Education) is one such valued partner. After her husband Aaron (MA, Art Therapy, class of 1972) passed away, Holly and Mark Kaczmarczyk, Sr. Director of Philanthropy had a series of thoughtful conversations on how to honor Aaron's legacy at the CEHD. The result was the Aaron Keith Buchanan Therapy Graduate Student Scholarship.
Aaron was Kentucky born and trained. Combining his love for creative arts and psychology with a generous helping spirit, he was accepted in the first cohort of students in the newly established art therapy program at the UofL led by Sandra Kagin Graves, becoming one of the first two graduates with an MA in Art Therapy in May 1972.
Aaron entered art therapy shortly after its official professional founding, and through his work demonstrated the value and efficacy of broadening mental health approaches beyond medications and traditional talk therapies. During his career he served in roles such as practicum supervisor for many subsequent UofL students as well as consultant on child abuse court cases and licensure of clinical facilities. He worked in diverse settings demonstrating the application of these skills to a wide range of programs, including KY's Hopkins County Hospital, Central State Hospital, and Norton-Children’s Hospital; an Atlanta methadone clinic; crises support services; pediatric and adult inpatient and outpatient mental health clinics; as well as his own private practice in Louisville.
To support scholarship initiatives within CEHD, consider a gift to the annual fund by June 30th, at give.louisville.edu. For questions on a one-time gift, monthly pledges, or if the UofL is already in your estate plans, reach out to Mark Kaczmarczyk at m.kacz@louisville.edu.
