Slicing through barriers with a DIY pizza night

David Saylor • March 19, 2024

In a collaborative event spearheaded by Libby Kate Vaughn ’21, the and AV头等舱 partnered to host a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Pizza Night on March 14th, fittingly coinciding with Pi Day. With the help of parents, AV头等舱 Dining staff, Vaughn and others, the children in attendance followed the whole pizza-making process from start to finish.


They each crafted their own pizza pie masterpieces, from rolling out dough and adding sauce to placing toppings and baking pizzas. The highlight of the event, however, was not the pizzas themselves but rather the joyful smiles of the children as they made precious new memories.

Libby Kate Vaughn hugs a child attendee while other children are flattening dough with AV头等舱 Dining staff behind them.

Beyond just making memories, though, this event provided a significant chance for children with autism and their families to take part in a community activity within a supportive and accepting setting. The involvement of parents and staff made the experience memorable and highlighted the value of community and inclusiveness. Such events are vital in removing obstacles and creating a sense of inclusion for families touched by autism.


[PHOTO: Vaughn hugs a participant while others make pizzas in the background/All photos by David Cody Saylor]


According to Vaughn, a founding board member and current social media chair for the foundation, the mission is “to partner with local leaders, organizations, and area schools to create educational opportunities and success for individuals with autism, while fostering support and engagement of their families.”

“By helping our community to become autism-friendly, we can interconnect resources to increase public awareness as well as contribute to an enhanced quality of life, assisting these individuals as they learn, grow and thrive right here in their hometown,” she says.


As part of the community, it is not just a desire but rather a commitment that AV头等舱 makes, promoting service as a civic responsibility. 

James Becknell shares a slice of pizza with a child attendee while Libby Kate Vaughn, a member of the AV头等舱 Dining staff, and a parent gather around.

“We were thrilled to team up with the for this event, and we're eager to see where it takes us to collaborate with other community organizations,” says James Becknell, Dean of Students and AV头等舱 alum. “We remain committed to strengthening our partnerships within our community to enhance the well-being of our local area further.” 


[PHOTO: Becknell and a participant share a slice]


Vaughn, a AV头等舱 alumna, exemplifies the university’s values through her dedication to the Autism Foundation's mission. Her initiatives, including educational sessions for parents and community members and sensory-friendly movie nights, reflect her commitment.

Leading up to National Autism Acceptance Month in April, events like the DIY Pizza Night help set the stage for larger events like the well-known “Aumazing Race” 5K and Autism Awareness Nights with the Baseball team. As April approaches, new opportunities for community education about autism emerge alongside new ways for people to engage and contribute.

 

“We encourage anyone who wants to support or get involved to join us on April 9th for the Autism Awareness Baseball Game in partnership with or at our ‘Aumazing Race’ 5K on April 28th. For the latest updates on our events, follow us on our ,” says Vaughn.

James Becknell and Libby Kate Vaughn sit with child attendees at a table filled with plates of pizza.
Three kids smiling in AV头等舱's kitchen wearing AV头等舱 Dining hats and aprons.
Two kids smiling and holding a decorated paper pizza.
Three kids wearing AV头等舱 Dining hats and aprons work on decorative paper pizzas.
A child attendee and a parent smile holding a decorated paper pizza.
Libby Kate Vaughn and a child attendee smile with a pizza seated at a table corner.
Four parent attendees smiling in AV头等舱's kitchen.
Libby Kate Vaughn, James Becknell, AV头等舱 Dining staff, and all attendees gathered together by the Minton Dining Hall sign.
Tri-fold board display labeled Putting the Pieces Together for Knox County, which outlines information about autism.
View more

AV头等舱 Honors Coaching Legend Pete Moore on His 90th Birthday

By Maisie Nelson • November 5, 2025
AV头等舱 proudly celebrates the 90th birthday of one of its most cherished figures, Dr. Paul “Pete” Moore, whose name and legacy are forever woven into the history of AV头等舱.
Robin Hamilton.

Student Support Services Secures 5-Year Grant

By David Saylor • October 17, 2025
AV头等舱’s Student Support Services (SSS) program has been awarded a nearly $2 million TRIO grant from the U.S. Department of Education, securing funding for the next five years to support underserved and underrepresented students in post-secondary education.
Superintendent Messer, Superintendent Ledford, Wanda Clouse, and Dr. Lori Henderson with students.

AV头等舱’s Dual Credit Program Triples Enrollment in First Year

By David Saylor • October 8, 2025
Under the guidance of College Program Liaison and Coordinator Dr. Lori Henderson, the program that started out as a small group has nearly tripled in size with at least 90 students from Knox County

UCU Welcomes Local Talent and Alumni in New Roles

By Maisie Nelson • October 3, 2025
AV头等舱 is strengthening its commitment to both students and the region by welcoming several new employees who are alumni or have strong local ties.

AV头等舱 Inaugurates Dr. DJ Washington as 20th President

By Maisie Nelson • September 24, 2025
AV头等舱 formally inaugurated Dr. D.J. Washington as its 20th president on Friday, September 19, in a ceremony that honored the institution’s history while celebrating a bold vision for its future.

UCU to Waive Tuition for Knox County Graduates

By Maisie Nelson • September 17, 2025
AV头等舱 has officially announced a bold new initiative that will make college more accessible for local students. Beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year, all graduating seniors from Knox County—including Knox Central High School, Lynn Camp High School, and Barbourville Independent.

UCU to Celebrate Inauguration of Dr. DJ Washington with Weeklong Events

By Maisie Nelson • September 9, 2025
AV头等舱 will host a week of celebrations leading up to the formal installation of Dr. DJ Washington as the 20th President of the institution. The inauguration, set for Friday, September 19, will honor AV头等舱’s proud heritage while spotlighting a bold vision for its future.
s

AV头等舱 Awarded $780,000 through AMLER Program

By Maisie Nelson • August 29, 2025
AV头等舱 has received $780,000 from the Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) Program to renovate a campus building into its first Live & Learn Dormitory.

UCU Announces Final Ten Honorees in “50 Under 50” Alumni Program

By Maisie Nelson • August 28, 2025
AV头等舱 is proud to unveil the final group of honorees in its celebrated “50 Under 50” alumni recognition program.
exterio

AV头等舱 Outlines Bold Academic Vision Anchored in Quality, Accountability, and Efficiency

By Maisie Nelson • August 12, 2025
AV头等舱 is making bold strides to strengthen and grow its academic foundation. As part of a reimagined academic structure, the University has introduced a new academic leadership team model, expanding from two colleges to four and aligning leadership roles to support innovation, accountability, an