Western Kentucky is home to numerous industries, recruiting the next generation of engineers to keep operations flowing smoothly.

That's one reason 25 years ago, the University of Kentucky opened its College of Engineering Paducah campus.

The school trains educates and retains talent in the purchase region and partners with West Kentucky Community and Technical College.

Last night, the school hosted the big Blue barbecue gala at the Carson Center, celebrating its 25th anniversary.

We asked a UK junior from southern Indiana who is studying chemical engineering to share her favorite part of the evening.

Just the people and just being able to, you know, celebrate all the success that our campus has had, especially through the last 25 years.

The whole reason it was founded was to source engineers for for our area.

And so just being able to be successful in that year after year and celebrate that.

Future goals for the college include adding a degree program in computer engineering technology.

And we'll have much more from the campus and the gala, including interviews with students, professors and university officials.

That's coming up Monday night on Kentucky Edition.