McKenzi Ann Loid was born on December 14, 1989 to Tommy Jr. and Robin Loid. A Bowling Green native, McKenzi attended Bowling Green City Schools and graduated from Bowling Green High School in 2008. She then traded her “Purple Pride” for “Hilltopper Spirit,” attending WKU and graduating with a degree in Public Relations in 2012. 

From there, McKenzi began her professional career, working as an account manager at Guthrie Mayes Public Relations Firm in Louisville, KY in 2013. She remained there until May of 2016 when she moved to Pittsburgh, PA to work as a Public Relations Manager for the Walsh Group. Through her employment there, she played a role in the development of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s Rapid Bridge Replacement Project.

McKenzi was also active outside of her professional life. She was involved in many Louisville charities and organizations: Brides Against Breast Cancer, YPAL-Young Professionals Association of Louisville, Alzheimer’s Association, and Hopeline Center for Women and families. She was also a graduate of Leadership Louisville’s Focus Lousiville Program, a 20-hour course in community leadership, knowledge, connections and civic engagement. Additionally, McKenzi volunteered with the Military Share Program, Autism Speaks, Rebuilding Together, Toys for Tots, Homeless Vets, Food Bank of State College, and Cancer Care Partnership of State College.

After a tragic car accident, McKenzi passed away on June 27, 2017 in Pittsburgh, PA. She is survived by her parents, Tommy Jr. and Robin; her brother, Tommy III, and his wife Krista; and her sister, Emily Wilkins, and Emily’s husband Craig. She is also survived by her nieces and nephew Riley Ruthanne, Tommy Loid IV, Ella Crews, and Dallas Katherine Wilkins, all whom were her pride and joy in life.

To honor her legacy, Walsh Construction, family, and friends established the McKenzi Ann Loid Scholarship for Public Relations. Through this fund, future Hilltoppers are provided encouragement and McKenzi’s memory lives on in perpetuity.