Juan Carlos Castro, ’00, was honored with the Hall of Distinguished Alumni Award from Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) in 2025. The Best of Eastern Alumni Awards, presented annually during Homecoming weekend, celebrate excellence among EKU alumni. As EKU’s most prestigious alumni award, the Hall of Distinguished Alumni recognizes those who have achieved considerable success in their chosen fields, in their service to society and in their lifetime loyalty to EKU.
For Castro, family has always been the heartbeat of his story. Born in Quito, Ecuador, and raised on a farm just outside the city, his childhood was filled with the joy of large family gatherings where 50 or more relatives might come together around one table. Those memories instilled in him a love of connection, tradition and service that he has carried throughout his life.
After coming to the United States, Castro built a career grounded in integrity and impact. He is especially proud of his leadership in helping secure accreditation for Bluegrass Community and Technical College during its pivotal transition, a milestone that opened doors for countless students. A champion for Lexington’s Hispanic community, he founded The JCC Group to provide bilingual accounting, tax, payroll and insurance services that empower local businesses and nonprofits.
“To serve is to be willing to roll up your sleeves and join in to help a community in need,” Castro said.
Beyond his professional achievements, he has given his time generously—whether serving as an interpreter for the World Equestrian Games, diving at the Newport Aquarium, volunteering through the IRS’s VITA program, or helping launch Lexington’s Festival Latino.
His service to EKU has been just as meaningful. As an appointed regent, Castro chaired and served on committees, always focusing on creating opportunities for others, just as others did for him. He never forgets the faculty mentors who took extra time to help him enter EKU’s MBA program, which shaped the person he is now.
“If not for the faculty and staff at EKU, I would never have been able to find my great adventure in life,” said Castro. “So many individuals like Dr. Jack Dyer, Dr. Jessica Frazier, Dr. JC “Duke” Thompson, and many, many more cared enough about students to make sure we not only learned the subject well but found our individual passions while completing our degrees.”
Today, Castro’s legacy shines in his unwavering commitment to community and family. Whether around a dinner table filled with laughter or in a boardroom shaping policy, he has lived with generosity and integrity. To know Juan Castro is to know someone who believes in “familia” above all else and who has dedicated his life to making every community he touches stronger, more welcoming and more just.
EKU’s Office of Development and Alumni Engagement is accepting nominations for the 2026 Best of Eastern Awards. Learn more and nominate a well-deserving EKU alum at go.eku.edu/alumniawards.
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