Building magic at UK
For Brysen Honeycutt, graduating from the University of Kentucky Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering and Lewis Honors College is more than a milestone — it’s the launch point of a dream shaped by resilience, creativity and a lifelong fascination with how joy is built.
Honeycutt, who grew up in Pine Top, Kentucky in Knott County, will graduate this Friday and take the commencement stage as his ceremony’s student speaker. Shortly after, he’ll begin his next chapter as a ride development engineering intern with Walt Disney Imagineering at Walt Disney World in Orlando — a role that places him squarely in the themed entertainment industry he has aspired to join since childhood.
That dream took root early. As a young child, Honeycutt faced a cancer diagnosis before he ever stepped into a classroom — an experience that instilled a deep sense of purpose and gratitude that continues to guide him. Theme parks, Honeycutt says, became symbols of wonder and escape, places where imagination and happiness existed side by side with careful design and hard work.
Long before he knew the vocabulary of engineering, he knew he wanted to help create experiences that made people feel something.
At UK, Honeycutt set out to learn how to turn those ideas into reality. Through coursework, hands-on projects and immersive learning experiences, he built a strong technical foundation while leaning into the creative side of engineering — especially where physics, design and storytelling intersect. Along the way, he discovered that engineering wasn’t just about solving equations, but about persistence, teamwork and learning from failure when projects didn’t go as planned.
“Engineering has a way of humbling you,” Honeycutt said, noting that the late nights and tough challenges were balanced by moments of breakthrough — when a design worked, a system came together or an idea finally clicked.
His upcoming role with Walt Disney Imagineering represents the culmination of years of focus and preparation. Honeycutt credits mentors and supporters at UK, including faculty and staff who guided him through the competitive application process and encouraged him to pursue ambitious opportunities beyond the classroom.
“Those experiences gave me confidence in turning ideas into practical solutions,” he said. “UK prepared me to take this next step with purpose and excitement.”
As he prepares to cross the commencement stage on Friday, Honeycutt hopes his story resonates with fellow graduates who have faced their own obstacles. He often emphasizes that challenges don’t define a person — they prepare them — and that the lessons learned at UK extend far beyond a degree.
“Resilience is not something you are born with; it’s something you build as you overcome the challenges life puts in your path,” he said. “None of us have gotten here alone, and I hope graduates leave believing that our struggles have prepared us, not limited us.”
Looking ahead, Honeycutt is eager to continue learning and growing in an industry that blends engineering with storytelling and wonder. For him, the goal is simple but powerful: to create experiences that spark joy, inspire imagination and leave lasting memories — making the most of every moment along the way.