Lewis Honors College recognized 303 graduates

The University of Kentucky Lewis Honors College celebrated 303 seniors during its annual Medal Ceremony held on Thursday, May 8, at Historic Memorial Coliseum.

UK Vice Provost Jana Jasinski, Ph.D.; T. W. Lewis Dean Christian Brady, DPhil (Oxon.); Associate Dean of Academic Affairs Pearl James, Ph.D.; and Assistant Dean of Student Engagement Sally Foster shared highlights about the Honors graduates before awarding each student an Honors medallion. In addition, all graduates will receive an Honors designation on their transcript.

“As graduates of the University of Kentucky and the Lewis Honors College, you are all pioneers and innovators,” said Jasinski. “You are now part of an incredible community of changemakers who have continually helped improve the lives of Kentuckians and others around the globe.”

Brady added, “All of you are fulfilling the mission of the Lewis Honors College to ‘better the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the world.’ You are fulfilling that mission by being you. You have already changed our college and community for the better by being a part of it. I am thankful for you.”

The Medal Ceremony also included the recognition of exemplary faculty, staff, and students. Award recipients are as follows:

• The Diachun Research Award, given to a graduating senior who has “demonstrated outstanding research talent in the form of their Independent Project [Thesis] and who holds high promise for further professional development in graduate school,” was presented to Nikitha Dharanipragada.
• The Diachun Scholar Award, given to a graduating senior, majoring in science or a related field, who has the highest academic achievement among their peers, was presented to Connor Day.
• The Evans Scholar Award, given to a graduating senior, majoring in humanities, arts, or social sciences, who has the highest academic achievement among their peers, was presented to Ella Brown-Terry.
• The Raymond Betts Crystal Award, given to a graduating senior for outstanding service to the Lewis Honors College and the UK community at large, was presented to Jackson Miller and Ethan Morgan.
• The Leadership Award, given to a graduating senior who has excelled in leadership positions at the university, college, or major level, was presented to Maddie Duff and Sarisha Lohano.
• The Founding Dean’s Award for Faculty Excellence in Honors Education, given to two Honors faculty who demonstrate excellence in Honors education through student engagement, mentoring, and supervising research or independent study projects, was presented to Dr. Chelsea Brislin and Dr. Ryan Voogt.
• The Staff Excellence Award, given to a Lewis Honors College staff member who has demonstrated excellence in their role, was presented to Susie Copher, Executive Assistant to the Associate Dean.