The Lewis Honors College celebrated its 32 graduates at the Honors Medal Ceremony on December 19, 2024, at 4 PM. The five University of Kentucky colleges represented among the December graduates included the following: College of Arts & Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Gatton College of Business and Economics, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, and Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering. 

Associate Dean Pearl James shared highlights about the graduates, reflecting their breadth of knowledge and variety of experiences. Honors graduates completed the 30-credit-hour curriculum, which included experiential learning and a thesis. Eight December graduates presented their work during the Honors Thesis Showcase on December 17, 2024. To enrich their Honors education, graduates pursued avenues such as working with non-profits and performing service-learning; leading as peer mentors, ambassadors, and UK 101 instructors; studying abroad in France, Spain, Costa Rica, Greece, Ireland, Italy, and Ecuador; and being part of the Singletary Scholars or the pathways offered by the Colleges of Business and Economics and Engineering.

Dr. James reminded graduates to thank those who helped them achieve their goals. “All of you are standing on someone’s shoulders—someone, whether family members or teachers—helped spark the intellectual curiosity that got you here today. Take a moment to think about who those people are and to acknowledge the debts of gratitude that you have accrued,” she remarked.

T.W. Lewis Dean Christian Brady told graduates that “this is a time of great change” and asked graduates to consider their decisions. “When we are making good, ethical choices in the day-to-day moments of life, then we will be prepared and equipped to address the larger challenges of life,” he said.

Dr. Brady closed the ceremony by reminding graduates of the mission of the Lewis Honors College to help “‘students explore their purpose, develop intellectually, and lead with integrity.’ You have explored and developed — you have been curious, and you have grown in learning and knowledge! Now I ask you, as you go forth from the University of Kentucky and the Lewis Honors College, to be people of honor and to continue to lead with integrity.”

Students received an Honors medallion to wear during UK Commencement. In addition, all Honors graduates receive an Honors designation on their transcript.