McConnell Center

Providing leadership & professional development @UofL to Kentucky's next generation of great leaders.

[McConnell Center @ULmCenter]

This week in McConnell Center history, from May 27-June 7, 1998, the first group of McConnell Scholars traveled to China with the KIIS program.

From 1998-2019 (with a few exceptions!), each class traveled to China in the summer between their junior and senior year.

[McConnell Center @ULmCenter]

Don't forget! Tomorrow night, May 28, McConnell Center Director Gary Gregg, PhD will premiere his new book, "George Washington: Citizen, Soldier, Statesman," at the SAR Genealogical Library at 6 p.m. ET. Free to attend, but registration encouraged: https://t.co/w91FeRII4C

[McConnell Center @ULmCenter]

#McConnellScholars Connor Price, Grace Fields and Keely O'Bryan are spending their summer as Senate interns in Washington, D.C., gaining hands-on experience at the heart of our nation’s capital. We’re proud to see them representing Kentucky on the Hill! 🌟🇺🇸

[McConnell Center @ULmCenter]

This week in McConnell Center history, the McConnell Scholars class of 2022 were in Oxford as a part of their international trip! 🌎

#InternationalTravel #Oxford #FromKYForKY #CSLewis

[McConnell Center @ULmCenter]

Yesterday, rising sophomore #McConnellScholar Ezra Foote stepped up as a Primary Election Officer in Calloway County, Kentucky. We’re proud to see Ezra actively shaping Kentucky’s future through service and commitment to democracy! #Leadership #McConnellCenter

[McConnell Center @ULmCenter]

The Class of 2027 is across the pond! 🇬🇧 After an incredible time in Italy, they’re now exploring the historic streets of London and Oxford. Next stop: Edinburgh, Scotland, to wrap up the final leg of their journey.

[McConnell Center @ULmCenter]

This week in McConnell Center history, from May 4-8, 2003, McConnell Scholars made their first trip to Mecosta, Michigan to visit Piety Hill, the home of American writer and thinker Russell Kirk. Since then, the Center has taken dozens of students to Mecosta.

[McConnell Center @ULmCenter]

#TBT 📷 This week in McConnell Center history, on May 4-8, 1998, sophomore McConnell Scholars, Dr. Paul Weber, Ms. Sherry Allen, and Dr. Landis Jones traveled to Washington D.C. for an enriching educational experience.

#Mc35th #McConnellCenter #SenatorMcConnell

[McConnell Center @ULmCenter]

McConnell Center Director Gary Gregg, PhD will premiere his new book, "George Washington: Citizen, Soldier, Statesman," at the SAR Genealogical Library on Thursday, May 28 at 6 p.m. ET. Free to attend, but registration encouraged: https://t.co/w91FeRII4C

[McConnell Center @ULmCenter]

This week in McConnell Center history, on April 25th, 1999 and April 26th, 2000 the McConnell Center hosted it's first two senior dinners, honoring the class of 1999 and 2000. Pictured here is former McConnell Center director Paul Weber and the class of 2000. #UofLAlumni #Mc35th

[McConnell Center @ULmCenter]

On Monday, our class of 2026 had their last seminar with Director Dr. Gary Gregg and put their pins into the Kentucky bourbon barrel alumni map.

Congrats to these graduating seniors; we can't wait to see where you go next!

#FromKYForKY #UofLGrads2026 #UofLAlumni

[McConnell Center @ULmCenter]

Yesterday evening, McConnell Scholars elected their 2026-27 leadership council. The Center looks forward to working with this dedicated team of students over the next academic year.
https://t.co/Lw0SpxJuGD

[McConnell Center @ULmCenter]

Yesterday, the McConnell Center celebrated the class of 2026 at our annual Senior Dinner. ❤️

We also recognized Colonel Julio Reyes, our 2025-26 Army War College Fellow, for his contributions to the Center this past year. Congratulations, seniors and Colonel Reyes! #UofLAlumni

[McConnell Center @ULmCenter]

Our final #SeniorSpotlight is Macy Waddle! 🌟 Macy is from Mt. Washington, Ky., and graduated from duPont Manual High School. She will graduate with a degree in political science and a minor in Spanish. After graduation, Macy will be pursuing her J.D. Congrats, Macy!

[McConnell Center @ULmCenter]

The freshmen class has officially completed Plato's Republic. After a year of seminar discussions with Dr. Gary Gregg, they received their McConnell t-shirts and officially escaped the cave.📚

[McConnell Center @ULmCenter]

The junior class just wrapped up a semester of reflection through their blogs. From questions about happiness and purpose to finding their way home, this group leaned into what it means to grow.

Click the link below to read their reflections 💡
https://t.co/OQv4oUoGPC

[McConnell Center @ULmCenter]

#TBT 🏇 This week in McConnell Center history, in April 2008 Hon. Martha Layne Collins visited with scholars as a part of the Local Leader series.

Collins was the first and only female governor of Kentucky and served in the role from 1983 to 1987. #FromKYForKY #Kentucky #Mc35th

[McConnell Center @ULmCenter]

Our next Senior Spotlight is Kelsey Raymer! 👏 Kelsey is from Bardstown, Ky., and will graduate in May with a Bachelor of Arts in social work and political science. After graduation, she will be pursuing a Juris Doctorate at Howard University School of Law. Congrats, Kelsey!

[McConnell Center @ULmCenter]

Our next Senior Spotlight is Alli Geiger! 🌟 Alli is from Villa Hills, Ky., and graduated Saint Henry District High School in 2022. After graduation, Alli will be pursuing a Master of Arts in English at the University of Louisville. Congrats, Alli!

#FromKYForKY #UofLGrad

[McConnell Center @ULmCenter]

McConnell scholars spent the weekend at a Health and Wellness retreat centered on relaxation and reflection. Seminars led by Dr. Rachel Heberling scholars explored wellness and nutrition. Thank you, Clara Heberling 28’, for planning this retreat! 🥾🌷