Archived News

McConnell Scholars featured on "Hardball with Chris Matthews"
(Oct. 19, 2010) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - McConnell Scholars Eric Kiser and Max Morley were interviewed by Chris Matthews.
Scholar keeps time for nationally televised political debate
(Oct. 19, 2010) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Meghan Waters, a freshman McConnell Scholar, was the time keeper for the Oct. 17 University of Louisville-WHAS TV debate between U.S. Senate candidates Jack Conway and Rand Paul.
Gretchen Morgenson visits McConnell Scholars
(Oct. 13, 2010) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Gretchen Morgenson, a Pulitzer-prize winning financial journalist, lunched with McConnell Scholars and university honors students Oct. 4, 2010.
Scholars visit The Thomas Merton Center
(Sept. 29, 2010) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - McConnell Scholars visit The Thomas Merton Center as part of the Center's "Leadership and Literature: Autobiography Series."
Zeller: I was bitten by the Russian bug
(Sept. 8, 2010) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - McConnell Scholar spends four weeks at Moscow State Institute for International Relations
Two scholars named to Freshmen LEAD
(Sept. 10, 2010) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Hunter Pittman and oSha Shireman, both McConnell Scholars from the Class of 2014, have been named to the Freshmen LEAD program at the University of Louisville.
Pippin elected to national fraternity office
(Aug. 18, 2010) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Trey Pippin, of Owensboro, was recently elected president of Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity's first national Undergraduate Advisory Board.
Works published in Virginia Review of Asian Studies
(July 28, 2010) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - An essay by Robert Works, a 2010 graduate of the McConnell Scholars Program, was recently published in an online journal.
Scholar awarded Rotary Foundation Scholarship
(Feb. 3, 2010) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Senior Roberts Works awarded a 2010-2011 Ambassadorial Scholarship to the College of Mexico
Three scholars pass nationals, move to final Fulbright round
(Feb 5, 2010) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Students hope to spend next year abroad in Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Argentina.
Three McConnell Scholars win Fulbright awards
(April 20, 2010) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Graduating seniors to teach English in Sri Lanka, Thailand and Argentina
McConnell Scholars graduate with top arts and science, business awards
(May 6, 2010) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - McConnell Scholars Robert Works and Anna Ramsay were named "outstanding graduates" of the college of arts and sciences and college of business, respectively.
Students win top campus awards
(April 21, 2010) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Three scholars earn individual UofL Student Awards
Scholars named to top student body leadership positions
(Aug. 27, 2010) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - McConnell Scholars elected to top SGA positions.
Davis pursues master's degree in New Zealand
(Feb. 6, 2012) DUNEDIN, New Zealand - Hunter Davis, a 2011 graduate of the McConnell Scholars Program, is pursuing a master's degree in international studies in New Zealand.
Gaines earns doctorate in political science
(Jan. 31, 2012) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Dr. Gary Gregg, director of the McConnell Center, interviewed Susan Gaines, a 2005 graduate of the McConnell Scholars Program who recently earned her doctorate of philosophy in political science.
Goins to serve as adjunct law professor
(Jan. 3, 2012) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Jonathan Goins, a 1999 graduate of the McConnell Scholars Program, will serve as an adjunct professor for intellectual property-related courses at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School.
Hall earns Fulbright grant to Macau
(June 3, 2011) MACAU, China - Chelsey Hall, of Brooks, is the seventh McConnell Scholar to earn a Fulbright grant.
Video: Cameron delivers UofL commencement address
(May 24, 2011) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - McConnell Scholar alumnus Daniel Cameron delivered the 2011 commencement address for the University of Louisville.
Yelin dances, teaches in Argentina on Fulbright Scholarship
(May 17, 2011) SANTA FE, Argentina - Meet competitive ballroom dancer and multilingual McConnell Scholar alumnus Boris Yelin who is currently on a Fulbright Scholarship to teach English in Argentina.
Cameron to be UofL commencement speaker
(May 11, 2011) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - By UofL Today (http://louisville.edu/uofltoday)
Works awarded Fulbright Grant and Humphrey Fellowship
(April 20, 2010) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Robert Works (McConnell Scholar Class of 2010) is the recipient of two prestigious international awards.
Vermani headed to GWU's internal medicine program
(March 17, 2011) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Samir Vermani, a McConnell Scholar alumnus from the Class of 2007, will graduate from the University of Louisville's medical school this spring.
Adams retains post with Republican Governors Association
(Jan. 11, 2011) WASHINGTON, D.C. - Mike Adams, a 1998 McConnell Scholar graduate, retains his post as general counsel and deputy executive director for the 2012 election cycle.
Six alumni pass Kentucky bar exam
(Aug. 30, 2010) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Six McConnell Scholar Alumni passed the July 2010 Kentucky bar exam. Congratulations to the following new lawyers:
Salyer alumnus headlines League of Women Voters event
(Sept. 20, 2010) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Neil Salyer, a graduate of the McConnell Scholars Program, will discuss "The People and the Constitution: Popular Interpretations from the Left, Right and Center," along with Dr. Allison Martens, U of L political science professor.
Jennings quoted in The Wall Street Journal
(Oct. 20, 2010) Scott Jennings, a 2000 McConnell Scholar graduate, comments on today's political climate in The Wall Street Journal.
Glover prepares for first tour of duty overseas
(Oct. 25, 2010) FT. CAMPBELL, Ky. - Jordan Glover (Class of 2006) was promoted to captain last week at Fort Campbell, Ky.
Spencer named University of Michigan MSW student of the year
(March 20, 2012) ANN ARBOR, Mi. - Rudy Spencer, a 2009 graduate of the McConnell Scholars Program, earns top Master's of Social Work award at the University of Michigan.
Jennings serves as Romney's state manager in Ohio
(May 18, 2012) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Scott Jennings, a 2000 graduate of the McConnell Scholars Program, serves as the senior adviser and state manager for Mitt Romney's presidential campaign in Ohio.
Goins named one of '2012 Nation's Best Advocates: 40 Lawyers Under 40'
(May 29, 2012) LAS VEGAS, Nv. - Jonathan Goins, a 1999 graduate of the McConnell Scholars Program, will be honored at the National Bar Association Gala in Las Vegas in July.
Barclay co-authors devotional guide
(June 27, 2012) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Laura Barclay, a 2005 graduate of the McConnell Scholars Program, co-authors a daily devotional guide.
Hazelwood joins UK law faculty
(Aug. 21, 2012) LEXINGTON, Ky. - Kristin Johnson Hazelwood ('96), a member of the inaugural class of McConnell Scholars, recently joined the faculty at the University of Kentucky College of Law.
Class of 2012 pursues variety of opportunities
(Aug 21, 2012) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Eight students prepare for new adventures following their graduation from the McConnell Scholars Program at the University of Louisville.
Lofton passes the Ky. bar exam
(Oct. 10, 2012) LEXINGTON, Ky. - McConnell Scholar alumnus Mauricus Lofton ('09) joins the Ky. Bar Association.
Kiser named honor advocate at Washington & Lee University
(Oct. 30, 2012) LEXINGTON, Va. - McConnell Scholar alumnus Eric Kiser ('12) has been selected to guide students through the university's judicial process.
Prizes for UofL students who constitutional amendments
As part of the university's Constitution Day celebrations, UofL students are invited to propose a 28th amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Three winners will be announced ($300 for first place; $200 for second; $100 for third). Materials must be submitted online by Sept. 28.
Scholars consider Malcolm X biography
(Jan. 25, 2011) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – W.S. Tkweme, a University of Louisville assistant professor in Pan-African Studies, led McConnell Scholars through Malcolm X's autobiography.
Lukacs: We're at the end of the modern age
(March 8, 2011) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Renowned historian John Lukacs, PhD,
Country's best days are ahead, Biden tells UofL audience
(Feb. 11, 2011) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – By UofL Today
Director appointed senior fellow at Franklin’s Opus
(July 2, 2013) Gary Gregg, director of the McConnell Center, has been named a senior fellow at a non-profit organization dedicated to continuing and preserving Benjamin Franklin's work.
Humana Foundation gifts target childhood cancers, McConnell Center
(July 1, 2013) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The Humana Foundation donates $2.5 million to the University of Louisville.
Most Consequential ElectionsFeb 17, 2012 from 10:00 AM to 01:00 PM
Feb. 17, 2012 - Lincoln's election shaped America's future more than other U.S. presidential election, according to a national McConnell Center survey.
Fall lecture series to challenge assumptions about America
(Aug 16, 2012) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The University of Louisville’s McConnell Center will offer a series of public talks this fall designed to get people to reconsider big ideas and challenge basic assumptions about American life.
Zoeller to spend summer in Argentina working with non-profit
(May 23, 2013) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Sophomore McConnell Scholar Chloe Zoeller will spend July in Buenos Aires, Argentina, volunteering with the Fundación Pies Descalzos.
Fellow to speak at Lincoln Presidential Center
(July 16, 2013) SPRINGFIELD, Il. - Thomas Mackey, PhD, a history professor and pre-law advisor at the University of Louisville, is scheduled to speak at the Lincoln Presidential Center tonight at 6 p.m., central. Book signing to follow.
Fellow’s book on political matriarch released
(July 16, 2013) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Barbara Perry, a political science professor at University of Virginia’s Miller Center, explores the joys and tragedies that marked Rose Kennedy’s life in her newly released book, Rose Kennedy: The Life and Times of a Political Monarch.
Three McConnell Scholars complete Task Force Freshmen
(July 17, 2013) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Freshman McConnell Scholars Travis Wilson, Kevin Grout and Victoria Allen completed a year-long leadership program at the University of Louisville that helps first-year students work directly with the Student Government Association.
Four McConnell Scholars complete Freshmen LEAD
(July 17, 2013) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Freshman McConnell Scholars Philip Moore, Natalie Smith, Mary Elizabeth Young and Chloe Zoeller completed this year-long University of Louisville leadership program.
Two McConnell Scholars selected for UofL Student Orientation Staff
(May 22, 2013) LOUISVILLE, Ky.- Sophomore McConnell Scholar Philip Moore and junior McConnell Scholar Joel Thomas will serve as UofL Student Orientation Staffers for Summer 2013.
Director participates in Army War College's national security program
(July 24, 2013) CARLISLE, Penn. - Gary Gregg, director of the University of Louisville's McConnell Center, is one of 70 civilians invited to attend the strategic leadership conference.
Robinette spends 4 weeks in Brazil, witnesses widespread citizen protest
(July 24, 2013) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Junior McConnell Scholar Danielle Robinette witnessed citizen protest while spending four weeks in Brazil with UofL’s Brazilian studies department.
Southard spends summer interning in McConnell’s DC office
(July 24, 2013) WASHINGTON, DC - Junior McConnell Scholar Sean Southard was one of six interns chosen to serve in the Minority Leader’s Washington, DC, office.
Southard, Waters escort National Champions in DC
(July 25, 2013) WASHINGTON, DC – McConnell Scholars Meghan Waters and Sean Southard, interns in U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell’s DC office, escorted the National Champion Men’s Basketball team through the Capitol on July 23.
McConnell Center talks to focus on 20th century American milestones, leaders
(Aug. 12, 2013) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The University of Louisville’s McConnell Center will offer a series of public talks this fall commemorating 20th century political leaders and events.
Center welcomes Vaughn as civic education coordinator
(Aug. 12, 2013) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - A familiar face will work with Kentucky primary and secondary educators and students for the upcoming year as the McConnell Center's civic education coordinator.
25 KY high school students complete McConnell Center's Young Leaders Academy
(July 29, 2013) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Students previewed college life last week as part of the annual summer leadership academy.
Students' summer break includes travel, internships
(August 12, 2013) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - See what some of our McConnell Scholars have been up to this summer.
Image JPEG imageGeographic distribution of McConnell Scholars' Hometowns - Class of 2017
USAID chief Rajiv Shah to visit McConnell Center, UofL
Shah joins a long list of national and world leaders to visit the University of Louisville's McConnell Center.
Canceled - USAID chief Rajiv Shah's visit to McConnell Center, UofL
(Sept. 19, 2013) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Talk to be rescheduled.
Lofton named magistrate judge of Virginia's 16th district
(Sept. 23, 2013) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Mauricus Lofton is a 2009 graduate of the McConnell Scholars Program.
Center establishes memorial lecture in honor of Dan Utley ('01)
(Oct. 14, 2013) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Lt. Gen. Josiah Bunting, III (retired) will deliver the first Daniel H. Utley Memorial Lecture at the McConnell Center on Oct. 28, 6 p.m., in Ekstrom Library's Chao Auditorium. Bunting's free and public talk will consider "George C. Marshall: American Leader for All Seasons" on the 60th anniversary of Marshall's receipt of the Nobel Peace Prize.
Center commissions special coins, welcomes donations to military troops
Smith, Young host 'family nights' for local nursing home
(Oct. 23, 2013) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Scholars organize monthly community service events.
McConnell Fellow translates political science series
(Nov. 4, 2013) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Shiping Hua, PhD, serves as editor-in-chief of Chinese language texts.
Haque ('15) named SGA student of the month
(Nov. 5, 2013) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Arsh Haque, of Elizabethtown, Ky., was voted the University of Louisville's November student of the month.
Male High School students donate $2,100 to military coin challenge
(Nov. 11, 2013) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Students rally to donate gifts to 600 Kentucky soldiers stationed in Afghanistan.
Wilson ('16) founds non-profit, connects college students with neighbors in need
(Nov. 12, 2013) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – McConnell Scholar Travis Wilson ('16) is the founder and president of Helping Hands Serving Hearts, Inc., a non-profit organization that uses college students to help less mobile citizens complete household tasks.
Ball ('17) attends Coca-Cola leadership summit
(Nov. 15, 2013) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Freshman Jeremy Ball, a 2013 recipient of the Coca-Cola Scholarship, recently returned from a leadership summit in Atlanta, Ga.
Fall 2013: An update from the McConnell Center director
McConnell Center Director, Dr. Gary Gregg, recaps the fall semester.
Moot court teams earn national bids after strong regional finish
(Nov. 18, 2013) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Four McConnell Scholars will represent the University of Louisville at national competition in January.
Stewart (’15), cross country team earn conference, regional honors
(Nov. 22, 2013) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Andrew Stewart ('15) and the UofL cross country team finish the season on a strong foot.
Ballard ('04) wins 2013 Winter Griffith Scholarship
(Dec. 4, 2013) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – McConnell Scholar Alumnus Jonathan Ballard was recently recognized for his work in patient-centered care.
Center receives $16,000 for military challenge coin project
(Dec. 17, 2013) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The generous gifts allow the McConnell Center to send 3,000 military challenge coins to members of the U.S. Army's Third Combat Brigade.
McConnell Center spring talks to focus on future of democracy in America
(Dec. 16, 2013) Four events will consider Alexis de Tocqueville's 'Democracy in America' and its impact on the future of democracy.
Scholar volunteers at local food farm
(Jan. 3, 2014) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – McConnell Scholar oSha Shireman ('14) sheds light on importance of Louisville's local food movement
Spencer ('09) named a 2014 New Leaders Council Fellow
(Jan. 24, 2014) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Rudy Spencer, of Louisville, Ky., is one of 15 Kentuckians selected for the 2014 New Leaders Council fellowship.
Five McConnell Scholars advocate for higher education
(Jan. 28, 2014) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Students join the university’s inaugural class of 'Cards in Action' and meet with state officials.
Ft. Thomas Highlands team wins state 'We the People' competition
(Jan. 30, 2014) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – High School students competed at the University of Louisville's McConnell Center to earn a bid to the national 'We the People' civics competition.
'AP Saturday' canceled 2/15 due to inclement weather
(Feb. 14, 2014) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - For more information, contact Trisha Vaughn, Civic Education Coordinator, at trisha.vaughn@louisville.edu or call (502) 852-8811.
Director weighs in on Franklin Opus' presidential survey panel
(February 17, 2014) McConnell Center director Gary Gregg, PhD, serves as a senior fellow at Franklin's Opus.
Teachers to help revive Daniel Boone's legacy in social studies curriculum
(Feb. 26, 2014) Professional development opportunity will consider the historical, geographic and cultural legacy of Daniel Boone in the eastern Kentucky region.
McConnell Center to host US Sen. Kelly Ayotte
U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire will speak at the University of Louisville March 17 as a guest of the university’s McConnell Center.
Imel ('14) to join Alabama's clinical geropsychology doctoral program
Jewell ('17) presents 100 pocket-size US constitutions to Central High School
(March 25, 2014) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Scholar presents gift to high school alma mater.
Waters ('14) successfully defends honors thesis
(March 28, 2014) Meghan Waters, of Campbell County, Ky., earned summa cum laude distinction by completing the project.
Shireman ('14) among top finalists for 'Lots of Possibility' competition
(April 2, 2014) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - McConnell Scholar proposes turning vacant Louisville properties into lavender gardens.
Perry co-edits book on George H.W. Bush presidency
(April 2, 2014) - Barbara Perry is a senior fellow at the University of Virginia's Miller Center and a non-resident McConnell Center Fellow.
Whitlock interns in KY general assembly
(April 16, 2014) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - McConnell Scholar Ben Whitlock completed a three-month-long student internship in Frankfort.
Haque named McConnell Center 'Debate Series Champion'
(April 15, 2014) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - McConnell Scholar Arsh Haque wins annual debate series in overtime round.
Scholars elect new council, Southard to chair McConnell Scholars Program
(April 22, 2014) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Sean Southard ('15), of Owensboro, Ky., is elected chair of the McConnell Scholars Program.
McConnell Scholars (’15) headed to People’s Republic of China to study, travel
(May 7, 2014) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The Junior McConnell Scholars will spend a month studying and traveling with UofL professor Dr. Hua in Shanghi, Beijing and Xi’an.
Smith, Young to intern in Sen. McConnell's DC office
(May 5, 2014) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Sophomore McConnell Scholars Natalie Smith and Mary Elizabeth Young will spend six weeks as legislative interns in the Minority Leader's Washington, DC, office.
Thomas ('15) spent semester in Morocco studying Arabic and Middle Eastern politics, traveling
(May 6, 2014) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Junior McConnell Scholar Joel Thomas spent a semester in Morocco studying Arabic and Middle Eastern politics and traveling throughout the country.
APPLY NOW: Teacher Scholars Program applications now available for KY educators
(May 12, 2014) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Applications for the McConnell Center's Teacher Scholars Program are now available for KY educators K-12. The priority consideration deadline is June 13th.
Senior McConnell Scholars graduated Saturday; post-grad plans include law school, Teach for America
(May 13, 2014) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Eight McConnell Scholars graduated May 10, and their post-graduate plans include law school and Teach for America.
Zoeller ('16) spent semester in Argentina studying, working
(May 14, 2014) BUENOS AIRES, Arg. – Sophomore McConnell Scholar Chloe Zoeller spent a semester studying at the University of Belgrano and the University of Buenos Aires and working with a local high school.
McConnell Scholars elected, appointed to top student leadership positions
(May 8, 2014) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Next year, several McConnell Scholars will serve in some of UofL's top student leadership positions.
Grout to intern at The Heritage Foundation this summer
(May 12, 2014) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Sophomore McConnell Scholar Kevin Grout has been selected to intern at the B. Kenneth Simon Center for Principles and Politics at The Heritage Foundation in Washington, DC.