Archived News

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.
Smith named 2014-2015 ISI Honors Fellow; one of 60 nationwide
(May 13, 2014) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Sophomore McConnell Scholar Natalie Smith was one of 60 nationwide named as a 2014-2015 Honors Fellows at the Intercollegiate Studies Institute.
Humphrey to intern at Library of Congress
(May 14, 2014) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Freshman McConnell Scholar Alicia Humphrey will spend 10 weeks as a Junior Fellow with the Library of Congress in Washington, DC.
Moore (’16) spends semester abroad at University of Westminster
(May 15, 2014) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Sophomore McConnell Scholar Philip Moore recently returned from a semester abroad in London, England, where he completed a law internship and studied at the University of Westminster.
Four McConnell Scholars complete UofL’s ‘Task Force Freshman’
(May 19, 2014) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Freshman McConnell Scholars Jason Jewell, Advocate Scott, Landon Lauder and Aaron Vance completed the Student Government Association’s Executive Branch freshman mentoring program.
Humphrey named Freshman LEAD director, three Scholars complete leadership program
(May 20, 2014) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Freshman McConnell Scholars Jeremy Ball, Diana Lalata and Alicia Humphrey were three of 60 students who completed the University of Louisville's Freshman LEAD Program.
Jewell ('17) co-hosts radio show on WLOU 104.7
(May 19, 2014) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Freshman McConnell Scholar Jason Jewel co-hosts “Brothers Helping Brothers” with Jerald Muhammad on Saturdays at 4 p.m. on WLOU 104.7.
Ball, Lalata to spend summer orienting new UofL students
(May 13, 2014) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Freshmen McConnell Scholars Jeremy Ball and Diana Lalata will serve as UofL Student Orientation Staffers for Summer 2014.
Center to host high-level Army seminar
(May 30, 2014) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Center welcomes 30 mid-career US Army officers to the University of Louisville.
Allen earns UofL history scholarship
(June 3, 2014) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Sophomore McConnell Scholar Victoria Allen was awarded the UofL Department of History’s Harry L. and Cecilia H. Smith Endowed scholarship.
Moore (’16) earns full scholarship to Spanish immersion program in California
(June 20, 2014) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Sophomore McConnell Scholar Philip Moore will attend a Spanish immersion program in Oakland, Calif.
McConnell Center named 1 of 50 "Oases of Excellence"
(June 12, 2014) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - A non-profit organization that encourages academic freedom, excellence and accountability at U.S. colleges and universities has cited the University of Louisville’s McConnell Center as one of the best programs of its kind in the nation.
Southard (’15) to intern at RunSwitch, a PR firm
(June 12, 2014) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – McConnell Scholar Sean Southard will intern at RunSwitch, a PR firm cofounded by McConnell Scholar alum Scott Jennings (’00), this summer.
Buckley (’07) joins Goss Samford as an associate attorney
(June 14, 2014) LEXINGTON, Ky. – McConnell Scholar alumnus Evan Buckley joined Goss Samford, PLLC, as an associate attorney.
Bencomo earns McConnell scholarship to the University of Louisville
(June 14, 2014) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Frank Bencomo, of Louisville, Ky., has been named a McConnell Scholar at the University of Louisville.
Bush earns McConnell scholarship to the University of Louisville
(June 14, 2014) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Christian Bush, of Louisville, Ky., has been named a McConnell Scholar at the University of Louisville.
Gassman earns McConnell scholarship to the University of Louisville
(June 14, 2014) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Robert Gassman, of Louisville, Ky., has been named a McConnell Scholar at the University of Louisville.
Hilbrecht earns McConnell Scholarship to the University of Louisville
(June 14, 2014) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Kyle Hilbrecht, of Louisville, Ky., has been named a McConnell Scholar at the University of Louisville.
Holland earns McConnell scholarship to the University of Louisville
(June 14, 2014) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Ocey Holland, of Louisville, Ky., has been named a McConnell Scholar at the University of Louisville.
Hutchinson earns McConnell scholarship to the University of Louisville
(June 14, 2014) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Ronica Hutchison, of Falmouth, Ky., has been named a McConnell Scholar at the University of Louisville.
Lawson-Mayes earns McConnell scholarship to the University of Louisville
(June 14, 2014) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - X’Zashea Lawson-Mayes, of Cadiz, Ky., has been named a McConnell Scholar at the University of Louisville.
Lentsch earns McConnell scholarship to the University of Louisville
(June 14, 2014) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Phillip Lentsch, of Louisville, Ky., has been named a McConnell Scholar at the University of Louisville.
Mayes earns McConnell scholarship to the University of Louisville
(June 14, 2014) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Macey Mayes, of Central City, Ky., has been named a McConnell Scholar at the University of Louisville.
Pepper earns McConnell scholarship to the University of Louisville
(June 14, 2014) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Anna Cecile Pepper, of Elizabethtown, Ky., has been named a McConnell Scholar at the University of Louisville.
McConnell Center hosts 24 high school students for Young Leaders Academy
(June 16, 2014) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The University of Louisville's McConnell Center will host 24 high school students from across the state for its Young Leaders Academy, scheduled from June 18 to 21.
McConnell Center wishes Vaughn well as family moves to Cleveland
Vance ('17) earns national scholarship from fraternity
(June 18, 2014) LOUISVILLE, Ky.—Aaron Vance, a McConnell Scholar (’17) at the University of Louisville, has earned the Charles M. Shaw Scholarship from Phi Kappa Tau.
McConnell Center to present Kentucky Chautauqua program on Caleb Powers
The Aug. 4 program is part of the McConnell Center's annual leadership retreat with McConnell Scholars to a Kentucky state park.
McConnell Center welcomes 10 new McConnell Scholars
(July 15, 2014) LOUISVILLE, Ky.—The McConnell Center welcomes its 22nd class of McConnell Scholars to the University of Louisville.
28 Ky. teachers complete McConnell Center’s Teachers Scholars Program
(July 17, 2014) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Twenty-eight teachers from across Kentucky have successfully completed the yearlong Teachers Scholars Program through the University of Louisville’s McConnell Center.
30 U.S. Army soldiers complete Center broadening program
(July 17, 2014) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Thirty U.S. Army soldiers stationed around the world converged at the University of Louisville’s McConnell Center during the month of June to enhance and broaden their strategic thinking and leadership skills.
Center launches 'Debating America' fall lecture series
(Aug. 1, 2014) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The University of Louisville's McConnell Center will offer a series of public talks this fall. All events are free and open to the public, unless otherwise noted.
Center welcomes Ben Gies as civics graduate assistant
(Aug. 19, 2014) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Gies will develop civic enrichment programs such as the McConnell Center’s Young Leaders Academy for high school students and facilitate professional development conferences for Kentucky social studies teachers.
McConnell Center sponsors panel at annual APSA meeting
(Aug. 26, 2014) LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Four scholars to consider the intersection of politics and literature at political science conference.
A note from Natalie Smith, outreach director
(Oct. 9, 2014) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – McConnell Scholar Natalie Smith, of Elizabethtown, Ky., invites high school seniors from Kentucky to visit the McConnell Center and apply for the McConnell Scholarship.
Lauder ('17) to attend World Affairs Council's national conference, earns local scholarship
(Oct. 14, 2017) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Landon Lauder, of Russell, Ky., has been selected to participate in the World Affairs Council's national conference.
McConnell Center fellow to deliver 'Presidential All Stars' before UofL homecoming game
(Oct. 17, 2014) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – University of Louisville alumna Barbara Perry, PhD, will explore how presidents use athletics to bolster their political image in the next College of Arts and Sciences pre-game talk.
Thomas, Whitlock invited to attend West Point Academy conference
(Oct. 20, 2014) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Two McConnell Scholars will attend a four-day conference with other civilian student delegates and West Point cadets on "The Politics and Policy of Crisis Management."
Professional development immersion conference for Ky. teachers announced
Nov. 7, 2014 application deadline; conference dates are Feb. 26-March 1, 2015, to St. Louis, MO
McConnell Center partners with James Madison’s Montpelier
(Nov. 12, 2014) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The University of Louisville’s McConnell Center has partnered with the Robert H. Smith Center for the Constitution at James Madison’s Montpelier. The civic education partnership will allow Kentucky social studies teachers in the McConnell Center’s professional development network to further immerse themselves in primary source documents related to the U.S. Constitution.
Memorabilia, civics lessons from McConnell's life, career on display in archives
(Nov. 13, 2014) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) has been in public service for more than 40 years and was just elected by his peers to serve as Senate Majority Leader in the upcoming congress.
Young named president of local Chi Omega sorority
(Dec. 5, 2014) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Mary Elizabeth Young, of Louisville, was recently elected president of her local sorority chapter.
Abrahamson named assistant editor-in-chief
(Dec. 10, 2014) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – McConnell Scholar named second-in-command at student newspaper
United Nations Ambassador Samantha Power to visit McConnell Center
(Dec. 16, 2014) LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Samantha Power, U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, will speak at the University of Louisville Jan. 12 as a guest of the university’s McConnell Center.
McConnell Center extends ‘Debating America’ series
(Dec. 17, 2014) Public invited to series of public talks on overlooked debates, ideas and people
Ambassador becomes 47th distinguished guest speaker at McConnell Center
(Jan. 15, 2015) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Samantha Power, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, was the 47th Distinguished Speaker at the McConnell Center. She is also the third Pulitzer Prize winner to visit the center.
Haque named 14th-best moot court orator in nation
(Jan. 21, 2015) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Senior McConnell Scholars finish among top 48 undergraduate moot court teams in national competition.
Ball receives 'Readers' Choice Award'
(Jan. 28, 2015) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - McConnell Scholar Jeremy Ball writes most popular blog on 'The McConnell Center Life.'
Whitlock, Grout intern with Kentucky Legislative Assembly
(Feb. 3, 2015) FRANKFORT, Ky. – McConnell Scholars intern for Ky. Sen. Pro Tem David Givens.
Smith interns with local literary agency
(Feb. 5, 2015) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – McConnell Scholar Natalie Smith spends the semester interning for Speilburg Literary Agency.
Holland to attend Future Educators national conference
(Feb. 2, 2015) - LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Freshman McConnell Scholar to attend national education conference in Washington, D.C.
Ball to attend Harvard conference
(Feb. 17, 2015) CAMBRIDGE, Mass. - Jeremy Ball selected for the Harvard Kennedy School's Public Policy and Leadership Conference.
Scholars represent UofL in 'Up to Us' competition on national debt
(Feb. 12, 2015) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Four McConnell Scholars help raise campus awareness on long-term national debt.
Three Scholars chosen for UofL's Student Orientation Staff
(Feb. 13, 2015) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Holland, Pepper, and Ball to lead incoming freshman as Student Orientation Staff members.
CIVICS: Professional development trip to Atlanta
(Feb. 6, 2015) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Kentucky social studies teachers are invited to apply for a week-long conference on 'The Intellectual Foundations of Political Economy.' Applications are due March 2.
McConnell Scholar named Miss University of Louisville
(Feb. 23, 2015) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Anna Cecile Pepper wins preliminary competition for Miss Kentucky.
McConnell Scholars participate in the Oxford Society
(Feb. 25, 2015) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - McConnell Scholars study British and Scottish literary works in preparation for trip abroad.
Humphrey, Lalata attend Clinton Global Initiative University
(March 7, 2015) CORAL CABLES, Fla. – Six University of Louisville students attend the eighth annual Clinton Global Initiative University.
Cambron interns with Schneider Electric Energy: Sustainability Services
(March 9, 2015) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Junior McConnell Scholar Katie Cambron to work in the regulated markets department in financial analysis.
Lalata to intern at Library of Congress
(March 9, 2015) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Sophomore Diana Lalata will spend 10 weeks as a Junior Fellow at the United States Library of Congress.
McConnell Scholars participate in raiseRED dance marathon
(March 11, 2015) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - More than McConnell Scholars dance for 18 hours to raise money for pediatric cancer research.