Archived News

Scholars to compete in regional moot court
(Nov. 12, 2015) TAMPA, Fla. – Two teams of McConnell Scholars head to moot court regional competition this weekend.
Whitlock graduates from Kentucky State Police Academy
(Nov. 24, 2015) FRANKFORT, Ky. - Alumnus Benjamin Whitlock joins Post 3 as a Kentucky state trooper.
Scholars help winterize homes through Project Warm
(Nov. 22, 2015) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - McConnell Scholars participate in their annual group service, Project Warm.
Scholars finish among top 16 teams in regional tourney
Center kicks-off 25th anniversary with series on 'Citizens & Statesmen'
(Jan. 7, 2016) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The American Council of Trustees and Alumni recently named the Center “an oasis of excellence in higher education.”
Gregg leads civic symposium at alma mater
(JAN 12, 2016) ELKINS, W. Va. — McConnell Center Director Gary Gregg travels to Davis & Elkins College to deliver a lecture on American political institutions.
Year-long invitation to celebrate Center's 25th anniversary
(Jan. 4, 2016) McConnell Center Director Gary Gregg invites students, teachers and the public to join Center's 25th anniversary programs and events.
Feinn receives 'Readers Choice Award'
(Jan. 15, 2016) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Isaac Feinn writes most popular blog on 'The McConnell Center Life.'
Scholars participate in national conference in D.C.
(Jan. 15, 2015) WASHINGTON, D.C. – Three freshmen Scholars spend week at nation's capital
#25Faces: Founding Director Paul J. Weber
(Jan. 19, 2016) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Paul J. Weber, PhD, the founding director of the McConnell Center, is the first in our profile series on "25 Faces" of faculty, friends and McConnell Scholar alumni.
#25Faces: Meagan Floyd
(Feb. 9, 2016) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Meagan Floyd, a 2013 graduate of the McConnell Scholars Program, is the second in our profile series on "25 Faces" of faculty, friends and McConnell Scholar alumni.
Batter up: History of Center's Slugger collection
(Jan. 21, 2016) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Autographed bat display features lineup of Center's Distinguished Speaker Series.
Center co-sponsors documentary on Lincoln’s deep ties to Kentucky
(Jan. 26, 2016) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The McConnell Center is one of several sponsors of the film, produced by Witnessing History, LLC.
Ft. Thomas Highlands team wins state 'We The People' competition
(Jan. 26, 2016) 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.
Grout ('16) named Mr. Cardinal
(Feb. 2, 2016) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Senior McConnell Scholar Kevin Grout receives recognition for his leadership, scholarship and service to UofL.
Patriot Games: McConnell Scholars help craft U.S. Senate teaching tool
(Feb. 15, 2015) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Students researched post-9/11 legislation to provide content for a computer game for the new Edward M. Kennedy Institute in Boston.
#25Faces: Benjamin Moore
The McConnell Center is celebrating 25 years of excellence in higher education in 2016. As part of our yearlong effort to honor those 25 years, we are profiling “25 Faces” of faculty, friends and McConnell Scholar alumni.
Vance ('17) becomes 6th Scholar elected student body president
(Feb. 24, 2016) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Aaron Vance, of Vine Grove, Ky., won last week's campus election with 75 percent of the vote.
March 7: Parking Information
The McConnell Center recommends the following parking location for tonight's public talk featuring Kent Masterson Brown.
Pepper ('18) receives Critical Language Scholarship
(March 9, 2016) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – McConnell Scholar Anna Cecile Pepper will study Arabic for 10 weeks this summer in the Middle East.
New York Times bestseller Jay Winik to visit McConnell Center
(March 17, 2016) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Jay Winik’s free, public talk on “1944: FDR, Statesmanship and the Year that Changed America” will begin at 6 p.m., April 4, at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium’s PNC Club, with a reception and book signing to follow.
Scholars lead, serve over spring break
(March 18, 2016) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – McConnell Scholars lead, study and serve while traveling the country during UofL's spring break.
Ball ('17) receives Critical Language Scholarship
(April 7, 2016) LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- McConnell Scholar Jeremy Ball will study Arabic for 10 weeks this summer in the Middle East.
Manns receives Henry Clay Cup for Exemplary Service in Civic Education
(April 8, 2016) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Social studies specialist honored for career dedicated to improving civic education in Kentucky.
#25Faces: Matthew Webster
The McConnell Center is celebrating 25 years of excellence in higher education in 2016. As part of our yearlong effort to honor those 25 years, we are profiling “25 Faces” of faculty, friends and McConnell Scholar alumni.
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Class of 1996
Shepherd ('14) elected SBA President at NYU Law School
(April 22, 2016) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – McConnell Scholar alumnus Evan Shepherd (Hopkins County, ’14) was elected president of the Student Bar Association at the New York University School of Law, where he enters his third-year.
#25Faces: Thomas C. Mackey, PhD
(April 25, 2016) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The McConnell Center is celebrating 25 years of excellence in higher education in 2016. As part of our yearlong effort to honor those 25 years, we are profiling “25 Faces” of faculty, friends and McConnell Scholar alumni.
Nine graduate from McConnell Scholars Program
(April 27, 2016) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Graduating seniors headed to law school, TFA, Fulbright and Capitol Hill.
Archivist receives 2016 Chris Mattingly Award
April 27, 2016 – Deborah Skaggs Speth, archivist for the U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell and Sec. of Labor Elaine L. Chao Archives, is the 19th recipient of the Chris Mattingly Award for Outstanding Community Leadership in Kentucky.
Three Scholars help welcome new students during summer orientation
(April 29, 2016) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Three McConnell Scholars are among those helping new University of Louisville students transition from high school to college life this summer.
McConnell Scholars conclude journey through Dante's Hell
(April 29, 2015) LOUISVILLE, Ky. –The Center’s “Dante Society,” led by UofL professor Andrew Rabin, explored Dante's “Inferno.”
Gies earns Madden Award, Deans Citation
(May 5, 2016) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - McConnell Center civics coordinator graduates with UofL history degree May 14.
Gassman ('18) to intern for Library of Congress
(May 20, 2016) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - McConnell Scholar Robert Gassman will spend 10 weeks as a Junior Fellow at the United States Library of Congress.
Dahmer ('13) pursues PhD in Celtic studies at University of Edinburgh
(May 25, 2016) LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Alumnus Adam Dahmer reflects on his long and winding path to the British Isles.
Center honors Ramsey as part of 25th anniversary celebrations
(July 5, 2016) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The McConnell Center, celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2016, presented UofL President James Ramsey with a commemorative gift.
Cobb wins Kentucky Choice, Henry French Quality of Life awards
(July 8, 2016) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – McConnell Scholar Sidney Cobb finished among the top 11 in last week's Miss Kentucky competition.
Bevin appoints Adams ('98) to state board of elections
(July 19, 2016) FRANKFORT, Ky. – Gov. Matt Bevin appointed McConnell Scholar alumnus Michael G. Adams ('98) last week.
Moot Court program ranked among top 20 nationally
(Aug. 25, 2016) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The McConnell Center's moot court team has enjoyed continued success at regional and national levels.
McConnell Center sponsors panel at annual APSA meeting
(Sept. 1, 2016) PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – Scholars consider how friendship among political leaders translates into a politics of statesmanship during periods of political transformations.
McConnell Center celebrates Constitution Day with debate, cupcakes
(Sept. 15, 2016) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – As the University of Louisville's sponsor for U.S. Constitution Day, the McConnell Center invites the UofL and greater Louisville community to join us for a series of events designed to commemorate the 1787 signing of the pivotal document.
Hutchison (’18) to travel to Israel
(September 19, 2016) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – McConnell Scholar Ronica Hutchison will take a 10-day, all-expenses-paid journey through Israel in December.
Wilson (’17) to speak at UofL Accolade
(Sept. 22, 2016) LOUISVILLE, Ky.—McConnell Scholar Hannah Wilson will be a featured speaker at Saturday’s campus accolade for top high school seniors.
Top social studies teachers accepted to center’s professional development series
(Sept. 22, 2016) LOUISVILLE, Ky.— Twenty-three Kentucky social studies teachers will participate in the McConnell Center’s Teacher Scholars Program.
John Adams announced as winner of Constitution Day debate
(Sept. 16, 2016) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The McConnell hosts two scholars in final installment of popular debate series
Robert Works (’10) named Penn Kemble Fellow
(September 26, 2016) WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Fellowship given to young, foreign-policy focused professionals in D.C.
McConnell Center’s Strategic Broadening Seminar announces 2016 graduates
(July 1, 2016) LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- The McConnell Center honored its third class of U.S. Army Strategic Broadening Seminar (SBS) graduates.
A note from Macey Mayes, outreach chair
(Sept. 28, 2016) LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Scholar shares helpful hints for upcoming application process.
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McConnell Center to host U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa)
McConnell Scholar alum named ABC Commissioner
(Oct. 10, 2016) LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Christy Trout ('99) is the first woman appointed to the position.
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McConnell Center director featured on 'UofL Today'
(Oct. 27, 2016) LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Gary Gregg discussed the 2016 presidential elections with other UofL experts.
McConnell Scholar published on Library of Congress website
(Nov. 18, 2016) LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Robert Gassman ('18) wrote piece while a Junior Fellow in the Educational Outreach Division
Scholars attend West Point conference on democracy and democratization
(Nov. 14, 2016) LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Two McConnell Scholars participated in West Point Academy’s Student Conference on U.S. Affairs (SCUSA).
Morley ('13) elected to Kentucky Education Association
(Dec. 20, 2016) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Alumnus to represent Jefferson County Teachers Association on state education board.
McConnell Center kicks off spring schedule with focus on the US presidency
The McConnell Center is hosting four free, public events as part of its spring 2017 “Promises and Perils of the American Presidency” public lecture series.
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Ft. Thomas Highlands team with Ky. Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes
Highlands High School wins Ky. 'We the People' contest, advances to D.C.
(Jan. 26, 2017) 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.
McConnell Scholars travel to Harvard to study 2016 election
(Jan. 31, 2017) LOUISVILLE, Ky.—Robert Gassman (’18) and Frank Bencomo-Suarez (’18) will participate in the Harvard Institute of Politics’ National Campaign conference
Gregg delivers Kent Kirwan lecture at University of Nebraska Omaha
(Jan. 31, 2017) McConnell Center director discusses the future of the Electoral College with UNO faculty, students and community members.
Ballard ('04) named new state public health epidemiologist
(March 6, 2017) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Jonathan Ballard, MD, a 2004 graduate of the McConnell Scholars Program, has been appointed as the new state public health epidemiologist and director of the Division of Epidemiology and Health Planning in the Kentucky Department for Public Health.
A note regarding the Center's 2017 Strategic Broadening Seminar for the U.S. Army
(March 10, 2017) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Information related to the McConnell Center's anticipated fourth iteration of SBS.
Teacher Scholars visit James Madison’s Montpelier
(March 13, 2017) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Pair considers the role of the presidency and the U.S. Constitution in professional development seminar in Virginia.
McConnell Center to examine 'The Cult of the American President'
(March 16, 2017) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Talk will be third installment of McConnell Center's "Promises & Perils of the American Presidency" public lecture series.
Kentucky teachers, students sample college-level economics through new Center collaboration
(March 28, 2017) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – A new collaboration between the McConnell Center and FreedomTrust will allow Kentucky teachers and students to sample college-level economics and philosophy through lectures, economic experiments and discussion.
Gassman, Mayes elected to top Scholar positions
(April 18, 2017) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The council of six will represent their fellow scholars to the University of Louisville and the community at large.
Weber earns positions at New Leaders Council, American Bar Association
(April 27, 2017) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – 2012 McConnell Center alumnus John Weber has received numerous recognitions in his time at the University of Louisville’s Brandeis School of Law
McConnell Center Teacher Scholar named James Madison Fellow
(May 12, 2017) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Kendrick Bryan, a social studies teacher at LaRue County High School in Hodgenville, was recognized by the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation.
Fielder to intern in D.C. with national YMCA
(May 22, 2017) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Scholar will focus on legislative policies related to youth development and charitable giving.
Kolyaskina earns Library of Congress internship
(May 11, 2017) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - McConnell Scholar will spend 10 weeks as a junior fellow at the Library of Congress.
Six McConnell Scholars to spend a month in China
(May 23, 2017) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - McConnell Scholars will spend four weeks in the People's Republic of China.
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Chloe Zoeller, '16, in her Fulbright Colombia portrait.
Zoeller returns from Fulbright, plans for future
(June 8, 2017) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - McConnell alumna Chloe Zoeller set to attend the London School of Economics and Political Science in the fall.
McConnell Scholar graduates head to careers in law, teaching
(June 12, 2017) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Graduating seniors excel academically during time at UofL
Three McConnell Scholars travel to Panama
(June 12, 2017) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Students received six credit hours for courses taken in the Central American country.
Scholar earns Fulbright assistantship to Malaysia
(May 31, 2017) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Jeremy Ball ('17) to begin Fulbright experience in January.
New exhibit features timeline, spoofs of Senator McConnell’s political career
(July 12, 2017) By Matt Lambert, UofL Office of Communication & Marketing
McConnell Center kicks off fall schedule with focus on foreign affairs
(Aug. 8, 2017) Louisville, Ky. – The McConnell Center will host three free events as part of its fall 2017 “Friends or Foes: U.S. Foreign Policy in Russia & China” public lecture series.
Moot court team prepares for regional competition
(Dec. 1, 2017) SAGINAW, Mich. – The McConnell Center's moot court team competes this weekend.
Scholars earn national tourney bids
(Dec. 5, 2017) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Four Scholars advance in moot court competition.
McConnell Center lecture series considers future of Kentucky health
(Jan. 9, 2018) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The McConnell Center at the University of Louisville is kicking off its spring lecture series with a Jan. 24 discussion on food insecurity.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer to speak at UofL
Feb. 12 event is through the McConnell Center's distinguished speaker program
Noble wins Henry Clay Scholarship, begins internship with Senate Democratic Leader
(June 5, 2018) Washington, DC – McConnell Scholar earned $4,000 stipend for summer internship with US Sen. Chuck Schumer.
Center congratulates McConnell for milestone
(June 12, 2018) LOUISVILLE, Ky.–U.S. Senate Majority Mitch McConnell becomes longest-serving Republican Leader in history of U.S. Senate.
McConnell Center talks examine American political life and culture
(Aug. 14, 2018) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – All events are free and open to the public.
McConnell Center to host CIA Director Gina Haspel
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – CIA Director Gina Haspel will be at the University of Louisville September 24 to take part in the McConnell Center’s Distinguished Speaker Series.
WATCH LIVE - CIA Director Gina Haspel speaks as McConnell Center guest
(Sept. 24, 2018) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Haspel will be interviewed by fellow UofL graduate Scott Jennings.
CIA director, UofL alum outlines priorities
(Sept. 24, 2018) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – By Cindy Hess, UofL's Office of Communications & Marketing
Suu Kyi speaks about freedom, democracy at UofL
Sept. 24, 2012 - by Janene Zaccone, University of Louisville Communications and Marketing
Fellow publishes Charles Carroll biography
Feb. 18, 2010 - Dr. Bradley J. Birzer, a McConnell Center non-resident fellow, pens a biography of the last living signer of the Declaration of Independence.
Governor appoints McConnell Center Fellow to civil war commission
Mar. 8, 2010 - Dr. John E. Kleber joins the Kentucky Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission.
Alumni News: Lofton ('09) passes the Ky. bar exam
Oct. 10, 2012 - McConnell Scholar alumnus Mauricus Lofton joins the Ky. Bar Association.
Alumni News: Kiser ('12) named honor advocate at Washington & Lee University
Oct. 11, 2012 - McConnell Scholar alumnus Eric Kiser has been selected to guide students through the university's judicial process.
Pittman named to homecoming court
(Oct. 15, 2012) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Junior Hunter Pittman has been named to the 2012 Homecoming Court at the University of Louisville.
Center director to defend electoral college at Lafayette College debate
Oct. 23, 2012 - McConnell Center Director Gary L. Gregg will face University of Kansas political science professor Bird Loomis in debate over the future of the electoral college.
McConnell Center fellow edits volume on Civil War history
Nov. 8, 2012 - Thomas Mackey, PhD, a University of Louisville history professor, is the editor of "A Documentary History of the American Civil War Era, Volume 1."
Statement on Veteran's Day
Nov. 9, 2012 - The McConnell Center honors alumni and all military officers on Veteran's Day weekend.
Gregg to defend the electoral college on 'Kentucky Tonight'
Nov. 12, 2012 - Gary Gregg, director of the McConnell Center at the University of Louisville, is a featured panelist on KET's 'Kentucky Tonight.'
Fellow writes book on political matriarch Rose Kennedy
Nov. 12, 2012 - Barbara A. Perry, a political science professor at the University of Virginia's Miller Center, is the author of 'Rose Kennedy: The Life and Times of a Political Matriarch.'