McConnell Scholar graduates head to careers in law, teaching

Eight McConnell Scholars graduated May 13 from the University of Louisville. Their time as McConnell Scholars culminated with a “senior send-off” dinner April 23 at the PNC Club at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao, along with UofL Acting Provost Dale Billingsley, delivered remarks to the graduates.

The Center extends its congratulations to the graduated students on their collegiate achievements and wishes them well on their future endeavors. 

• Jacob Abrahamson, of Bowling Green, KY, earned a bachelor’s degree in history and political science. He will attend the University of Pennsylvania Law School. 
• Jeremy Ball, of Manchester, Ky., earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and economics with a minor in international business. He received a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship to Malaysia.
• Alicia Humphrey, of Paducah, Ky., earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and English with minors in Spanish & Latin American/Latino studies. She will attend the University of Pennsylvania Law School.
• Jason Jewell, of Louisville, Ky., earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and economics. He will serve with the Teach for America corps in Dallas.
• Diana Lalata, of Louisville, Ky., earned a bachelor’s degree in English and political science with minors in Spanish and social change and a certificate in peace, justice, and conflict transformation. She will be the Dean of Faculty for Breakthrough Collaborative in Cincinnati before pursuing a degree in education.
• Landon Lauder, of Russell, Ky., earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and psychology with a minor in social change and a certificate in peace, justice, and conflict transformation. He will attend Boston University on a full fellowship in pursuit of a PhD in sociology. 
• Aaron Vance, of Vine Grove, Ky., earned a bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in anthropology. He will attend Indiana University’s Maurer School of Law.
• Hannah Wilson, of Bradfordsville, Ky., earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and political science. She will intern with the Council of State Governments in Washington, D.C., before pursuing an MPA in 2018. She earned Kentucky’s only Truman Scholarship in 2016.