McConnell Scholar Class of 2025

About

William VonHandorf, of Independence, Ky., is a member of the McConnell Scholar Class of 2025 at the University of Louisville. He studies political science.

Honors & Awards

  • University of Louisville Honors Program
  • University of Louisville Dean's Scholar
  • University of Louisville Betty and David Jones Research Scholar
  • Member, Pi Sigma Alpha National Political Science Honors Society
  • Recipient, “Best Delegate” and “Best Diplomat” Awards from 44th Annual ICIP Model United Nations Conference
  • Recipient, "Best Delegate" and "Best Diplomat" Awards from the 43rd Annual ICIP Model United Nations Conference
  • Recipient, "Best Diplomat" Award from the 42nd Annual ICIP Model United Nations Conference

Campus & Extracurricular Involvement

  • President, University of Louisville Model United Nations Team
  • President, University of Louisville Model European Union Team
  • Member, Student Organization for Alumni Relations (SOAR)
  • Chief Justice, University of Louisville Government Association (22-24)
  • Student Leader, 2023 Young Leaders Academy hosted by the McConnell Center

Community Service

  • Volunteer, Kentucky YMCA’s Kentucky Youth Assembly (KYA) and Kentucky YMCA’s Kentucky United Nations Assembly (KUNA)

Internships & Work Experience

  • Law Clerk, Western District of Kentucky United States’ Attorney’s Office
  • Intern, Karen Faulkner for District Judge Campaign

High School

  • William is a graduate of Holy Cross District High School, where he earned salutatorian honors, served as co-president of his KYYMCA Chapter, served as the Chief Justice of the Kentucky Youth Assembly, and received a "Best Delegate" award from the Harvard Model Congress. He is an alumni of the Governor's Scholars Program.

"Entering the McConnell Scholars Class of 2025 is an opportunity for which I am extremely thankful. This program will challenge me to become a more successful, compassionate, and impactful leader because of the impressive programming, the phenomenal scholars, and the passion of all people involved. I am beyond excited to spend the remainder of my time at the University of Louisville as a McConnell Scholar."