Spring Commencement

As our spring semester comes to a close, it is once again time to congratulate our student scholars. On Saturday, May 10, we will recognize their achievements and celebrate their future during our 147th Commencement Ceremonies.
 

It has been my pleasure to watch these students grow as leaders and scholars. The campus community should be proud of their dedication inside and outside of the classroom as they leave a great legacy of success and service at the University of Kentucky.
 

This weekend’s ceremonies will include speeches from two of the many student leaders leaving our campus to take the next step in their lives. We will hear from Emily Willett at our 1 p.m. ceremony. Emily is graduating summa cum laude with a degree in management from the Gatton College of Business and Economics. She has been involved in many organizations on campus, including the UK Women’s Choir, Student Government and DanceBlue.
 

Our 6 p.m. speaker, Pooja Reddy, is graduating cum laude with a degree in psychology from the College of Arts and Sciences. Some of her many achievements include serving as the co-creator for the “Get Fit, Get Active” initiative and working with the World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland. These two women exemplify the qualities that our students all strive to attain.
 

During our 9 a.m. ceremony honoring our graduate and professional students, we will bestow two honorary degrees. One to a Kentucky native who has led Norfolk State University for more than 22 years. The other to a long-time business leader, philanthropist, and proud University of Kentucky advocate and friend.
 

To our graduates, we say thank you. Your time on campus has been extraordinary, and we are proud of all that you have achieved. Your constant ability to embody our “see blue.” spirit has made you perfect representatives of your alma mater.
 

To those of you returning in the fall, I challenge you to volunteer as leaders and fill the roles that our graduates leave behind. Together we can further improve our campus community.
 

To the entire UK family, have a safe and wonderful summer, and always remember to “see blue.”