UK Graduate School hosts Lyman T. Johnson Fellowship Ceremony, builds community of fellows
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 11, 2024) — Eighty University of Kentucky graduate students were honored during the inaugural Graduate School Certificate Ceremony for Lyman T. Johnson Fellows last month.
The Lyman T. Johnson Fellowship is one of the UK’s most prestigious, regularly awarded fellowships for graduate students. During the last quarter-century, the fellowship has been given to more than 800 incoming and continuing graduate students in just about every graduate program.
The Graduate School hosted its inaugural ceremony specifically for graduate students, celebrating those that have been awarded the Lyman T. Johnson Fellowship. The event marked the 75th anniversary of Lyman T. Johnson’s successful lawsuit against UK, resulting in him becoming the first African American student at the university, enrolling as a graduate student. In addition to the fellowship in his name, Johnson’s legacy is woven into the fabric of UK in very many ways: the UK Alumni Association Lyman T. Johnson African American Alumni Constituency Group; the Lyman T. Johnson Torch of Excellence Awards Luncheon; the Lyman T. Johnson Torch of Excellence Awards; the Lyman T. Johnson Torch Bearer Awards; the Lyman T. Johnson Endowed Scholarship Fund; a historical marker; and a named residence hall.
At the celebration, awardees reflected on the significance of the 75th anniversary and Johnson’s legacy, while enjoying a morning of networking, community and connection. The Graduate School expects this to be an annual event that will build this special community to include fellowship alumni as well.
The fellows were filled with excitement and pride that was nearly palpable throughout the Martin Luther King Center. Dean Padraic Kenney of the Graduate School gave remarks reflecting on the importance of this ceremony for graduate students.
“It is thus fitting that we honor his legacy by awarding fellowships to our best graduate students. You are here today as part of a community of scholars, one that stretches back over the decades. You have been distinguished by your high academic achievement and by your record of advocating for and working to achieve the values espoused by Lyman T. Johnson. My sincere congratulations on your achievements. I look forward to hearing about your continued success — and I pledge that the Graduate School, together with your graduate program, will support you as you pursue your goals.”
The full list of 2024-25 fellowship award recipients is here.
For more than 25 years, the Graduate School at UK has administered and awarded the prestigious Lyman T. Johnson Fellowship, among other prestigious fellowships, which provide financial assistance to graduate and doctoral students pursuing higher education.
Highly competitive fellowships such as the Lyman T. Johnson Fellowship offer awardees funding and a stipend for students entering one of the many graduate programs at UK. Applicants must describe, in an essay, how their pursuit of graduate education reflects the values of the fellowship’s namesake. Applicants are also evaluated based on an individualized assessment which includes leadership experience, extracurricular activities, awards, community services, recommendation letters, and academic preparation and promise.
About the Lyman T. Johnson Fellowships
A fellowship is a short term, paid opportunity that provides financial support for students to use for a variety of activities, including academic study, research and/or professional development. Fellowships are typically merit-based and competitive and may include working responsibilities. However, the academic fellowships supported by the Graduate School are considered “nonservice” meaning there is no additional work involved and students are expected to use the fellowship to focus on their academic studies while relieving some of the financial burden associated with their degree program.
Seniors and incoming first-year graduate students are eligible to apply for the Graduate School’s Lyman T. Johnson Fellowship, which provides one year of support. Applications open Jan. 6 via the Graduate School’s website. A complete list of Graduate School fellowship opportunities is also posted.
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