McConnell Center

In his latest McConnell Center blog post, Robel Schwarz ’27 shares an original poem reflecting the restless pursuit of success.

Read More: http://themcconnellcenter.blogspot.com/2025/03/the-gliding-cage.html

Freshman Spotlight 🤩

We are excited to highlight Trey Stephens '28! Trey is from Columbia, KY and attended Adair County High School, where he was Student Board of Education Representative, Captain of the Academic Team, Future Business Leaders of America officer, Student Ambassador, BETA club member, and varsity tennis athlete. At , he studies political science and is a member of the Honors College as well as the McConnell Center's Moot Court Team. Welcome, Trey! ❤️

After today...that’s a wrap on spring 2025 classes at University of Louisville! 🌸

Dr. Gregg closed out the semester by taking his Political Leadership class—made up of freshman and sophomore —outside for their final session.

Good luck to all our students during finals week—finish strong! 💪📚

In her latest McConnell Center blog post, Riley Maddox ’27 opens up about how journaling has become her safe space for self-reflection and growth.

Read More: http://themcconnellcenter.blogspot.com/2025/03/dear-eugene.html

We’re proud to recognize the incredible dedication and leadership of several of our who recently have been honored by the UofL Office of Student Engagement for their outstanding service and contributions:

President's Volunteer Service Award:
Grant Avis ’26, Riley Maddox '27, Clara Heberling '28, Leo Tobbe '28, Luke Taylor ’27, and Macy Waddle ’26

Outstanding Freshman Student Award: Ozy Anyanwu ’28

Fraternity & Sorority Life Rising Leader of the Year Award: Clara Heberling '28

Your commitment to service and leadership inspires us all!

In her latest blog post, Kara Beth Poe '27 shares her reflections on the significance of her double name and how it has shaped her identity.

Read More: http://themcconnellcenter.blogspot.com/2025/03/my-name-is-kara-beth-not-kara.html

In his latest blog post, Tom Kurtz '27 shares his gratitude to University Louisville basketball coach Pat Kelsey and his efforts in restoring school spirit.

Read More: http://themcconnellcenter.blogspot.com/2025/03/never-delaying-gravity.html

In this week's WHY YOU SHOULD READ episode, Dr. Gary Gregg explores the enduring significance of Addison’s Cato, often hailed as “the play that made America.” Watch on YouTube or listen via the McConnell Center Podcast!

Why You Should Read Addison's Cato | Dr. Gary Gregg Join the in welcoming Dr. Gary Gregg as he attempts to convince us of the importance of Addison's Cato!Gary L. Gregg, PhD, directs the McCon...

Congratulations to Macy Waddle '26, Grant Avis '26, and Kathleen Price '27 on their recent election as members of the UofL Student Government Association's (SGA) Top 4. Top 4 is the name given to SGA's Executive Cabinet, which consists of Student Body President, Executive Vice President, Academic Vice President, and the Services Vice President.

Waddle will serve as Student Body President, Price will serve as Academic Vice President, and Avis will serve as Services Vice President after winning campus-wide elections earlier this semester. Well done, Scholars! 👏

LEARN MORE: https://louisville.edu/mcconnellcenter/news/archived/mcconnell-scholars-lead-the-way-in-uofl2019s-student-government-for-2025-26

In his latest blog post, Jacob Crowley ’27 reflects on his spring break trip to Canada, offering insights on the impact of recent US tariffs.

Read More: http://themcconnellcenter.blogspot.com/2025/03/canada-amid-tariffs.html

This afternoon, Dr. Gregg joined current cadets for a conversation on George Washington’s Newburgh Address—reflecting on timeless lessons in leadership, loyalty, and service.

Greta Noble '25 reminisces about her high school senior year experience, comparing it to her current experience, in her final blog post as a McConnell Scholar.

Read More: http://themcconnellcenter.blogspot.com/2025/03/71-days.html

McConnell Center Fellow John Kleber, PhD continues our WHY YOU SHOULD READ series with a compelling case for Henry David Thoreau's Walden. Watch: https://youtu.be/oSDnue-2wdQ?feature=shared

Why You Should Read Henry David Thoreau's Walden | Dr. John Kleber Join the in welcoming Dr. John Kleber as he attempts to convince us of the importance of reading Henry David Thoreau's Walden!Dr. John Klebe...

Our next Freshman Spotlight is Caroline Bergin '28! 💡

Caroline is from Louisville, KY and attended DuPont Manual High School/Youth Performing Arts School, where she was cross country and track and field athlete, a J&C - Journalism & Communication magnet, Dupont Manual HS student, involved in the Creative Writing Club, and was an exchange student in Germany. At UofL she studies political science on an international relations track, and minors in German. She is a member of the University of Louisville Chi Omega Women's Fraternity and is a Raise RED Dance Marathon staff member. Welcome, Caroline!

McConnell Scholar alumna Macey Mayes '18 has built a career in international trade & diplomacy, studying across China, Thailand, the UK, and Indonesia with support from the the McConnell Center, the Boren, & Fulbright programs. Now, she’s driving global initiatives as an International Program Specialist at the US Department of Commerce! 🇺🇸 🗺️

Learn more about Macey's journey: https://louisville.edu/mcconnellcenter/news/alumni-spotlight-macey-mayes

Will VonHandorf '25 writes about the process of moving on to a new chapter of life in his final blog post as a graduating McConnell Scholar.

Read More: http://themcconnellcenter.blogspot.com/2025/03/im-movin-out.html

Congratulations to McConnell Scholar alumnus Benjamin Moore '06 on his new position as Director of Guest Experience at The Filson Historical Society!

Next in our WHY YOU SHOULD READ series: Dr. Steve Ealy breaks down why All the King’s Men by Robert Penn Warren is a must-read! 📖 This classic text is a key part of the McConnell Scholars Program curriculum—find out why it’s so impactful. Watch: https://youtu.be/GVeZpWFfKJM?feature=shared

Why You Should Read Robert Penn Warren's All the King's Men | Dr. Steve Ealy Join the in welcoming Dr. Steve Ealy as he attempts to convince us of the importance of the book All the King's Men by Robert Penn Warren!St...