McConnell Center

06/12/2026

Anna Bocook ’29 and Macy Waddle ’26 recently attended the 2026 Roots of American Order Summer Certificate Seminar at Pepperdine University’s School of Public Policy. There, they joined students and faculty across the nation to explore the ideas, documents and debates that have shaped American political tradition. Topics included the debates between the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists, as well as the long-lasting influence of these ideas on American government and society. Way to go, Anna and Macy! 📜

06/11/2026

Twelve years ago, the McConnell Center earned national recognition as an "Oasis of Excellence" by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni. The distinction highlights our continued commitment to academic excellence and civic education. 💡

06/09/2026

ICYMI: McConnell Center Director Gary Gregg recently premiered his new book, "George Washington: Citizen, Soldier, Statesman" at the Sons of the American Revolution National Headquarters. Watch the talk here: https://ow.ly/melN50Z6G3W

The book is now available for purchase: https://ow.ly/7Gow50Z6G3U

Dr. Gary Gregg premieres his new book, "George Washington: Citizen, Soldier, Statesman" at the National Headquarters of the Sons of the American Revolution in Louisville, Ky. May 28, 2026

05/28/2026

This week in McConnell Center history, from May 27-June 7, 1998, the first group of McConnell Scholars traveled to China with the KIIS program.

From 1998-2019 (with a few exceptions!), each class of McConnell Scholars traveled to China in the summer between their junior and senior year.

05/27/2026

Don't forget! Tomorrow night, May 28, McConnell Center Director Gary Gregg, PhD will premiere his new book, "George Washington: Citizen, Soldier, Statesman," at the SAR Genealogical Research Library at 6 p.m. ET. At the event, Dr. Gregg will shares excerpts from the biography and educate the audience about Washington’s formative experiences as a young military officer and his significance as a founder of the nation. Free to attend, but registration encouraged: https://ow.ly/qqsF50YRJ6a

05/26/2026

Connor Price, Grace Fields and Keely O'Bryan are spending their summer as Senate interns in Washington, D.C., gaining hands-on experience at the heart of our nation’s capital. We’re proud to see them representing Kentucky and the McConnell Center on the Hill! 🌟🇺🇸

05/21/2026

This week in McConnell Center history, the McConnell Scholars class of 2022 were in Oxford as a part of their international trip! 🌎

Each year, the McConnell Scholars junior class spends a year studying various texts leading up to their international trip between their junior and senior year. Right now, the class of 2027 is exploring Rome, Oxford and Edinburgh on their trip. ✈️ 🗺️

05/20/2026

Yesterday, rising sophomore Ezra Foote stepped up as a Primary Election Officer in Calloway County, Kentucky, demonstrating the leadership and civic responsibility that define our scholars. We’re proud to see Ezra actively shaping Kentucky’s future through service and commitment to democracy!

05/18/2026

The Class of 2027 is across the pond! 🇬🇧 After an incredible time in Italy, they’re now exploring the historic streets of London and Oxford. Next stop: Edinburgh, Scotland, to wrap up the final leg of their journey.

Each summer after their junior year at UofL, McConnell Scholars travel abroad--a key component of the experience!

05/14/2026

This week in McConnell Center history, from May 4-8, 2003, McConnell Scholars made their first trip to Mecosta, Michigan to visit Piety Hill, the home of American writer and thinker Russell Kirk. Since then, the Center has taken dozens of students to Mecosta to participate in intellectual retreats and conferences on a variety of topics. The trip has become a much-loved component of the McConnell Scholars experience.