KU News Release

More than 150 graduating honors students to participate in cording ceremony

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LAWRENCE — The University Honors Program at the University of Kansas will commend more than 150 graduating students at a ceremony from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 17, at the Crafton-Preyer Theatre in Murphy Hall. A reception in the courtyard of Murphy Hall will follow.

The ceremony recognizes KU seniors who have completed the University Honors Program and the University Scholars Program, in which students participate during their sophomore year. During the ceremony, students will receive gold cords to wear during commencement activities.

Joseph Steinmetz, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and Mary Lee Hummert, senior vice provost for faculty development, will welcome the students and their guests.

Jennifer Ford Reedy of St. Paul, Minn., a 1995 honors alumna, will deliver the keynote speech. Ford Reedy works with McKinsey & Company, a consulting firm, and directs the Itasca Project, a public-private economic development initiative.

Students participating in the ceremony include those who graduated in summer and fall 2007 and those who will graduate in spring 2008. The university’s formal commencement takes place at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, May 18, in Memorial Stadium.

University Honors Program students must complete a freshman tutorial and a combination of honors courses and out-of-classroom experiences such as study abroad, internships, community service or undergraduate research to graduate from the program. Students must also maintain a minimum 3.25 grade-point average.

Located in Nunemaker Center, the program provides academic advising and information regarding the many opportunities at KU. Honors students may enroll in honors courses, which are small, discussion-based and emphasize writing and research. Honors students are encouraged to participate in cultural and social activities as well as community service.

Honors students also are encouraged to work on research projects and to apply for scholarships, internships or fellowships. Each year, undergraduate awards are available through the University Honors Program, providing funds for research projects conducted with a faculty mentor. Students compete twice a year for these undergraduate research grants.

Students to be honored in the cording ceremony are listed below by hometown, major, parents’ names and high school.

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The University of Kansas is a major comprehensive research and teaching university. University Relations is the central public relations office for KU's Lawrence campus.