Speaker at 2017 graduation

Commencement Awards

Discover awards honoring UofL's top graduate achievers, celebrating excellence, leadership, resilience and their impactful contributions to their field.

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Previous Commencement Award Winners about

Spring 2024 Commencement Award Winners

We congratulate the following Commencement Award Winners as well as those recognized as having earned a Dean's Citation.
Headshot of Sam Weiner
Alice Eaves Barns Award

Alice Eaves Barns Award

This award is named in honor of a previous Graduate School staff member for her many years of outstanding service. It is awarded to a master's recipient who excels academically and shows tenacity in overcoming adversity.
Headshot of Lauren Girouard-Hallam
Guy Stevenson Award for Excellence in Graduate Studies

Guy Stevenson Award for Excellence in Graduate Studies

This award is named in honor of a former Graduate School Dean, recognizing a doctoral recipient for excellence in scholarship, leadership, and service.
Headshot of Amanda Brady
John Richard Binford Memorial Award

John Richard Binford Memorial Award

This award is named in honor of a former Psychology chair, recognizing a doctoral recipient who excels in scholarship and makes significant contributions in leadership, teaching, or service.
Headshot of Melissa Eggen
John M. Houchens Prize

John M. Houchens Prize

This award is named in honor of a former university registrar and is given to a doctoral student whose dissertation has the potential for significant impact in their field.
Grawemeyer Hall

The Virginia "Jenny" Madden Award for Graduate Student Leadership and Service (not awarded in 2024)

This award, named for Virginia 'Jenny' Madden, honors her extensive service to UofL. It recognizes a master’s degree recipient who demonstrates exceptional leadership through service to their program, college, discipline, University or community.

Graduate Dean's Citations

To be eligible for a Graduate Dean’s Citation, the student must have significant accomplishments (e.g. publications, teaching excellence, and professional service) beyond the achievement of a high-grade point average.