Honors Day

Every April, the Kenyon community gathers to honor academic achievement, community service, and leadership, with the awarding of department and college-wide prizes. It's a day to celebrate the hard work and accomplishments of Kenyon's talented students.

Honors Day 2023

This year, Honors Day took place on Thursday, April 20, at 10:45 a.m. in Rosse Hall.

Scenes from Honors Day

Teaching award winners, honorary degree recipients and outstanding students were celebrated in this year's Honors Day ceremony.

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The faculty processes into Rosse Hall for the annual Honors Day ceremony.

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The Chamber Singers perform, led by Professor of Music Ben "Doc" Locke.

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David H. Lynn, editor emeritus of the Kenyon Review, presents an honorary degree to David Lewis Bergman '72.

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Julie Ann Cerel '94 accepts an honorary degree, presented by Linda M. Smolak

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Honorary degree recipients: David Lewis Bergman '72, Julie Ann Cerel '94 and Marela Zacarías '00.

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Professor of Art Claudia Esslinger presents an honorary degree to Marela Zacarías '00.

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David Lewis Bergman '72 with Anne Rogan '23, who won the The George L. Brain Prize in Classics.

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Acting President Jeffrey Bowman and Ubongabasi Asuquo '23, who received both the Doris B. Crozier Award and E. Malcolm Anderson Cup.

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Honorary degree recipients with Acting President Jeffrey Bowman.

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Honorary degree recipients with Acting President Jeffrey Bowman and David Lynn.

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Trustee Teaching Excellence Award recipient Assistant Professor of Psychology Leah Dickens.

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Trustee Teaching Excellence Award recipient Professor of Chemistry Kerry Rouhier

College and Departmental Prizes

Every major and discipline studied at the College presents at least one prize to students who have made achievements in their particular fields. While many of the students honored with departmental prizes are members of the senior class, numerous awards are given to — and, in some cases, designated specifically for — students in their first, second, or third year at Kenyon.

The recipients of College prizes, which can be awarded to any member of the student body, are determined by committee consideration or campus-wide vote. Certain academic scholarships and community recognition prizes are also formally awarded during the ceremony.

Honorary Degrees

Each year Kenyon recognizes alumni and others in the College family who have achieved distinction in their chosen fields. Honorary doctorates are awarded to these individuals to acknowledge Kenyon's pride in their contributions to society and the world.

Faculty Awards

The Trustee Teaching Excellence Awards are presented annually at Honors Day to two members of the faculty — one junior (with fewer than ten years of service) and one senior (with ten years of service or more). Faculty members recognize these awards as a meaningful mark of distinction. While the final selection of winners is made by the Board of Trustees, nominations are solicited from students and faculty members alike.