McConnell Center Celebrates First Legacy Scholar to Graduate the Program

The McConnell Center is proud to celebrate the first legacy scholar to graduate from the McConnell Scholars Program. Hannah Cease of Louisville, Kentucky, a graduate of duPont Manual High School (Class of 2022), earned degrees in biology (ecology track) and political science from the University of Louisville in May 2026.

During her time at the university, Hannah competed as a coxswain on the University of Louisville’s NCAA Division I rowing team. She was an active member of the Pre-Dental Society, worked as a dental assistant, and served as a research assistant with the McConnell Center. Beyond campus, Hannah remained deeply committed to service through her church and was recognized as a recipient of the 2024 ACC Top Six for Service Award.

“I’m so proud of all that Hannah has achieved,” said her mother, Rachel (Hoskins) Cease, a McConnell Scholar alumna. “She has always been intellectually curious, but the McConnell program has nurtured that curiosity in a way I do not think she would have experienced otherwise. I’m grateful for the experiences and opportunities it’s afforded her.”

This fall, Hannah will continue her education at the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry. Reflecting on her time as a McConnell Scholar, she said, “When I look back, I think I’ll remember the people most of all—the friendships and the shared experiences. I also hope to stay connected and be a resource to current scholars in the program.”

For Rachel Hoskins Cease, her daughter’s achievement represents more than a milestone—it is a continuation of a legacy she began as a McConnell Scholar herself. During her time in the program, Rachel found a community that broadened her understanding of the world, sharpened her critical thinking and provided lasting mentorship.

“It was a place where I knew I had friends and professors who cared about me, supported me, and looked out for me,” she said. “We were a close-knit group, and Dr. Weber was the best leader.”

The opportunity to share the McConnell Scholar experience across generations has created a unique and meaningful bond between mother and daughter.

“Sharing this experience with my mother has been incredibly meaningful,” Hannah said. “It’s always nice to call home and talk about the Center with someone who truly understands what it is and what it represents. I’ll always remember comparing our experiences, especially our trips to Washington, and reflecting on both the similarities and differences between our time in the program.”

Reflecting on how the program has evolved, Rachel noted that today’s scholars are challenged in new ways while benefiting from expanded opportunities for growth and leadership.

“Hannah has benefited so much from the seminar focus the program has now, and the service expectations are a wise improvement,” she said. “Her trip to Europe with the program was especially meaningful for her.”

As the McConnell Center celebrates its 35th anniversary, Hannah’s graduation marks a significant milestone in the program’s history. Her journey reflects not only her own accomplishments, but also the enduring, generational impact of the McConnell Scholars Program.

We are proud of Hannah and the entire Class of 2026, and grateful to Rachel, both as a McConnell Scholar alumna and as a parent, for encouraging her daughter to pursue the same transformative experience that shaped her own college years.