This Commencement holds particular significance for the high school class of 2020, which graduated at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. For some, it will be their first chance to celebrate their educational achievement by taking part in a complete traditional ceremony.

Ethan Rutter, a graduating senior with majors in political science and history, had a five-minute diploma ceremony at Bowling Green High School. Now, he’s fully embracing all the graduation festivities.

“This graduation means a lot to our class,” said Rutter. “It’s a culmination of not just college but everything that led us here.”

Paighton Brooks, salutatorian of her Northern Kentucky high school, spoke to an empty auditorium in 2020. Excelling as a and , she pursued a double major in political science and criminal justice at UofL. She’s ready to celebrate this time  with her friends and family.

“It’s really exciting getting to have that in-person experience,” Brooks said. “Especially getting to graduate with my friends, walking the stage with them and seeing them get to that milestone as well, because that is something I missed in high school.”

Student speaker Gilberto Maldonado, graduating with a Doctor of Social Work from the , will address the morning ceremony, while Sophie Broadwater, graduating with a bachelor’s degree from the , will speak at the afternoon ceremony.

This is the third graduation ceremony presided over by . The also will host a doctoral hooding and graduation ceremony for more than 100 graduates at 2 p.m. Friday, May 10, on Belknap Campus in the Swain Student Activities Center (SAC) Ballroom, second floor. All of these ceremonies will be broadcast live at .

In addition, will hold a commissioning ceremony on Friday, May 10, at 11 a.m. in Floyd Theater in the SAC. Four cadets will be commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Air Force. Earlier in the day, , Cardinal Battalion, will hold its commissioning at 9 a.m. in the SAC Ballroom. Thirteen cadets will be commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army.

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Diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 2 at just 1 year old, she defied the odds against her.

“The doctor told my parents that I would be lucky if I made it past the age of 2,” Runyon said.

Throughout her journey, Runyon encountered assumptions from individuals including doctors and teachers who couldn’t see beyond perceived limitations. These discrimination challenges fueled advocacy efforts for herself and others with disabilities.

In high school, she served as a state Ambassador for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, advocating for bills benefiting the neuromuscular community.

Runyon never envisioned herself advocating at a large scale because of her shyness. Reflecting, Runyon said, “It just kind of happened naturally because I have been advocating for myself for so long.”

After deciding to come to UofL for its affordability, Runyon continued to find ways to help her community. 

In October 2023, Runyon was a part of founding (DCU.) DCU is a coalition of disabled students and their allies which works to foster a safe and inclusive environment for disabled students, to promote student led advocacy, and to provide a space for disabled students to build solidarity.

“It’s centered on intersectionality around disability and it’s one of the places I’ve felt is most inclusive and at home just because of the acceptance I’ve had,” Runyon said.

Recognized as the student of the year, Runyon plans to continue her advocacy after graduation. She aspires to be a counselor, driven by a passion to address the lack of understanding in the mental health field, particularly for people of color and those with disabilities.

Transitioning her sophomore year from a music therapy major to psychology, Runyon’s natural inclination towards listening and understanding people guides her path. She now sees her shyness as a strength. 

“It comes naturally to me,” Runyon said. “It’s because I am shy I do so well. I listen more. And I think about what questions to ask. I’m interested in learning more about people and picking their brain.”

As she prepares to participate in on May 11, Runyon acknowledges her family as her greatest support.

“My family is my backbone, and I would not be where I am today without them,” Runyon said.