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 2026

The most recent Honors Day ceremony took place on Tuesday, April 14, at 10:45 a.m. in Rosse Hall. A livestream was available during the ceremony and can be viewed as a recording.

Watch the Recording View Recipients Download the program

Day of Distinction

Kenyon News

Outstanding achievements by students, faculty and alumni were recognized during this year’s Honors Day program.

Scenes from Honors Day

Teaching award winners, honorary degree recipients and outstanding students are celebrated in at the annual Honors Day ceremony.

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From left: Mariana Ruth Cook P’17; LaShaunda M. Robinson, a member of the Class of 2009; President Julie Kornfeld; and James Frost Parker ’81 P’10.

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Faculty and staff process along Middle Path and into Rosse Hall. View the full Honors Day 2026 photo album. *Photography by Graham Stokes.*

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The ceremony took place in Rosse Hall.

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.