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Sustainability

Recognition

Nominations open for 2026 UK sustainability awards

Owen Wallingford
 Sep 21, 2026
Celebration, Community, Recognition

Nominations are now open for two University of Kentucky sustainability awards: the Sustainability Champion Award and the Yanarella Levine Legacy Award.  The Sustainability Champion Award recognises individuals who have made significant contributions to sustainability at the University of Kentucky within the last three years. Last year, five recipients received the award: 

2026 Sustainability Showcase and Research Poster Competition

Oct 14, 2026, 5:30 – 7:30 PM
Celebration, Community-Oriented, General/Public, Recognition

This year’s Showcase will be hosted in the Healthy Kentucky Research Building on Wednesday, October 14th from 5:30-7:30pm. The event is free, open to the public, and refreshments will be provided.   The Showcase is a celebration of the incredible sustainability work happening across campus - from research and student initiatives to operations and community engagement. Join us to connect with passionate students, faculty, and staff who are shaping a more sustainable future at UK. Highlights include:

UK student 1 of 65 nationally to receive Udall Scholarship

Tom Musgrave
 May 18, 2026
Academics, Recognition

AJ Hopkins, a rising senior natural resources and environmental science major, was awarded the Udall Undergraduate Scholarship. Hopkins is the first University of Kentucky student to receive a Udall Scholarship since 2013, and is one of 65 recipients from 49 colleges and universities to receive one. The scholarship program identifies future leaders in environmental, tribal public policy and healthcare fields. It is highly competitive, with students participating in their schools’ internal competitions before receiving consideration from the Udall Foundation.

University of Kentucky student who founded The Thrifty Cat will continue sustainability efforts after graduation

Bailey Vandiver
 May 8, 2026
Recognition

From establishing The Thrifty Cat to researching textile applications to thrifting for vintage clothing brands in her free time, Olivia Smith has devoted her time at the University of Kentucky to promoting sustainability. 

2025 Sustainability Showcase and Research Poster Competition

Oct 15, 2025, 5:30 – 7:30 PM
Celebration, Community-Oriented, General/Public, Recognition

This year’s Showcase will be hosted in the Healthy Kentucky Research Building on Wednesday, October 15th from 5:30-7:30pm. The event is free, open to the public, and refreshments will be provided.

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