LEXINGTON, Ky. – The College of Social Work (CoSW) at the University of Kentucky proudly celebrates the accomplishments of its graduating class of 2025 on Friday, May 9 at 6 p.m. Amidst an atmosphere of celebration and reflection, graduates of the College of Social Work will join faculty, staff, families, and friends at Rupp Arena in Lexington to honor a defining moment in their academic journey.
The ceremony is a tribute to the perseverance, dedication, and commitment of each student. As the graduates walk across the stage, the occasion marks their emergence as prepared professionals poised to make a meaningful impact in the world.
The CoSW is also proud to recognize the first graduating cohort of the University of Kentucky’s Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ) and Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. Trailblazers at UK and in the communities they will serve.
The CoSW looks forward to celebrating its graduates at the Grad Gathering, hosted by the UK Alumni Association, following the ceremony, and at the Graduation Celebration, hosted by the CoSW. Throughout the week, graduates are invited to share their photos with the CoSW for an opportunity to be highlighted on social media. Please use #UKCoSWGrad25 on all their social media posts from the week to be featured at the Graduation Celebration.
Graduation Celebration (hosted by UK College of Social Work)
Day: May 9, 2025
Time: 12:30 – 2 p.m.
Refreshments will be provided.
Location: Hilton Hotel (369 West Vine Street, Lexington, KY 40507) 2nd Floor in Salon B,C, and D.
The Graduation Celebration, occurring after commencement, is a longer event and is exclusively for College of Social Work graduates. There will be food, photo opportunities, and an opportunity to spend more quality time with your fellow graduates as well as college faculty and staff.
Parking:
If you are attending the Graduation Celebration, please park at the Hilton Hotel garage.
Bring your parking ticket: Please make sure to bring your parking ticket with you to the reception.
Where to get your parking validation sticker: You can pick up your validation sticker from Bryan Back or the CoSW team at the check-in table.
Parking validation: The validation sticker will allow you to exit the parking garage without additional charges.
Our team will be there to welcome you and will ask if you brought your parking ticket as part of the check-in process to make this as smooth as possible.
Grad Gathering (hosted by UK Alumni Association)
Time: Immediately following commencement
Location: Rupp Arena
More information on commencement.
The Grad Gathering, occurring immediately following commencement in Rupp Arena, is an event at which all colleges with students graduating during the commencement ceremony will be represented, including the College of Social Work. The CoSW will be there with a small table and a gift for each graduate. Graduates typically walk through this space quickly before reuniting with any friends and family who watched them participate in commencement.
