Union Celebrates 287 Graduates During 137th Commencement Ceremony

Maisie Nelson • May 13, 2026

Karen Kelly ’03 Receives Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree During Ceremony

Union Commonwealth University celebrated its 137th Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 9, as bulldogs crossed the stage inside Robsion Arena to receive their degrees and begin the next chapter of their lives.

The ceremony celebrated graduates from across Union’s academic programs while also recognizing the impact of community, perseverance, and servant leadership.

Serving as class valedictorian was Garomme Hanna, who encouraged his classmates to reflect on the importance of purpose and the people who shape their journey.

[IMAGE: Valedictorian Garomme Hanna '26 during his speech.]

“Purpose is not something you create—it’s something you discover,” Hanna shared during his address. “The people you surround yourself with shape who you become. Your environment will either push you forward or pull you back. And here, we were fortunate enough to have a community that pushed us to grow, even when it wasn’t comfortable. This is more than a campus. This is a community.”

The commencement speaker was Union alumnus Karen Kelly ’03, who was also awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws during the ceremony. Interim President Dr. DJ Washington presented Kelly with the honorary degree prior to her address.

[IMAGE: Karen Kelly receiving her honorary doctorate during commencement.]

Kelly, a first-generation and nontraditional student during her time at Union, reflected on how the university helped shape her personal and professional journey.

“Professors didn’t just teach,” Kelly said. “They knew my name. They knew my story. And they knew my struggles.”

In offering advice to the graduating class, Kelly encouraged students to value humility and hard work in every stage of life and leadership.

“Never forget the value of hard work,” she shared. “Sweep the floor if it needs sweeping. Answer the phone with kindness in your voice. Learn every role with gratitude. Humility will keep you grounded. The most effective leaders are often the willing, the ones willing to do whatever it takes.”

Kelly currently serves as Chief of Staff for U.S. Congressman Hal Rogers (KY-05), the Dean of the U.S. House of Representatives. A 2003 graduate of Union with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree, she brings more than 25 years of experience in public service, policy, and leadership.

In her current role, Kelly oversees legislative and Kentucky operations for Congressman Rogers, including priorities on the House Appropriations Committee and international relations in Washington. Prior to serving as Chief of Staff, she spent nearly a decade as Rogers’ District Director, helping facilitate federal projects, coordinate disaster response efforts, and strengthen partnerships across eastern and southern Kentucky.

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