Trinity College began the tradition of Honors Day in the spring of 1950, introducing an occasion when the College recognized students for outstanding achievements in academics, community service, and leadership at the close of the academic year.
At the 75th Honors Day ceremony—held in the Chapel on May 1—President Daniel G. Lugo said, “Since its founding, Trinity has been guided by the conviction that education is transformative—that it not only shapes individual lives but also equips graduates to contribute meaningfully to society. That conviction endures in the achievements we recognize today.”
Lugo added that the accomplishments of the more than 280 students being recognized “reflect the very best of the institution: distinction in scholarship, depth of intellectual curiosity, creativity in thought and expression, and a sustained commitment to service and community.”
Before she introduced the first awards, Sonia Cardenas, provost and dean of faculty and Scott M. Johnson ’97 Distinguished Professor of Political Science, noted the unique nature of the mementos presented to students at Honors Day 2026. “This year, instead of a certificate, you will receive a piece of Trinity history: slate from the original Long Walk roof, dating to the 1870s,” she said. “Each piece was etched at The Hatchery located right here on campus [in the Raether Library and Information Technology Center], creating a keepsake connecting today’s honorees to generations of scholars who came before them.”
Dozens of student awards were presented by faculty and staff members representing academic departments and College offices. See the full list of Honors Day prizes and student recipients.
View and download photos of the award recipients.
A video recording of the ceremony is below.
A senior thesis project by political science and human rights double-major Chloe Libby ’27 aims to increase voter turnout in Hartford during this election season. “Civic engagement is so important,” Libby said of the motivation behind her work.
Film studies major Emma Baskin ’27 recently organized a program that welcomed Trinity alumna, casting director, and producer Joanna Colbert ’87 back to campus to talk about her career in the entertainment industry. Read more from Baskin in her own words.
This year’s cohort of President’s Fellows includes some of Trinity’s most accomplished seniors. These 32 student scholars from the Class of 2027 have compiled exemplary academic records in their years at the College.
The Trinity College community gathered for a documentary film screening and panel discussion with alumna Julia Hoppock ’06, an associate producer of People vs. Politics, as part of Voter Education Week.
