Williams Honors College 50th Anniversary Celebration
We look forward to hosting you for a week of special events being held to celebrate the Williams Honors College 50th Anniversary Celebration. The signature event of the week will be a ticketed dinner event held on Friday, Oct. 3, 2025 as part of UA’s Homecoming weekend.
Please check back for more information and use the "Keep me posted" link below to be added to our email list for updates. Also, keep an eye out for info on other events being held in conjunction with WHC 50th :
- Honors Emerging Leaders breakfast
- Knight Lecture with Connie Chung
2025 John S. Knight Lecture with Connie Chung
Join us for the 2025 John S. Knight Lecture at The University of Akron, sponsored by the John S. Knight Foundation in partnership with the Drs. Gary B. and Pamela S. Williams Honors College.
This year’s keynote speaker is Connie Chung, pioneering news anchor and reporter, in a fireside chat with UA President R.J. Nemer.
All UA students, faculty, staff and community members are welcome. No tickets required.
Date: Thursday, October 2, 2025
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall, The University of Akron
Admission: Free and open to the public, students and employees
About Connie Chung
Connie Chung was the first woman to co-anchor the CBS Evening News and the first Asian to anchor any news program on CBS, NBC, and ABC. She covered major stories including Watergate, the resignation of President Nixon, and the Israel/PLO and Israel/Jordan peace signings. Chung anchored award-winning programs such as Face to Face with Connie Chung, Eye to Eye, and 20/20, earning multiple Emmys, a Peabody Award, and the Amnesty International Human Rights Award.
She has interviewed figures such as Joseph Hazelwood, Magic Johnson, and Chinese leader Li Peng. A University of Maryland graduate, Chung has received several honorary doctorates and was named a “Giant of Broadcasting.” In 2023, The New York Times profiled her impact in “Generation Connie.” She lives in Manhattan with her husband, Maury Povich.
About the John S. Knight Lecture at The University of Akron
The John S. Knight Lecture at The University of Akron brings distinguished writers, politicians and other figures of national or international importance to Akron, the hometown of John S. and James L. Knight. The lectureship was established in 1991 by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation to honor John S. Knight (1894-1981), an Akron newspaperman and publishing genius of the 20th century who built the small, Depression-era Akron Beacon Journal into the publishing empire known as Knight Ridder Inc.
Established in 1950, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation supports transformational ideas that promote quality journalism, advance media innovation, engage communities and foster the arts. Sustaining informed and engaged communities in a democracy is at the heart of its philanthropic strategy for transformational impact through lasting systemic change.
Ticketed Events
Williams Honors College 50th Anniversary Celebration
Join us for a ticketed Anniversary Celebration on Friday, October 3, 2025. A portion of the proceeds from the 50th Anniversary Celebration will benefit the Dr. Dale H. Mugler Honors Research Fund to support student research in the Williams Honors College.
Date: October 3, 2025
Time:
5:30 p.m. - Cocktail Hour and Welcome Social
6:30 p.m. - Opening Remarks
6:45 p.m. - Dinner and Entertainment
Location: Jean Hower Taber Student Union, The Paul and Dorothy Martin Ballroom 303 Carroll St., Akron, OH
Dress Code: Business or Cocktail Attire
Tickets:
Individuals- $125 per person
(Tax deduction value of $50)
Table - $850 per table (8 seats)
(Tax deduction value of $250)
Click here to purchase tickets or a table
Honors Emerging Leaders Alumni: If you plan to attend both the Anniversary Celebration on Friday AND the Emerging Leaders Brunch on Saturday, please use this link instead to purchase your tickets or table for Friday. Once you register for the Friday night Celebration, you will receive a link to your complimentary brunch registration!
Honors Emerging Leaders Brunch
Kick off your Homecoming celebrations at a special brunch for Honors Emerging Leaders alumni! After brunch, stick around for all the Homecoming and Family Weekend festivities.
For the full schedule of events, click here.
Date: October 4, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location: Quaker Station, 135 S. Broadway St., Akron, OH 44308
Dress Code: UA Spirited/Casual
Tickets:
Individual - $30 per person
Click here to purchase your tickets
If you’re planning to attend the Anniversary Celebration on Friday night, your brunch registration is on us! Click here to purchase your ticket for Friday night and you’ll receive a link to your complimentary brunch registration in your confirmation email.
Hotel Information
Event Summary: Honors College Anniversary
Start Date: Thursday, October 02, 2025
End Date: Saturday, October 04, 2025
Courtyard Akron Downtown for 129.00 USD per night
(Last Day to Book : Tuesday, September 02, 2025)
Event Summary: University of Akron
Start Date: Thursday, October 02, 2025
End Date: Sunday, October 05, 2025
BLU-Tique, Akron, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel for 129.00 USD per night