Brysen Honeycutt
Student Speaker, December 2025
Honeycutt, a native of Pine Top, Kentucky, is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the UK Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering and is a member of the Lewis Honors College. He was selected to deliver the student address at the 10 a.m. ceremony, an opportunity he saw as a way to honor not just individual achievement, but the collective effort behind it.
“This moment represents more than just the completion of our studies,” Honeycutt said. “This is the culmination of years of hard work, challenges, growth and discovery, and I wanted to honor the people I’ve shared this journey with — to celebrate not just individual success, but the support that brought us all here.”
In his remarks, Honeycutt hopes his classmates reflect on the resilience they’ve built along the way and the people who helped them reach this milestone.
“Resilience is not something you are born with; it’s something you build as you overcome the challenges life puts in your path,” he said. “None of us have gotten here alone, and I hope graduates leave believing that our struggles have prepared us, not limited us.”
Honeycutt credits his time at UK with equipping him for the next chapter, both professionally and personally. Rigorous coursework strengthened his problem-solving skills, and leadership opportunities taught him how to collaborate, communicate and take initiative.
Experiential learning opportunities, including co-ops and internships, helped Honeycutt connect classroom concepts to real-world applications — experiences that solidified his career path. After graduation, he will step into the themed entertainment industry as a Walt Disney Imagineer.
“Those experiences gave me confidence in turning ideas into practical solutions,” he said. “UK prepared me to take this next step with purpose and excitement.”
As he addresses his fellow graduates, Honeycutt hopes the Class of 2025 leaves UK ready to embrace what’s ahead — grounded in gratitude, strengthened by challenge and confident in their ability to create something meaningful.