The University of Georgia will celebrate the achievements of outstanding students, faculty, staff and alumni during Honors Week 2026 from March 30 to April 2.
“Honors Week celebrates the very best aspects of our dynamic university community, and it is a tremendous privilege to recognize so many of our talented faculty, staff and students, as well as the continued support of our loyal alumni,” said UGA President Jere W. Morehead. “I am truly grateful for all you do to advance our mission and further solidify the University of Georgia as one of the very best public institutions in the nation.”
Honors Week is an annual UGA tradition dating back to the 1930s, when Chancellor S.V. Sanford dedicated a day to recognize outstanding students. In 2011, the event was expanded to include events recognizing faculty, staff and alumni.
“Honors Week recognizes the faculty, staff, students and alumni who are making a profound impact on the University of Georgia,” said Benjamin C. Ayers, senior vice president for academic affairs and provost. “I congratulate each of this year’s honorees for their commitment to advancing the university’s mission of teaching, research and service.”
Honors Week activities are listed below, and a special printed edition of Columns will be published on March 30 to recognize award recipients. For more information, including events held at the school or college level, visit calendar.uga.edu.
Public Service and Outreach Awards Luncheon: March 30
The 35th annual Public Service and Outreach Awards Luncheon will kick off this year’s Honors Week. The invitation-only ceremony will be held in the Magnolia Ballroom at the University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education & Hotel. The Walter Barnard Hill Fellow Award for Distinguished Achievement in Public Service and Outreach, UGA’s highest award in public service and outreach, will be presented along with other honors.
Faculty Recognition Banquet: March 30
Hosted by the Office of the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, the Faculty Recognition Banquet will be held on March 30 in Mahler Hall at the Georgia Center.
An invitation-only event, the ceremony will recognize the winners of this year’s awards for teaching excellence including the Meigs Distinguished Teaching Professorships and the Russell Awards for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching, as well as UGA’s newest University Professors and Regents’ Professors.
Presidential Honors Week Luncheon: March 31
Hosted by the Office of the President, the Presidential Honors Week Luncheon will be held on March 31. The invitation-only event will recognize the university’s most distinguished undergraduate scholars, including First Honor graduates and Student Government Association leaders, as well as student recipients of the Presidential Award of Excellence and national scholarship winners.
Morehead Honors College Graduation Banquet: March 31
The Morehead Honors College Graduation Banquet will be held on March 31. The invitation-only event will recognize Jere W. Morehead Honors College students who graduated in fall 2025, those graduating in May 2026 and those expected to graduate in summer 2026 who have fulfilled the Honors requirements. Recognitions presented at the banquet include outstanding student awards, the Lothar Tresp and Hatten Howard Outstanding Honors Professor awards, the Morehead/Bullock and Floyd C. Newton, Jr. Outstanding Honors Faculty awards and the Jere W. Morehead Award, which is given to an exceptional graduate or friend of the Morehead Honors College.
Graduate School Honors Luncheon: April 2
The Graduate School Honors Luncheon will be held on April 2 at the Georgia Center. At this invitation-only event, the Graduate School will recognize outstanding graduate students for excellence in teaching, research and engaged scholarship. Faculty and staff will also be recognized for their committed mentorship and ongoing contributions to graduate education.
Alumni Awards Luncheon: April 2
The Alumni Awards Luncheon will be held on April 2, celebrating distinguished alumni and faculty members. The invitation-only event will be held in the Grand Hall of the Tate Student Center. The UGA Alumni Association will present the Alumni Merit Award, Faculty Service Award, Young Alumni Award and Family of the Year Award to recognize those who demonstrate dedication to UGA.
Research Awards Banquet: April 2
Honors Week will conclude with the 47th annual Research Awards Banquet, held on April 2 in Mahler Hall of the Georgia Center. The invitation-only event is sponsored by the University of Georgia Research Foundation and recognizes excellence in UGA research, scholarly creativity, technology commercialization and entrepreneurship. Awards will be presented to honor outstanding faculty, postdoctoral researchers and graduate students.