A record 262 students were welcomed into the Honors College community Sept. 14 at the Fall 2017 Honors College Induction Ceremony. 100 students were also awarded scholarships to help fund their academic endeavors.

During the celebration, interim Dean Dr. Gustafson spoke about the experiential rewards of being an Honors student.

“One way we help educate you is by challenging you,” he said. “In your Honors courses, you will put out more effort than you might otherwise have to.”

Shiva Dheer, president of the Honors College Council, also shared her thoughts about building the Honors community.

“It’s more than an association; it’s a feeling you get when you’re surrounded by others who understand and appreciate everything you are and have to offer,” she said. “At the Honors College, [a] community is something that can change the very quality of your education.”

Gustafson reminded students of their merit and value to the university.

“You will be asked and expected to gain a deeper understanding of the material in your courses. You may write longer papers. You may give oral presentations. You may do extra problem sets,” he said. “But we want you to be more than a brain. We want you to become curious about the world around you.”