Honors Wednesday Memo: Volume 10, Issue 1, Wednesday, August 19, 2026
edited by Melanie Kershaw
Welcome Honors College students!
It was wonderful seeing so many returning Honors students out on campus during Move-In and Welcome Week, pitching in to help our newest Mountaineers get settled. Seeing students show up for each other was a great reminder that being part of the Appalachian family is about finding your people and getting involved in the communities that matter to you. As you look through the Memo, see what catches your eye and inspires you. Follow your curiosity, try something new, and remember that your Honors College faculty and academic mentors are always here to help you get connected.
Best wishes,
Vicky
Upcoming Opportunities:
Dr. Klima is happy to help you apply; send her an email.
Join the Honors Team as our (paid!) Social Media Manager & Front Desk Rep
Join the Honors College team as Social Media Manager and Front Office Student Worker. All majors are welcome to apply. This flexible position begins Sept. 1 and pays $13 an hour for 6-8 hours per week. Build professional marketing and design skills and get more involved in the Honors community. Email Dr. Klima a resume and cover letter by Friday, Aug 21.
North Carolina Honors Association Conference at UNC Pembroke
Take part in the annual North Carolina Honors Association (NCHA) conference from Friday, Sept. 18 to Saturday, Sept. 19 at UNC Pembroke. The Honors College will be traveling together to the conference and can provide transportation, facilitate poster printing, provide hotel accommodations, and cover registration fees for up to ten Honors student presenters. Proposals are due by midnight on Tuesday, Sept. 1, with notifications of acceptance sent out by Tuesday, Sept. 8. To be eligible for Honors College support, students must email Dr. Waldroup for pre-approval by 8:00 am on Monday, Aug. 31 before submitting an abstract. All proposals are welcome, particularly those that align with the conference theme of “Honors for a Complex World: Leadership, Citizenship, and Engagement.” Contact Dr. Klima with any questions.
Advance Student Leadership with appLEADs Bronze
Grow leadership skills with appLEADS Bronze Program offered by Community-Engaged Leadership (CEL). Participate in various leadership workshops to earn credit towards the Bronze tier certification. When completed, students will receive a certificate and will be awarded a bronze medallion to be worn at graduation. Attend a Bronze Advance session in the Student Union on Aug. 26 at 1:00 pm or Aug. 27 at 5:00 pm to learn more. Contact CEL with any questions.
Fulbright U.S. Student Program – Appalachian State Campus Deadline 9/4
Apply to the prestigious Fulbright U.S. Student Program by Friday, Sept. 4. Check out the Fulbright Campus Deadline Checklist from the Office of Nationally Competitive Scholarship (NCS) and view NCS video resources to build a strong application. Seniors and graduate students are encouraged to apply for funding to conduct research, enroll in graduate school, or serve as English Teaching Assistants abroad. Contact Dara Carney-Nedelman for application assistance and any questions.
Volunteer Opportunity with Conversations to Remember
Give back to senior citizens in need with Conversations to Remember, a nonprofit dedicated towards combating loneliness and isolation felt by seniors, including those living with dementia. Join teams of 2-3 college students for weekly hour-long virtual visits. Students are expected to volunteer for at least 16 weeks. This year-round program accepts new volunteers weekly in various areas, including social media and outreach. Register to volunteer or contact student volunteer Joshua Sandoval with any questions.
Stay in the Know:
Allard and Butterfield Duo: Music for Double Bass and Banjo
Join award-winning bassist Dr. Craig Butterfield and banjo player Max Allard for a free performance at the Rosen Concert Hall in the Broyhill Music Center on Thursday, Aug. 20 at 8:00 pm. Experience their innovative blend of classical and Americana music through this unique pairing of instruments. Contact the Hayes School of Music to learn more.
CarolinaDaze Concert Series
Visit the Schaefer Center for the annual CarolinaDaze concert series on Saturday, Aug. 22 at 7:00 pm. Sponsored by Common Cause NC, this non-partisan event is designed to energize young voters through musical performances, including indie rock artist Snail Mail, Nathan Evans Fox, and local musician barrett. A portion of concert proceeds will go to Hurricane Helene relief. Tickets are free for students and $35 for the general public. Contact the Schaefer Center to learn more and reserve tickets.
Career Development Center’s On Campus & Part-Time Jobs Fair
Check out the first career fair of the semester, the Career Development Center’s Campus Work(s), on Wednesday, Aug. 26 at 11:00 am in the Student Union. Students looking for a part-time job are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity. On-campus departments, off-campus businesses, and local organizations will all be recruiting at this fair. Contact Hannah Little with any questions.
Blue Ridge Conservancy: Root for Happy Earth
Join the Blue Ridge Conservancy for a free event at South End Brewing on Sunday, Aug. 30 from 2:00 to 6:00 pm. Enjoy live music and delicious food while supporting the student-run Happy Earth Project. Donations to the Blue Ridge Conservancy are encouraged but are not required. Located a short walk from campus on King Street, this event is free and open to the public.
FREE University Libraries Open House
Visit the Belk Library for open house on Wednesday, Sept. 2 at 2:00 pm. Enjoy free food, games, and prizes while learning about library resources. RSVP on Engage.
In the Honors Spotlight
Eleven Honors College students lead as App State Ambassadors
Upper left: Mary Edwards standing for her Appalachian Ambassadors headshot.
Bottom left: Jackson White in Washington, D.C.
Right: Appalachian Ambassadors at a weekend retreat at Camp Broadstone. Photos submitted.
Eleven Honors College students are currently serving as Appalachian Student Ambassadors, applying principles of leadership, collaboration, and service to benefit the university community. These students engage in real-world experiences that extend beyond the classroom, including working with prospective students and various campus partners.
Student participants emphasize that the role fosters critical thinking and integrity. Natalie Rodrigues Correia, an actuarial science major, noted that leadership includes everyday decisions made outside of formal duties, while public relations major Jackson White highlighted the value of service during admissions events. Sustainable technology major Mary Edwards and psychology major Alexis Robinson added that the program encourages intentional dialogue and authentic representation, preparing students to lead thoughtfully in professional and social spaces. Contact App Ambassadors to learn more.
Read the full story by Isabella Lebron.
Have announcements to share? Submissions can be made to honors@appstate.edu. Any content received by the prior Wednesday will be considered for the following week’s issue.
Have a story to share? Share what you have done, what you are doing, or what you will be doing by submitting a story here.
To stay in the know, learn about opportunities, and take part in the Honors community, find us below!