Honors Wednesday Memo: Volume 10, Issue 4, Wednesday, September 9, 2026
edited by Melanie Kershaw
Dear Honors College students,
The weeks after Labor Day are when a new semester’s energy tends to settle into routines and to-do lists. But this is also when the little things matter most: asking one more question, following an idea a little further, or making time to really listen to others. I’ve heard from several Honors faculty about the curiosity and engagement you’ve brought to your seminars this fall. As things get busier, I hope you’ll keep making room to explore, reflect, and connect with the people around you. That’s a big part of what makes our community special.
With gratitude,
Vicky
Upcoming Opportunities
Dr. Klima is happy to help you apply; send her an email.
Gilman Award Application Opens
Students who are Pell Grant Recipients are encouraged to apply for the Gilman Scholarship, an award of up to $5,000 for studying or interning abroad. Sign up for updates about the scholarship and attend an information session in Appalachian Hall room 085 on Sept. 11 at 1:00 pm. Applications are due Oct. 1. Contact Dara Carney-Nedelman for more information.
Career Development Center’s Pitch Night
Join the Career Development Center in the Student Union on Thursday, Sept. 24 at 6:00 pm for Pitch Night—a session to help students develop an impactful elevator pitch. Food and swag will be provided for all attendees, and students with the best pitches will win prizes. Contact the Career Development Center with any questions.
Global Good Conference
Visit the Student Union on Friday, Sept. 25 at 8:30 am for the Global Good Conference to discover how businesses can create positive change and hear inspiring ideas from expert speakers. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Register for this free event or contact Kim Bock with any questions.
Appalachian Collection Research Scholarships
Apply for one of three research scholarships from the University Libraries’ Special Collections Research Center by Sunday, Nov. 1. The W.L. Eury Appalachian Collection Research Fellowship supports three scholars’ research involving any material in the namesake collection. The Bernhardt and Harper Families Fellowship supports one student’s research using the W. L. Eury Appalachian Collection incorporating the Bernhardt and Harper families papers. The Senator James T. and Louise Broyhill Research Fellowship sponsors three students’ research incorporating the James Thomas Broyhill Papers. All awardees will receive a $1,000 fellowship to support 15 hours of in-person research. Submit a proposal to Hannah Helmey to be considered.
15th Annual Global Symposium
Attend the free 15th Annual Global Symposium in the Student Union on Wednesday, Nov. 18 at 9:00 am, followed by the Global Leadership Awards Luncheon for award winners. Submit a globally focused presentation by Sept. 29 to be considered for awards up to $1,000, or simply attend the event to learn more about international engagement. Contact the Office of International Programs to learn more.
Stay in the Know
An Exhibition & Celebration of Work by Aaron McIntosh
Visit the Cathy P. Walling Gallery in Wey Hall for an exhibition of mixed media work by Montreal-based artist Aaron McIntosh, on view from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm until Oct. 16. Explore McIntosh’s unique take on botanicals, including a quilted kudzu installation with hundreds of Southern queer stories. The exhibition is free and open to the public. Visit the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts on Thursday, Sept. 24 at 7:00 pm for an artist talk. Return to Wey Hall on Friday, Sept. 25 from 1:00 to 5:00 pm in room 220 for a community workshop. Contact the Department of Art with any questions.
Hayes School of Music: Upcoming Events
Visit the Hayes School of Music for their free September faculty performances. Experience Igor Stravinsky’s “The Soldier’s Tale” on Wednesday, Sept. 9 at 8:00 pm. Check out “Horizons,” a tuba-centered concert on Tuesday, Sept. 15 at 6:00 pm. View the full lineup or contact the Hayes School of Music for more information.
Pete Davis Filmmaker Talk
Join filmmaker Pete Davis in the Student Union on Monday, Sept. 21 at 7:00 pm for an insightful talk about his Emmy-nominated documentary “Join or Die." Davis will explore how joining clubs and civic organizations plays a vital role in sustaining a healthy democracy. No registration is needed.
Weekly Refresh with the Counseling Center
Drop by the Counseling Center on Thursdays from 12:00 to 2:00 pm for the Weekly Refresh. All students are welcome to participate in various self-care and de-stress activities while finding community on campus. Contact the Counseling Center for more information.
On Sale Now: Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts
Buy tickets for the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts’ upcoming 2026-27 events. Experience the dance and visual illusions of Momix on Nov. 12 at 7:30 pm. Join Cirque Mechanics on March 19 at 7:30 pm for “Tilt!”, a high-flying journey through 1980s amusement parks. Hear jazz icon and Grammy-winning trumpeter Chris Botti’s first album in a decade on Feb. 27 at 7:30 pm. Visit St. Paul & The Broken Bones on April 8 at 7:30 pm, a powerhouse soul ensemble with performances with The Rolling Stones and Lizzo under their belts. Tickets range from $10 to $25 for students. Explore the full lineup and contact the Schaefer Center for more information.
In the Honors Spotlight
Honors Students Andrew and Jackson White Mentor New Students as Summer SOULs
App State Honors College brothers Andrew and Jackson White spent their summer serving as Student Orientation Undergraduate Leaders (SOULs), helping welcome incoming first-year students to the University community. Jackson, a public relations major, served as the SOUL for the Honors College, where he mentored and guided nearly 200 incoming Honors students. Meanwhile, Andrew, a political science major, led orientation Group 13, helping new Mountaineers learn about various campus departments, offices, and programs.
In addition to helping incoming students settle into their new environment, the brothers utilized the role to foster personal growth and professional connections. Both Andrew and Jackson successfully worked through initial anxieties around public speaking, gaining newfound confidence in presenting and communicating. Their impactful summer of leadership embodies the Honors College’s commitment to community engagement and empowering students to lead with integrity.
For information on becoming a SOUL, contact New Mountaineer & Family Engagement.
Read the full story by Melanie Kershaw.
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!