Honors Wednesday Memo: Volume 10, Issue 7, Wednesday, September 30, 2026
edited by Melanie Kershaw
Hello Honors College students,
Reading this week's spotlight story about Emily Bjerregaard and Morgan Pitts reminded me how often opportunities enter our lives because someone encourages us to take a closer look. Looking back, many of the experiences that shaped my own path started because someone who cared about my growth encouraged me to explore something I hadn't considered on my own. As registration approaches and you connect with your Honors mentors, don't just talk about classes. Share what excites you, what you're curious about, and the directions you'd like to explore. Some of the best opportunities begin with a conversation and someone who helps you see a new possibility.
Warmly,
Vicky
Upcoming Opportunities
Dr. Klima is happy to help you apply; send her an email.
Spring 2027 HON seminar with FLEAP: King Arthur in Britain
Explore the United Kingdom with the full-semester Honors College seminar HON 3515: King Arthur that includes nine days of Faculty Led Education Abroad Program (FLEAP) travel over Spring Break. Led by Dr. Alexandra Sterling-Hellenbrand and Tirumular Narayanan, this FLEAP features a week of travel to various locations, including London, Winchester, and Glastonbury. Applications are open until Dec. 1. Interested students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as they will not be able to register for the seminar until their FLEAP application is approved. Total program cost is $4,700, including housing and airfare. Scholarships are available through the Office of International Programs (OIP) and the Honors College International Education Scholarship. Contact Sterling-Hellenbrand or Narayanan with any questions.
Walker Business Connections Career Fair
Stop by the Holmes Convocation Center for the Walker Business Connections Career Fair on Thursday, Oct. 1 from 12:00 to 3:00 pm. This career fair brings to campus dozens of employers seeking to hire App State business students for part-time, full-time, and internship positions. Students of all majors are welcome to attend. Register on Handshake or contact Jackie Garner for more information.
Project Horseshoe Farm Year-long Community Health Fellowship Program
Give back to underserved communities in Alabama from June 2027 to July 2028 with Project Horseshoe Farm’s fellowship program. Fellows support the social and health needs of the community through volunteering in Horseshoe Farm’s service programs and providing relationship-based support to children, adults living with mental illness, seniors, and other vulnerable individuals. Apply by the priority deadline on October 25. Internships are also available, with applications accepted on a rolling basis. Check out the informational document or contact fellow Manasa Raghavan with questions about her firsthand experience.
National Museum of African American History and Culture Spring 2027 Internship
Apply by Oct. 15 for a Spring 2027 internship with the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) in Washington, D.C. Part- and full-time internships are available, with remote, hybrid and onsite options. Interns gain practical museum skills and program development experience in a variety of traditional and non-traditional museum careers. Weekly stipends of up to $450 for part-time internships and up to $850 for full-time internships will be awarded. Housing is not included. Contact the NMAAHC for more information.
Summer 2027 Shark & Ray Field Research with Coastal Marine Education and Research Academy
Apply for a hands-on marine field research opportunity with Coastal Marine Education and Research Academy (CMERA) during Summer 2027. Gain direct experience handling sharks and rays in Clearwater, Florida. Program length ranges from one week to the entire summer and includes a manatee field observation trip. One week costs $879 with financing available and optional student housing for $385 a week. Airfare is not included. Request additional details or contact CMERA with any questions.
Stay in the Know
THREE RIVERS: Film Screening of Experimental Shorts by Local Film Makers
Visit the Appalachian Theatre on Friday, Oct. 2 at 7:00 pm for THREE RIVERS, a program of experimental film shorts about rivers in Western North Carolina and the impact of Hurricane Helene on these waters. The screening will be followed by a conversation with the filmmakers moderated by Jennie Carlisle. This event is free and open to the public.
Free Seminar: The Public Health Approach to Heat Illness Prevention
Join the Department of Kinesiology for a free seminar by Dr. Dave DeGroot on Friday, Oct. 2 at 12:30 pm in the Leon Levine Hall of Health Sciences, room 103. Dr. DeGroot is a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army and Director of the Army Heat Center at Fort Benning. He will discuss the signs, symptoms, and strategies for the prevention of heat-related illness. This event is sponsored by the Beaver College of Health Sciences. Community members and students from all majors are welcome.
Growing Well Conference
Visit the Leon Levine Hall of Health Sciences for the second annual Growing Well Conference from Oct. 4 to Oct. 6. This year’s theme is “Moving Mountains for People with Special Health Care Needs” and features individual and group presentations, expert panel discussions, and hands-on demonstrations. View conference fees or contact Diane Coffey for scholarship opportunities. Contact Mary Sheryl Horine for more information.
Visiting Writers Series: Irina Zhorov
Join award-winning novelist and reporter Irina Zhorov for a craft talk and book reading in the Student Union on Wednesday, Oct. 7. Stop by for the craft talk from 3:30 to 4:45 pm to explore writing techniques with Zhorov before attending the reading from 6:00 to 7:15 pm. Check out the full lineup of the Visiting Writer Series or contact Evan Gray for more information.
9th Annual Community FEaST: "Connection Through Food"
Join the Appalachian Food Research for Equity, Sustainability, and Health Collaborative (AppalFRESH) for free food and live music on Sanford Mall on Wednesday, Oct. 14 at 4:30 pm. The theme for this year’s Community FEaST (Food, Engagement, and Story Telling) is “Connection Through Food.” Attendees are asked to bring their own plates, utensils and water bottles. Stop by Sustainability and Energy Management's table for bandanas and a free reusable utensil. Sign up to volunteer for the event or donate non-perishable goods to the Mountaineer Food Hub. Contact Carla Ramsdell with any questions.
In the Honors Spotlight
Honors College Students with App State Medics Travel to London to Study Emergency Care
Honors College students Morgan Pitts and Emily Bjerregaard expanded their learning beyond the classroom through an App State Medics study abroad experience to work with the London Ambulance Service. Pitts and Bjerregaard joined fellow students and App State administrators in observing emergency response teams and exploring differences in emergency medical service practices and training standards between the United States and United Kingdom. By connecting global learning with professional development and service, Pitts and Bjerregaard took their academic interests beyond campus to engage globally, broaden their perspectives, and foster holistic development.
Read the full Appalachian Today story: App State Mountaineer Medics gain international perspective on emergency care
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!