Honors Wednesday Memo: Volume 10, Issue 11, Wednesday, October 28, 2026
edited by Melanie Kershaw
Hello Honors College Students,
Congratulations to Honors College student-athlete Katie Johnson, recently named to the All-Sun Belt Community Service Team! Katie is a leader in Run Your City Boone, a free Sunday running program for young people in the community coached by App State student-athletes.
What I love about Katie's story is that she found a way to combine something she cares about with a real need in the community. You don’t have to say yes to everything on campus to find your place. Look for where your unique strengths and curiosity align with opportunities. Some of the most rewarding experiences grow out of your interests.
Best wishes,
Vicky
Upcoming Opportunities
Dr. Klima is happy to help you apply; send her an email.
HON FLEAP: Culture and Arts in Vienna, Austria
Explore Vienna with a faculty-led program (FLEAP) from May 12 to June 1. Led by Dr. Reeves Shulstad and Dr. Alexandra Sterling-Hellenbrand, this program includes two, three-credit seminars HON 2515 “Great Cities: Vienna” and HON 3515 “Fin de siècle Vienna.” Check out the list of stops, including the Mozart House. Total program cost is $5,290, not including tuition or airfare. Contact Drs. Shulstad and Sterling-Hellenbrand with any questions.
Spring 2027 HON Seminar/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.
The White Snake: Audition Prep, Workshop & Info Sessions
Attend prep sessions for the upcoming Spring theatre production of “The White Snake,” directed by Dr. Kin Yan Szeto. No theatre experience is necessary. View information about the play and attend the following events:
- Oct. 28 at 7:00 pm - Performance Workshop (Plemmons Student Union 137A)
- Nov. 4 at 5:15 pm - Info Session 1 (Chapell Wilson 105)
- Nov. 10 at 6:00 pm - Info Session 2 (Chapell Wilson 111)
- Sunday, Nov. 22 at 6:00 pm – Audition (Valborg Theatre)
- Monday, Nov. 23 at 6:00 pm – Callbacks (Valborg Theatre)
Pathways to Public Service: Fellowship Opportunity in Raleigh
Apply for a paid fellowship from the City of Raleigh by Sunday, Nov. 1. Through mentorship and cross-departmental collaboration, fellows will gain hands-on public service experience. Participants are expected to work 15-30 hours per week from March 1 through Aug. 6, for $18.75-$20 per hour. Application includes a resume, two written reflections, and one letter of recommendation. All majors are encouraged to apply. Contact Yanira Campos for more information.
Language Scholarships Info Session
Join the Office of Nationally Competitive Scholarships (NCS) to learn about three language study scholarships on Tuesday, Nov. 3 at 6:00 pm in Appalachian Hall 085. Receive important info about the Critical Language Scholarship, Boren Awards, and Gilman Critical Language Need Award. No registration is required. Contact NCS for more information.
Stay in the Know
Upcoming Climate Events
Take part in the latest Pathways to Resilience events. Stop by the Student Union for “Climate Change & Migrant Farmworkers in NC,” a discussion with Letica Zavala and Maria Mejia on Thursday, Oct. 29 at 12:30 pm. Learn how humans and agriculture are impacted by climate change. Visit the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts now until Saturday, Nov. 7 for an exhibition of work by climate artist Jill Pelto. View the full lineup of events.
Mountain Studies Lecture
Join Dr. María Nieves Zedeño for the 2026 Mountain Studies Lecture on Thursday, Oct. 29 at 7:00 pm in the Student Union. Dr. Zedeño will present “Ninaistakis, Home of Thunder: Chief Mountain as a Blackfoot Chronotype,” followed by a Q&A. Learn about archeology and oral traditions. No registration is required. Contact the College of Arts and Sciences with any questions.
Appalachian Opera Theatre: “Gallantry” and “The Impresario”
Join the Appalachian Symphony Orchestra and the students of the Appalachian Opera Theatre for a celebration of opera at the Appalachian Theatre. Experience the unique combo of one-act operas on Thursday, Oct. 29 and Friday, Oct. 30 at 7:30 pm, and Sunday, Nov. 1 at 2:00 pm. Tickets are $5 for students.
Hayes School of Music: Upcoming Event
Visit the Broyhill Music Center for the annual Halloween Monster Concert on Friday, Oct. 30 at 8:00 pm. Experience the frightening talent of the Organ Studio, featuring pumpkin carols and candy. Attendees are encouraged to wear costumes. No registration is needed.
Visiting Writers Series
Join Marty Cain for the upcoming installment of the Visiting Writers Series on Wednesday, Nov. 4 in the Student Union. Cain is the author of three books of poetry. Stop by at 3:30 pm for a craft talk and 6:00 pm for a reading. Contact Evan Gray for more information.
In the Honors Spotlight
Honors Student Katie Johnson Named to All-Sun Belt Community Service Team
Distance runner and Honors College student Katie Johnson has been named to the All-Sun Belt Community Service Team in recognition of her outstanding civic engagement and leadership. Johnson joined the Honors College and App State in the Fall of 2024, is pursuing a major in biology with a minor in sustainable development and plans to graduate in May of 2028. While competing in cross country and track and field, Johnson recorded 48 community service hours during the 2025-26 academic year. The Sun Belt Conference selects one student-athlete from each member institution annually, recognizing individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership and dedication to community outreach.
Over the past year, she volunteered with Operation Christmas Child, supported Hunger Health and Coalition food drives, and assisted with local Hurricane Helene disaster relief through the App State Student-Athletes program. Additionally, she served as a spring semester leader for Run Your City Boone, organizing events and guiding local elementary and middle school students through running techniques, games and drills.
Johnson’s service reflects the Honors College’s goal of leading with integrity and giving back to the community.
View the full story.
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!