edited by Kistler Hunt
Volume 7, Issue 4
September 13, 2023
Greetings Honors students!
The Honors College provides personal, professional, and academic support that emboldens you to vulnerably seek opportunities. This Memo highlights Honors College alumna Lela Arruza ‘23 who did just that, and as a result, won the Center for Craft's prestigious Windgate Lamar Fellowship. The center explains, "the fellowship instills confidence and fosters bravery to take risks and the chance to seek and engage in career-enhancing opportunities." If we replace "career-enhancing" with "life-enhancing," that sentence embodies exactly what I hope the Honors College does for you. You'll find several life-enhancing opportunities outlined in this memo, from our local Honors College Dane Ward Endowed Honors Research Scholarship to the national Fulbright-Mitacs Globalink Program. Reach out to me for support. I'd be delighted to offer feedback on draft applications and I'm certain your Honors College faculty and academic mentors would be as well.
Best wishes,
Vicky
Upcoming Opportunities:
Interim Dean Vicky is happy to help you apply; send her an email at klimavw@appstate.edu
Dane Ward Scholarship Applications
The Honors College is now accepting applications for its Dr. Dane Ward Endowed Honors Research Scholarship. To honor the former dean of University Libraries, the Dane Ward Scholarship supports exceptional research (scholarship and/or creative activity) completed by Honors students. Preferred projects will be those seeking to make a substantial impact by increasing awareness, access to information, or direct support for a community of vulnerable people, with the potential of impacting the world and humanity! Please note: “research” here also includes scholarship and/or creative activity. Click here for more information and the application to apply in consultation with your faculty mentor by September 25 at 11:59 p.m.
Fulbright-Mitacs Globalink Applications
Fulbright Canada is now accepting applications for its Fulbright-Mitacs Globalink program. The program involves students going to Canada to participate in advanced research projects for 10 to 12 weeks between the summer months. These research projects can be done in areas of their own interest, and the program will match the student with a university professor and their projects. Students will also take part in professional training and cultural, social, and recreational experiences. The deadline to apply is September 21 at 4:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time. For more information and to apply, click here.
Sustainable Development Costa Rica Study Abroad Trip
Dr. Rick Rheingans, professor in the Department of Sustainable Development, will be traveling with students to Costa Rica during the Summer of 2024. Dr. Rheingans’ trip will focus on the development and ecology of tropical forests, allowing students to visit four different forest biomes across Costa Rica — cloud, mangrove, rain, and dry forests. Students will also engage in independent research through the La Selva Research Station in the lowlands of Costa Rica. Dr. Rheingans will host several information sessions throughout the semester, occurring on September 13, 14, and 17. For more information, contact Dr. Rheingans or Julia Showalter.
Global Symposium Presentation Proposals
The Office of International Education and Development is now accepting presentation proposals for its annual Global Symposium, which will occur on November 15. The Symposium allows students, faculty, and staff to share global work in a professional setting, while still contributing to global learning. The deadline to submit a proposal is October 9. Students of any discipline can submit a proposal. For more information and to submit a proposal, click here.
Appalachian Advocates Program
The Office of Diversity is accepting applications for its Appalachian Advocates program. Appalachian Advocates is a group of dedicated students and staff that promote diversity across campus and connect individuals from underrepresented groups to resources within the University and throughout Boone. The first Appalachian Advocates event will be their fall orientation, held on September 29 from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. For more information, click here. To apply, click here.
Stay in the Know:
Guatemalan Film Festival Presentation
The Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures will be hosting its Guatemalan Film Festival throughout the fall semester. Featuring a variety of films and documentaries, the Festival’s programming will feature Guatemalan heritage, as well as general information about Guatemala. The first presentation in the series will feature the film “Ixcanul” about a young indigenous girl trying to find her place in modern society. Registration is required. For more information and to register, click here.
Common Reading Program Author Visit
The Common Reading Program will be hosting John Elder Robinson, author of the 2023 common reading book “Be Different: My Adventures with Asperger’s and My Advice for Fellow Aspergians, Misfits, Families, and Teachers.” Robinson will be visiting App State on September 19 and September 20. Robinson will present a keynote address in the Schaefer Center on September 19 at 7:00 p.m., with a reading and closing address on September 20 at 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., respectively. For more information, click here or contact Rick Klima.
Fall Sustainability Film Series Presentation
Throughout the fall semester, the Office of Sustainability will be hosting their annual Fall Sustainability Film Series, highlighting various films under the theme of sustainability. The first event in the series will be on September 27 at 6:00 p.m. The event will feature the film “The Revolution Generation,” which explores the activism and world-changing potential of the largest generation of youth. For more information and to register, click here.
Schaefer Center Presents: Coco Live-to-Film Concert
Throughout the fall semester, the Schaefer Center will be hosting a variety of events that showcase the arts and the beauty of the arts. The first presentation will be the Coco Live-to-Film Concert, featuring musicians, composers, and orchestras that will play pieces from the Disney movie Coco. The event will take place on October 19 at 7:00 p.m. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
Graduate School Spring 2024 Applications
Applications are now open for the degree- and non-degree seeking programs through the Cratis D. Williams School of Graduate Studies. Graduate courses serve as a way to enhance education and learn new skills. Honors students who take graduate classes at the 5000 level will also receive Honors credit upon completion of the course. The deadline for non-degree seeking programs is January 2. The deadline for degree-seeking programs is November 1. For more information and any questions, contact Graduate Admissions.
In the Honors Spotlight
Lela Arruza Awarded Windgate-Lamar Fellowship
Photo features Arruza. Photo submitted.
Honors College Alumna, Chancellor’s Scholar, and artist Lela Arruza ‘23 has been awarded the 2023 Windgate-Lamar Fellowship by the Center for Craft in Asheville, North Carolina. “Each year, the Windgate-Lamar Fellowship identifies ten graduating college seniors with exemplary skill in craft. Awardees receive $15,000 — one of the largest awards offered nationally to art students.” About her experience in the Honors College at App State, Arruza shared, “Taking the initiative to be involved in the community of students and professors has really made a difference in my college experience.” She offered the following advice to other Honors College students, and specifically artists, “I recommend utilizing the amazing resources the Honors College and professors provide. Be active in asking questions and looking for opportunities. Every professor I’ve sat down with and talked to about my work has jumped at the chance to share about scholarships, fellowships, or residency opportunities.”
To read more about Arruza and her Windgate-Lamar Fellowship, click here.