edited by Kistler Hunt
Volume 7, Issue 9
October 18, 2023
Dear Honors students,
It's hard to believe that it is already time to start wearing a coat to work. I feel like it was just yesterday that I was writing the text for my first, early-August, Honors Wednesday Memo. My goal for the Honors College remains the same: I want our college to be a place where everyone feels safe, heard, welcomed, and supported in discovering and charting their own path. Your Honors College mentors and Honors College faculty are there to help shine a light to make this path more visible. While you are the one who will choose and traverse it, we will all be there to help you along the way. Kennedy Williams '23, highlighted in this week's feature story, helps us remember that taking care of ourselves mentally and physically is an important part of our journey. I first met Kennedy in October 2021 when she took time out of her busy schedule to share important advice with students participating in the STEM Opportunities Are Realized (SOAR) summer bridge program(link is external). As I work with our Honors student leaders, I am constantly reminded of their willingness to give back and to support one another. Don't forget that I'm here, too! Stop by AH 284 to chat at any time. I love connecting students with opportunities and your visit would allow me to make that happen.
Best wishes,
Vicky
Upcoming Opportunities:
Interim Dean Vicky is happy to help you apply; send her an email at klimavw@appstate.edu(link sends e-mail)
AHA! Service Trip
The Appalachian Honors Association (AHA!) will be holding a service trip to clean up and remove trash along the Blue Ridge Parkway on October 21, starting at 8:30 a.m. If you are interested in volunteering or have questions, contact Anna Carroll(link sends e-mail). AHA! is seeking students who can carpool with one another to and from the trip. If you need a ride or are willing to drive others, click here to fill out the carpool form(link is external).
CEL Fall into Service Day of Service
Throughout the Fall 2023 semester, the Office of Community Engaged Leadership(link is external) (CEL) will host several days of service where those interested can volunteer for a day with local nonprofits. On October 21 from 9:00 – 2:00 p.m., CEL will host its “Fall into Service” day. Those interested can volunteer with several nonprofits of their choosing, including Volunteers in Parks(link is external), Springhouse Farm(link is external), Grace Woodlots, Wine to Water(link is external), Spirit Ride(link is external), and Habitat for Humanity(link is external). For more information and to register, click here(link is external).
University Libraries Art Contest
University Libraries(link is external) is hosting an art contest on the theme, “Journey of the Mind: Exploring the University Experience.” Works should explore on- and off-campus experiences either in the past, present, or future. A monetary prize will be offered to students who place in the top five contest winners. Students of any discipline can submit work for consideration. The deadline to submit works is December 6. For more information and to submit artwork, click here(link is external).
Honors Homecoming Tailgate
The Honors College will be having a tailgate in honor of Homecoming on October 28 from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. in the Honors College Bailey. The inaugural Homecoming tailgate will feature food, games, and story-sharing between current students and alumni. RSVPs received by October 26 are the most helpful. To RSVP to the tailgate, click here(link is external) to fill out the form.
German Research Internships in Science and Engineering
The German Academic Exchange Service(link is external) is now accepting applications for its Research Internships in Science and Engineering(link is external) (RISE) program. The RISE program supports students in doing a summer research internship in Germany relevant to biology, chemistry, physics, earth sciences, engineering, or other closely related fields. Accepted students will be matched with research mentors according to their research area to complete a project during the length of the internship. The deadline to apply is November 30 at 6:59 p.m., Eastern Time. For more information about the program, click here(link is external). For any questions or support with applications, contact Johnna Reisner(link sends e-mail).
Stay in the Know:
Office of Diversity: We’re Here Series
The Office of Diversity(link is external) has brought back its “We’re Here” series for the 2023-2024 academic year. This series seeks to amplify the voices and experiences of App State’s students, faculty, staff, and alumni who come from underrepresented backgrounds. The next presentation in the series focusing on religious diversity will be on October 19 from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. For more information and to register, click here(link is external).
US Air Force Band Concert
The United States Air Force Concert Band(link is external) and Singing Sergeants(link is external) will visit the Schaefer Center(link is external) on October 25 at 7:00 p.m. Composed of 76 active-duty musicians in the Air Force, the Concert Band and Singing Sergeants engage in local communities by traveling and performing a variety of pieces – both new and old. Registration is required. For more information and to register, click here(link is external).
Education Career Fair
The Career Development Center(link is external) will be hosting an Education Career Fair on October 20 from 12:00 – 2:30 p.m. The Fair will feature a variety of employers in the field of education, including school administrators, superintendents, school districts, and more. For more information and to register, click here(link is external).
Wellness and Prevention Mindfulness Classes
The Office of Wellness and Prevention Services(link is external) is hosting two four-week-long mindfulness classes in the fall semester. Taught by certified instructors, these classes give students strategies to help them sleep, focus, and help manage stress. The first class begins on October 23 and meets weekly from 5:00 – 6:15 p.m. The second class begins on October 24 and meets weekly from 2:00 – 3:15 p.m. For more information and to register for either class, click here(link is external).
Let’s Get Started Series Workshop
The Office of Diversity(link is external) is hosting its “Let’s Get Started” Series of online, interactive workshops designed to introduce students, faculty, and staff to key concepts in the realm of diversity, equity, and inclusion. The next virtual workshop titled “Unpacking Microaggressions” will be held on October 25 from 11:00 – 12:00 p.m. This event will discuss what microaggressions are, how they may look different depending on the context, and how individuals can interrupt and intervene. Registration is required. For more information and to register, click here(link is external).
In the Honors Spotlight
Former Honors College student worker Kennedy Williams ’22 featured in Appalachian Outdoorosity(link is external) Podcast
Photo features Kennedy Williams. Photo submitted.
Dr. Becki Battista(link is external), professor in the Department of Public Health and Exercise Science(link is external), recently interviewed former Honors College student worker Kennedy Williams ’22 about her journey toward gaining confidence and finding peace outdoors for the Appalachian Outdoorosity(link is external) podcast. Williams graduated from App State in fall 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in exercise science and a minor in chemistry. While an undergraduate, Williams worked at the front desk in the Honors College; she also found great opportunity within University Recreation(link is external)’s outdoor programs(link is external) to develop confidence, a diverse skill set, and worldview.
To learn more about Kennedy’s experiences, click here(link is external) to listen to Episode 9 - Kennedy Williams – Comfort and Peace of the Appalachian Outdoorosity podcast with Dr. Becky Battista.