edited by Kaylie Morales
Volume 9, Issue 2
August 27, 2025
Dear Honors students,
It has been wonderful to see our Honors College community in action these past few days. On Friday, our returning Chancellor’s Scholars hosted a welcome reception for the newest cohort, and on Monday evening, peer mentors and first-year students connected at the Peer Mentor Mingle. Both events reminded me how much our community thrives when students support one another, sharing their experiences and building connections across years and disciplines. This week’s memo highlights more opportunities for connection and leadership—I’m excited to see how your ideas and energy will help shape our future together.
Best wishes,
Vicky
Upcoming Opportunities:
Dr. Klima is happy to help you apply; send her an email at klimavw@appstate.edu
HWM Assistant Editor Call for Applications
The Honors College invites students from any major or disciplines to apply to be the assistant editor of the Honors Wednesday Memo, beginning September 2025. The assistant editor will work approximately 5 hours a week and be paid $13 per hour. The assistant editor will be supervised by Dr. Garrett McDowell and will work closely with the HWM editors and Dr. Vicky Klima, associate vice provost of the Honors College. Tasks will primarily include sourcing news, writing spotlight stories, gathering announcements, editing, proofreading, and working with our social media accounts. For more information, a full job description, and instructions on how to apply, click here. Applications should be submitted to Dr. Vicky Klima no later than Friday, August 29. For any questions related to the position, contact Dr. Garrett McDowell.
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
The Office of Nationally Competitive Scholarships is now accepting applications for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program until Friday, September 5 at midnight. The Fulbright U.S. Student Program expands perspectives through academic and professional advancement and cross-cultural dialogue. Click here for more information.
Humanities at Hertog Online Seminar Series
The Hertog Foundation is offering various Humanities at Hertog online seminars this fall semester. These fully funded courses provide an opportunity not only to reflect on what great texts bring to bear on enduring questions, but also how to begin a community in conversation. The deadline to apply is Monday, September 8. To learn more, click here.
Cypress Literary Review
The Cypress Review, an undergraduate literary journal run by the Fusion Literary Review through the Roger Hadfield Ogden Honors College at Louisiana State University, invites students to submit creative works such as fiction, poetry, screenwriting, creative nonfiction, and visual arts by Sunday, September 28. Click here for more information and the submission process. For questions, contact LSU Fusion Lit Review.
MAP Academy & Nalli Fellowships Applications Open
The MAP Academy & Nalli Fellowships support South-Asia based projects that generate new interest in the region’s textile practices. This fellowship program is a collaboration between Nalli Silks, the heritage textile brand, and the MAP Academy, a platform encouraging greater and more equitable engagement with South Asia’s art and cultural histories. Applications are now open and close in October 2025. Click here to learn more about the MAP Academy & Nalli Fellowship.
Stay in the Know:
Schaefer Center’s Appalachian Arts 2025-26 Season
The Schaefer Center’s Appalachian Arts announces their 2025-26 schedule, which supports App States’ teaching mission by presenting world-class performances that bring classroom learning to life, while contributing in a significant way to quality of life for residents across our region and the cultural landscape of the High Country and beyond. Click here to view the 2025-26 schedule.
Dave Isay visits App State
The Common Reading Program is excited to welcome radio producer and documentarian Dave Isay to App State on Tuesday, September 16 at 7 p.m. in the Schaefer Center of the Performing Arts. Isay’s work has earned numerous recognitions, including six Peabody Awards, a MacArthur “Genius Grant,” a Guggenheim Fellowship, and the 2015 TED Prize. Isay is also the bestselling author of eight books, including App State’s 2025-2026 common reading book: Callings: The Purpose and Passion of Work. This event is free and open to the public and will be followed by a Q&A session and a book signing.
Fall 2025 Climate Resilience Forum
The Pathways of Resilience QEP invites students to their Fall 2025 Climate Resilience Forum on Thursday, September 25 from 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. in the Parkway Ballroom of the Plemmons Student Union. This event is used to mark the anniversary of Hurricane Helene by learning about climate and community resilience. Click here for more information.
Mountaineer Food Hub and Free Store
The Mountaineer Food Hub and Free Store is open to students, faculty and staff from Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the ground floor of East Hall. The Food Hub serves to address food insecurity, provide staple foods and personal care products. The Free Store serves to provide household items, interview clothing, winter gear, and various other goods. Donations are also accepted. Click here to learn more about the Mountaineer Food Hub and Free Store.
Summer Volunteers Needed for App Builds a Home and Watauga Habitat for Humanity
App Builds a Home and Watauga Habitat for Humanity need volunteers to help build the Lee family home. No construction experience needed. Individuals or groups can sign up for a half or full day. Click here to sign up to volunteer. For questions, contact Misty Mayfield.
In the Honors Spotlight
Samantha Oleschuk ’24 builds on thesis serving as director of community engagement at Florence Thomas Art School
Photo features Samantha Oleschuk. Photo submitted by Samantha Oleschuk.
Honors College alumna, Samantha Oleschuk ’24, has been working as the codirector/director of community engagement at the Florence Thomas Art School (FTAS) in West Jefferson, NC, since June of 2024. In the Spring of 2024, Oleschuk graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in art and visual culture with a concentration in art management and with minors in nonprofit organizations and French and francophone studies. Oleschuk’s research for her thesis, “Sharing the Creative Aging Impact Story: Navigating Barriers, Pursuing Sustainability, and Dreaming into the Future,” led her to the Florence Thomas Art School and her current focus in the arts — “connection, community, and accessibility.” Reflecting on the joy and inspirations she gets from her job, Oleschuk stated: “Every day at Florence Thomas Art School is different, and that variety keeps me both grounded and challenged. Whether I’m installing an exhibition, developing a new program, connecting with a new community partner, or writing a grant, I’m always thinking about how we can better serve our community through the arts.”
Click here to learn more about Samantha Oleschuk and her role as director of community engagement at Florence Thomas Art School in West Jefferson, NC.
Have announcements to share? Submissions can be made to honors@appstate.edu. Any content received by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday 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!