edited by Kaylie Morales
Volume 9, Issue 11
October 29, 2025
Greetings, Honors students!
Today’s spotlight story shares how Honors student and The Peel editor-in-chief Ember Jones helped create a space for students to turn awkward moments into connection and creativity. During Mortified, an open mic, participants shared their most awkward stories and discovered humor, empathy, and connection in the process. Creativity like this helps sustain the balance we all need to finish the semester strong—and it reflects how Honors students lead across campus, broadening and deepening their interests beyond their majors. If you’re looking to explore new perspectives next semester, check out our Spring 2026 Honors Seminars—a chance to stretch your curiosity and find inspiration in something unexpected.
Best wishes,
Vicky
Upcoming Opportunities:
Dr. Klima is happy to help you apply; send her an email at klimavw@appstate.edu
Call for Submissions to The Peel
Submissions are open now until Saturday, November 1 for the 18th volume of The Peel Review, App State’s student-run literary and arts magazine. The Peel accepts previously unpublished poetry, prose, sound, or visual artworks. Visit The Peel’s website to learn more about submission guidelines. For questions, contact Ember Jones.
Honors College Peer Mentor Friendsgiving Potluck
The Honors College Peer Mentor Program is having their annual Peer Mentor Friendsgiving Potluck on Wednesday, November 12 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in App Hall rooms 185, 186, and 187. We encourage HC students to attend with your peer mentor/mentee(s). Please RSVP by November 9. Use this Google Sheet to share ideas on what to bring to the potluck.
Registration Open for 14th Annual Global Symposium
Registration is now open until Tuesday, November 4 at 5 p.m. for the 14th Annual Global Symposium on Wednesday, November 19 at Plemmons Student Union. The Global Symposium features a half-day conference where attendees will explore innovations, strategies, and best practices in global engagement. To learn more and to register, visit the Office of International Programs website.
2026-2027 Summit Hall Honors Housing Re-Application Open
Honors residents in Cone or Summit Hall must complete the Housing Reapplication (ReAPP) between now and December 2 to remain eligible for Summit Hall placement next year. Completing the application portion is a required first step for priority housing. Students who apply will receive instructions about next steps after the Reapplication closes. Questions? Contact housing@appstate.edu. Visit the University Housing website to learn more.
HON Faculty-Led Education Abroad (FLEAP) to Zambia: African Climate Literacy and Development
Dr. Twange Kasoma, assistant professor in the Department of Communication, and Dr. Matthew Ogwu, assistant professor in the Department of Sustainable Development, will lead students to Lusaka, Zambia, from June 11 to June 26, 2026. This program, African Climate Literacy and Development, will be an interdisciplinary, research-driven, and globally relevant exploration of one of the most pressing challenges of the 21st century. Students will earn 6 credit hours for HON 2516 and HON 3516. For questions, contact Dr. Twange Kasoma or Dr. Matthew Ogwu. Visit the Honors Seminar Descriptions to read more about all upcoming Spring and Summer 2026 Honors College seminars.
Stay in the Know:
The Hughlene Bostian Frank Visiting Writers Series
The Hughlene Bostian Frank Visiting Writers Series hosts authors and writers to discuss their books throughout the academic year. The next event will feature author Kathryn Kirkpatrick on Wednesday, November 12 for a Craft Talk at 3:30 p.m. and a reading at 6 p.m. in the Plemmons Student Union room 201B. Events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted. A book sale and signing will follow each reading.
“Zionism and Anti-Zionism in Historical Perspective” with Dr. Yaakov Lipsker
The Center for Judaic, Holocaust, and Peace Studies invites students, faculty and staff to a free lecture by Dr. Yaakov Lipsker, assistant professor of Practice in Humanities and Jewish Studies at Davidson College on Wednesday, October 29 at 7 p.m. in the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts room 1102. Dr. Lipsker’s research lies at the intersection of Eastern European Jewish social, political, and cultural history and the study of nations and nationalism. To learn more, visit the Center for Judaic, Holocaust, and Peace Studies website. Visit App State Zoom to register to attend online.
AI in Action: Faculty Research with AI at App State
The AI Enablement Team is hosting a virtual panel on Monday, November 3 at 12 p.m. on Zoom, with professors from diverse disciplines to discuss how they are using AI in their research. Panelists will share how AI is advancing in their research and opening new possibilities across fields. Visit App State Zoom to register to attend. For questions, contact Karen Fischer.
Performances from Hayes School of Music
The Hayes School of Music (HSOM) will be hosting a variety of performances this week including: four saxophone quartets and the 16-member App State Saxophone Choir, the Appalachian Opera Workshop, a Guitar Ensemble Concert, a Halloween Monster Concert presented by the Organ Studio, a Faculty Recital by Dr. David Wells performing bassoon, a Percussion Ensemble, a Composition/Dance Collaboration, and a Jazz Ensemble I. Visit the HSOM Performance Calendar for full details. All performances besides the Appalachian Opera Workshop have free admission. Tickets for the Appalachian Opera Workshop are $15 for adults and $10 for students, visit Appalachian Theatre’s website to purchase.
Veterinary Technology Speaker Series
The Department of Rural Resilience and Innovation is hosting a virtual speaker series focused on veterinary technology. The third session “Backyard Chickens,” will be held on Wednesday, November 5 at 10 a.m. on Zoom. This session will focus on how to properly raise chickens at home. For more information, visit the series website.
In the Honors Spotlight
The Peel hosts "Mortified" event with help from Honors students including Ember Jones
On October 21, The Peel Literature and Arts Review, a student-run magazine on App State’s campus that publishes an edition each year featuring creative and expressive works, hosted their beloved “Mortified” event. “Mortified” is a recurring event hosted by The Peel to find creativity and comfort in embarrassment. The open mic night welcomes anyone with something to share and provides an outlet for individuals to find the “fun” in embarrassment.
Honors College student Ember Jones, who serves as editor-in-chief of the Peel, helped organize this event. Jones has been involved heavily in The Peel before her role as editor-in-chief. Other Honors College students have and continue to be involved in this organization as well, through leadership and being published.
To read the full story about the October 21 “Mortified” event by Grace Phillips, A&C Reporter from The Appalachian, click here.