edited by Em Acuña & Kaylie Morales
Volume 9, Issue 14
November 19, 2025
Dear Honors students,
As we approach the end of the semester, it’s good to take time to celebrate accomplishments and the opportunities ahead. This week, we’re excited to share Assistant Editor Isabella Lebron’s debut spotlight story, introducing Dr. Pia Albinsson and the engaged mentoring that helps students explore new paths, take on challenges, and make the most of their Honors experience. With finals approaching, I hope this Memo gives you a chance to pause, notice your progress, and connect with each other as you continue learning, creating, and growing together.
Best wishes,
Vicky
Upcoming Opportunities:
Dr. Klima is happy to help you apply; send her an email at klimavw@appstate.edu
Career Talks: Teaching English Abroad and Careers in International Education
The Office of International Programs (OIP) will be hosting two talks: “An Introduction into International Education Careers” on Friday, November 21 at 12 p.m. in PSU 319 and “Teaching English Abroad” on Friday, November 21 at 1 p.m. in PSU 319. These talks are geared toward globally minded students interested in careers in international education or teaching English abroad. The sessions will include information about recruiting and advice for finding employment in these fields. For more information visit the Office of International Programs website.
Auditions for Spring 2026 Productions
The Department of Theatre and Dance is hosting auditions for two upcoming Spring 2026 mainstage productions. All App State students are welcome to audition for both on-stage and behind-the-scenes roles. Auditions are on Sunday, November 23 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Valborg Theatre with callbacks on Monday, November 24. If interested, fill out this form and read more from their press release.
CETLSS "Thank an Educator" program
The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning for Student Success (CETLSS) is launching a new initiative, the “Thank an Educator” program. The program is designed to recognize and celebrate hardworking and dedicated educators across campus who have positively impacted students’ lives. Students can participate by submitting anonymous thank-you notes via this form, and notes will be emailed to recipients at the end of each semester.
Honors College Faculty-Led Education Abroad Program (FLEAP) to Italy & France
Professors Dr. Randall Reed and Dr. Laura Ammon, in the Department of Philosophy and Religion, as well as Dr. Maria Pramaggiore, professor in the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies will lead students on an Honors College FLEAP, “Love, Sex and Power in Christianity” from May 26, 2026 – June 16, 2026 in Italy and France. The program will engage with iconic sites, rich cultural contexts, and critical scholarship to deepen understanding of Christianity’s influence on Western culture. Honors College students will earn credits for HON 3517 and HON 2515. For questions, contact Dr. Randall Reed. Check out the program brochure and information video to learn more. Visit the Honors Seminar Descriptions to read more about all upcoming Spring and Summer 2026 Honors College seminars, or go to the Office of International Programs for information on all study abroad opportunities.
ABAH “Give Thanks, Give Back” Campaign
App Builds a Home is seeking assistance with their main fundraiser of the year, the “Give Thanks, Give Back” letter-writing campaign. Students can help build the Lee Family’s Habitat for Humanity home by participating; $10,000 in matching funds will double all donations up to that amount! Letters and envelopes are available in the Honors College Library (AH 282). You can drop completed letters in the marked bin in the Honors College Main Office, and we’ll mail them for you. For questions, contact the ABAH lead team at appbuildsahome@appstate.edu.
Upcoming Thesis Defenses:
Dr. Klima urges, “Support your fellow Honors College students and faculty by attending Honors thesis defenses! You’ll marvel, learn, and grow. With each defense you attend, you’ll make your own easier.”
Addisyn Keen
Thursday, November 20, 9 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Rankin Science West, room 283
Presenting “Hormonal Modulation of Nociception: The Role of Ecdysone in Drosophila”
Ella Mayfield
Friday, November 21, 4 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Garwood Hall, room 150
Presenting “ Evaluating Possible Influence of Solar Activity on Observed [O I] Emission In Cometary Comae”
Jake Stanley
Monday, December 1, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Leon Levine Hall, room 112
Presenting “Can phone-based markerless motion capture track key performance indicators in javelin throwers”
George Gogel
Monday, December 1, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Walker Hall, room 138
Presenting “A Deluge of Speech: A Case Study on the Proliferation of U.S. Sovereign Citizens”
Avery Hodgson
Monday, December 1, 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Rankin Science West, room 158
Presenting “Quantification of Changes in Short-Chain Fatty Acid Abundance due to Exercise in Old and Young Mice”
Stay in the Know:
Winter Food Drive
The App State Post Office and Sustainability & Energy Management team are hosting a winter food drive on Boone Campus from November 17 through December 15. Collection bags can be found in the various Departments across campus, where they will be packed and delivered to the Mountaineer Food Hub. The department that collects the most items will receive bragging rights and a trophy! For questions, contact the Office of Sustainability.
Fall Appalachian Dance Ensemble Premieres Eight Original Works
The Fall Appalachian Dance Ensemble (FADE) will be premiering eight original dance works with performances on Wednesday, November 19 through Saturday, November 22 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, November 23 at 2 p.m. in Valborg Theatre. Tickets are $10 for students, $15 for faculty/staff, and $17 for adults. They are available for purchase on the Department of Theatre and Dance website or in person at the Schafer Center for the Arts box office.
Upcoming Performances from Hayes School of Music
The Hayes School of Music (HSOM) will be hosting a variety of performances this week including the Appalachian Wind Ensemble and Appalachia Symphony Band on Thursday, November 20 at 8 p.m. at the Schaefer Center. The Gospel Choir will also present “Canvas of Praise: A Journey of Faith through Paint and Song” on Sunday, November 23 at 4 p.m. Admission is free to both performances. Additionally, the 33rd Holiday Scholarship Concert will be held on Friday, November 21 at 7:30 p.m. at the Schaefer Center and tickets are $10 for students and $15 for regular admission and can be bought on the Schaefer website. Visit the Hayes School of Music Performance Calendar for up-to-date details on all events.
Arbor Day Tree Planting Event
The Sustainability and Energy Management team is celebrating Arbor Day with a tree planting service event. The event will take place in two sessions on Thursday, November 20 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. in Durham Park. To sign up, RSVP on the engage page here.
Yosef's Locker Vintage Clothing Partnership
The App State Athletics and Sustainability and Energy Management teams are joining forces to host the “Yosef’s Locker Vintage Clothing Partnership” on Saturday, November 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Yosef’s Locker, North End Zone, Kidd Brewer Stadium. When students bring their vintage or gently used Appalachian State University apparel to Yosef’s Locker, they will receive up to 35% off select in-store items, valid until December 21. All donations will be distributed to the Mountain Food Hub and Free Store to support members of the App State community.
In the Honors Spotlight
Dr. Pia Albinsson joins the App State Honors College mentoring team
Top photo features Dr. Pia Albinsson. Photo submitted.
Dr. Pia A. Albinsson, Beroth Professor of Marketing in the Department of Marketing & Supply Chain Management joined the Honors College beginning August 2025 as the Honors College academic mentor for students majoring in the Walker College of Business. Honors College academic mentors play a crucial role in fulfilling our Honors College mission to support students’ individual holistic development and engagement beyond themselves, across disciplinary boundaries, and in collaboration with others. About mentoring, she reflected, “The most meaningful part of my job is mentoring students—both in my role as an educator, but also in my new mentoring role—helping students navigate their academic and career paths and seeing them grow and succeed. It is incredibly rewarding to contribute to their development.”
Read more on our Honors College news page about Dr. Albinsson and her new role in the Honors College.