Honors Quarterly
The Honors College at Eastern Michigan University’s Newsletter
Volume 3 Issue 1​
September 2015
In this issue:
• A Message from the Director
• Students Attend The LeaderShape Institute
• Circle K Earns Awards
• Star Lecture Series Kick-Off
• Meet the 2015-16 PSC Winners
• Coffee Hour with Lauren and Lauren
• Catch Up with two Honors Graduates
Soar Higher with Honors!
From Honors Orientation on Aug. 8, move-in day on Sept.
4, the Common Read and Ice Cream Social on Sept. 7 to the
first three weeks of classes, The Honors College has been
buzzing with energy! It is wonderful to welcome 1,600 Honors students to campus for the new academic year. This fall
we offer a robust array of approximately 100 Honors classes
to meet the needs of our students. In addition to our full
time staff and four faculty fellows, we are so excited to have
43 students working with us on special projects this fall.
Already, the semester is in full swing. Our first Star Lecture
on Sept. 15 featured Dr. Barry Pyle, from the political science department, who presented to an audience that exceeded 300 participants. Look for the next Star Lecture on
Oct. 13. Our Honors picnic, Sept. 10, was the best attended
ever! A quick look at the Honors calendar, www.emich.edu/
honors, will reveal dozens of workshops focused on undergraduate research, exit interviews and alternative orientations, as well as social events. Our advising team is already
working with students who are planning ahead for priority
registration for the winter term.
Perhaps the most exciting news this fall for The Honors
College is the purchase of our new home and the re-naming
of our program. The Honors College at Eastern Michigan
University will move into the former Holy Trinity Church
facility as soon as re-modeling is complete. This 22,000
square-foot facility offers us not only the opportunity for
enhanced programming for our students, but it will also
http://www.emich.edu/honors/
support collaboration with art, creative writing, dance, music and theater
in the lovely auditorium on the first
floor. The official ribbon cutting for
the new facility will be held on Friday, Oct. 16. We anticipate an Open
House in winter or early spring once
The Honors College is settled into the
new facility. At that time, we will invite all those who have contributed The Honors College
to the success of the program and the Director, Rebecca Sipe
college since its inception to come back “home” to help us
celebrate. We are very grateful to Interim President, Provost
and Executive Vice President Kim Schatzel and all who have
worked so diligently to secure this facility.
This academic year promises a rich array of activities—both
new and continuing. We held our annual trip to Stratford
and the Study Abroad Fair. The premier showing of a yetto-be-named, but really exciting movie, Coffee Hour with
Lauren and Lauren and much, much more await our students and alumni.
Please stay in contact! We have many opportunities for volunteers—from event planning, to support for the Presidential Scholarship Competition to mentoring! Your involvement and support make our success possible.
Soar Higher!
Becky Sipe
Honors Students
Strengthen Leadership
Skills
Honors students have big plans for the
future. Nineteen Honors students kick
started their futures this summer by
attending The LeaderShape Institute,
a retreat that sharpens students’ leadership skills.
Senior Forrest LaPointe, a double-major in sports management and communications and an advising fellow in The
Honors College, described the trip as
an “exciting boot camp.”
“I benefited from the trip because it
really allowed me to learn of other perspectives of leadership and see how
others comprehend the concept of
leadership,” LaPointe said.
Beka Buzrukov, a
junior majoring in
bio-chemistry and a
recruiting fellow in
The Honors College,
said the group activities students particNineteen Honors students attended LeaderShape.
ipated in were interactive and intertreat to other students.
esting.
“Personally, I benefited from Lead- “I would recommend this trip to other
erShape because I got to implement students,” LaPointe said. “Even if you
the theories and the knowledge I’ve think you know it all about leadership,
learned about leadership throughout this trip is still fun and I can guarantee
my Leadership 201 and 301 classes,” you will still learn at least one thing
that you did not know before.”
Buzrukov said.
LaPointe said he recommends the re-
Circle K Wins Awards at
International Convention
Honors students, from left, Angela Scarponi,
Tori Byers and Jessica Northrup.
http://www.emich.edu/honors/
Honors students Angela Scarponi,
Tori Byers, Elizabeth McAvoy and Jessica Northrup worked together to turn
Eastern Michigan University’s Circle K
chapter into an award-winning club.
They, along with other Circle K
members, attended the International Convention held in Indianapolis
and brought home three international awards: outstanding overall club
achievement, outstanding club growth
and outstanding single service event
for its 30th anniversary party.
“We were so proud because it’s an
honor to be recognized for all the hard
work we put into our club,” Scarponi
said.
McEvoy, a sophomore, is a dietetics intent and serves as Circle K’s secretary.
“I think the international convention
was such a valuable experience because
it brought together people of all ages
[…] with one thing: service,” she said.
“So not only did I feel connected with
the hundreds of college students that
were there [...], but I also got to meet
so many inspiring adults with service
projects that were not just impacting
lives, but changing them!”
Scarponi said she originally joined Circle K in order to fulfill her Honors College community service requirements.
“I found out that I loved volunteering
and doing community service,” she
said.
Besides funding students for the Circle
K International Convention, The Honors College has also helped students attend the Michigan Convention as well.
“The Honors College is a huge help
and a huge contribution to our success
as a club at EMU,” McEvoy said.
Barry Pyle Kicks-Off Star Lecture Series
by Scout Bostley
The Student Center ballroom was filled
to the brim with Honors students eager to hear the first Star Lecture of the
semester, “Rights, Wrongs, and Toleration: The Collision of Interests and the
U.S. Constitution.”
Both informational and comical, Barry Pyle, political science professor at
Eastern Michigan University, created a
classroom atmosphere.
The biggest question of the night was,
“What happens when you stretch the
Constitution?”
The discussion centered on the Supreme Court’s decision to legalize
same-sex marriage in all 50 states and
whether the Supreme Court should
have made that decision.
“I thought he was bold to bring up
such a sensitive topic and I think the
points he made were valid political arguments,” junior music therapy major
Susan Kline said.
He asked whether, because states had
already made same-sex marriage legal
in the majority of states, the power
should have been left to the states, even
if the decision wasn’t nationally unanimous.
Pyle posed three main questions:
• Was the power to define marriage
in the Constitution?
• Should one person have the power
to make the majority?
• What about the cases that have
come up because of same-sex marriage legalization?
The biggest solution was finding tolerance, social and political tolerance.
These questions were open-ended and
designed to leave the students wondering what constitutional power was.
The lecture perfectly coincided with
Constitution Day, Sept. 17.
“Dr. Pyle is one of my favorite teachers
here [at EMU],” freshman computer
science major Kyle Shepard said. “He
is never afraid to say what needs to be
said.”
Despite the serious content, Pyle kept
the lecture lively.
“That’s what I’m all about, cheek laughs
and the Constitution,” Pyle said.
“I felt like this was less of a lecture and
more of class,” senior nursing major
Beth Harding said. “He didn’t give us
answers, he gave us things to think
about.”
Pyle brought in the largest group of
Honors students to attend a single Star
Lecture.
“I was afraid he was going to say samesex marriage shouldn’t have been legal,” junior political science major Alex
Maxwell said. “Rather, he just made
me wonder what, really, is the power of
my government and the Constitution.
This was totally worth coming to.”
Upcoming
Lecture Dates
The Pursuit of Perfection
Prof. Patrick Barry
Oct. 13
The Conflicts We Face
7 - 8:30 p.m. with our Identities while
Pursuing a Well-lived Life
A Life Well-lived:
John Feldkamp
Improving Race Relations
Dec. 1
on Campus, within the
7 - 8:30 p.m.
Community, and in the
Workplace
Dr. Doris Fields Leadership is a CHOICE
Jan. 19
Cheyenne Luzynski
7 - 8:30 p.m.
Feb. 9
7- 8:30 p.m.
The Language That
http://www.emich.edu/honors/
Separates Us
Dr. T. Daniel Seely
March 8
7 - 8:30 p.m.
Meet our 2015-2016 Presidential Scholars
More than 500 students came to EMU to compete for a four-year full-ride tuition
scholarship last winter. After a rigorous competition, The Honors College selected
20 students who truly Soar Higher.
Hannah Armstrong, from Port Huron, Mich., is a chemistry major.
During her time at EMU she hopes to
play volleyball, join community service-based organizations and study
abroad.
“[T]his scholarship really gave me the
opportunity to enjoy college and find out
who I truly am and what I want to do in
life,” Armstrong said.
Marisa Gilliam, from Monroe, Mich.,
is earning a double-major in biochemistry and biological anthropology. She
was in a college theater group, Archaeology Club and the International
Studies Club in high school.
“The [Presidential Scholarship] made it
so that I had to step out of my comfort
zone [...],” Gilliam said.
Rachel Kindred, from Ann Arbor,
Mich., is considering a major in history or political science. She was involved in her high school’s choir and
theater program.
“[T]his scholarship has provided [me
with] drive and motivation to focus on
my studies,” Kindred said.
Kaley Austin, from Marysville, Ohio,
is majoring in athletic training. In high
school she participated in the National
Honors Society and choir. Austin also
played multiple sports, including basketball, cheer leading and volleyball.
“Without this amazing opportunity, I
most likely would not have been able to
attend college,” Austin said.
Olivia Grills, from Essexville, Mich.,
is majoring in journalism, Here at
EMU, she hopes to volunteer, join new
clubs and study abroad.
“With a twin sister going to school at the
same time as me and a brother graduating from [the University of Michigan]
with a massive student loan, it’s a million
times easier on my parents,” Grills said.
Mitchell Meyer, from Dearborn,
Mich., is a biochemsity major. He
would like to join student organizations, play intramural sports and study
abroad at EMU.
Meyer said he will use the money saved
for graduate or medical school, now a
“much more realistic goal.”
Joshua Ross Colina, from St. Clair
Shores, Mich., is an occupational therapy intent. He is looking forward to
becoming involved in improv comedy
and the Student Occupational Therapy
Association.
“From the scholarship I’ve gotten the
amazing opportunity to connect with a
group of talented and motivated scholars
[...],” Colina said.
Michael Hillegass, from Wadsworth,
Ohio, is studying biology and chemistry. At EMU he hopes to play in intramural sports, join the Pre-Dental
Club, study abroad, and conduct research.
“I am beyond blessed to have this opportunity to become a Presidential Scholar,”
Hillegass said. “And, I’m extremely excited to see how far my fellow peers and I
go in life.”
Júlia Miyahara, from Northville,
Mich. While she hasn’t decided on a
major yet, she does plan on minoring
in non-profit administration, studying
abroad and volunteering.
“Since I am not a U.S. citizen, I don’t
qualify for federal financial aid,” Miyahara said. “Had it not been for this scholarship, I would have had to [get] most of
my tuition money from bank loans.”
Mackensi Crenshaw, from Columbus, Ohio, is studying special education. In high school she volunteered
with a local Special Olympics branch,
Key Club, and a multiple disabilities
class.
“Being in such a tight-knit community, as
well as having small[er] classes, allows for
better, more meaningful conversation and
learning,” Crenshaw said.
Nafiah Khan, from Canton, Mich., is
a health care administration major. She
attended the Henry Ford Early College
where she received an associate’s degree in applied science for respiratory
therapy.
“During my first year [in] The Honors
College, I immensely look forward to getting started on my Senior Thesis and beginning undergraduate research,” Khan
said.
Genevieve Moore, from Lakeview,
Mich., is earning a degree in apparel
textile merchandising. In high school
she played volleyball, served as a summer school teacher’s assistant, and was
involved in Class Council and NHS.
“I’ve had so many opportunities to meet
so many amazing people,” Moore said.
Gracie Murphy, from Brighton,
Mich., is studying aviation flight technology. Murphy attended a university
high school and participated in EMU’s
Early College Alliance.
“The Presidential Scholarship Competition process has brought many new people into my life that I know will provide
a solid support system for me throughout
the next few years [...],” Murphy said.
Lillian Richards, from West Bloomfield, Mich., is studying environmental
science. While at EMU, she would like
to study abroad in Japan and conduct
research and field work.
“Receiving this scholarship has shown me
that hard work pays off,” Richards said.
The Presidential Scholars in front of the new Honors College building.
Meredith Stout, from Medina, Ohio,
is an occupational therapy intent. She
participated in music programs, LinkCrew, Key Club, and NHS in high
school.
“It is a huge honor to be chosen from so
many candidates and to be an ambassador for this incredible university,” Stout
said.
Hannah Van Winkle, from Middletown, Conn., is a nursing intent. She
would like to study abroad and join
theater, musical and service programs.
“[The cost of tuition] was a big weight for
my family, and this scholarship gave my
incredibly self-sacrificing and loving parents the reward they deserve,” Van Winkle said.
Jesse Wotring, from Clinton, Mich., is
a double major in biology and chemistry. He volunteered at Saint Joseph
Mercy Hospital, tutored and was a
Chemistry Olympiad in high school.
“I have benefited from the scholarship
[because it has made] life easier for my
parents and myself financially,” Wotring
said.
Leah VanLandingham, from Taylor, Mich., is studying environmental
science. At EMU she would like to
join Student Senate and the theater
program. She also wants to increase
student awareness of environmental
issues.
“Earning the Presidential Scholarship
has taught me a lot about myself and not
only what kind of student I am, but what
kind of leader I can be,” VanLandingham
said.
Abigail Vermeulen, from Montague,
Mich., plans on studying abroad and
joining Model UN and clubs focused
on writing, astronomy and politics.
She hasn’t decided on a major yet, but
hopes that her experiences with The
Honors College will help her decide.
“[The Presidential Scholarship] has introduced me to a supportive system of
advisors and to a large group of engaged
students who inspire and encourage me,”
Vermeulen said.
Reem Yassine, from Northville,
Mich., is considering a science or humanities-related major. Yassine served
as a officer in the Students Assisting
Language Learners club. SALL offers
support to students facing English language barriers.
“The scholarship [...] helped boost my
confidence levels and strengthened my
self-image,” Yassine said.
“EMU Presidential Scholars serve as ambassadors for The Honors College and
EMU,” Director of The Honors College, Rebecca Sipe, said. “Their impressive level
of scholarship, community service and leadership will help shape the intellectual
and cultural opportunities for all students on campus. We are so pleased to welcome
them to campus! They are TRUEMU!”
Every Friday the smell of coffee and
the sound of laughter waft through
Starkweather. Undergraduate student
fellows Lauren Renou and Lauren
Clem welcome students to their weekly coffee hour from 11 a.m. to noon.
They always have games and activities
planned and most weeks even feature
a theme.
Molinar Accepted
to SLU
Lauren Clem, left, and Lauren Renou, right,
host Coffee Hour almost every week.
The Honors College started the school year with
the annual Common Read, Ice Cream Social,
Growing Hope Service event and Honors Picnic.
http://www.emich.edu/honors/
From a first-year student in Eastern Michigan University’s Honors
College conducting psychological
experiments, to a graduate student
researching people’s political views,
personal control, free will and moral
values, Brendan Molinar has found his
niche in the world.
Molinar is starting his first semester at SLU this fall.
Coffee Hour
with Lauren
and Lauren
The second generation EMU graduate,
currently enrolled in Saint Louis University’s graduate experimental psychology program, said his time in the
program has been very rewarding.
“I am quite happy with this program
and look forward to many more satisfying years here,” he said.
He said he owed EMU’s Honors College and psychology department a
great deal.
“I credit my participation in The Honors College’s Departmental Honors as
being a significant boost to my application […],” Molinar said.
After he completes this program, he
hopes to go on to a full-time faculty
position at a research intensive school.
Molinar said he has found that the research psychologists are working on is
always profoundly personal.
“The quickest way into a psychologist’s
heart is to ask them about the research
[they are working on],” he said.
Alfaro Begins Graduate Program
Silvana Alfaro has been accepted into Wayne State University’s Social Work and Infant
Mental Health Ph.D. program.
Alfaro, right, at the 2014-15 Undergraduate Symposium.
In two years at Eastern Michigan University, Silvana Alfaro accomplished
more than some students can hope to
accomplish in four years.
“I wanted to do as much as I could and
get as much as I could out of my bachelor’s,” Alfaro said. “That’s why I joined
The Honors College right in the very
first semester when I started here.”
Before graduating with a bachelor’s
degree in psychology and a minor in
social work with Highest and Departmental Honors in psychology in December, 2014, Alfaro worked as a birth
and postpartum doula in Pittsburgh
for six years.
A doula is trained to provide support
to mothers before, during and after
childbirth.
“I think I have a talent for communicating with teeny-tiny ones,” Alfaro said.
“I think I understand what’s going on
with them. Some people don’t have it
and I feel I do. I hold a baby, and if the
baby feels safe and secure, they react in
a different way. They react better.”
Alfaro said she decided to study psychology and social work because she
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wanted to work with parents and their
babies on a deeper level.
“I like to look at the individual, but I
also look at the place where the individual comes from,” Alfaro said.
“That’s where the social work comes in
very handy.”
When Alfaro transferred to EMU from
Lansing, Community College with
an associates degree in writing and
foreign languages, she began working
with Professor Natalie Dove in the
psychology department on her senior
thesis. She studied the Eastern Pride &
Identity Coalition.
EPIC is a panel of students who volunteer to share their coming out stories.
Alfaro looked at the effect the stories
had on the attitudes of EMU students
toward the LGBTQ community. The
panels proved to be effective.
Alfaro said she wanted to work on a
project that would be useful to people.
“We have been in tons of classes where
we have to learn from scratch,” Alfaro
said. “What is it about LGBT communities, what they are all about, what
happens, what are their difficulties,
their struggles. And I just wanted to
work a little bit more on exposing that
reality.”
Dove said Alfaro is a “hard worker who
always has an eye toward both tangible
academic goals and less tangible pursuits, such as the inclusion and consideration of diverse populations in her
research.”
Alfaro also worked as an undergraduate research assistant in the psychology
department to Professor Alissa HuthBocks and Professor Chong Man
Chow.
Huth-Bocks said Alfaro is one of the
most persistent and passionate students she has ever worked with.
“Her passion is infectious!” HuthBocks said. “In our lab, she serves as a
source of inspiration for everyone and
we often look to her as a ‘pick me up’
support person. She is also incredibly
aware and grateful of opportunities she
is given. Nothing is taken for granted.”
Alfaro has presented at and submitted
research for conferences eight times
and has been awarded with 16 scholarships, grants and honors.
Alfaro said she picked WSU’s program
because it was a great match for her.
“I wanted to work with a particular
population of parents and infants, and
[WSU has] it right there,” Alfaro said.
Huth-Bocks said Alfaro is a perfect fit
for the program because of her experience as a doula and her life experiences.
“Her ability to empathize with and understand the difficulties experienced
by high-risk pregnant and postpartum
women is amazing, and many, many
parents and young children will benefit from her help,” Huth-Bocks said. “I
can’t wait to see what she will accomplish! The sky is the limit for her.”
The Honors College Mission
The Honors College at Eastern Michigan University serves the university
community by empowering academically talented and motivated students to
reach their full personal, scholastic, service and leadership potential through
challenging coursework with engaged peers and faculty and through extra-curricular activities that foster international and diversity awareness and a commitment to civic engagement.
Support Honors @ EMU
Alumni and community supporters are invited to contribute their time or
make a financial contribution to support The Honors College.
To learn about opportunities to give to The Honors College, visit:
www.emich.edu/honors/giving
Honors Quarterly Mission
The mission of The Honors Quarterly is to develop active relationships with
individuals both inside and outside of the university, and to promote students’
academic success through recognition of their achievements. Please send us
news updates for upcoming editions at emuhonors_alumni@emich.edu. We
welcome your ideas and input!
Stay in touch!
Phone: 734-487-0341
Fax: 734-487-0793
emuhonors@emich.edu
emuhonors_alumni@emich.edu
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media!
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Eastern Michigan University