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Angelina is graduating with a degree in Psychology with three minors in Business, Data Science, and Leadership Studies, inspired by her interest in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. In addition to being an Honors Scholar, throughout her time at CU, she has served as a General Officer and Treasurer for Psi Chi, CU’s Chapter of the International Honor Society in Psychology, a mentor in Allies and Mentors in Psychology and Neuroscience, and worked several jobs including her role as an Office Assistant for the Honors Program. Her favorite honors memory has been getting to know Janelle and Kim as they have been such an amazing and supportive team to work alongside in the Honors Program. Following her summer internship last year, she is looking forward to continuing her consulting career at WTW as an Employee Experience Analyst back home in Chicago.

Danya is a first-generation McNair scholar and a double major in Neuroscience and Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, with a minor in Philosophy and certificates in STEM Education and Public Health. The Honors Scholars program was her first step towards becoming involved in campus life. The Program’s aspect of meeting people from different disciplines appealed to her, as did the attribute of becoming a “Scholar,” which she defines as someone who attempts to expand their learning beyond their respective disciplines. Since then, Danya has enjoyed being in community during the Honors Scholars events, relaxing during TV with a Prof and solving the (never-ending) puzzle during Mood Boosts. She is immensely grateful for serving on the Honors Program Student Advisory Board, and for Pizookies at BJ’s with the Board. In addition to the Honors Scholars Program, Danya has co-founded a chapter of Partners in Health Engage, in which she was able to advocate for Wardenburg’s acceptance of Medicaid. She has been an LA for multiple classes, a peer mentor with TriO Student Support Services, and an adult caregiver with Aza Adult Daycare. Being a scholar in her own right, Danya conducted and defended research that explored the effects of sleep disruption in subclinical Alzheimer’s disease under the supervision of Dr. Chris Link and Dr. Charles Hoeffer. Danya has also defended an interdisciplinary public health and molecular biology project exploring tuberculosis and the unhoused sheltered community under the supervision of Dr. Colleen Reid and Dr. Ken Krauter. She has presented at the National Collegiate Honors Council, the Westerns Regional Honors Council Conference and the National Council on Undergraduate Research. She is hoping to get into the NIH post-bacc program where she plans on doing research for two years before applying for MD/PhD programs.

During my time at 91�Թ���, I’ve pursued a double major in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences and Psychology. The Honors Program has been a meaningful part of my college journey, offering both academic challenge and a supportive community. One of my favorite memories from the program is attending Mood Boosts—having a quiet space to study while connecting with other Honors students made even the busiest weeks feel a little more manageable. After graduation, I’m thrilled to be attending Northwestern University for graduate school in Speech-Language Pathology, where I’ll continue building on the foundation CU has given me.

The CU Honors Program has made a large university feel like a close knit community, providing me with a sense of belonging that has enriched my academic experience at CU. As a Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences major, I’ve had the opportunity to grow academically and professionally, including earning my Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant (SLPA) certificate through a clinical internship this past semester. One of my most memorable experiences at CU was studying abroad in Barcelona, where I completed my Spanish minor and immersed myself in a new culture. After graduation, I plan to pursue a master’s in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Emerson College and continue my path toward becoming a speech-language Pathologist.

I am graduating with distinction in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, with a minor in Business. During my time at 91�Թ���, I've had the opportunity to be involved in a range of communities: from serving as co-president of MCDB Mentors and co-captain of CU Heerey Bhangra, to being a Norlin Scholar and a recipient of the Jacob Van Ek Scholars Award. Additionally, I worked as an undergraduate researcher in the Donaldson Lab, where I completed an honors thesis focused on developing a machine learning pipeline for automated behavioral analysis in prairie voles. My time at CU, through the lens of an honors scholar, has taught me the value of interdisciplinary learning—something I plan to carry with me to medical school. After graduation, I'll be taking a gap year to work as a medical assistant in ophthalmology before hopefully attending medical school and pursuing my dream of becoming a physician.

I had the privilege of being a part of the Honors Scholars Student Advisory Board for the majority of my college career here at CU. Over the years, the board quickly became my family. They would celebrate my wins and invest their time and energy into learning about my life and ambitions. I developed a close relationship with every beautiful individual on the board and I will carry my memories with them wherever I go. Honors provided me with professors that not only cared for my academic success but also my success in every aspect of my life. This program allowed me to feel seen and heard by others, it helped me believe that my voice has value and is powerful. My favorite honors memory is getting dinner at BJ’s with the honors board, Dr. Hickcox, and Dr. Whisman! It felt like a family reunion: warm, welcoming, comfortable, and so happy. My cheeks hurt from smiling so much after this dinner.

During my time at 91�Թ���, I gained so much more than just academic knowledge, I gained more knowledge about myself and others around me. Through the Honors Program, I was able to challenge myself through rigorous courses to help me think differently and creatively, which I applied to my everyday life. Furthermore, I was able to meet amazing peers through the events hosted by the program. It was truly an honor to even spend half of my college career on the honors scholars' board and work alongside so many talented, kind, and hard-working individuals. While at CU, I spent a year abroad which was a really transformative experience as I was able to push myself out of my comfort zone and discover strengths I didn't have before. I am so thankful for the time I have spent within this community and will carry what I have learned throughout my life. After graduation, I plan on moving to Washington DC and working in event planning with a commercial real estate firm.

During my three years as an economics major at 91�Թ��� I competed in big mountain on the CU Freeski Team, served as a Benson Center Undergraduate Fellow, and collaborated as a member of the Presidents Leadership Class. On campus I am an avid runner and hiker having won an age group award in the Pikes Peak Marathon and summited all of Colorado’s 58 14ers. In addition to my extracurricular activities, my work in photography and the social sciences was published 8 times in the CU Honors Journal. My work at CU has culminated in my honors thesis examining the effect of Airbnb growth and short-term rental restrictions on the Hawaii housing market. After graduating I will work as a Program Analyst directing research at Innosphere Ventures, a Colorado-based startup incubator supporting emerging companies in Greentech, AI, and life sciences.

I think you know when you ask an honor student to write a short paragraph, you're getting 300 words minimum. I'm joking a little bit here, but in all seriousness, I have a lot to say—not just about the Honors Scholars, but about me. I'm not exactly sure where this paragraph is going to be used, but no matter where you are, just know that I'm thankful. Thankful for Dr. Steinmo, who taught me to look to the future, having faith in the goodness on the horizon; for Dr. Comstock, who taught me that personal health starts with you and your community; and for Dr. Hickcox, who helped me always search for deeper meaning and how I, as a human, relate to my environment. Some young folks go to college certain of what they want to do, but I believe most of us are built to search for that thing worth doing. And those opportunities came most often in these classes. As I move forward—to policy, engineering, research, and teaching—I won’t forget that before any of that, you have to be a good human. And I'm so thankful for the steps in the right direction I’ve been able to take, thanks in great part to this program.

My time here at CU was short, but these last three years were wonderful in every aspect of college life. I joined clubs, walked on Folsom Field, participated in campus activities, and had the typical controversial roommate experience; I experienced it all. I majored in Political Science with the hopes that this academic journey would prepare me for law school. I minored in Sociology as well as Multicultural Leadership Studies, where I found a tight-knit community with the professors and other students. During my time here, I was lucky enough to study abroad once and abroad in Washington, D.C. I spent a week in Turkey through the Global RAP dorm, where I made close friends and had an amazing time. Then, due to canceled flights, I got to spend 3 days in Germany, which was the absolute highlight of my freshman year! I wish I could go back because the experience and views were absolutely phenomenal. I am feeling exhausted after these last few years, so after graduation, I’ll be taking a minor break – a gap year. During this gap year, I plan on working full-time to earn some legal experience while I study for the LSAT and go through the law school application process.

My experience at CU was exactly what I hoped it would be. I made wonderful long-lasting friends and solidified my career path. I read endless amounts of research articles and even wrote some of my own. I took part in an internship that gave me experience in the field that I hope to be using for many more years. I thoroughly enjoyed being part of the Honors Program at CU, as the Honors courses allowed me to interact with the class material far better than I could in any lecture setting, and I always received very detailed feedback from my professors about my work.  It took a few tries to find the major that best suited me, but I found that Ecology & Evolutionary Biology perfectly aligns with my interests and goals. Once I graduate, I intend to use my major to assist with creating and implementing conservation projects in Colorado. The challenge of being a college student has made me more resilient and thoughtful, and I'm excited to begin the rest of my life.

My experience at CU and in the Honors Program has been nothing but positive. Smith, the HRAP dorm, was great; I made a lot of friends that I still see today, spent many nights playing pool, and took a great class in Professor Dike’s History of the Vietnam Wars, which I enjoyed even though I’m a math major adding a certificate in actuarial sciences. After I graduate, I will return to Boulder for a master’s of science degree in finance at Leeds. I also intend to travel around the world; I’m taking a graduation trip to Turkey and Greece with my family in May. With finance, it’s also plausible that I could work overseas in Europe somewhere like London.

My time in the Honors Program was the most valuable part of my entire experience at CU. Not only did it allow me to contribute to the field of sociology through the thesis program, but it also brought me closer to my closest friend at the university through our shared experiences during the research process. Writing my thesis, which is entitled “A System Stacked Against Them: A quantitative analysis of misconduct rates among inmates with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities,” was perhaps the perfect way to transition between undergraduate and the pursuit of my Juris Doctor, which I will be working towards at the University of Denver. I am infinitely grateful for the honors program and the ways it pushed me towards success– both academically and personally.

I just returned from a Spring Break trip where all of my travel companions were Smith Alumni, a reminder of how deeply the CU Honors Program has shaped my college experience. Choosing to live in Smith not only gave me lifelong friends but also a support system that has defined my time at CU. Over the past four years, I have been surrounded by a community of peers, professors, and mentors who share a passion for learning and using knowledge to make the world a little better. The Honors Program has led me to thought-provoking lectures on racism, mental health, and more, as well as opportunities to engage with undergraduate research through thesis symposiums and creative events like sidewalk-chalk presentations. Most meaningfully, it allowed me to spend two years researching empathy and literature—a project I designed myself—while working alongside advisors who have become my greatest mentors. The CU Honors Program grounded me, connecting me with like-minded peers from diverse backgrounds who had much to teach me. It reinforced the idea that my education was not just valuable—but a superpower.

The Honors Program has been a meaningful part of my university journey since I
first stepped into Smith Hall freshman year. I met my closest friend in the dorms, took enriching courses that helped shape my academic path, and had the opportunity to be published through the Honors Journal. The community is vibrant, supportive, and truly inspiring. I will be applying to law school in the fall and meanwhile I will be working for a law firm in Boulder!

At 91�Թ���, I spent significant time attempting to develop my interdisciplinary knowledge across multiple subjects, leading to my enrollment across a variety of fields and majors. Notably, the Honors Program has provided invaluable, personal experiences with academics throughout my academic career at CU. While exploring Asian studies topics, I was encouraged to engage with topics from my own personal perspective and collaborate with my classmates to produce in-depth work. Additionally, I was able to contribute to the College of Arts and Sciences Honors Journal, which challenged me to read and critically evaluate student works across a variety of disciplines. I truly appreciated the connections and information I gained through the Honors Program experience.

Camden is graduating with majors in Atmospheric & Oceanic Sciences and Mathematics. He has participated in research through the Geomathmatics lab at CU and the Salt Lake City office of the National Weather Service, and written an honors thesis on related topics. Camden has greatly appreciated the more personal, challenging courses provided by the Honors Program, and the additional community brought through honors events. He plans to enter the MSc of Geography program at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver this coming fall, in preparation for a career in research focused on atmospheric and climate modeling.

I was first introduced to the program through the Honors RAP in Smith Hall, where I met my mentor—someone who introduced me to Sociology and encouraged me to apply to the Honors Program Student Advisory Board. My involvement deepened when I joined the Honors Scholars program itself, where I collaborated with passionate peers here today. I joined Honors Scholars because I was drawn to the program’s commitment to curiosity, excellence, and community, which are values that challenged me to grow intellectually and personally.

Through the program, I found a space where I could challenge myself, engage in thoughtful dialogue, and connect with peers and faculty who genuinely inspired me. Honors Scholars wasn't just a program, it was my anchor at 91�Թ���, the place that gave me direction and inspiration because of all the wonderful minds it brings together. It was through this community that I found the inspiration and courage to write an honors thesis, a project that ultimately sparked my passion and love for research and academia. This experience made me realize I want to remain in academia and contribute to the field of sociology through research and teaching. After an intense and rewarding academic experience at 91�Թ���, I plan to take a purposeful gap year dedicated to philanthropic work focused on social justice and educational access, efforts I see as urgent in our current political climate. Then on to graduate school where I plan on studying Sociology, where I hope to conduct research that produces real-world change.

Through Raya's time at 91�Թ���, she studied sociology and ethnic studies with a leadership minor. She has been involved with the President's Leadership Class, CU Student Government, CU Backcountry Squatters, the CU Legal Clinic, CU Milana, and the honors scholars program. She studied abroad in Sevilla, Spain, learning about the culture and societal differences between the United States and Spain. She has interned for Preserve Family Law Firm, served as a youth soccer coach, a legal assistant at the CU Legal Clinic, and served as a Legal and Shelter Advocate at the Safehouse Progressive Alliance for Nonviolence during her time at CU. She is looking forward to continuing to serve her community by continuing her work through the prevention of violence against women and girls.