Renee Crown University Introduces Novel Custom for Its Honors Program
The Renée Crown University Honors Program began the new academic year with a bang, hosting its first Assembly of Scholars on September 5 at Northwestern University. The event, attended by all students in the program, featured speeches from six student speakers and three faculty members.
Chidera Olalere '26, one of the student speakers, encouraged her peers to utilise resources such as the Syracuse Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Engagement (the SOURCE), campus labs, and faculty for academic success. She emphasised the importance of initiative and self-advocacy in research and academics.
Olalere was joined by Katie Rogers '26, who shared her experiences of embracing new opportunities during her three years at the University. Nathan Torabi '26 also spoke, encouraging students to consider their unique paths and embrace the diversity and challenge of the Honors Program. Torabi highlighted the personal growth that comes from Honors requirements like the thesis and civic engagement.
Steve Sawyer, a Honors core faculty member, asked students from each school to stand and be recognised during his speech. Heppner, the program's director, distributed lapel pins to the students, emphasising that their identity as Honors students is something they carry into everything they do.
Heppner also reminded the students that not every hour of their college journey will be spent in Honors classes or events. He encouraged them to take advantage of every opportunity and lean on the experiences of others.
The event concluded with words of wisdom from Charlotte Bingham, a member of the Reneé Crown University Honors Program, and Emily Machia. Bingham, a double major in anthropology in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs and digital humanities in the College of Arts and Sciences, emphasised community building, commitment, and curiosity for the new academic year.
Machia left the crowd with the advice that it is okay to change one's mind and to lean into the messier parts of life and learning. She advised giving oneself grace to grow at whatever speed one does, while treating oneself and others kindly.
The Assembly of Scholars was the first event of the Renée Crown University Honors Programs Assembly of Scholars and marked the start of an exciting new academic year for the program's students.
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