Syracuse University Honors Program
Syracuse University Honors Program
Calling All Honors Students
The Goon Squad has been a tradition at Syracuse University since the 1940’s and is a vital part of welcoming our new students into the Orange Family. Be a part of an SU tradition and help institute a new Honors tradition.
Sign up to volunteer at this link, enter “Honors” into the “Organization – Not Listed:: field, and choose the 3-6p Brewster/Boland/Brockway slot.
Last week, Arielle Lever, Honors alumna of the class of 2010, returned to Syracuse with the non-profit CO/LAB to speak to the SU Drama Department about theater in an outreach capacity.
CO/LAB was founded by 4 SU drama alumni, including Arielle, in 2011 and is inspired by and modeled after Syracuse University’s former Young Actors Program, now All-Star Cast. CO/LAB’s mission is to provide individuals with developmental disabilities a creative and social outlet through theater arts.
The non-profit has really taken off since its inception. Starting in the fall of 2011, they have reached over 350 individuals with developmental disabilities ranging from ages 5-79, they have produced 8 shows, and launched a satellite program in Seattle, WA. (Special shout out to the 65% of CO/LAB’s volunteer base that are SU alumni!)
We encourage you to get more of an inside look at CO/LAB and watch their informational trailer at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nvucdy9k59M and read about their work on their blog at: www.colabtheatergroup.tumblr.com.
We applaud Arielle, her fellow CO/LAB cofounders, its workers, and participants for the amazing work they do together!
Henry Peterson, a senior studying Engineering and Computer Science, volunteered his time building a house for an underprivileged family with Habitat 4 Humanity. He was part of a group of 15 students who constructed and secured supports and external walls as well as parts of the interior structure of the house. During construction, Henry was able to meet with the future homeowner and listen to how this opportunity changed her life. Through this civic engagement project, Henry learned about the time and dedication it takes to run an organization like Habitat 4 Humanity. Not only did he get to experience the gratitude of the future homeowner, but he also realized “for great things to be completed a lot of dedication from volunteers is needed.” In the future, Henry plans on volunteering more of his time to Habitat 4 Humanity.
Contributing Blogger Samantha DeTore, ’15 Arts and Sciences
Undergraduates for a Better Education (UBE) is a student group advocating for change within the University on issues such as advising, teacher quality, course availability, and internship credit and they have created a survey for students to provide feedback on their educational experience at SU. The survey can be taken here: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/UBE.
UBE facilitates a connection between the students and administration. UBE will take the issues you face in your academics and advising and bring them to the administration’s attention.
They ask that you view the survey as a way to be part of creating a change and making a difference; the administration is listening, and what you have to say is important!
All answers are anonymous; only group data will be reported. You can like them on Facebook too! https://www.facebook.com/UndergraduatesForBetterEducationSyracuseUniversity
Questions or concerns? Contact Emily Ballard at emballar@syr.edu
Katrina Aberizk served on the Dean’s Team, helping out with a professor’s forum for freshman. She enjoyed the opportunity to work with incoming students. She wrote that,
“I feel as if I made a great impression on the students in Professor Himes’ First Year Forum. It was refreshing and reassuring that they all felt comfortable talking to me and asking me questions, as I remember being in their position a year ago. My goal was to be a friendly and supportive peer mentor to this group of students, and based on their reactions and my relationship with Professor Himes, I believe that I achieved in my endeavor. I fully enjoyed my experience serving as a First Year Forum mentor, and through my service in the Dean’s Team, I have every intention of becoming a First Year Forum mentor again.”
Consider helping the class of ’17 when they come to campus next fall. For more information and application materials, please visit http://thecollege.syr.edu/students/visitor_center/DeansTeam.html
Just a little inspiration for those of you working on your Capstone projects!
Recent Honors alumna Adriana Gonzalez-Vega made a film, “Frente Al Mar”, for her Honors Capstone project last year. When it was shown on presentation day, it was clear that not only did Adriana have some serious talent, but that this particular film would be much more than just her Capstone project.
We heard from Adriana recently (she’s been on the independent film festival circuit!) and here’s all the awards that “Frente al Mar” has won. The list is quite impressive!
Here’s a preview of the film itself: