"To close out the 30th anniversary series, this final installment highlights three stories that showcase the achievements of Honors College students, emboldened by their access to unique opportunities and passion for learning.
The first story, “Alex Varela embraces change in the classroom and beyond” from the 2024 Honors Link, chronicles 2023 history grad Varela’s return to higher education after stepping away from college. Now a high school English teacher, he brings the lessons and values he gained as an honors student into his classroom every day.
“Be More,” from the 2018 Honors Link, profiles four HC students on the cusp of graduation, following Delaney Smith as she conducts plant pathology research at OHSU and OSU, Ryan Khalife’s study of U.S. drone policy, Jeremy Banka through his development of a tabletop game for his honors thesis and Naomi Sakaguchi as she completes her studies in the veterinary program. Together, their stories reflect the breadth of interests and ambitions nurtured within the Honors College.
The final story in our 30-week journey brings us full circle. “The first Honors College graduate looks back with gratitude,” featured from the 2020 edition of Honors Link, focuses on Joe Voje,’96, the very first HC graduate. His reflections on academic struggles, mentorship and completing the very first honors thesis offer a glimpse of where the Honors College started and a benchmark for all that’s come since." — Ava Wittman, HC Student Writer
