student spotlight

Esme Gonzalez, a third-year honors student and art major, traces her love for art back to fourth grade, when she watched a classmate create an animation. “I was a moth to a flame. I wanted to know everything about art — how, why and what was possible. I got involved in art communities online where seeing others’ work inspired me even more,” Esme says. “I think what I love most about art is the community aspect to it — where everyone builds on each other's ideas, creating something bigger together. It’s beautiful.”

For third-year psychology major Madalynn Hines, the Honors College and the Undergraduate Research, Scholarship and the Arts program have been instrumental in shaping her academic journey, providing a foundation for research, mentorship and personal growth.

For third-year mathematics major Hannah Dempsey, the Honors College has been a space to explore academic interests, connect with peers and prepare for what comes next. 

Experiential learning is a core part of the Honors College curriculum, and the small, discussion-based seminar courses unique to the college allow students opportunities to develop hands-on experience exploring topics from interdisciplinary perspectives. 

Oregon State University is home to one of the most highly regarded online learning programs in the country and one of the first to have an honors option. Since 2023, students pursuing degrees online – who make up a third of all Oregon State learners – have had the option to complete their major through the Honors College, offering new opportunities for research, faculty collaboration and academic distinction to students studying across the world. 

A vibrant social media presence across platforms like Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn, has become one of the main ways the Oregon State University Honors College develops community and opens a window into honors student life. Honors students Kaitlyn Scanlon and Frankie Ruppert —  the creative duo behind much of this content — are key to the success of this approach.

The Honors College is pleased to announce that Natalie Donato has been named the recipient of the 2025 Joe Hendricks Honors College Scholarship for Academic Excellence. Carley Beeman, Alexandra Egan, Kaitlyn Kim, Max Libmann and Cassidy Ochoa have been named runners-up for this prestigious annual award.