When you looked around the RCC Ballroom there were no recognizable faces, only masks. The Honors Program hosted its annual spring dinner, but this year the theme was a masquerade. One thing was certain – the room was full of young scholars.
There were also some honorees present. At each spring dinner, an Honors faculty member is recognized for his or her contribution to the honors community. Dr. Ellen Scheible of the English Department was presented with this award for going above and beyond simply teaching.
“I feel very appreciated and humbled by the award,” she said. “I am especially grateful that the students were involved in the process of selection. It makes it that much more special.” After heartfelt introductions by students William Tringali, who nominated Dr. Scheible, and John Condry, co-editor-in-chief of The Bridge and one of Dr. Scheible’s mentees, Dr. Scheible gave a moving talk about her childhood in coastal Maryland.
New this year was the selection of the Outstanding Honors Student Award, granted to a student who promotes academic excellence, leadership, civic engagement, social justice and/or diversity. The inaugural winner of this award was Jennifer Drake, ’15, a special education and music double major. She was nominated by Dr. Jean Kreiling, with whom she is working on her honors thesis titled, “How singing can help those with communication disorders to attain and develop speech.”
In addition to the award winners, the program celebrated the 32 seniors who will graduate with honors in May.