What Alumni Have To Say

What, in your opinion, was the UMF Honors Program's greatest strength? "The Honors Program at UMF is a fantastic opportunity for motivated students seeking a well-rounded education in a small classroom setting.  Every Honors course I have taken has been interesting, eye-opening, and has given me the chance to excel." Class of 2004 "The Honors Program has provided me a great experience in both allowing me to grow educationally as well as meeting fellow students and creating lasting friendships." Class of 2005 "I have only the best to say about the Honors Program.  The Honors courses I have had have been consistently challenging and have allowed my fellow students and me to work in an intellectually stimulating environment.  The Honors Program was crucial in my decision to attend UMF." Class of 2004

"For me the Honors Program was an intellectual challenge.  The Honors courses were the place to learn and interact with my peers and study special topics.  Also small class sizes added to my comfort."

"I had a fantastic experience with the thesis program.  It was my greatest college challenge and triumph to complete it.  I was able to present it at two conferences."

"The Honors Program offered small class sizes to allow for in-depth discussions with all students participation.  Topics were often controversial and diverse, which forced me to stretch my thinking and alter my views.  Also, the courses "counted" toward degree or core requirements, so I didn't have to sacrifice one for the other."

"The small seminar type courses and the community of students.  I was an active member of the honors council and we traveled to conferences and for fun.  Wee also brought speakers to the campus (Howard Zinn).  A very empowering group to be a part of.  Doug Rawlings was wonderful to work with as well."

Can you describe what role the Honors Program played in your intellectual and/or professional development?

"I think the courses encouraged me to explore both specific topics (Rural Childhood, Culture of India), as well as concepts (The Helping Profession and Western Thought).  Also I think it has contributed to my decision to pursue a Masters in OT.  I strive to challenge myself."

"The Honors Program has increased the quality of thought that I expect from myself.  It has also introduced me to several theories of learning I can use in the classroom."

"Honors courses provided me with a non-threatening environment to extend and express my thinking.  It offered me an opportunity to truly be intellectually challenged, both in terms of breadth and depth, when some of my other courses - though challenging in a different way - didn't.  The Honors Program gave me a new - several, actually - perspectives on my own philosophies and those commonly held by our society."

"Becoming an Honors Scholar was a wonderful experience.  The honors thesis really put me ahead of other students.  As I entered grad. school I already knew what and how a thesis worked.  I had completed research, written the results and defended my work.  It really prepared me for the dissertation.  I am one year ahead of my doctoral classmates as a result."