Honors Program unites a community of scholars
During his first year as a member of Bryant’s Honors Program, J.P. Sullivan ’13 (West Bridgewater, MA) developed strong friendships with many of his fellow classmates in the program. They constantly pushed each other to do their best.
“All of the members are motivated, hard working, and very active on campus,” he says. “Being with students like this has challenged me to work harder and become more involved in the Bryant community.”
While Sullivan acknowledges honors classes can be daunting, he encourages the members of the Class of 2014 who accepted the invitation to join the Honors Program in the fall not to be intimidated. “Your classes may require a little more effort, but if you are willing to put in the time, you will feel very accomplished when you complete the classes.”
Amanda Beck ’13 (Long Island, NY) says she has learned more than she ever expected, gained real-world experience, and worked with classmates who are dedicated to their studies. “The Honors Program provides valuable resources, and is a great way of interacting with other students who are just as driven and determined as you,” says Beck.
Brett Millier ’12 (West Brookfield, MA) concedes that he, too, was anxious about whether he could handle the honors classes when he joined the program two years ago. Before long, he learned that everyone involved in the Honors Program wants to see you succeed and there is no shortage of support to ensure you will.
“After spending two years in the program, it does truly begin to feel as if I am part of a family,” he says. “Being in classes with fellow honors members, interacting with professors, and seeing the bonds I’ve developed makes for an enriching academic experience.”
A cut above
During Orientation, the Honors Program hosted a special dinner for the incoming Honors members and their families. The students, who compiled an average GPA of 3.80, an average SAT of 1271, and ranked in the top 12 percent of their class, had the opportunity to meet their classmates and interact with several of the faculty members who will challenge and mentor them throughout the years.
In Management Lecturer Adam Rubin’s honors “Business 101” course, students work with local entrepreneurs to create actual business plans. “It is a privilege to teach in the Honors Program and to be surrounded by such great students,” he says.
Accounting Lecturer Mary Ella Gainor creates competitions where teams of students make presentations about case studies. The students then grade each other as the audience evaluates the presenters on their ideas and the presenting team rates the audience on its participation.
Executive in Residence Jim Segovis teaches leadership tactics and strategies by exploring the likes of GE’s Jack Welch, Southwest’s Herb Kelleher, and legendary UCLA basketball coach John Wooden. Students then have the chance to apply what they learn by conducting semester-long service learning projects to help local nonprofit organizations run more effectively and efficiently.
“The class is meant to engage you, challenge you, and help you develop deeper insights,” says Segovis.
Community of scholars
Bryant’s newest honors members also watched a video that honored the 33 members of the Class of 2010 who graduated with Honors distinction. In April, they presented their senior capstone projects, the last requirement to graduate with the honors distinction.
Reflecting on their last four years, the students described the experience as rewarding, fulfilling, and enriching. They also said they achieved more than they thought possible.
“No one gives these students self esteem, they earn it,” says CIS Associate Professor and Honors Program Coordinator Kenneth Sousa.
In addition to their work in the classroom, the Honors Program provides professional development and learning opportunities outside of the classroom. Last fall, 26 honors members took part in the fourth annual New York City Experience, which included networking, site visits, and a Broadway play. Students also take part in social and service events that build a sense of community among honors students, and two members presented at the National Honors Conference.
According to Sousa more than 40 percent of the members work and 80 percent are involved in at least one co-curricular activity. “Don’t listen to people who say you can’t succeed in your honors classes, work, and be active on campus,” says Sousa. “It is simply not true.”
Distinguish yourself
One honors member who is especially active on campus is Joelle Sopariwala '12 (Old Saybrook, CT). She was part of Bryant’s Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) team that advanced to the nationals the last two years, and she has performed in numerous plays put on by the Bryant Players theatre troupe.
While her honors classes are demanding, the lessons she has learned in her Honors Business 101, Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, and Financial Accounting classes are well worth the extra effort, she says. “The Honors Program is a great way to enhance the learning for students who are eager to learn and want to challenge themselves to do their best,” says Sopariwala.
Michael Leonard ’13 (Milburn, NJ) believes the most important opportunity provided by Bryant’s Honors Program is a forum to distinguish yourself. He did just that through his honors “Business 101” course, when his team worked with a local farmer to create a plan to grow and sell organic fruits and vegetables, as well as help it become a Certified Organic Farm.
“This experience, although sometimes difficult, allowed us to gain experience working in a real-life situation,” he says. “Having the Honors Program on our résumés will be invaluable when we start our careers.”
Tiffany Marino ’12 (Greenville, SC) says her honors courses are not necessarily more work. What the classes do provide is an opportunity to delve deeper into the material.
“You are surrounded by students who are curious, constantly asking questions, and are really there to learn,” she says. “The more you get involved in the Honors Program, the more you will get out of it, and the more it will benefit you and your future.”