The Shippensburg University Wood Honors College held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Sunday afternoon to officially mark the transition from honors program to college.
“This is a historic milestone for honors education at Shippensburg University,” Wood Honors College Director Kim Klein said.
The honors college had been preparing to take the step from program to college, and finally made the decision when a student suggested the program be moved up to a college.
“He understood what an important difference it would make for our students and the university,” Klein said.
SU President Laurie Carter spoke about the importance of the honors college to attract students to the university.
“I want to thank Dr. Klein for all of the work she did,” Carter said. “She is an exceptional leader for this program. We would not have gotten to this day without her.”
Honors college students make a difference on campus and in the community by being involved in student groups and making an impact on and off campus, she said.
“This is a very special journey,” Carter said.
SU alumna Meg Christenson now serves as one of the founding members of the honors alumni advisory council.
“This program was one of the most valuable parts of my experience at Shippensburg University,” Christenson said.
The honors program was one of the reasons why she decided to stay at SU, and it also allowed her to discuss real world events.
History professor Christine Senecal teaches the honors first-year seminar course. Senecal recalled the students she has met over the past 19 years at SU.
“This is where public education is working,” Senecal said.
She also emphasized the importance of commitment, and how the transition from honors program to college reflects that.
SU senior Nick Bigham said the transition seems like only a slight difference, but that is because so much of the foundation has already been built.
“I do feel honored to be a part of this today,” Bigham said.
The ceremony closed with the cutting of the ribbon in front of the honors college door with a new sign designating it as the Wood Honors College.
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