The collaboration between the Center for Honors and Scholar Development, Sodexo, and PepsiCo came to life Tuesday night as Bethune-Cookman University hosted the "Dare to be You Dinner" at the Center for Civic Engagement. Dozens of students gathered for an evening that not only celebrated their academic accomplishments but also highlighted the strong partnerships within the campus community.
"It is a pleasure to celebrate with our Honors Experience Wildcats," said Jolene Love Hubbard, General Manager for Sodexo Dining Services, capturing the event's spirit.
Integral to the B-CU Honors Experience, the program officially launches in January 2024 and is led by Director Jennifer Schaeffer, who remarked, "I am honored to lead such an amazing group of students."
She commended their dedication to academic excellence and shared the program's early success with students securing prestigious fellowships and internships this year. Schaeffer expressed excitement about the program's continued growth in line with B-CU's mission.
Starting in January, the program will provide specialized events and mentoring to 64 inaugural students, promoting growth inside and outside the classroom. Participants will engage with guest speakers, contribute to community service projects, and receive personalized advising on prestigious scholarship and graduate school applications.
Upcoming opportunities include the Southern Regional Honors Council's April 3-6, 2024, annual conference in Jacksonville, Florida. Pending funding, a group of Honors Experience students aims to attend, facilitating networking with peers from other institutions. Students are encouraged to submit abstracts of their research or creative works for possible presentations during the conference.
Mahogony Jules, a junior political science major, said, "I am grateful for this program and the mentoring we will receive to mold us into the best students we can be."
"I am excited to be a part of this Honors Experience, and I'm looking forward to all events and opportunities to come," added Kalya Thomas, a senior majoring in business administration. Thomas credited Ms. Schaeffer as a great mentor, guiding her to several fellowship and internship opportunities that have shaped her future after graduation.
For students interested in applying for the 2024-2025 Honors Experience Program, information on eligibility and the application process will be available this spring.