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Honors@Georgia Southern Honors College

Spring 2012

Honors @ Georgia Southern

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Honors in Albania HONORS @ Georgia Southern From The Director STAFF

International experience and global perspective are critical Kelsey Keane components of a college education today. Recently, the Uni- English, 2014 versity Honors Program sent seven students and two profes- Co-Editor sors to Albania and several other locations in the Balkans. This site was chosen because it provides an excellent opportunity Writer to examine the ways in which people address healing in post- Photographer conflict and post-communist societies. Like any post-conflict society, Albania grapples with how to approach its past. Our students explored that past with Albanian university students, Paola Robelo NGOs and with people who experienced these troubled times. Graphic Design, 2014 There is a proud tradition of honors education at Georgia Southern University. For the past thirty years, hundreds of Co-Editor honors students have been challenged by their professors and Design and Layout by their talented peers as well. I am proud of this tradition of Photographer excellence. In recognition of this milestone, we will host the “Thirty Years of Honors” reunion event October 20 and 21, 2012. Details about the event are included in this issue and more details about how to register are on the honors website. Contributors I hope to see many of our students, our alumni,ER your families as well as our current and Nretired professors at this Sevent. It Natalie Demarko Dr. Steven Engel promises to be a greatU occasion to renew old friendships andT Journalism, 2013 to start new ones. Y Director, University Honors Program As always, NI hope you enjoy this issue of Honors @ Georgia H Southern. R O Molly Laughlin E Political Science, 2011 Sincerely yours, N PAGE 4 H Spring 2012 Issue Steve Engel OJordan Logue T Biology, 2013 R CONTENTS U

ColleenS McNally Journalism, 2014

MissionO Statement P

S The University Honors Program provides a small college atmosphere in the context of a large compre- R

hensive university. The program is designed to foster the development of a critical sense of inquiry, a spirit E. Feagin Oliver FEATURES

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of creativity, a global perspective and an ethic of civic responsibility. A hallmark of the program is the em- O English, 2015 phasis on bringing ideas to life through undergraduate research, experiential learning and service-learning Albania opportunities. The University Honors Program at Georgia Southern University rests on a foundation of the G

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following ideals that are inspired by the institution’s emphasis on engaged learning. Taylor Tyson s o

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R Writing and Linguistics, 2015 y t

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E e Critical Sense of Inquiry Spirit of Creativity v i n Honors students will explore a variety of approaches Honors students G will embrace the idea that creativity U n PAGE 26 to research designed to foster the pursuit of knowl- is a virtue that should be experienced by all students, Dr. Steven Engel 0er 30th Anniversary th edge. Students will develop the ability to question regardless of discipline. This spirit involves a respect Ge Sou 26 3orgia Director with a healthy skepticism toward accepted opinion. for different ways of knowing and an openness to in- The culmination of the undergraduate experience is tellectual discussion and challenge. University Honors Program an independent research or creative project designed to exemplify a critical approach to inquiry. Global Perspective 29Honors Annual Report Honors students will develop a perspective which Dr. Francis Desiderio Civic Responsibility allows them to approach their chosen discipline Honors students will demonstrate an ethic of civic from an international point of view. This outlook Associate Director responsibility and exemplify the motto of the pro- involves the critical exploration of global concerns University Honors Program gram, “Humility before Honor.” Students will be andgeneration of proposed solutions to internation- challenged to use their abilities and talents for the al problems. Honors education provides this world- DEPARTMENT advancement of humanity and the pursuit of a great- wide perspective through academic courses, study er good. The primary vehicle for the expression of abroad opportunities and co-curricular experiences. civic responsibility is through service both to the Honors in Action university and the community. 16 Cover Photo: Elijah Anderson emerges from a communist-era bunker in Albania. PAGE 9 PAGE 16

2 • Honors @ Georgia Southern • Spring 2012 www.georgiasouthern.edu/honors • Spring 2012 • Honors @ Georgia Southern • 3 and isolationist past. I was absolutely terrified when we went underground into a tunnel, and it definitely pro- vided me with a memory I will keep with me the rest of my life!” sophomore Elijah Anderson said. Dr. Amy’s class on narrative memory explored many of the challenges regarding how people grapple with the trauma of the communist era. In fact, it can be argued that the communist pow- ers did not just tell people what to believe; rather, they altered their thought process used to interpret the world. The students realized the current effects and implica- tions of this worldview as they discussed the past with Albanians during their visit. While much of the trip was spent in official class related activities, the group also had a few opportunities to re- At the ruins of Apollonia lax, including spending a luxurious two days on the Greek island of Corfu. This ing the ethnic genocide of the late 1990s. the NATO intervention in the 1990s, and time was spent debriefing from the lec- The lasting impact of that era was the deployment of NATO peacekeeping ture topics and swimming in the icy wa- especially evident in the city of Mitrovica forces in Kosovo, the country achieved a ters of the Adriatic. The trip to Corfu also when the students, accompanied by local degree of independence, but is still only facilitated interesting class lectures by Dr. Kosovar journalists, witnessed the illegal recognized by half of the world’s countries. Wiegand concerning the nature of inter- blockade of major roadways. Dr. Wiegand’s The ethnic Albanians in Kosovo Honors Study Abroad Experience national borders and national identity. class directly addressed relevant issues of were the most compelling part of the ex- Several days after the stop in nationalism and territorial boundaries as perience as senior Ashley Boyer recounted. Corfu, the group had traveled all the way these blockades are used to separate eth- “The people of Kosovo are the most to the Northern border of Albania and nic Albanian populations from the Ser- resilient and kind people I have ever crossed into neighboring Kosovo. Having bian ones that still reside in Kosovo. The met,” she said. “Every single person Kelsey Keane outside one of the bunkers only gained independence in 2008, Koso- case of Kosovo provides a perfect case ALBANIA study on nationalism and territory as it in Kosovo was affected by the Milo- Multiple study abroad programs ranges juxtaposed against miles of scenic those living in communist Albania from vo is one of the youngest countries in the sevic regime, yet no one remains a take thousands of American college stu- beaches and the blue water of the Adriatic 1976 to 1991 during the time of Dictator world and in some areas still exhibits the endured ethnic conflict over questions of dents to Europe every summer, and rarely Sea was breathtaking as they visited the Enver Hoxha. Rarely seen by even Alba- tensions that played out so violently dur- sovereignty and self-determination. After victim of their past. Their strength can a trip to Europe be described as going cities of Butrint, Saranda, and Shkodra. nians themselves, the tunnels are an eerie and commitment to facilitating fu- off the beaten path. However, in a Euro- Throughout the trip, the group reminder of a traumatic history much of ture change are evident in all areas of pean country less traveled is exactly where met other students as well as public offi- Albania struggles to forget. In addition to their lives. The stories of the people seven University Honors Program students cials, artists, architects, and people from the tunnel networks, the entire country is journeyed on a three-week trip based out local nongovernmental organizations. They peppered with several hundred thousand from Kosovo will remain with me of Albania. It is believed to be the first pro- spent some days exploring the ancient ru- communist-era bunkers which were built and forever have a place in my heart.” gram of its kind in the region. Students Eli- ins of castles, prisons, and fortresses, eating to provide protection in case of an invasion. Not only were the places the group jah Anderson, Ashley Boyer, Cady Ennis, traditional foods and regional specialties, “Built in a paranoid fervor these visited extraordinary, the people who shared Kelsey Keane, Molly Laughlin, Chelsea Me- and holding seminars on topics such as bunkers and tunnels serve as a living their time and knowledge of the region also narrative, memory, and self-determination. helped to create a more memorable and deiros, and Feagin Oliver took two courses reminder of Albania’s communist during their travels: Politics of Ethnicity in The stop in Gjirokastra, located meaningful experience for the Georgia Albania taught by Dr. Krista Wiegand and in the southernmost region of Albania, Southern students. From the very first day Narrative Memory in Albania taught by Dr. was particularly memorable because stu- in Tirana, the group’s local Albanian con- Lori Amy. Students were introduced to the dents were able to see the intersection of tacts offered not only invaluable insight but long history of once-closed Albania and politics, ideology, and urban development. also became fast friends of the entire group. immersed themselves in Albanian culture Students met with the Gjirokaster Develop- One of these people was an Al- found in four countries, including Kosovo, ment Project staff, a group of professionals banian artist named Arben Theodhosi, Montenegro, and the Greek island of Corfu. dedicated to the historical preservation of whose father was assassinated when the After getting acquainted with the “city of stone.” Students were able to communist leaders took over the govern- Albania’s capital city, Tirana, students see the communist-era tunnels that run ment. Theodhosi was exiled for 15 years traveled by bus—their home on wheels— under the city’s mountains. Exploration and forced to endure hardship in a work throughout the Albanian region of the of these tunnels provided the entire group camp in the country’s mountains. How- Dr. Krista Wiegand with a Kosovar journalist Balkans. The landscape of mountain with tangible evidence of the mindset of Ashley Boyer and Molly Laughlin in Tirana at the Enver Hoxha mausoleum ever, he was able to overcome the trauma

4 • Honors @ Georgia Southern • Spring 2012 www.georgiasouthern.edu/honors • Spring 2012 • Honors @ Georgia Southern • 5 May 20th Balkan Diary Visiting Ruins in Durres and by Kelsey Keane and Molly Laughlin Butrint While visiting the city of Durres, we found our way to ancient Roman ruins located in the center of the busy town centre. The ruins themselves were in- credibly impressive, even more so con- sidering that the archaeologists who Dr. Lori Amy at Rozafa Castle in Shkodra, Albania discovered them have not yet unearthed the entire structure, despite working of those years by using art as a healing mechanism, and his story is only one of the for decades on the project. The ruins at powerful narratives that the students heard. Butrint gave us a glimpse into life dur- Sophomore Feagin Oliver de- ing the time of the Illyrians, complete scribed the Albanian people as having with various military fortifications. The great resilience and strength. “You would May 17th city has over 2500 years of history and never guess it from first impressions, Dinner with Peers once served as a trading city with its but it is a culture which has seen im- own baptistery, amphitheatre, and ba- mense suffering and hardship, and Upon arrival in Albania, we were treated to outstanding food and hospitality. Al- silica. Although there was not a focus on conservation during the communist yet maintains an inspiring sense of banian architect Tomor Luzati provided an insightful tour of Tirana. In the eve- regime, the recent archaeological and joy, hope for the future, and love for ning, we participated in a forum organized by the National Democratic Institute May 23rd (NDI), “A Cross-Cultural Dialogue between Albanian and American Students A World Under the Mountains—Gjirokastra preservation efforts in the ancient city the people in their lives,” she said. have helped ensure its survival. Overall, the students agree that about Education, Employment, and Prospects for a Better Tomorrow.” We shared their experience studying abroad in Alba- a meal with students from various universities throughout Tirana pursuing de- nia, Kosovo, Montenegro, and Corfu was an grees ranging from economics to public health. Our discussion was facilitated by After a brief meeting with the Gjirokastra Development opportunity that dramatically shaped their NDI representatives and covered a wide range of topics including educational op- Project staff, one of the leading architects took us for a knowledge and perception of the Balkans. portunities, family values, and the dreams of both Albania and the United States. once in a lifetime opportunity. Walking just a few min- After arriving in the area with only an el- It was a fascinating night. utes up the mountain, we soon came to an entrance into ementary understanding of the region’s his- the communist era tunnels that run under the city. We tory, the students left Albania feeling that May 19th bundled up to keep warm and began our walk into the they had truly connected with the many Created Histories—Museums in Kruja dark tunnels. The tunnels lead to many different cells, people and places they encountered dur- each one dedicated to specific government offices and ing the course of the three week program. workers. It was if we had taken a step back in time and By Kelsey Keane and Molly Laughlin Accompanied by the Director of the United could feel the paranoia of the communist regime in the Nations Development Project Brain-Gain air around us. All of the offices were still fully furnished, Program, Bernard Zenelli, our group visited ready to be used in the case of a foreign attack against the several museums in the Kruja area. While the regime. Our time today in the tunnels was absolutely one tours of the museums were interesting, it was of the most fascinating parts of this entire trip so far. particularly fascinating to learn more about the history of the museums themselves from May 27th Zenelli. Several museums were constructed during the communist era under Hoxha, and Kosovo we were shocked to learn that one of the prin- In Kosovo we were able to witness the region’s cipal museums we had just visited contained tension firsthand in the city of Mitrovica. Accom- essentially no original artifacts. The collec- panied by Kosovar journalists, we stopped in two tion had been comprised primarily of repli- locations of the city where the major roadways had cated pieces that had been used by the com- been blocked by alleged Serbian gangs using piles munist party to create a common historical of rubble. With foreign forces located through- narrative of the country’s Illyrian heritage. out the area, we never felt threatened; however, The revelation facilitated much discussion we could sense the tensions that led to the ethnic about the power of narrative and helped us genocides during the late 1990s and which are still better understand the obstacles Albania must very much a part of everyday life in the young overcome in order to remove itself from the country of Kosovo. grips of communist thought.

6 • Honors @ Georgia Southern • Spring 2012 www.georgiasouthern.edu/honors • Spring 2012 • Honors @ Georgia Southern • 7 nors Ho of May 30th rs ea Traumatic Narratives Y y t r i

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In the Albanian city of Shkodra, we y

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e bers of the Association of Ex-Political v i Prisoners and Persecuted Families. It n U was an emotional visit as hundreds of n 0er h pictures of those imprisoned and killed ut 3Georgia So under the communist regime lined the office’s walls. The men in the organiza- tion shared their personal stories of the Two atrocities committed in the name of communism and state control under Hoxha. We discussed how the coun- Generations try cannot ever truly heal if there is no one left to accept blame and apologize Families in Honors for the traumatization of the country’s population, the destruction of its infra- A college homecoming “Red” Bell, served as a national to challenge and support hard- structure, and the corruption of its na- is an event usually reserved for model for honors education and working and intellectually tional identity. alumni, but in the case of three provided a challenging traditional curious scholars, the program University Honors Program liberal arts education to Georgia offers a research-focused students, attending Georgia Southern’s best students. curriculum complemented Southern as an honors student The BHP would select by experiential learning has been a sort of homecoming only 18 exceptionally gifted, opportunities. All graduates as well. Three University Honors creative, and well-prepared of the program complete an Program (UHP) students— students from among its pool Honors Thesis/Capstone Project, Alicia Channell, Michaela of applicants. Outstanding test an intense research project Lariscy, and Kristen Tillman— scores, exemplary high school mentored by a faculty member in have followed in the footsteps of academic records, and evidence of their major discipline. Students their mothers, all of whom were unusual academic potential and emerge from the program ready part of the Bell Honors Program creativity were all requirements for the challenge of a career, (BHP) in its early years. Quite to be considered for the program. graduate school, or professional a bit has changed in honors Classes were team-taught and school and with both a education at Georgia Southern emphasized discussion and sense of civic responsibility since their parents were students, independent activities. The last and a global perspective. but one constant remains: it is BHP cohort graduated in 2007. This year marks the still a challenging atmosphere Today’s current program thirtieth year of honors education providing motivated students an for honors students, the at Georgia Southern. In honor intellectual home. University Honors Program, of this anniversary, Honors @ Honors education first started in 1998. Founded by Georgia Southern talks to three began at Georgia Southern in Dr. Fred Richter, the program mothers and their daughters who was designed to create honors have all shared in the tradition June 1st 1982, when Dr. Hew Joiner cal field work in the Shkodra area. Their were literally working in the middle of experiences for more students of honors education at Georgia A Day at the Dig led several faculty members in instructor, Michael Galaty of Millsaps a local famer’s fields, but the group was offering the first honors classes while still maintaining the rigor Southern. The experience College, invited us for a day at the dig hoping to discover ancient gravesites. It Today we met with American students to a select group of outstanding of the selection requirements. was transformative for the site and we soon found ourselves work- was a great opportunity to learn about who are also spending their summer Now the program includes over mothers, and their daughters ing alongside both archeology experts cultural preservation efforts in Albania, students. The program, known as here in Albania. Their time has been and students. The site was far from what along with the various techniques that the Bell Honors Program in honor 450 students in all disciplines continue the honors legacy. spent primarily completing archeologi- any of us might have expected as we archaeologists use in the field. of benefactor Orell Bernard across the university. Continuing

8 • Honors @ Georgia Southern • Spring 2012 www.georgiasouthern.edu/honors • Spring 2012 • Honors @ Georgia Southern • 9 Two Generations

and I just absolutely loved her,” Kelli one connection with professors. “The said. “I admired her and looked at her classes are so small that you really get as a real role model for me.” Even after to know the professors and have a great Kelli graduated, she and Black stayed in Kelli (Morgan) Lariscy connection,” Michaela said. “I had Dr. contact. “She told me she would always [Alan] Downs for U.S. history, and he be there for me wherever I went,” Kelli knew each and every one of us by name.” 1991, Education & Kelli feels this connection said. “It just meant so much to me.” Kelli stills views Black as a “hero.” extends to all the staff of the University Today, Kelli teaches Spanish Michaela Lariscy Honors Program. She encouraged to grades nine through twelve at South Michaela to use Dr. Steven Engel, Effingham High School in Guyton, the director of the program, and Georgia. She believes her experiences in 2015, Education Dr. Francis Desiderio, the associate the BHP contributed to her success in systems in struggling countries. with Keep Bulloch Beautiful and director of the program, as resources her career today. “I think the program Like Kelli, Michaela agrees Statesboro’s Averitt Center of the Arts. in a time of need. “They are really there helped a lot to develop me into who the University Honors Program has Kelli has seen through her daughter for you. That’s how I remember Dr. I was at the time and who I am now,” provided many opportunities. In the how the level of involvement and Joiner and my professors,” Kelli said. Kelli said. “I hope my students feel like coming months, she will be assuming requirement has changed for honors “They want to be used as a resource to they can talk to me the way I felt like I several leadership positions on campus students. “There is much more make your experience more powerful.” could talk with my honors professors.” including the familiar role her mother required of an honors student today,” Now with Michaela attending Kelli also was one of the first held as resistant assistant (now known Kelli said. “I think the present Georgia Southern, Kelli has made it a student members of Georgia Southern’s as community leader). Michaela will be requirements make it necessary for priority to come and visit often. She has chapter of Professional Association of a Southern Orientation, Advisement, student to get more involved. Honestly, made an effort to volunteer a couple Georgia Educators as well as a resident and Registration (SOAR) leader I am so glad that it has progressed to times a month with the university as assistant in Winburn Hall. Kelli also this summer and a peer leader for the point that it has because I see the well. “I see Michaela growing so much, met her husband, Jeff, while attending a First-Year Experience class in the great things Michaela is involved in.” and I’m so proud of the woman she is Michaela and Kelli Lariscy GSU. Now with Michaela studying fall. “The Honors Program has just Michaela has already becoming,” Kelli said. “I feel like I owe opened so many doors, including experienced the same positive so much to Georgia Southern and to Kelli Lariscy graduated in see how the professors interacted with at her parents Alma Mater, there is a doors to the community as well,” interactions with professors her mother the honors program for everything that 1991 with a degree in education and their students,” Kelli said. “I could tell I family joke of GSU becoming a family Michaela said. It has been through experienced years ago. Michaela agrees she seems to be getting.” an emphasis in Spanish. Little did she wouldn’t be seen as just a number.” tradition. “[Michaela] had her heart set the University Honors Program her favorite part of the program is the suspect that 20 years later her very own Kelli can still remember on Georgia Southern so that’s where our that Michaela has become involved small class sizes that allow a one-on- daughter, Michaela, would follow in the first day she moved into her efforts went,” Kelli said. “However, if she her footsteps. Michaela is currently a freshmen dorm. “Two girls introduced would have wanted to go somewhere sophomore early childhood education themselves and said they were in the else, we would have supported her too.” major and a member of the University program. They told me about a little get Michaela can remember Honors Program. While Kelli continues together we would be having the night both of her parents always telling her to apply the lessons she learned before classes,” Kelli said. “I remember wonderful stories about their personal through the Bell Honors Program, it really made me feel welcome, and experiences with Georgia Southern. “I Michaela is just getting started. I knew I would have some people finally ended up coming and visiting, Originally from Pennsylvania, I would be able to connect with.” and honestly, it just really feels like Kelli was raised nearby in Savannah, Kelli remembers socializing as home,” Michaela said. “The atmosphere Georgia. When it came to decide on being a regular activity for the BHP, and the people are so friendly. I am college Georgia Southern was her first but not just with fellow classmates. just really in love with this place.” choice. “It was at the top of my list “There was always something social Following in the footsteps of and really was where I wanted to go,” going on with our professors,” Kelli her mother, Michaela has decided to Kelli said. “My parents thought a lot said. “We were always happy to interact study education. Being involved with of Georgia Southern and they helped with them, and they were always there vacation bible school at her church steer me to make the right decision.” for us and were happy to listen to us if helped her discover her passion for During one of her campus we had a problem or to offer advice.” teaching. “Some of the teachers saw me visits, she was interviewed by the Bell The interactions with her and told me I had a really natural gift Honors Program selection committee. professors was favorite element of being for it,” Michaela said. And after taking Once accepted, she was excited for part of the BHP, and Kelli remembers an alternative break trip to the Bahamas the experiences that awaited her. “I one professor in particular. “One class last winter, Michaela developed a 1991 Bell Honors Program Graduates was given the opportunity to really I had was with Dr. Charlene Black, new focus for helping the education

10 • Honors @ Georgia Southern • Spring 2012 www.georgiasouthern.edu/honors • Spring 2012 • Honors @ Georgia Southern • 11 Two Generations

She has recently reconnected The recent nursing gradu- with some classmates thanks to so- ate said she knew her calling since she cial media. “Facebook has been amaz- was three. “Anatomy classes and bi- ing because I hadn’t been in touch ology classes solidified that I wanted with them for 15 years. After gradu- to be in medical field.” said Alicia. ation, we tried to hit the annual re- She credits her aunt who unions, but everyone started having works as a nurse in Statesboro as her Molly (Barksdale) Channell children. Since I joined Facebook, role model. They remain close today I have looked up those people, and by attending church together on the 1988, Broadcasting & I’m seeing where everyone is now.” weekends (the same church Alicia was Molly currently lives in La- baptized in) and are currently both Grange, Georgia with her young- working at Statesboro Gastroernology. Alicia Channell er children and husband, Jim, Although Alicia graduated who she met while in college. in May 2012, the family legacy con- When it came time for their tinues on. “Alicia’s next sibling Drew 2012, Nursing oldest daughter to apply to colleges, they is freshman. We went through same did not push Georgia Southern overtly. When Molly Channell’s high students hanging around. That’s the process with him, leaving all the doors “My heart was Georgia Southern, and school guidance counselor told her kind of people they were,” Molly said. open, and GSU was the one that out I did want to give her the opportunity about the Bell Honors Program, a She also credits her fellow shone out. The third child, Alex, be- to explore that, but I really tried hard then-new program at Georgia South- scholars for the close-knit community gins at Georgia Southern this coming not to limit her. She applied to lots of ern, she took the chance and applied. feel of the program. She graduated fall,” said their mom, and he, too, will schools and didn’t want her to feel like Upon visiting campus, she said she with 11 other Bell Scholars in 1987, al- she had to follow in mom’s program.” join the University Honors Program. “immediately fell in love with Geor- though Molly was originally one of 18. Alicia said she original- This bonding over education Alicia and Molly Channell gia Southern.” She felt the doors were “We went through first 2 ly agreed to interview for the 1906 is nothing new for their family. Molly woman was doing work, typing at her and that I need to be passionate about opening for her in higher education, years of core classes all together. We Scholarship only to humor her mom. home-schooled all of her five chil- desk in what used to be my bedroom,” everything I do. It got me more in- but little did she know how many more got to be really close. We had a little That was her plan right up until they dren and passed on her passion for Molly said, with amused laughter. volved in the community,” she said. open doors would follow as a result. house right on Highway 301 that was toured the campus and she fell in knowledge. As for the two youngest, Through her daughter’s expe- Alicia has also experienced Molly entered Georgia South- the Honors House for studying and love with the “friendly environment.” Molly said, “Who knows where they rience, Molly has also seen the change the sense of a tight-knit community ern College in the fall of 1984 to study holding class sometimes,” Molly said. will go? But odds are in GSU’s favor.” and growth in the University Hon- through her fellow 1906 Scholars just broadcasting as a member of the third ors Program, and she is pleased with as her mom did with the BHP students. class of the Bell Honors Program. Whenever in town for a visit, the improvement. She likes “It has been so great for When she discusses her experience Molly said there are the usual picnics how students have the opportunity building friendships because I didn’t now, she can still remember “a lot of at Sweetheart circle, reminiscent walks to spread out core classes—includ- know anyone coming into it. They very good professors” that made her through campus by the lakes where Molly ing honors sections—across the four were the first people I met. When we time in Statesboro so meaningful. That and her husband used to meet on dates, years. “I like the way that they do it had the first meeting and stayed to- list begins with Dr. Hew Joiner, the to Paulson Stadium, and to Snooky’s now better because students can jump gether in dorms, we started friend- founding director of the Bell Honors Restaurant before it closed this year. into major classes sooner. During my ships, and I am still friends with Program. “Dr. Joiner really had a vi- “GSU football! Of course first two years I was ready to jump in most of them now,” Alicia said. sion for what he wanted to do with that is a highlight and a special to major classes,” Molly said. “And the Beyond her involvement the group; making it top notch,” Molly memory I can share with Alicia first time I heard Alicia would write a with the UHP, Alicia has served as said. Looking back, what still strikes and my other children when we thesis, I thought, ‘Wow that is huge.’” president of the Student Nurses As- her the most was “the commitment of return to Statesboro,” Molly said. However, some things don’t sociation and volunteered at a variety the professors to really go out of their Molly recited a story of the change. For the Channells, that has of places including the local Hearts way to spend time with us as a group.” first time of the first time Alicia vis- been the relationships with profes- and Hands Clinic. In other words, Molly recalled many times ited campus with the mindset of going sors. Alicia’s favorite professor was it has been challenging four years. when professors invited students into to college. Seeing Anderson Hall, her for a subject outside of her major, be- “I’m ready to finish schoolwork their homes for dinner, ordering pizza at old residence hall, as an Administra- cause it wasn’t the content but the pas- but I’m not sure if I’m ready to leave the Honors house, or meeting a group at tive Building came as a bit of a shock. sion of the professor that inspired her. college scene, although I’m still plan- a restaurant.“They really wanted to give “We had lived in dark ages, “American government with ning to go to medical school,” Alicia us a good experience and never had a with no air conditioning, only hall Dr. Sabia in the spring semester of said just before graduation. She looks closed door policy. I never went by any phones, and hall bathrooms. We went my freshman year was great. She forward to returning with family to vis- a professor’s office without three or four 1988 Bell Honors Program Graduates upstairs in what now is an office and a taught me about passion in my life, it her two younger brothers on campus.

12 • Honors @ Georgia Southern • Spring 2012 www.georgiasouthern.edu/honors • Spring 2012 • Honors @ Georgia Southern • 13 Two Generations

Kristen Tillman is another al cookout held by the Bell family, the for the Tillman women. However, are very happy with how much Georgia freshman who has followed her moth- program’s benefactors and namesake. Brenda remembers having a very Southern has grown and how campus er’s footsteps to Georgia Southern and Brenda (Robarts) Tillman “Hands down, my favorite class different experience as a student. has expanded. They are happy there are an honors experience. In fact, both the whole time was philosophy with “We got there at the begin- still traditions with the football games, of her parents earned degrees from Mr. Brasons. He challenged me to think ning of the football program, so we like the yellow school buses,” she said. Georgia Southern, and her mom was 1987, Finance & far outside of any box I had thought of were there for part of all the excite- When Brenda speaks about also part of the Bell Honors Program. before,” she said. “And Dr. Joiner was ment with Erk Russell and the first two her college years and specifically as “Both my parents went to GSU. not only one of our professors but a National Championships during my a BHP scholar, it is with true appre- That was incentive to look here. I looked Kristen Tillman mentor to all of us, and I remember junior and senior years,” Brenda said. ciation. “I know without a shadow at other schools, but I felt most at home getting a hand written note from him “My freshman year, the team played of a doubt that the experiences with here and, just like the saying goes, I liked 2015, Education every quarter when I made Dean’s List, at Statesboro High School because we the Honors Program helped prepare the small-feel,” Kristen said. “I didn’t just thanking me for my hard work.” didn’t have a stadium yet. My first date me for life after college,” Brenda said. want to go just because my parents what her parents did,” said Brenda. BHP students took their core class to- Such relationships are not just with my husband, Keith, was home- Meanwhile, Kristen said she did. I wanted to make it my decision.” A basic distinction between gether. “It was just the 18 of us, all team- a thing of the past for the Tillmans. coming freshman year. The stadium is looking forward to the opportu- Her mother, Brenda Tillman, the two is their areas of study. Brenda taught with two professors for every Brenda was able to catch up with was built during my sophomore year, nities available to her, such as com- shares this opinion. It is just one of majored in finance with an emphasis in class for the first two years. That was the many old friends during the Hon- and we were there for all the games. pleting a capstone project. She espe- many things the two have in common. banking and said she “stuck out like a key to getting comfortable on campus.” ors Homecoming celebration last fall. All of that is really important to all cially hopes to go on an alternative Brenda was a member of the second sore thumb” in the program as she was “It was really great to become “I felt very lucky to hook back of us, and has been really exciting to break trip or study abroad - some- class of BHP scholars from 1983 to actually the first business major to grad- part of a smaller group, so campus didn’t up with Dr. Joiner and Dr. Richter, and watch the team come back again.” thing neither of her parents did - 1987. The women have bonded over uate from it. She went on to work for seem so big. That’s probably funny to I think it meant a lot to Kristen that 25 Kristen enjoys hearing how a n d l e a v e s o m e f o o t p r i n t s o f h e r o w n . their similar campus involvement, in- many years at Wachovia before devoting students now,” Brenda said, comparing years later there were still great profes- things have changed while traditions By Colleen McNally and Natalie Demarko cluding Alpha Delta Pi sorority and all her time to her family. Her daugh- the total enrollment during her college sors to reconnect with,” Brenda said. have remained at her school. “My parents the Wesley Foundation. However, it’s ter Kristen is now exploring a passion years of about 7,000 to the current to- Kristen described this as watching her important to note distinctions be- for educating children and spends her tal which recently surpassed 20,000. mom interact with her “little family.” tween mother and daughter also. summer vacations as a camp counselor. Equally memorable were the “It was fun to see mom get ex- “Kristen is really independent Being a Bell Scholar helped very personal relationships Brenda felt cited about it again. I’m looking forward and she has always been. I knew none Brenda form her great relationships to with professors and Director Dr. Hew to do those things too,” Kristen said. of her decisions would be because of other students. She said that cohorts of Joiner. Students also attended an annu- Although Kristen has been a student for only a year, she is expe- riencing the beginning of such con- nections for herself. Her favorite class thorough the Honors Program was her First-Year Seminar. She said she has enjoyed the small size of only about 15 students, a size which “is sup- posed to be the incentive and what the Honors Program is all about.” Taught Dr. Padmini Shan- kar, the course introduced incoming students to college research with a themed seminar about the chemistry of food, nutrition, and healthy eating. “We went to a food lab one day, and we each picked a differ- ent country and each made a differ- ent meal for a party,” Kristen said. New this year was the course’s connection to a spring semester Global Citizens course which al- lowed the 15 students to stay together. Outside of the classroom, events like Homecoming and foot- 1987 Bell Honors Program Graduates Kristen and Brenda Tillmam ball games are a favorite memory

14 • Honors @ Georgia Southern • Spring 2012 www.georgiasouthern.edu/honors • Spring 2012 • Honors @ Georgia Southern • 15 Honors in Action Honors in Action Stephen Crooke Selected for National Science Jennifer Keyser Studies in University of Kassel Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship and also a DAAD scholarship recipient. Dellwing, now a sociology professor, was responsible for initiating the new Recently graduated Chemistry partnership between Georgia Southern major Stephen Crooke has won the and the University of Kassel. While National Science Foundation Graduate Keyser has been studying in Germany, Research Fellowship to support his Georgia Southern has been hosting three pursuit of a Ph.D. in Biochemistry at sociology students from the University of the Georgia Institute of Technology. Kassel. This new program joins an already With this fellowship, Crooke will receive robust list of study abroad opportunities significant monetary support to fund offered to Georgia Southern students. three full years of study and research. This Keyser received support from prestigious award is given in recognition the University Honors Program in her of his outstanding academic and research application process. Both Dr. Engel and accomplishments as an undergraduate Associate Director Dr. Francis Desiderio at Georgia Southern University. played important roles in assisting Keyser. This is not the first time Crooke’s “It was Dr. Engel who informed me of the work has been nationally recognized. Last exchange program, and Dr. Desidero’s year, he received an Honorable Mention assistance with my essays gave me more from the Barry M. Goldwater Foundation. confidence in my chances to win,” Keyser He also has co-authored an article on said. “They helped me a lot through the his work published in the peer-reviewed process of applying, and I owe a great journal Molbank. While at Georgia deal of thanks to the Honors Program.” Southern, Crooke, who was a Paulson As a part of the DAAD scholarship, Scholar in addition to being an honors Keyser receives a monthly stipend, a student, focused his research on developing study subsidy, and subsidy towards travel a more efficient and cost effective way expenses- all of which have helped make of creating certain chemical compounds her experience even more memorable. “I have been able to travel all over in synthetic sponges that have the same Jennifer Keyser in Germany properties as sea sponges. His research Germany to cities like Frankfurt, Berlin, will be used in the fight against cancer. Attending college for many in high school. After reading an inspiring Eisenach, Gottingen and may others,” “Over the past four years, I students requires a move away from home. article about the disappearance of foreign Keyser said. “I have enjoyed the German was able to synthetically develop five For four years, the campus becomes their language education in her Latin class, architecture, food, and culture as a whole.” separate compounds. Our group is in the new, if temporary, home. However there Keyser recognized her passion. “This article Keyser will spend a total of ten process of screening these compounds are some students who change locations is what really inspired me to study modern months studying in Germany. So far, again, and take the initiative to spend one foreign languages,” Keyser said. “I believe she has vastly improved her German for antibacterial activity, and in the near Stephen Crooke in the Chemistry Laboratory future, we will be sending them to the of those years abroad. Modern languages it is important for people to learn other language skills and had the opportunity National Cancer Institute for screening Dr. McGibony encourages with his mentors, Crooke said that major Jennifer Keyser is just such a student. languages and about other cultures. We are to meet all types of people. “My favorite against cancer cells,” Crooke said. her students to participate in research his participation in the Honors She is spending her senior year away from an increasingly globalizing world and it is experience so far was being able to go to “Research of this nature is experiences as undergraduates and said program was a major influence on his Statesboro and in Germany, studying at important to recognize that and respect it.” Munich for the last day of Oktoberfest,” critical to the medical community due of her work with Crooke: “I was fortunate undergraduate career at Georgia Southern. the University of Kassel in Germany with Keyser has been a member of the Keyser said. “It was a great opportunity to the need for an effective treatment that Stephen chose me and my collaborator “The Honors Program’s support from the Deutscher Akademischer University Honors Program all four years of to witness a big part of German culture.” for cancer, and it also has important Dr. Christine Whitlock as his research encouragement of undergraduate research Austauschdienst (DAAD) scholarship. her college career. She agrees the program After graduation, Keyser plans to implications in the field of synthetic mentors. Stephen is one of the most led me to become involved with my The DAAD scholarship, also helped her develop as a student as well as find work that will put her international chemistry because of the new methodology hardworking students I have ever met in research early in my academic career, and I known as the German Academic Exchange achieve the DAAD scholarship. “I believe business skills to use. “My experience in introduced for the potential development my fourteen years of higher education.” am thankful for that. Collaboration with my Service, is a nationally competitive that having more challenging classes and Germany will hopefully help me get a job of other therapeutic compounds.” “Often scientific experiments do professors and the Honors Program allowed scholarship in the United States that is opportunities has helped to fuel my thirst in corporate communications because I Crooke worked closely with both not work out properly the first time you me to accomplish much during my time at awarded to undergraduate students who for knowledge,” Keyser said. “Also, the will have a very good working knowledge Dr. Christine Whitlock and Dr. Michele set them up. Stephen will keep making Georgia Southern, primarily culminating wish to study in Germany. Additionally, Honors program helped me realize my of the German language and will be able to McGibony. During the course of his research, alterations to the experiment until he gets in this award. I cannot thank the Honors Keyser has been honored as being the goal of studying for a year in Germany.” communicate effectively between Germany Crooke spent a significant amount of time a result; he is interested in understanding Program and my advisers enough for first Georgia Southern exchange student Director of the University and English speakers,” Keyser said. “I also creating biologically-active compounds everything he can about chemistry all of the mentoring and guidance that at the University of Kassel under a new Honors Program Dr. Steven Engel was may go to graduate school where I would agreement between the two universities. responsible for putting Keyser into contact study linguistics or get my master’s degree in Dr. Whitlock’s lab and testing the and biochemistry,” Dr. McGibony said. they have provided me over the years.” compounds in the lab with Dr. McGibony. In addition to the work Keyser first became interested in with Dr. Michael Dellwing, a former in German.” By Natalie Demarko By Kelsey Keane studying modern languages when she was exchange student at Georgia Southern

16 • Honors @ Georgia Southern • Spring 2012 www.georgiasouthern.edu/honors • Spring 2012 • Honors @ Georgia Southern • 17 Honors in Action Honors in Action Tiffany Simmons Spends Jessica Cain Studies Abroad in Finland

a Year in Japan actively involved in the University Honors Sophomore honors student prestigious and generous support from the International Scholarship, an award Program, participating as an Honors Com- Tiffany Simmons spent the 2011-2012 Fund for Education Abroad, the Benjamin intended to broaden the student population munity Scholar for several years running. school year in an immersion study abroad A, Gilman International Schoalrship, as that studies abroad by supporting She said the program was one of the best exchange program in Nagoya, Japan. With well as the Freeman Award for Study in undergraduates who might not otherwise parts of her college experience, and also the help of several prestigious awards, the Asia. The grand sum of these three awards participate due to financial constraints. said that the program’s atmosphere of in- talented art major was able to fulfill her will cover the expenses of the trip. The program aims to encourage students quiry and global curiosity paired with the longtime dream of visiting the country The Fund for Education Abroad to choose non-traditional study abroad personal faculty investment in each student that lies almost 10,000 miles away from (FEA) is an organization dedicated to destinations, especially those outside helped her develop an interest for studying the campus of Georgia Southern. Through helping motivated students such as of Western Europe, Australia and New abroad and provided the tools necessary to this once in a lifetime experience, Simmons Zealand. compete for nationally competitive schol- explored the Japanese culture firsthand Simmons was recognized by the arships such as the Gilman Scholarship. while studying at the Nagoya University of Freeman Award for Study in Asia as a “One of the most important ways Foreign Studies. student who shared the organization’s goal that the UHP has prepared me for the Gil- Simmons is pursuing a double of developing “a greater appreciation of man Scholarship is the value that the fac- major in studio art and art history as well as Asian cultures, histories, and economies in ulty connected with the Honors Program a minor in Japanese, and while in Japan she the United States and a better understanding place on study abroad,” Cain said. “Since worked on her Japanese minor as well as of the American people and of American freshman year I have been encouraged by studied classical Japanese art forms. One of institutions and purposes by the peoples Jessica Cain take away in Finland professors such as Dr. Engel and Dr. Sa- her favorite classical artists is Japanese ink of East Asia.” As part of the program, Recently graduated Biology ma- the incredible opportunity to both observe bia to engage in a study abroad program. artist Seeshu but her interests range wide Simmons will complete a service project jor and 1906 Scholar Jessica Cain spent and study the Fins’ sustainable utilization Without hearing how they considered across various media. to promote these ideals to her school and the fall 2011 semester studying abroad and conservation of natural resources. it an important part of a college educa- Having only been a student at community. at Joensuu University, The University of Every day in Finland was an ad- tion, I do not think I would have made Georgia Southern for a year before setting off Before beginning the incredible Eastern Finland. Cain’s time abroad was venture as she knew very little of the lan- the effort to go abroad. The assistance I on her exciting journey, Simmons believes experience Simmons said of the study funded in part through scholarships. After guage. She laughs that buying groceries was received from Dr. Desiderio in putting that her participation in the University abroad program, “This time abroad is receiving a study abroad scholarship from especially challenging as she oftentimes had together a well thought out and well ex- Honors Program played a significant designed to deepen my knowledge of the University Honors Program, Cain also to rely on the help of locals to find the items ecuted application was invaluable as well.” role both in her time in Statesboro and the Japanese language and culture while earned a nationally competitive Benja- on her translated shopping list. During the The experience showed Cain new in making her time in Japan possible. preparing me for my future academic and min A. Gilman International Scholarship. week Cain also biked four miles to school ways of thinking about conservation which Simmons was awarded a scholarship by the professional goals.” While in Finland, Cain’s academic from her traditional student apartment, re- she will use as she pairs her passion for ser- University Honors Program through funds “Travelling to Japan has been curriculum focused on the University’s gardless of how much snow had fallen. These vice with her academic interests. Next year, set aside each year to help make honors an amazing gift,” she said. “From day Forestry Program so that she could diver- adventures all took place on the backdrop Cain will start a graduate program at the students’ dreams of studying abroad reality. one, there has been a milliard of cultural sify her knowledge of the many aspects of of scenery Cain says can only be compared Nicholas School at Duke University to pur- “As a sophomore, I’ve only had one differences. Even my taxi ride from the environmental resource management. For- with that of the Grimm Brother’s fairytales. sue a degree in environmental management. year at Georgia Southern with the Honors Tiffany Simmons with some friends in Japan airport was an ordeal. With lace on the seat estry is one of Finland’s largest industries, Throughout her time as a stu- By Kelsey Keane program; however, it has already become a backs, magazines and even fake flowers in and Cain’s time there provided her with dent at Georgia Southern, Cain has been vital part of my education,” Simmons said. Simmons reach their study abroad goals the surprisingly clean cab, I realized then “With a smaller class sizes, the Honors by alleviating some of the financial burden. that I was in a completely new world; there courses have allowed me to become Because of her rigorous and engaging are so many major and minor differences, familiar with the faculty and receive any proposal for study in Japan, the FEA such as the language, the fashion, or even Writing Recognition For Kayla and Chad additional academic and individual help simply remembering to ride on the left side chose to award Simmons with one of only love is featured in the most recent issue that I needed. Besides from contributing of the road.” ten maximum available scholarships and of Miscellany, Georgia Southern’s literary a scholarship to aid me financially, the Through her blog Simmons named her an FEA scholar. magazine. Kayla graduated from Georgia Honors Program supported me in other shares of her daily adventures—finding Of Tiffany the FEA said, “Tiffany Southern last year with a bachelor’s in ways as well, particularly Dr. Steven Engel local restaurants, conversing with native has worked hard to earn this award. She Political Science and is currently pursuing and Dr. Francis Desiderio, who took the speakers, experiencing local holidays, has passion for study abroad, and it’s clear a Master’s in Public Administration. time to meet with me and help me apply studying for classes, coping with culture that this opportunity will have a significant Chad Sanderson is a senior for other various scholarships. The Honors shock, and visiting significant historical impact on her future academic and career Writing and Linguistics major; his poignant program definitely made my first year sites among many other adventures. goals. We also expect it will have an impact piece, entitled “Cold River,” netted him the transition an easier process and helped to By Kelsey Keane on those around Tiffany as she carries out runner-up position in the contest’s creative provide me with the tools to study abroad.” the self-designed projects for giving back to Honors alumna Kayla Whaley many talents in and out of the classroom. fiction category. The story was featured in Simmons not only received her home and host community.” and honors student Chad Sanderson Kayla Whaley’s creative nonfiction Pegasus – Abraham Baldwin Agricultural funding from the University Honors Simmons was also recognized were recently recognized for their work in piece, “More Than Green,” gained the first College’s literary magazine – during spring Program but was also honored in receiving through the Benjamin A. Gilman creative writing through the Roy F. Powell place prize in its category. Along with a $100 2012. Award for Creative Writers, exhibiting their cash prize, her touching take on unrequited By Taylor Tyson 18 • Honors @ Georgia Southern • Spring 2012 www.georgiasouthern.edu/honors • Spring 2012 • Honors @ Georgia Southern • 19 Honors in Action Honors in Action Honors Community Scholars: Boys and Girls Club Leigh Sundem Scores Among the Best on the MCAT College Promotion Program

Ashley Boyer and one of the students

Feagin Oliver and Ashley Boyer with the students of the Boys and Girls Club Students from the Boys and Girls Club Members of the Honors career aptitude tests, helping the students Community Scholars (HCS) developed realize the broad spectrum of professions a second year of their college promotion available and to better reveal their own and preparation program in a joint project potential as fruitful, productive adults. Leigh Sundem in the Chemistry Laboratory with the Boys and Girls Club of Statesboro The mentors were able to bring and Bulloch County. HCS participants in guest speakers and visit various offices University Honors Program participated in extensive academic lab in, and excel. The Program encourages me Rachel Rozier, Ashley Boyer, Christina on campus. One place they visited was student Leigh Sundem recently earned research with Dr. Mohammed Shaikh of to do my best, providing me with resources Belge, and Feagin Oliver met at Eidson the Career Advisement Center, where the the outstanding score of a thirty-nine the Chemistry Department as they work and outlets that make me want to do my House (home of the UHP) with a group students were able to think about potential on the Medical College Admission Test to synthesize compounds they hope could best academically and personally,” she said. of middle and high school students once careers and the college majors that (MCAT). The average score of each one day be used as therapeutics for various Sundem said, “Georgia Southern a week and provided them with activities might get them to their goal. The whole Feagin Oliver with students from the Boys MCAT administration is twenty-four, and types of cancers and Alzheimer’s disease. is where I belong. Our chemistry to build skills such as test-taking, resume- experience was designed to encourage and Girls Club Sundem’s results place her in the 99.1- 99.4 “Leigh has strong convictions program is top-notch. I think I have building, and decision-making all in an the students to think more deeply about percentile range of all who participated and an outstanding work ethic. I came to gotten the best education possible. Each effort to aid these students in creating their skills, talents, and interests, and at Langston Chapel Middle School and in the testing sessions of August 2011. understand that, unlike countless other professor has helped me gain a deeper opportunities for higher education and, what they might want to do with them. student in the program, said, “Well, I have As a non-traditional student, students, she did not consider her scientific understanding of subject materials and eventually, prosperous, fulfilling careers. “I really enjoyed you all,” learned that college has very interesting Sundem returned to school to pursue course work just a stepping stone to her of the hard sciences, which enabled me Honors Community Scholars is a Statesboro High School tenth-grader aspects, and there are a variety of things her undergraduate degree in Chemistry degree but an opportunity to explore a to be successful in the critical thinking yearlong experience where honors students Breanna Stidem said. “When you come you can pick to do.” several years after graduating high field she genuinely found interesting. I necessary to succeed on the MCAT.” who want to learn more about community here, you learn about college and you’re “I really learned that you reflect school. She believes that coming to had the pleasure to meet a person who After receiving her Chemistry building organizations and university- actually on a campus.” a message by the way you dress and carry Georgia Southern University with such a displayed such an interest for high-level degree from Georgia Southern, Sundem community partnerships take on more During the spring semester, the focus yourself. You don’t want to give the wrong different perspective than the traditional work and an ability to grasp the intricacies plans to attend medical school and to then intensive service projects in Statesboro of the meetings was directed toward test- message,” Stidem said. student has made her especially grateful of chemical concepts. She has a friendly practice primary care in a rural setting. and Bulloch County. They work as teams taking skills, and the group completed While the objective of the program for every opportunity she has received personality and a positive attitude, which She also dreams of serving with Doctors with specific organizations, and they meet practice tests to help prepare them for was to lead and teach young adults skills and motivated to do her very best. has certainly contributed to her being Without Borders in Africa. “Wherever as a group several times a month to discuss important, upcoming standardized tests which will direct them toward successful Since beginning at GSU, Sundem an excellent student,” Dr. Shaikh said. I am most needed, that’s where I’ll go.” their projects and various topics related to such as the SAT and the graduation test. and fulfilling educations and careers, it has become highly involved academically, Sundem entered the University Through her accomplishments, service-learning, community partnerships, In the last few meetings, mentors walked is certain that the interaction with the completing significant lab research, Honors Program as a sophomore student Sundem has earned other significant and community building. students through the resume-building students also had a positive and lasting teaching as a Chemistry supplemental at Georgia Southern. She believes that her recognition, being a Watson-Brown Scholar The Boys and Girls Club College process, aiding them in outlining their effect on their mentors. instructor, and shadowing five different initial goal of gaining entrance to UHP and a recipient of the Jiann-Ping Hsu College Promotion Program began the year with career objectives, previous work and “What you do now is important; it professionals in the medical field. She motivated her to excel during her first of Public Health Service Award, as well as ice-breaker games and personality quizzes volunteer experience, involvement in determines your future. It’s really important has also volunteered her time to such year and that the program itself continues being named as an Outstanding Student to help the students get to know each other extracurricular activities and clubs, and what you give to certain situations,” Stidem organizations as the Hearts and Hands to encourage her academic growth. “It in Organic Chemistry in 2011. This fall and a sense of what they wanted out of the personal work skills. said. By E. Feagin Oliver Clinic and Georgia Southern University’s became very important to me that I get she will enter the University of Rochester’s program. This lead to the introduction of Keyonnia Whye, an eight-grader Center for Addiction Recovery. Sundem into the University Honors Program, stay School of Medicine & Dentistry. By Kelsey Keane

20 • Honors @ Georgia Southern • Spring 2012 www.georgiasouthern.edu/honors • Spring 2012 • Honors @ Georgia Southern • 21 Honors in Action Honors in Action Honors Conference Participation 2011- 2012 Senior Thesis and Capstones This year 72 students completed the requirements of the Kristina Deveaux Georgia Collegiate National Collegiate Chemistry University Honors Program. The most demanding element Approaches toward a Furanylidene System Using Honors Council Honors Council of those requirements is the Honors Thesis/Capstone Project. a Commercially Available Beta-Keto Phosphonate In February, five honors students, Each of this past year’s graduates is listed along with the title of Dr. Karelle Aiken Paola Robelo, Kelsey Keane, Jordan Logue, the thesis and faculty mentor. Michelle Saucier, and Krystina Johnson, Southern Regional Cassandra Dierolf traveled with Program directors Dr. Steven Honors Council Lacy Bell Drew Cheshire International Studies Engel and Dr. Francis Desiderio to North Justice Studies Multimedia Communications Demon or Savior: Oda Nobunaga in the Historical This year’s Southern Regional Georgia College & State University in Fighting for Faith in the Land of the Free: The Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair: 50 years of Fun, Memory of Japan Dahlonega for the 2012 Georgia Collegiate Honors Conference was held in Tampa, Discrimination Against Religious Minorities in Family, and Funnelcakes Dr. Darin Van Tassell Honors Council’s annual meeting. The two Florida, and Georgia Southern honors the United States Judicial System Tyson Davis day event brought together honors programs student Jordan Logue travelled with the Dr. Brett Curry Danielle Duncan and colleges from across the state to meet, honors program of Armstrong Atlantic State Pannel discussion at NCHC Rebecca Conner Chemistry present student research, and discuss University to Tampa to present his work on Brandon Benton Education Analytical Examination of the Crystal Structure of approaches in honors education. fiddler crab mating behavior. The three day Physics Preconceptions of Pre-Service Teachers about Indole-6-Carboxylic Acid Using Computational The first day’s events included conference showcased the research done Prototyping Method for Bragg-Type Atom Library Media Specialists Chemistry Dr. Allison Amonette panning for gold in the Dahlonega gold by the honors programs and colleges from Interferometers Dr. Michelle Reidel mines and hiking in the Blue Ridge all across the Southeast. The conference Dr. Mark Edwards Collin Enfinger hosted hundreds of presentations on topics Nicole Cooper Mountains, followed by dinner and a Biology friendly game of intercollegiate trivia. The varying from cancer research and massage Jonathon Bowyer Fashion Merchandising and Computer Science Apparel Design Effects of Position and Track Length on rest of the weekend was a little more formal, therapy techniques to designing roller Game On: Designing and Building a 2D Game An Analysis of Ella Moss’s Promotional Strategies Spontaneous Alternation Behavior in coasters and American foreign policy. with research presentations ranging from Engine Using Fashion Theory Armadillidium Woodlice in Mazes alternative fuels to world hunger to modern Students were given the Dr. James Bradford Dr. Amy Scarborough Dr. Alan Harvey music. chance to interact with peers from Anni Raino, Meg Roberts, and Cate Faulkner On the final day of the conference, other schools at student dances and at NCHC Cate Faulkner Ashley Boyer Kelly Corallo The National Collegiate Honors International Studies and Spanish Sophomore English major Kelsey Keane dinners, as well as enjoy the city of Political Science English Council (NCHC) met last fall in Phoenix, As American as Apple Pie, Baseball...and was elected Student Vice President of the Tampa and explore historic Ybor City. Israel, Palestine, and the Demise of the...One- The Sublimity of Religion and Hibernian and honors students Cate Faulkner, Anni Xenophobia: How did a Nation of Immigrants Georgia Collegiate Honors Council, Dr. Logue encourages all University Two- Maybe Three-State Solution? Possibilities: Implications of the Religious and Become so Anti-Immigrant? Engel was elected Faculty Vice President, Honors Program students to consider Rainio, and Meg Roberts attended and made Dr. Krista Wiegand Natural Sublime for Sydney Owenson’s Ireland Dr. Darin Van Tassell and Sophomore Biology major Jordan participating in next year’s conference, presentations. Cate presented her thesis Dr. Hemchand Gossai Logue brought home first place in the which will take place in Louisville. “This research during the poster session, and she Megan Brock Christine Foxwell was quite an experience, and it was a lot joined Anni and Meg and Dr. Desiderio Psychology Kathryn Crenshaw poster presentations competition for his Psychology on a panel to discuss Honors Community Relationships among Attachment to Parents, Early Childhood Education work in fiddler crab mating behavior. The of fun. I met so many people and learned The Detection of Unseen Staring with Changes Scholars. Dr. Engel also presented on the Romantic Partners, Friends, and Risky Behaviors How Pre-Service Teacher Morale is Affected By Honors Event Planning Committee of the so much in just a few days. These are the in the Sympathetic Nervous System University Honors Program with particular Dr. Janice Kennedy Our Test-Driven Educational Culture Georgia Southern Honors Program has people that are going to change how the Dr. Amy Hackney and Dr. Janice Steirn Dr. Meca Williams-Johnson and Dr. Michelle already begun planning the 2013 annual world works in our lifetime, and it was an focus on our requirements and the Departmental Honors courses. Writing and Jessica Cain Reidel meeting which will take place on the honor to be there with them,” Logue said. Biology Renee Fritz Georgia Southern Campus in February By Jordan Logue and Kelsey Keane Linguistics Interim Chair Dr. Phyllis Dallas Biology Effects of Alginate Addition on Smooth Cordgrass Stephen Crooke accompanied the group. Low Salinity Affects Larval Development and 2013. Jordan Logue at GCHC poster presentations (Spartina alterniflora) Transplant Success and Chemistry The students had an opportunity to Juvenile Production in the Sea Urchin Lytechinus Macroinvertebrate Colonization Progress toward the Synthesis of Dragmacidin explore Phoenix through the “City as Text” variegatus Dr. Risa Cohen Derivatives for Cancer Treatments Dr. Sophie George program and met honors students from Dr. Christine Whitlock and Dr. Michele across the country. Cate had a good number Delacy Carpenter McGibony Ashley Fullerton of visitors to her poster and received very Psychology Chemistry useful feedback. The Honors Community Investigating the Relationship between Facebook Kelsey Decker An Analysis of Eel Aquaporins and Osmoregulation Scholars panel session was well attended. and Life Satisfaction of College Students Journalism Dr. Chris Cutler Dr. Desiderio and the students talked Dr. Jeff Klibert Who Needs to Know? An Examination of College- about the programming and projects of the Level Investigative Journalism across Georgia Jacqueline Gardner experience, part of which was funded by Alicia Channell Dr. Steve Stepanek Chemistry an NCHC Portz Grant. Dr. Engel engaged Nursing Analytical Examination of the Crystal Structure Perspectives of Pregnant Women in Southeast Emily Detmer conference attendees in a discussion about of Amino-benzoic acid benzyl ester Georgia on Prenatal Genetic Testing Anthropology and Spanish the UHP’s approach to supporting students Dr. Allison Amonette in their Thesis/Capstone Projects and Dr. Rose Mary Gee Potential Explanations for the Absence of Archaic received some very positive feedback. Artifacts at Magnolia Springs Dr. Heidi Altman The 2012 conference is scheduled for November in Boston, Massachusetts.

22 • Honors @ Georgia Southern • Spring 2012 www.georgiasouthern.edu/honors • Spring 2012 • Honors @ Georgia Southern • 23 Honors in Action Honors in Action Tabitha Williford and Katherine Mincey with Dr. Engel Christian Gibson Kathryn Lanier Alexandra Mitchell Nicole Penn Psychology Chemistry Biology Political Science The Effects of Stereotypes and Self-Affirmation Synthesis of Novel Iron-Chelating Agents In Vitro Excystment of the Metacercariae of Public Perception of Attorneys on Hiring Decisions Dr. Christine Whitlock Gynaecotyla Adunca (Trematoda: Microphal- Dr. Richard Pacelle Dr. Amy Hackney lidae) from the Fiddler Crab, UCA Pugnax, Merrie Lumpkin and the Experimental Test of Predictions of Samuel Police Tristen Gonshorowski Communication Arts Self-Fertilization Psychology English The Roles of International Media and Domestic Dr. Oscar J. Pung Orienting in Virtual Space: Examining Saliency Not Like Your Christianity: Pagan Echoes in Media During the 2011 Political Crisis in Egypt of Auditory Landmarks to Visual Landmarks Irish Literature Dr. Abby Brooks and Dr. Reed Smith Megan Morris Using Dwell Time Task Dr. Hemchand Gossai English Dr. Kent D. Bodily Halie Martin Going the Extra Six Feet: Disposing of the Dead Sarah Gross Chemistry in Faulkner and O’Connor Megan Prescott Dr. Hemchand Gossai Sociology Synthesis of Novel Iron-Chelating Agents for Biology We Fear: Immediate Newspaper Coverage of the Treatment of Hemochromatosis The Distribution of the Anopholes quadrimaculatus the Fukushima Nuclear Disaster Dr. Christine R. Whitlock James Moss Species Complex in Georgia Dr. Nancy Malcom Regional Economic Development Dr. William Irby Do the Benefits of High Speed Rail Outweigh Megan McCarthy the Costs? An In-Depth Analysis on the Annemarie Hall Nutrition and Food Science Ashlin Reid International Studies Estimates of Cost and Ridership for Two Select Chemistry Nutrition Fact Label Usage Among Underclassmen Curing Monolingualism: Rethinking Foreign High Speed Rail Projects in the United States Statesboro Lead Hazard Reduction and Evaluation College Students Language Education in a Multilingual World Dr. Stephen Rutner Study Phillip Stevens Felicia Williams Dr. Joelle Romanchik-Cerpovicz Dr. Darin Van Tassell and Dr. Nancy Dr. Simone Charles and Dr. John DiCesare Physics Biology Shumaker Ivana Okor Exploring a 500 Kpc HI Plume in the Virgo cluster Host-louse Specificity—The Odd Case of Mary Katherine Mills Psychology and Chemistry Dr. James Higdon Neotrichodectes mephitidis Parasitizing Skunks Biology Jennifer Riggs and Island Foxes Kadisa Johnson The Effects of Priming Approach and Avoidance The Temporal and Spatial Fate, Survivability, Accounting Dr. Lance Durden and Dr. Lorenza Beati Information Technology Goals on Relationship Expectations and Memories Leigh Sundem and Excretion of GFP- expressing Pseudomonas Interns and Fraud: The Influence of Psychological A Failed Attempt to Redesign: A Look at How Dr. Amy Hackney Chemistry aeruginosa After Ingestion by the Common and Generational Traits Bureaucracy and Evolving Technology Altered Nucleophilic Trifluoromethylation of Activated Jennifer Williams House Fly, Musca domestica Dr. Britton McKay the Direction of an Overly Optimistic Project Katherine Olive Carbonyl Compounds Anthropology Dr. Dana Nayduch Management/Human Resources Dr. Mohammed Abid Shaikh Is Gay Blood Bad Blood?: An Analysis of Dr. Christopher A. Kadlec Mary Roberts Behind the Scenes: What goes on at the Georgia Discrimination Against Homosexual Males Katherine Mincey Psychology Dr. Heidi Altman Southern University Department of Human Zaynab Taei Amy Jones Biology The Effects of Defendant Race, Skin Tone, and Sport Management Resources? Anthropology Elemental and Physical Defenses of Nickel Socioeconomic Status on Juror Decision Making A Demographic Study of Georgia Southern Dr. Robert Hoell These are Hearing People Words: A Qualitative David Williamson Hyperaccumulators and Their Affects on Dr. Amy Hackney University Football Tickets Analysis of Homophonic Substitution, Abbreviation, Political Science Herbivory Dr. Sam Todd Michael Palmese and Slang in Deaf Texting The Impact of Public Opinion on Supreme Dr. William Irby Gustavo Rodriguez Music Composition Dr. Heidi Altman Court Decision-Making Political Science The Troubled Reception of “The Death of Dr. Richard Pacelle Jessica Joyner Explaining Lack of Global Action in Terms of Klinghoffer” Jordan Tompkins Psychology and Justice Studies Humanitarian Crises Dr. Gregory Harwood Anthropology Tabitha Williford The Impact of Individuality and Immorality on Dr. Barry Balleck and Dr. Krista Wiegand the Criminal Justice System Alleviating Teen Pregnancy in Tattnall County, Biology and Mathematics Dr. Catherine Marcum and Dr. Amy Hackney Blake Wiggins, Katherine Olive, and Derek Kauhane Georgia: Proposed Methods from an The Effects of Fire and Dormancy on Population Rachel Rozier Anthropological Perspective Dynamics of Endangered Trillium persistens Political Science Dr. Heidi Altman Dr. Lissa Leege Derek Kauhane One Nation Under God? The Role of Religion Finance in American Politics Mandy Wommack Hedging Allocated Portfolios Against Volatility Dr. Brett Curry Veronika Urbina in a Recovering Economy International Studies and Spanish Biology Countdown to Implosion: The Chaotic and Wolbachia in the Invasive Species, Latrodectus Dr. Karen L. Hamilton Samuel Russell (Unintended?) Effects of Neo-Liberalism and geometricus Philosophy and Theatre Law Number 7 in Puerto Rico Dr. Scott Harrison Eric Kobylanski Making Use of Reason: Kant’s Moral Theory Political Science Dr. Darin Van Tassell and the Foundation of Reason James Zimmer-Dauphinee The Effects of Regulation on the Chinese and Dr. Hemchand Gossai American Automotive Intellectual Property Blake Wiggins Anthropology Chemistry An Examination of the Feasibility of Resistivity Market Kelsey Ryan Variation in Lachrymatory Factor and Certain Other Mapping as a Remote Sensing Technique at Dr. Barry Balleck Chemistry Compounds between Layers in Yellow Onion Camp Lawton The Enzymatic Production of Molecular Hydrogen Dr. Brian Koehler, Dr. Shannon Davis, and Dr. Heidi Altman Francine Koenig Dr. Dontarie Stallings English Dr. Norman Schmidt The Veiled Power and the Seductive Siren: Gabrielle Shaffer Bannerman, Dacre, and the Female Gothic Writing and Linguisitcs Dr. Hemchand Gossai and Dr. Douglass Technical Communication: Education vs. Workplace Thomson Dr. Timothy Giles

24 • Honors @ Georgia Southern • Spring 2012 www.georgiasouthern.edu/honors • Spring 2012 • Honors @ Georgia Southern • 25 Celebrating

30Years of Honors

Georgia Southern University is happy to celebrate the 30th anniversary of honors education at Georgia Southern. From the nationally innovative Bell Honors Program (1982-2007) to the current rigors of the University Honors Program (1998-present), Georgia Southern has for thirty years provided a welcoming home to motivated and high-performing students. To celebrate this anniversary, the University Honors Program is planning the “30 Years of Honors” event to be held Saturday, October 20 and Sunday, October 21, 2012 on the campus of Georgia Southern University. This event will celebrate the achievements of our alumni and allow them to connect with our current students. Furthermore, current and retired faculty will be invited. This event is open to the families of all Bell Honors and University Honors alumni. The following page provides some of the details for the event. For more, see www.georgiasouthern. edu/honors/30years.

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26 • Honors @ Georgia Southern • Spring 2012 www.georgiasouthern.edu/honors • Spring 2012 • Honors @ Georgia Southern • 27 Thirty Years of Honors Event Details

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s 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm r e v i Dinner: Nessmith-Lane Ballroom n Entertainment by Dr. Michael Braz U n $35 per person/Business Attire 0er h ut 3Georgia So Future Honors Scholars program (ages 4-14) in Nessmith-Lane Conference Center $10 8:30 pm - Late “Honors After Hours” Holiday Inn Statesboro Cash Bar

Sunday, October 21, 2012 11:00 am - 12:30 pm Brunch at Eidson House $15 per person 12:00 noon Dedication of “new” Bell Honors Oak

Lodging: Holiday Inn Statesboro $79 plus taxes reserve by September 20 to guarantee rates AnnualHonors For more details and link to registration go to: www.georgiasouthern.edu/honors/30years Report

28 • Honors @ Georgia Southern • Spring 2012 www.georgiasouthern.edu/honors • Spring 2012 • Honors @ Georgia Southern • 29 2011-2012by the numbers Honors 2011-2012 Data Honors Honors Students by Honors Students 456 (37 % Men, 63% Women, 80% Caucasian, Freshman Retention 20% Non-white) Rates Academic College 399 Georgia Residents (88%) 94% Science and Technology 155 91% 91% 90% 90% 90% 19 States Represented Liberal Arts and Social Sciences 148 Incoming Freshman 2012 Class Projections Health and Human Sciences 59 17 Countries Represented 147 New Freshmen Business Administration 47 91% Freshman Retention Rate 138 Georgia Residents (94%) Education 19 6 States Represented 99 Honors Courses Offered Information Technology 17 1266 Average SAT 6725 Hours of Service and Leadership International Studies 22 28.3 Average ACT

152 Faculty Teaching Honors Courses or Undeclared 15 3.76 Average GPA (unweighted) Mentoring Honors Students 2005 Cohort Fall 2006 Cohort Fall Cohort 2007 Fall 2008 Cohort Fall 2009 Cohort Fall Cohort 2010 Fall

HonorsNumber of Students Program Applicants

Fall 2005 265 2005-2006 374

Fall 2006 295 2006-2007 419

Fall 2007 306 2007-2008 607

Fall 2008 343 2008-2009 713

Fall 2009 406 2009-2010 709

2010-2011 733 Fall 2010 451

2011-2012 Fall 2011 456 762

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Thirty Years of Honors Saturday, October 20, 2012 www.georgiasouthern.edu/honors/30years

NON PROFIT UNIVERSITY HONORS PROGRAM ORGANIZATION P.O BOX 8130 U.S. POSTAGE PAID STATESBORO, GA 30460-8130 STATESBORO, GA www.georgiasouthern.edu/honors PERMIT 286