Honors Program enrollment up; students honored
Contact: Elise Doster
10/29/08
HAMMOND – Southeastern Louisiana University’s honors program, which has seen a 27 percent overall enrollment increase since fall 2007, has recognized 21 students with Sophomore Honors Distinction Awards.
The students were recognized by the university’s Honors Club for maintaining a 3.50 grade point average with 12 hours per semester during their first 60 hours of coursework.
Jenna Holmes of Jayess, Miss., president of the Honors Club, said receiving a Sophomore Honors Distinction Award is an accomplishment well-deserving of recognition.
“It’s not easy to maintain such a high GPA during your first two years of college, but I believe the encouragement of the Southeastern faculty and the interesting coursework allows students to accomplish their goals,” said Holmes.
The Honors Club also recognized Joan Faust, professor of English, with the 2008 student-chosen Outstanding Honors Teacher award.
Kent Neuerburg, director of Southeastern’s Honors Program, said the 29 year-old-program has seen increased enrollment in the past few years because of informative local high school sessions, and he anticipates higher enrollment in the future. Freshman enrollment increased 37 percent in 2008.
The college gives students the opportunity to experience honors-style classes while still allowing freedom to pursue degrees in every major offered at Southeastern, from art to psychology.
“Our classes are very small (limited to 20 students) and lend themselves very well to intensive learning, analysis and in-depth discussion,” said Neuerburg. “The Honors Program is meant for students seeking a more intensive college experience and who have the drive to think critically and write analytically.
“Our program looks great on a resume and gives a strong background for students interested in pursuing further degrees,” he added. “I believe high school students are finally beginning to realize they must separate themselves from the pack and excel academically.”
Holmes, a political science major, said she believes her involvement with the Honors Program and Honors Club has prepared her for an exciting future in law school.
“The program has challenged me in so many ways,” said Holmes. “I believe graduating with honors will give me an edge as I enter a very intense time of my life. The teachers have been so great here and have taught me to go after my dreams. It’s sad to leave, but I’m ready to take the next step.”
The 2008 recipients of the Sophomore Honors Distinction Awards:
Baton Rouge -- Rachel Holt, art; Miranda Landry, English education; Jennifer Worley, kinesiology
Bourg -- Catherine Bascle, English
Franklinton -- Katherine Beach, psychology
Gonzales -- Randy Malbrough, liberal arts
Hammond -- Teryn Ivey, social work education; Cory Roberts, biology; Keniraj Venkamah, finance; Veronica Wills, chemistry; Elizabeth Zaben, biology
Independence -- Kayla Basham, biology
Kenner -- Sharon Rogers, kinesiology
Marrero -- Ashley Grow, nursing
New Orleans -- Dominique Lang, general business
Ponchatoula -- Samantha Perez, English
Port Allen -- Chelsea Chenevert, marketing
Slidell -- Megan Maddalozzo, early childhood education; Jorge Santana, finance; Mallory Young, psychology
Walker -- Scott Kleinpeter, English.
For more information about Southeastern’s Honors program, contact Kent Neuerburg at Kent.Neuerburg@selu.edu.
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