Home > News > Honors students receive new “superhero” lounge

Honors students receive new “superhero” lounge

 

Lounge98

Daniel Farias, Staff Writer
Photos by: 
Carrie Deese

On February 27, Honors Academy unveiled its new lounge in Alumni Hall as Associate Provost and Dead of the College of Arts and Sciences Dr. Kathi Vosevich, along with Academy student members, celebrated a new place for honors students to build community and foster friendships.

As a result of university advocates Henry “Hank” Rhodes and David Salmon providing charitable donations, the Shorter Honors Academy can now boast of a newly opened, furnished Alumni Hall room as its home.

Vosevich, who is the Honors Academy director, began planning for a new lounge five years ago. “I wanted to have a place where the students could build community,” said Vosevich. She also believed in rewarding the Honors students for their hard work.

The event included a reception in which Shorter Honors Ambassadors Lindsey Blackstone and Stefanie Starkey presented certificates of appreciation to Rhodes and Salmon. “It really helps unify the (Academy) members,” said Blackstone about the lounge.

The private study lounge features a dark brown wood floor, a table, chairs, and a fresh-smelling brown leather couch that sits against the right wall when one walks in. On the walls, there is décor of classic American superheroes, including Wonder Woman, a piece Dr. Vosevich decided to install when she noticed the lack of female superpower represented.

Honors Academy students can come in to study with their peers, without some of the distraction they might find in a library or the loneliness they might sense in a dorm room.

Lounge511The Honors Academy exists for the intellectual growth of students wishing to deepen their critical thinking and leave their mark as Shorter scholars. “It’s supposed to provide an enriched curriculum for students who want to go above and beyond the regular academic program and undergraduate requirements,” said Vosevich. “We try to create an intellectually charged and engaged community of students and faculty.”

A student in any major could be a part of the Academy. “No matter what program of study the student chooses, the student can turn that program into an honors program and degree,” said Vosevich. “We want to enhance the quality of that program.”

The Honors Academy ambassadors Lindsey Blackstone and Stephanie Starkey first began in their leadership roles as volunteers. Now, they are mentoring their successors.

Blackstone and Starkey, both juniors, help out at Preview Day on campus. “They’re also responsible for internal advertising with the bulletin boards and answering any questions a student might have,” said Vosevich. Both Blackstone and Starkey receive benefits for their work as ambassadors, including forming a relationship with both the president and the provost.

Being a part of the Honors program has its perks. Students enjoy smaller classes, register first with the seniors, and have their thesis bound and published in the Livingston Library. Also, students can take over 19 and up to 21 credit hours without drawing fees.

Of course, Honors students have access to the new study lounge where they can be inspired by superhero artwork, challenging them to achieve the impossible, academically and beyond. “It truly presents a challenge and higher standard for learning,” said Blackstone.