Point Park University's Honors Program Celebrates Class of 2020 Friday, April 24, 2020
"The Honors Program has motivated me to be a better student and person. While challenging myself academically in classes, I was also encouraged to volunteer and engage with the Pittsburgh community. As a senior looking back, I know the Honors Program has made me a better student and a better member of my community."
The COVID-19 pandemic postponed Point Park University's 2020 commencement ceremony, and as the campus works toward rescheduling that important event, the Honors Program is recognizing its seniors.
The Honors Program published its 2020 graduation booklet digitally as part of that effort. Earlier this month, it recognized 42 seniors at its virtual Honors Student Organization meeting. It traditionally compiles bios and future plans of its seniors as a keepsake, and seniors receive blue and silver cords to wear at graduation as well as a small gift. Those will be delivered to graduates prior to the rescheduled commencement.
Helen Fallon, M.A., Honors Program director and professor of journalism, wanted to uphold these traditions.
“These students have worked hard, and they are ready for their chosen careers or future academic studies. These wonderful young people have not been deterred by this crisis that closed our campus, city, state, nation and world. I am so pleased that we can still make this happen for them in so many ways,” Fallon said.
Jonas Prida, Ph.D., assistant provost, expressed his appreciation for the students.
“Even though graduating seniors feel as if they have missed out on important University experiences — and they have — this class will always be linked together through the adversity and challenge of COVID-19,” said Prida. “It is easy to be part of something when times are normal; it is more rewarding to be part of something when times are extraordinary. And through these extraordinary times, my relationship with all of the students and the Honors Program is one of my highlights of the year.”
The Honors Program provides opportunities for students to challenge themselves through academics, leadership, service-learning, programs and presentations, honors conferences, social engagements and much more.
Alexa Newbrough, HSO secretary and a senior theatre arts major, has been a member of the Honors Program since her freshman year. She took on HSO leadership roles, including Honors Program floor representative, social events coordinator and an HSO mentor.
“The Honors Program has motivated me to be a better student and person. While challenging myself academically in classes, I was also encouraged to volunteer and engage with the Pittsburgh community. As a senior looking back, I know the Honors Program has made me a better student and a better member of my community,” said Newbrough. “I don’t think I’d be the student or person I am today if it wasn’t for all that the Honors Program gave me. I’ll always be thankful.”
Rhianna Davis, HSO social events coordinator and a senior business management major, also reflected on her time in the program.
“Being in the Honors Program has added a whole new dimension to my college career. I’ve been able to participate in service opportunities, travel to honors conferences to present my academic work and form connections with my fellow honors students,” said Davis. “Being on the executive board for two years has been a great way for me to give back to an organization that has given me so much. I’m certainly going to miss honors after graduating, but I’ll be back to visit!”
Fallon and Barbara Hipp, M.A., alumni engagement officer, are forming an honors affinity group. Honors alumni will be able to network and have visiting opportunities on campus with current students and connect with other honors graduates on and off campus.
Article by Colin Parrish, Honors Program graduate assistant
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