Honors Event Highlights

HONR 209 Religious Observance Assignment

Honors students in Theology and Global Studies Professor Tracy Pintchman’s class conduct field assignments to observe South or East Asian religious practices. Students may attend Garbha or Diwali celebrations on campus, or they may visit the Zen Center in Evanston or the nearby ISKCON (Bhadrinarayan) Temple. Research, participant interviews, and personal reflection all go into the paper that students write about their experiences, which explore what each event means to the worshippers present.

Museum of Contemporary Art Field Trip

Honors students were able to experience more than 100 works of renowned African-American artist, Faith Ringgold at The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago’s exhibit: “Faith Ringgold: American People.” Art Historian and Honors instructor Professor Paula Wisotzki led a tour through the exhibit and demonstrated her deep knowledge about the artist and her context. Afterwards, the students gathered in the museum restaurant and enjoyed a gourmet dessert along with conversation about the artworks.

What’s the News? Behind the Headlines

Honors students are invited to a current affairs town hall with Political Science expert and Honors instructor Dr. Christopher Whidden. Tackling both the hot button issues as well as lesser-known news items, Dr. Whidden facilitates lively and informative discussions that engage and challenge students to think more deeply about the times we live in. Like most of our Honors events, food and drink are also involved, and students enjoy refreshments while they inquire, debate, and reflect.

Honors Senior Celebration

Each Spring the Honors Program celebrates the achievements of our graduating seniors with a special reception held in the spacious and comfortable Damen Den. It is an opportunity to gather as a class one last time at a catered banquet to raise a glass to their past and future selves. Faculty and students share their memories; Honors Program award winners are announced; the Graduating Senior Award recipient makes remarks; and Honors medallions are passed out.

A.B.L.E. Ensemble Theatre Frankenstein Field Trip

Just in time for Halloween, a group of Honors Students ventured off-campus to attend Frankenstein as re-envisioned by the A.B.L.E. Ensemble, a theatre group that provides performance opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Prior to the show, Honors Program administrative assistant and Disability Theatre specialist Dr. Nic Hamel gave a talk on Disability Culture and Activism. Then, after the performance, the group went out for discussion over some tasty Filipino ice cream.

Honors Student Government (HSG) Events

The Honors Program frequently sponsors events through the Honors Student Government (HSG), a group of Honors students who work to enhance the academic and social experience of Honors students, fostering a sense of community and collaboration. The HSG hosts social events like “Painting with Professors” (pictured), as well as recreational events like “Movie Night,” and skills-based events like “Professionalization Night.”

AI & Academia: What is AI Doing to Education?

The Honors Student Government (HSG) co-sponsored an “AI in Academia” event, along with the Loyola AI Society, where a panel of LUC faculty from several disciplines addressed the question of “What is AI doing to education?” There was a lively discussion as panel members, including Honors Program Director Professor Virginia Strain, answered difficult and nuanced questions from student moderators as well as from the many other students in attendance.

Capoeira Workshop Field Trip

A group of Honors students attended a workshop on Capoeira, an African-Brazilian martial art and cultural practice. A product of the African diaspora, capoeira was created by enslaved people in Brazil as a form of resistance against oppression. It combines attacks, escapes, creative movement, music, and singing together into a powerful community experience. The workshop was led by Honors and Philosophy instructor Dr. Brandon Morgan-Olsen with Gingarte Capoeira Chicago.