The Letters & Science Honors Program offers students close connections with world-class faculty and the opportunity to engage in research projects from their first year to their senior year! Honors students undertake rigorous study in faculty-led seminars, challenge themselves in pursuing breadth and depth of knowledge, and practice creative thinking and informed citizenship. Your gift supports the Honors Program in its teaching, research and public service roles including individualized student advising, Honors events throughout the year, and providing direct funding to support student research, study abroad, and academic conference opportunities that put into practice the Wisconsin Idea.
During the 2024-25 Academic Year, L&S Honors awarded nearly $20,000 from the General Fund to 19 students to support their study abroad experiences or presentations at research conferences. Annebelle, a Biology and Spanish major, said this about her study abroad experience in Spain:
“While my time in Spain brought countless experiences and connections, two relationships stand out as profoundly influential. The first was with my host mom, Lola… Lola went beyond her responsibilities of hosting and feeding me; she welcomed me as part of her family. We spent countless nights sharing stories, traveled to her family’s mountain home in Las Alpujarras where she taught me to dance and how to cook her cherished family recipes…Lola helped me rediscover parts of myself I hadn’t realized were missing.
The second connection was with my professor, Uarda, who not only enhanced my Spanish skills but also instilled confidence in me. Beyond the classroom, she created opportunities for us to explore and grow, from trying new foods and visiting museums to bungee jumping. Uarda taught me more than just Spanish; she showed me how to embrace life with curiosity, joy, and courage. As much as the individuals in this program could teach me about Spain’s culture and language, they had even more to teach me about life and myself. These relationships and experiences taught me lessons that a classroom alone could never replicate. They have shown me how to fall in love with new experiences, take risks, and trust in my own capabilities.”
The photo above shows over 300 first-year Honors students “Filling the Hill” at the Honors Orientation. Your gift will help the L&S Honors Program fill these students’ college experience with educational and enriching opportunities.