Henderson, Tennessee — (Dec. 18, 2023) — Freed-Hardeman University’s Honors Council recently traveled to Chicago in early November, where they explored, learned and gathered new ideas.
The 58th annual National Collegiate Honors Council held its conference from Nov. 8-12, with the theme “Liberty, Equality, and Humanity.” Session topics included student moderator training, research and honors, student socials, as well as networking opportunities. FHU’s honors program promotes the free exchange of ideas, and students are regularly invited to make honors presentations at the conference meetings of the Tennessee Honors Council, the Southern Regional Honors Council and the National Collegiate Honors Council.
“It was helpful in planning the honors competition for high school seniors looking to attend Freed-Hardeman,” said Matthan Smith, a senior double major in accounting and financial planning. “I think our advisor, Dr. Jenny Johnson, gathered fun ideas for the competition.” Johnson is the dean of the honors college and director of FHU study abroad.
“The conference was inspiring, and we are excited to implement ideas that will contribute to our ongoing work to create a nurturing and intellectually stimulating environment for our students,” Johnson said. “All the seniors were invited to attend,” said Tyler Stafko, a senior majoring in business analytics and sports administration. “Being involved in the honors council helps with graduate school applications and resumes.”
In addition to gathering inspiration, students toured Chicago. “We visited Chinatown, the Chicago Institute of Art, Millennium Park, Navy Pier, the public library and we saw Hamilton,” Smith said. “That was my first time seeing a professional play, and it really opened my eyes. I enjoyed taking in the architecture on a boat tour in downtown Chicago, and navigating public transportation was a learning experience.”
In addition to Smith and Stafko, the following students also traveled to Chicago: Dan Chang, Titus Desjardin, Clark Endsley, Matthew Kuhl, Addie O’Brian, Emma Robison, Jessie Segars, Lily Simpson and Thomas Yukich.
The mission of Freed-Hardeman University is to help students develop their God-given talents for His glory by empowering them with an education that integrates Christian faith, scholarship and service. With locations in Henderson and Memphis, FHU offers associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist and doctoral degrees.