University Honors Program

Please consider to the University Honors Program for Day of Giving 2026 to support us in all we do to enrich the academic experience of our students. See the link in our bio for more info! ❤️🤍

Day of Giving isn’t just about the amount of funds we raise… it’s also about letting your howl be heard and sharing your Honors Program story! 🗣️🐺 If you’re not able to make a monetary donation, you can help us simply by spreading the word and sharing our posts! 🤳💬

Did you see the Olympic flame encased in a beautiful blown glass piece that was carried into the 2026 Winter Olympics closing ceremonies arena by Italian gold medalists from the 1994 Lillehammer Games? Master glassblower and sculptor Lino Tagliapietra designed and crafted that piece! His 70+ years of work as a Murano glass artist, teacher, and mentor has influenced an entire generation of glass artists around the world.

Last spring break, University Honors students participating in the "Urban History and Sustainability in Venice, Italy" Study Abroad program had the honor of meeting and getting to speak with Signor at his Murano studio and gallery.

Read more at the link in bio!

When Evelynn Wilcox submitted her entry to the Envisioning Research Image Contest in spring 2025, she was finishing up her final semester as a Biological Engineering major, wrapping up just days before she attended her Order of the Engineer and University Scholars Program Senior Recognition ceremonies, and only a week before she spoke at the Biological and Agricultural Engineering graduation and officially turned her tassel.

Read more at the link in bio!

For a select group of University Honors Program students, the summer of 2025 became more than just a break from classes. Through the CMI–UHP Undergraduate Research Fellowship, a partnership between the University Honors Program and the Comparative Medicine Institute, students immersed themselves in full-time, hands-on research that challenged assumptions, sharpened skills, and helped clarify future academic and career paths.

Read more at the link in bio!

Andy Mann is a director, National Geographic photographer, marine conservationist and story-teller who spoke to Honors students this last semester. His career gives him unique insight into various disciplines, making him the perfect example of an Honors Forum guest speaker.

Read more at the link in bio!

Isaac Paolino (pictured first) was selected by UHP staff as the student speaker for the 2025 fall semester’s University Honors Program (UHP) Senior Recognition Ceremony on Tuesday, Dec. 9.

Paolino, Jennie Buckley (second picture), Andrew Hoyek (third picture), and several other fall 2025 graduates are quoted in “University Honors Seniors Reflect on Lessons Learned” (link in bio) with some of their favorite takeaways and memories from participating in this program.

Best of luck to all of our most recent graduates! 🎓 🐺 ❤️

Dr. Keersten Ricks, Chief of the Diagnostic Systems Division at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, returned to NC State this August to speak at the Honors Forum about her global work in diagnostic research and development for infectious diseases.

From her early days as a University Scholars Program student to earning the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, Dr. Ricks’ journey reflects a steadfast commitment to authenticity, collaboration, and using science to make a difference.

Read more at the link in bio!

Congratulations to University Honors students Asha Shah Coltrane, Abby Mulry, and Sophia Scherer, 3 of the 6 finalists for this year’s Leader of the Pack Award! This campus tradition recognizes students for contributions through scholarship, leadership, community building and service to the campus and broader community. The 2025 Leader of the Pack will be named at halftime of the Red and White Week homecoming game against Georgia Tech on Saturday, November 1.

From flight training in high school to representing the U.S. at an international space conference in Tokyo, UHP junior Matthew Spencer is charting his own path in aerospace engineering. A path that blends innovation, curiosity, and global connection. 🌍🚀

Read more at the link in bio!

🌍 Taking history out of the classroom and into the streets of Venice! ✈️

Dr. Holly Hurlburt’s passion project, Italy: Urban History, Tourism, and Sustainability, gave NC State students the chance to explore Venetian innovation, sustainability, and culture firsthand. This short-term, high-impact study abroad program proves that transformative global learning doesn’t always require a full semester abroad.

Read more at the link in our bio!

The UHP appreciates its long history of partnering with NC State Outdoor Adventures for student break and weekend trips in the great outdoors. Spring Break 2025 featured a canoe and camping trip in Eastern NC!

Read the article at the link in our bio!