ALETHEIA SHACKOULS HONORS COLLEGE
DEAR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS
For over fifty years, Honors at Mississippi State has been home to students, faculty and alumni who have left a legacy of excellence. The transformative gift from Judy and Bobby Shackouls in 2006 that established the Shackouls Honors College as the destination for the region’s very best students is an example of a legacy that continues to impact how Mississippi State serves generations of future leaders in research, industry and public service. This issue of Aletheia explores the unique nature of what it means to leave a legacy in Honors at Mississippi State University.
In the fall of 2012, Dr. Christopher Snyder—the Shackouls Honors College’s inaugural dean—Dr. Nancy Hargrove and Dr. Jonathan Edelman taught the first Quest classes to a group of thirty honors students. The Quest seminars are the cornerstone of a unique Honors curriculum called the Cursus Honorum, or Path of Honors. Since those first seminars, over 100 students from nearly every major at Mississippi State have graduated with the distinction Collegium Honorum, the highest Honors distinction, on their official Mississippi State University diploma. In the pages of this issue, you will hear from Cursus graduates such as Dr. Trey Leonard, who read Plato and Shakespeare and Toni Morrison as he pursued his degrees in math and engineering. The legacy of the Cursus Honorum is revealed in Trey’s own words recollecting his experiences in Honors, or in words from Lien Van Geel, now an assistant professor teaching classics and Latin at Columbia University, or from current students Lucy Mellen, Jade Thompson and David Heson. I hope you enjoy meeting them here.
In this issue of Aletheia, we also tell the story of another legacy that one beloved faculty member is leaving to the Shackouls Honors College to impact current and future students. In spring of 2023, the University announced the Dr. Donna L. Clevinger Endowed Scholarship for Creative and Performing Arts. The gift establishes an annual scholarship for a Shackouls Honors student who loves the performing and creative arts. In 2023, Hays Romano, a political science major, was named the first Dr. Donna L. Clevinger Scholar. In this issue, I am proud to share with you more about Dr. Clevinger and her vision for the performing arts in the Honors College.
The Shackouls Honors students, of course, are the college’s greatest legacy, and in this issue, as in past ones, you will hear stories of remarkable achievement in student research and service. In 2023, Madison Brode, a biological sciences major, won the prestigious Marshall Scholarship—MSU’s first Marshall Scholar in its history. The legacy of her achievement, along with the stories of achievement from so many other students introduced to you in the following pages, is what propels the Judy and Bobby Shackouls Honors College forward so that future students are able to leave their own legacy at Mississippi State University.
Respectfully,
Dr. Tommy Anderson Dean, Shackouls Honors College
DEAN & LEADERSHIP
DR. TOMMY ANDERSON
DEAN AND PROFESSOR OF ENGLISH
DR. ANASTASIA ELDER
ASSOCIATE DEAN, DIRECTOR OF UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH, AND PROFESSOR OF EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY
GEORGE K. DUNN
ASSISTANT DEAN
DR. DAVID HOFFMAN
DIRECTOR, OFFICE OF PRESTIGIOUS EXTERNAL SCHOLARSHIPS, MENTOR, PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS, AND PROFESSOR OF ANTHROPOLOGY
FACULTY
DR. CHRISTOPHER SNYDER PROFESSOR OF HISTORY AND DIRECTOR OF BRITISH STUDIES
DR. MATTHEW PEAPLE
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR
DR. BRIAN PUGH
LECTURER AND PUBLIC SERVICE MENTOR
DR. HOLLI SEITZ
MENTOR TO PROVOST SCHOLARS AND ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF COMMUNICATION
DR. DON SHAFFER
MENTOR TO PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS AND PROFESSOR OF ENGLISH
FACULTY FELLOWS
DR. DONNA L. CLEVINGER
SENIOR FACULTY FELLOW AND PROFESSOR OF COMMUNICATION/THEATRE
DR. KRISTIN BOYCE
Direct comments or questions to: SAM KEALHOFER | 662.325.2522 shackoulshc@honors.msstate.edu
P.O. Box EH | Mississippi State, MS 39762
FACULTY FELLOW AND ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF PHILOSOPHY
DR. CHRISTIAN FLOW
FACULTY FELLOW AND ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF HISTORY
DR. ANTHONY NEAL
FACULTY FELLOW AND ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF PHILOSOPHY
DR. ERIC VIVIER
FACULTY FELLOW AND ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF ENGLISH
STAFF
MCKENSIE HARDIN
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT II
WADE LEONARD
OUTREACH AND STUDENT SERVICES COORDINATOR
CORRINE RODRIGUEZ BUSINESS MANAGER II
TAMMY SMITH
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT II
WRITERS FOR ALETHEIA
SAM KEALHOFER
HANNAH KENNEDY
WADE LEONARD
EDITOR FOR ALETHEIA
SAM KEALHOFER
PHOTOGRAPHERS FOR ALETHEIA
GRACE COCKRELL
SAM KEALHOFER
BETH WYNN
A DECADE OF EXCELLENCE: REFLECTING ON THE SUCCESS OF THE CURSUS HONORUM
For more than a decade, the Shackouls Honors College at Mississippi State University has been home to one of the country’s most unique curricula—a course of study that confronts its students with the old and the new— the Cursus Honorum.
These exciting multi-disciplinary seminars challenge students to ask big questions about their community, their world, and their futures. The curriculum introduces students to some of the most important and influential thinkers in history while encouraging a deep dive into discipline specific knowledge within their majors.
“It’s hard to overstate the impact it had on me,” said MSU alumnus and Cursus graduate Trey Leonard. “Sometimes it’s easy to get tunnel vision within your discipline. Sometimes it’s easy to forget just how deeply interconnected engineering, history, philosophy, mathematics and science really are. The Cursus helped me truly understand context. It made me a better student, it made me a better engineer, and it made me a better entrepreneur.” Leonard, who holds MSU math and engineering degrees as well as a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from the university, is the owner of Standard Mechanics, LLC.
Distinctive among other honors colleges, the Shackouls Honors College offers students the choice between a general honors curriculum or the more rigorous Cursus Honorum. The Cursus consists of at least 21 hours of study that culminates in writing and defending an undergraduate thesis. Students also complete a study-abroad experience.
“Pursuing the Cursus Honorum has provided me with a uniquely interdisciplinary undergraduate experience,” said current MSU student Jade Thompson. “My research lies at the intersection of psychology and computer science, and more specifically focuses on optimizing social robots for therapeutic applications. In conducting this research for my thesis, I have learned so much about the wider area of social robotics, which would not have been possible without guidance and milestones set by the Cursus.”
The whole of the experience revolves around a series of classes known as the Quest. These classes are intentionally small seminar-size and highly engaging great books courses. Students read and discuss foundational texts from writers such as Plato, Socrates, Confucius, Adrienne Rich, William Shakespeare, W.E.B. Du Bois, Mary Shelley, Martin Luther King Jr., Toni Morrison, Betty Freidan, Homer
parties, pub gatherings and trips to Stratford-upon-Avon and London—including a dual bill marathon of ‘Titus Andronicus’ and ‘Antony and Cleopatra’ at the Globe— on which Dr. Anderson and Dr. Snyder took ‘[us] few, [us] happy few,’” said 2016 MSU and Cursus Honorum graduate Lien Van Geel. “Fast forward 10 years later, and I am writing my first monograph—‘Crafting Roman Women in Plutarch’s Parallel Lives’—which is under contract with Bloomsbury Academic. I don’t think I would be where I am now in 2024 if not for Dr. Anderson and Dr. Snyder’s relentless help and support.”
Van Geel is currently a lecturer at Columbia University where she completed her Ph.D. in classics in 2022.
Graduating from the Cursus Honorum is among the highest academic honors an undergraduate student can earn from the university. Graduates are recognized through a special diploma designation and a hooding ceremony.
“It’s an understatement to say we are proud of what we have created with the Cursus Honorum,” Anderson said. “It’s no coincidence that some of the most accomplished and successful individuals to graduate from Shackouls Honors College at MSU are also those who chose to embark upon this ‘Path of Honors.’ Any student who wants to push themselves beyond what they at first thought possible might find their ticket within the Cursus Honorum.” l
A Legacy of Learning: The journey to becoming a Master Teacher
In August 2023, Eric Vivier, a Department of English associate professor and a Faculty Fellow in the Judy and Bobby Shackouls Honors College, was presented with the 2023 Grisham Master Teacher Award, Mississippi State University’s highest teaching honor.
First presented in 1993, the Grisham Master Teacher honor is a tribute to classroom and instruction excellence and is named for MSU alumnus John Grisham, an internationally recognized best-selling author endowed the award.
“It was surreal to win," Vivier said. "Not least because I found out that I won when Dr. Anderson burst into my Quest class along with the Provost, the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, a number of other university VIPs, and the entire University Instructional Improvement Committee," he said.
This special distinction came only after a considerable amount of effort, as Vivier has spent years honing his teaching
craft. During his time in graduate school at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, he led numerous discussion sections as a teaching assistant and taught several freshman composition courses. It was here that he began to develop his teaching strategies and styles.
“An important ‘aha’ moment came when a professor who observed me teach complimented me on my ability to control class discussion and then remarked that it was harder—but potentially more rewarding—to give up control," Vivier said.
Since his arrival at MSU in 2014, Vivier has taught a variety of courses across different colleges at the university. These range from survey courses in the English department to upper-level interdisciplinary classes on satire in the honors college. In addition, he has led multiple honors college study abroad programs to the University of Oxford, where he teaches for several weeks during the summer.
“This range of courses, and in particular the flexibility to
try out new texts and new courses in the honors college, has allowed me to search for new ways to make my classes more engaging, more challenging, and more productive,” Vivier said.
He stressed, specifically, that his journey has required him to not only become a teacher, but also remain an eager learner.
“Teachers are learners: we learn new things about what we are teaching, and we learn new things from our students,” Vivier said.
The application process for the Grisham Master Teacher Award challenged Vivier because he had to articulate what exactly he is attempting to do in the classroom on a daily basis. This process led him to think deliberately about his teaching methods.
“Applying for this award has renewed my faith in some very traditional, very low-tech educational approaches,” he said.
Such approaches inspire Vivier’s role in the classroom, as he claimed that they are useful for a variety of courses, from dramas in his Shakespeare course to ethical dilemmas or political debates in his Quest classes.
When asked to share his favorite moment as a teacher, Vivier could not pick just one.
“I have had too many wonderful experiences as a teacher to pick just one, but my favorite moments tend to come in two different categories: a) class conversations that are so engaging that students don’t want to leave when class
is over, and b) student papers that demonstrate significant intellectual growth or independent thinking,” he said.
During his reflection of the impact that he hopes to leave on his students, Vivier recalled a course evaluation from a past-student that read: “Dr. Vivier challenges me to be a better writer and to think critically, even when I don’t want to.”
“I think this is what I’m going for with all of my students,” Vivier said.
As for the future, Vivier shared that he will continue to emphasize the necessity of a liberal arts education. “A college education should do more than train students for a career: it should teach them how to think critically; it should introduce them to an intellectual tradition and a range of different perspectives on the big questions in life; it should challenge them to ask questions about their own values; it should, in short, equip them for life in a complicated world.” l
"Teachers are learners: we learn new things about what we are teaching, and we learn new things from our students."
~ Eric Vivier
BANNER YEAR: RECORD NUMBER OF PRESTIGIOUS SCHOLARSHIP WINS
Receiving a prestigious external scholarship marks a significant milestone in a student’s academic journey. These scholarships provide recognition of our students’ hard work, dedication and intellectual merit, and this validation serves as a catalyst for students to reach their greatest potential in their academic and professional pursuits.
graduate school, internships or employment opportunities, having a nationally competitive scholarship on a resume sets students apart from their peers and signals to potential employers or admissions committees their commitment to excellence.
Many scholarship programs offer networking, mentorship and access to resources that can help students secure internships, job opportunities and even future collaborations with leading experts in their academic areas.
External scholarships often come with recognition that can enhance a student's academic profile. Whether applying for
MADISON BRODE, a senior biological sciences major, is the university’s first recipient of the Marshall Scholarship, a prestigious award annually providing a select 50 American students graduate-level study in the United Kingdom. The Marshall Scholarship commemorates the humane ideals of the Marshall Plan and expresses the continuing gratitude of the British people to their American counterparts.
Brode was also named one of the university’s latest recipients of the nationally renowned Astronaut Scholarship, a prestigious designation that recognizes the best and brightest science-, technology-, engineering-
Competing for a competitive fellowship is also about leaving a legacy that inspires future generations of students to strive for academic excellence at the national level. The Shackouls Honors College recognizes this legacy with portraits of many of our prestigious scholarship recipients in the lobby of Griffis Hall so new scholars will be inspired to pursue excellence at the highest level. This year’s additions to the gallery of fellowship recipients include:
and mathematics-focused students in the U.S.
“Gifted and accomplished scholars like Madison Brode are a strong testament to the mission and vision of our university,” said MSU President Mark E. Keenum. “I am so proud of Madison’s superior record of academic success and of how magnificently she represents our faculty, staff and students. Our Shackouls Honors College continues to be a launching pad for excellence.”
“The support I’ve had in pursuing research, studying abroad and applying to external scholarships as a student at MSU has been incredible,” said Brode, who has conducted significant research in ornithology and behavioral ecology of birds. “I think winning the Marshall Scholarship is undoubtedly a reflection of the amazing opportunities I’ve had during my undergraduate career. What initially drew me to the U.K., and what makes me want to return for graduate study, is its rich history of studying and conserving birds. In whatever role I am in after college, I hope I can connect people to nature.”
SURABHI GUPTA, a wildlife, fisheries and aquaculture major is the university’s latest recipient of the Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst-Research Internships in Science and Engineering, or DAAD-RISE, and will spend this summer in Germany as part of the prestigious undergraduate research program. DAAD, the German academic exchange service, and the RISE program provide research opportunities that match student research interests with local laboratories for biology, chemistry, physics, earth sciences and engineering. Specifically, Gupta will work with Kiel University’s Department of Landscape Ecology, in Kiel, Germany.
Gupta is one of 320 students chosen for the prestigious program this year and is MSU’s second winner. A previous member of the university’s Undergraduate Research Scholars Program and the Research and Extension Experiences for Undergraduates Program, Gupta wants to experience how research is conducted in a different country while gaining field experiences with new species in Germany. She plans on earning a master’s degree and Ph.D. in computational marine ecology following her undergraduate career at MSU.
“I have always wanted to go to Germany because I have a personal relationship with the country,” Gupta said. “My grandfather was extensively involved with German institutions and was a Humboldt Scholar. I chose MSU because of its excellent research output and scholarship support for international students. I am majoring in wildlife, fisheries and aquaculture because the program allows me to develop applicable skills through extensive labs and is very flexible, allowing me to have a multidisciplinary academic background spanning over wildlife ecology, biology and geosciences.
“MSU’s warm community has provided me help and support whenever I needed it,” she continued. “It has so many resources for students to avail, and everyone is so encouraging.”
DEVIN HUTCHINS, a philosophy and economics double major, was selected as a national finalist for the Harry S. Truman Scholarship.
He is among the prestigious finalists from across the U.S. for the premier graduate fellowship for those pursuing careers in public service.
Hutchins, a 2023 participant in the Delta Scholars Summer Institute and a
highly decorated International Public Debate Association debater—both in individual and team competitions on the state and national stage—said he chose his majors as a foundation for law school in the future and hopes to serve Mississippi residents as a civil rights attorney and as an elected official.
“I have always seen the law as a mighty vessel that, if gone unchecked, is just as prone to injustice as it is justice. If we want to preserve freedom for the next generation—a herculean order—we have to work for it, and that is exactly what I want to do both in interpreting it and writing it,” Hutchins said.
“Endless encouragement, sage mentorship and indispensable academic resources have kept me on the right path at MSU. That isn’t a fluke— support is the norm at State.”
LILY LANGSTAFF, a junior wildlife, fisheries and aquaculture major, is the university’s latest Udall Scholar.
The prestigious national award is given annually to approximately 55 students across the country interested in conservation and environmental issues.
As a Udall Scholar, Langstaff will have access to the Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall Foundation’s alumni network and participate in its scholar orientation program.
“Lily Langstaff will serve as an outstanding representative of Mississippi State as our newest Udall Scholar. This is a great honor for both her and the university,” said MSU President Mark E. Keenum. “We are proud of Lily and our world-class faculty and mentors who prepared her to compete for such a prestigious national scholarship.”
Langstaff, an Ottilie Schillig Presidential Endowed Scholar, said she is studying
conservation biology to become a professional whose policy work profoundly supports the Mississippi River. Specifically, Langstaff said she plans on working as a government affairs liaison for a nonprofit organization focused on water resources conservation, wetland restoration, flood mitigation and nature-based management of seasonally flooded areas such as the Mississippi Delta.
ANN OLIVIA RADICIONI,
a senior political science major, is the university’s newest Rhodes Scholarship finalist. At MSU, Radicioni began her university tenure with a G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery Presidential Endowed Scholarship. During her academic career, she has served in multiple leadership roles within the university’s Student Association and has worked as a student researcher on multiple faculty-led projects within the Department of Political Science and Public Administration.
PAYTON KELLY-VAN
DOMELEN , a sophomore biomedical engineering major, and KALEB LOVE, a junior computer engineering major, will study abroad this summer through the prestigious Fulbright UK Summer Institute, one of the most selective summer scholarship programs in the world.
Kelly-Van Domelen will spend three weeks studying technology, innovation and creativity at the University of Strathclyde and Glasgow School of Art in Scotland, and Love will study global sustainability for four weeks at the University of Exeter in England.
Fulbright UK Summer Institutes cover
participants’ major costs and provide distinctive support and cultural education, including comprehensive guidance before their departure, enrichment opportunities in the UK and the chance to be part of the Fulbright alumni network.
Kelly-Van Domelen, a Louis Hurst Jr. Presidential Scholar, said she chose her summer institute in Scotland because of the area’s appeal and the program’s focus of study.
“I’ve admired the beauty of Scotland for a long time, including its geography, unique sights to see, things to do and community to engage with. I’m excited to immerse myself in the culture, interact with the people there and try new things,” she said. “This summer institute offers the opportunity to study my favorite subjects as well, so it is the perfect fit for me. As a biomedical engineering major, the program’s aspects are central to developing a good work ethic, expanding knowledge and abilities, and ultimately becoming an outstanding engineer.”
Love, an MSU Freshman Reach mentor, said he is thankful God “blessed [him] with such a great opportunity” and that Exeter’s program will provide him with the chance to immerse himself in a new culture and become a more impactful engineer.
“The University of Exeter is packed with culture and rich in knowledge. The university is a pioneer in global sustainability and is working proactively toward achieving its own sustainability goals,” Love said. “This program will allow me to obtain new knowledge and grow in my understanding of different cultures. I will learn things that
will help me create sustainable solutions on a global scale. I look forward to using what I learn to significantly impact my community, state, country and the world.”
The US-UK Fulbright Commission selects participants through a rigorous application and interview process. In making these awards, the commission looks not only for academic excellence, but also for a focused application, a range of extracurricular and community activities, demonstrated ambassadorial skills and a plan to give back to the recipient’s home country upon returning.
Mississippi State student JOSHUA PHILLIPS
, a G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery Presidential Endowed Scholar, is adding accolade upon accolade to his resume. Phillips is the university’s latest Boren Scholarship recipient, and the award is among the latest additions to his growing list of prestigious honors. The junior political science and economics double major will study abroad in the country of Oman next spring as a Boren Scholar.
“I applaud Joshua for his hard work, academic achievement and commitment to public service. He has taken advantage of every opportunity to learn, explore and grow here on our campus and well beyond its boundaries,” said MSU President Mark E. Keenum. “As a Boren Scholar, he now has a new opportunity to further develop his language skills and gain a greater understanding of this region of the world. I know he will be a wonderful ambassador for Mississippi State as well.”
Phillips said after his family’s move to the U.S., he developed a deep interest in international relations and global development, which in turn sparked a passion for foreign policy in the Middle East and North Africa and in his current MSU studies. His coursework also has included scholarly stints at the University of Oxford in England and the International University of Rabat in Morocco. Both international experiences were supported by scholarships from the Turner Wingo Honors Excellence Endowment.
While his significant accomplishments are stacking up, Phillips’ impressive travel experiences also are multiplying. During his time at MSU, he has gained two Phi Kappa Phi National Study Abroad grants, supporting his 2023 study in Rabat, Morocco, and a visit to the Noor Majan Arabic Institute in Muscat, Oman, this year.
He also was a finalist for the Harry S. Truman Scholarship, the premier graduate fellowship for those pursuing careers in public service. His long-term goal is a career working for the U.S. Department of State. Additionally, Phillips has received three U.S. Department of State Critical Language Scholarships during his time at MSU. These include the CLS Spark Award for online language study through Egypt’s University of Alexandria; the CLS Refresh Award for an online language intensive through Morocco’s Arab American Language Institute; and this year, the CLS Award to study abroad at the Jordanian Language Institute. Also, he currently serves as a CLS alumni ambassador. Phillips said several university faculty, staff and departments have helped him
achieve his many accolades and goals.
“In addition to the Department of Political Science and Public Administration, the Shackouls Honors College is phenomenal. In particular, the Office of Prestigious External Scholarships, directed by David Hoffman, has provided me with outstanding mentorship,” Phillips said. “One of my closest mentors, his guidance has helped me be successful with several other applications along with the Boren Scholarship—three Critical Language Scholarships, a Public Policy and International Affairs Public Service Weekend Fellowship and being a finalist for the Harry S. Truman Scholarship.”
Currently, Phillips serves as a researcher for the U.S. Department of State’s Mission to Yemen and as an English tutor at the Collateral Repair Project’s Hashemi Shamali refugee center in Amman, as well as a research assistant with MSU’s Department of Political Science and Public Administration. Also, he has worked for other notable institutions such as the Center for Strategic and International Studies, the U.S. Department of Defense, and the Mississippi Office of Homeland Security.
After spending time away from MSU because of his study abroad and work opportunities, Phillips said he has realized just how much the university means to him.
“Having had the chance to represent MSU at other universities and see how it compares to international institutions, I feel a deep sense of pride for my university,” he said. “I can truly say I have deeply valued my MSU experience.”
Through his many professional and research job experiences, he currently has nine published reports, presentations and publications.
Phillips’ MSU activities include being a member of the prestigious PKP Honor Society, Kappa Sigma fraternity, Men of Excellence and Montgomery Leadership Program, while also serving as an honors college ambassador. Most recently, he was inducted into Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science honor society.
Three rising seniors selected as national BARRY GOLDWATER SCHOLARS AND ASTRONAUT SCHOLARS
David C. Heson, Annamarie L. Thompson and Alyssa Williams are receiving the Goldwater Scholarship, one of the nation’s premier undergraduate scholarships for STEM students who have significant research experience and a passion for making important research contributions in graduate school and their careers.
In addition, the three students are the university’s latest recipients of the nationally renowned Astronaut Scholarship, a prestigious designation that recognizes the best and brightest science-, technology-, engineeringand mathematics-focused students in the U.S.
MSU President Mark Keenum congratulated the scholars upon news of their selection.
“Annamarie, Alyssa and David deserve great credit for their achievements and hard work in earning this high honor,” Keenum said. “I know they will represent Mississippi State University well during their participation in these outstanding programs. I am also grateful for our faculty who have taught and mentored them and provided exceptional, handson research opportunities.”
Heson, a Hassell Franklin Presidential Scholar, is majoring in physics, mathematics and computer
science, with minors in statistics and German. He plans to pursue a doctoral degree in computational-theoretical condensed matter, and he aspires to become a physics professor at a large, public university.
Thompson, a Provost Scholar, is a biomedical engineering major with a minor in mathematics. She is also enrolled in the university’s MBA Venture Pathway Program, which supplements her STEM curriculum with one business course each semester. She will seek a doctoral degree in cancer biology and aims to conduct translational and clinical pediatric oncology research on brain tumors at a leading research and teaching hospital.
Williams, a biochemistry and psychology double major with a minor in cognitive science, plans to study cognitive neuroscience during her doctoral program. She will conduct research investigating learning and memory through the lens of computational modeling and neuroimaging, and she also plans to teach at the university level.
Each Goldwater Scholar has amassed numerous awards and accolades, as well as publications and presentations. l
“At the Office of Prestigious External Scholarships, we advise students from across all of MSU’s colleges to apply for competitive national and international scholarships. There are scholarships available for various student pathways and future endeavors whether they are in intensive language training, public policy and service, STEM, or even a combination of all three. Honors students make up a significant portion of our applicants and winners, and I believe that the close mentorship from honors faculty and staff significantly helps in the process of applying and (hopefully) winning external scholarships. One attribute that many successful applicants share is that they sought out advice from OPES well in advance to help develop their qualifications and materials. We do not just advise about applications but also the steps necessary to make applicants competitive. Indeed, the student successes listed here demonstrate that MSU and Shackouls Honors College students can and do compete with the best and the brightest in the nation!”
Dr. David Hoffman, Director of MSU’s Office of Prestigious External Scholarships
Henson
Thompson
Williams
Undergraduate Research Spotlights
Undergraduate research stands as a cornerstone of academic development, offering students valuable opportunities to engage with their fields of study and contribute to the advancement of knowledge. Through endeavors such as presentations, theses and publications, undergraduates embark on a transformative journey that enriches their academic experience and prepares them for future success in their chosen careers.
Conference and symposium presentations also serve as vital components of the undergraduate research experience. These events offer students the chance to engage in scholarly discourse, receive feedback from peers and experts in the field and expand their professional networks. Presentations cultivate essential communication skills, enabling students to articulate their research findings effectively and compellingly to diverse audiences. Additionally, participation in conferences exposes students to new perspectives and methodologies that enrich their academic journey and inspire future research endeavors.
The process of conducting a thesis represents a culmination of undergraduate learning, where students
Presentations
delve into a specific topic under the guidance of faculty mentors. Crafting a thesis requires critical thinking, research skills, and the ability to synthesize complex information. This hands-on experience fosters intellectual curiosity and cultivates a deeper understanding of their discipline.
The publication of research findings in academic journals is a testament to the rigor and significance of undergraduate scholarship. By disseminating their work to a broader audience, students not only showcase their expertise and analytical prowess but also contribute to the collective body of knowledge in their respective fields. Publication opportunities enhance students' academic resumes and provide a platform for recognition and validation of their scholarly contributions, thereby fostering a sense of accomplishment and pride in their work.
These research activities not only enrich their educational experience but also empowers them to make meaningful contributions to the advancement of knowledge and leave a lasting impact on their fields of study.
Several of our scholars competed and won in MSU’s Spring 2023 Undergraduate Research Symposium (URS). The URS is open to all undergraduate students engaged in faculty-mentored research and creative discovery.
MINJAE CHO placed 1st in the Use-Inspired Data Science Research category for her project “Development of Parameter Dependent conditional Generative Adversarial Network (PDcGAN) Model for Multi-Phase Flow Prediction.” She went on to be the overall winner in the Data Science Research category for her project.
ROSALYNN CORZINE placed 1st in the Public Health Research category for her project “Identifying Mechanisms of Antibiotic Uptake in S. pneumoniae: The Role of Metabolic Transporters.”
CLARK HENSLEY placed 1st in the Applied Data Science Research category for his project “ODBPlotter: An Open Source Data Processing and Visualization Tool for Wire Arc Directed Energy Deposition.”
LAURA GRACE KING placed 1st in the Education Research category for her project “Examining Curriculum Requirements of Undergraduate Teacher Preparation Programs to Gauge Educator Knowledge of Trauma-Informed Education Frameworks.”
JOSIE NASEKOS placed 1st in the 3Minute Research Pitch for her project, titled “Food Insecurity: Paying the Price During the COVID-19 Pandemic.” She also earned honorable mentions in the Applied Data Science Research category for her project.
EMME PALMER placed 1st in the Biomedical Research category as well as the CALS & MAFES Undergraduate Research Scholars Program for her project “Friend or Foe? Investigating the Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinases in a Drosophila Model of Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 1 (SCA1).”
Theses
AUSTEN BRELAND
Senior, Biomedical Engineering
Thesis Title: Evaluation of Punicalagin's Modulation of Osteoarthritis Progression Via Inhibition of ADAMTS-5
“My research involves characterizing the therapeutic potential of punicalagin in preventing the progression of osteoarthritis,” Breland said. “I chose to focus on this topic for my thesis due to the lack of effective treatment options for this condition, as well as the impact it has on the patient’s quality of life. Osteoarthritis often involves the onset of debilitating pain with any movement of the effected joint, preventing patients from continuing normal daily activities and enjoying hobbies the rest of us may take for granted. During the process of developing and working on my thesis, I have been able to learn about the underlying biological and mechanical factors that result in joint disease progression, as well as the wide variety of research strategies that are being
leveraged to better understand osteoarthritis and how it can be treated.”
Breland’s thesis advisor Steve Elder, professor in the College of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, said “Austen’s thesis represents a tremendous amount of work and initiative. My lab is investigating the polypharmacology of a natural compound from pomegranates in the context of osteoarthritis. In other words, we’re looking at multiple mechanisms by which the compound, called punicalagin, could slow the progression of the disease. Austen’s thesis explores if and how punicalagin inhibits a particular enzyme that is known to be involved in the destruction of cartilage, which is the hallmark of osteoarthritis. Austen has conducted interdisciplinary research involving collaborators in chemistry and comparative biomedical sciences. I believe his research will be well-received and will have a positive impact on the field because no disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs are currently available.”
LUKE CHANEY
Senior, Political Science
Thesis Title: Mercenaries and Military Effectiveness
“I am researching the reasons why private military and security contractors, or PMSCs, may or may not commit human rights abuses,” Chaney said. “PMSCs are not mercenaries, they are trained professionals who work for private firms that provide coercive or logistical support to militaries. There are a lot of assumptions about what PMSCs do and don’t do, so I wanted to be able to collect data and read academic literature to learn more. I am interested in defense and security studies, and this thesis topic falls within that scope. So far, I’ve gained a new perspective on the defense industry and what drives both operatives and employers to behave the way they do.”
Chaney’s thesis advisor Ben Tkach, associate professor in the Department of Political Science and Public Administration, said “Luke’s thesis explores an important gap in the research on private military and security companies. While anecdotal evidence demonstrates PMSCs commit abuse, systematic data allowing empirical investigation has only recently become available. Luke’s thesis is on the cutting edge of empirical research in the field. Security privatization involves the decentralization of government authority and services. Private security has expanded globally, utilized by companies, organizations (e.g., United Nations), governments and individuals. Consequently, understanding if, when, and how PMSCs commit abuse is an important theoretical question, but, more importantly, it is a critical question for humanity. Luke is an exceptional student who embraces the rigors of original research. His time at Mississippi State and the Honors College Oxford summer programs enables him to contribute to the field with his thesis. I am very proud of Luke and all he is accomplishing through the honors program at MSU,” he said.
HAYDEN FORTINBERRY
Senior, Social Work
Thesis Title: Mental Health in Greek Life at MSU
“My research involves the perceptions of mental health of Greek students,” Fortinberry said. “I was curious to find out if the added social pressures and responsibilities that come with being a member of Greek life had a positive or negative effect on the mental health of students. I chose this topic because I am a member of Greek life myself, and I have seen the effects it has on mental health in myself and those around me. I also have a passion for mental health and recognizing the struggles that those around me are dealing with. In creating the survey and analyzing the results, I have learned a lot. Learning the general process of creating a study, all the procedures that have to be followed, how careful someone has to be when asking about mental health, and how to read results in various ways has been super beneficial to me. I hope I can carry all of these things into my future career as a social worker,” she said.
“I have enjoyed working with Hayden on her project,” said thesis advisor Laura Boltz, assistant professor in the Department of Sociology. “I had the
opportunity to teach Hayden in my research methods course a few semesters ago, and it has been great to see her apply her knowledge from that course into the work that she has done on this project. Even though the results weren’t exactly what we were expecting, this research provides interesting insight into the Greek student population at MSU. Hayden’s research can be used by current and future students as they think about how their extracurricular activities can impact their experience at college. I think that Hayden’s findings could also lead to further research related to mental health and student success.”
KYLER SMITH
Senior, Computer Engineering
Thesis Title: The Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence in the Audio of Socially Assistive Robot
“For my honors thesis, I am researching a method of generating emotional audio for the robotic dog, Therabot,” Smith said. “Therabot is a robotic dog developed entirely at Mississippi State University that can provide comfort in stressful situations. One current goal of Therabot is to improve its ability to communicate emotion effectively. If Therabot can effectively communicate happiness, someone in a stressful situation might feel happier themselves. The same can be said for calmness. I have discovered that by simply changing the pitch of and spacing between barks, Therabot can communicate emotions like happiness or anger. I chose to study this topic because I am passionate about the overall mission of Therabot and identified audio as a gap in its current research developments. Through my research, I have discovered that minor manipulations of sound can change the emotion communicated by that sound. I have also discovered the wide breadth of research being explored in the field of human-robot interaction, from robots that can automate a library book-finding experience to robots that can effectively communicate a personality and exhibit signs of life like heartbeats, emotions, and intelligence,” he said.
“Kyler Smith is a motivated student with a strong sense of discovery necessary for research,” said Smith’s thesis advisor Cindy Bethel, Billie J. Ball Endowed Professor in Engineering. “His thesis of creating and modifying digital sounds to give emotion and communication to our robotic dog Therabot is transformative. It is a problem we have faced since the beginning phases of Therabot, and his work has helped to overcome this challenge. His work will provide a much improved user experience as well as support to people using Therabot now and in the future,” she said.
Publications
CRESSWELL’S RESEARCH PUBLISHED BY INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY JOURNAL
The honors thesis written by Olivia Cresswell, a doctoral student studying veterinary medicine, was recently published in the International Immunopharmacology Journal.
The paper “Development of an in Vitro Peptide-Stimulated T Cell Assay to Evaluate Immune Effects by Cannabinoid Compounds” consisted of creating an in vitro MOG peptide model to look at the effects of cannabinoids like CBD and THC on the immune system.
The research found cannabinoids suppress cytokine production particularly in CD4 and CD8 T cells, likely through an intracellular calcium mechanism.
“Our model made results like this possible, as well as reduced animal use, and could be utilized for future experiments investigating autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis,” Cresswell said.
Cresswell authored the paper with Barbara Kaplan, associate professor in the MSU Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, and Karis Blankenship, a doctoral student studying veterinary medicine from Texas.
“Being a Provost Scholar and member of the Honors College was instrumental in my involvement with research,” Cresswell said. “Because of the Shackouls Honors College, I was able to get involved in an area of personal interest my freshman year. I am so thankful for the support I received. As a current vet student here at MSU, the knowledge, skills and mentorship I gained in Dr. Barbara Kaplan's lab will be invaluable to my future in science and veterinary medicine.”
MAGGIE PHILLIPS PUBLISHES CARBOXYLESTERASE 1 RESEARCH AS LEAD AUTHOR
The research of Maggie Phillips, a senior majoring in biomedical engineering, was published recently in ACS Chemical Biology.
The article “CES1 Releases Oxylipins from Oxidized Triacylglycerol (oxTAG) and Regulates Macrophage oxTAG/TAG Accumulation and PGE2/IL-1β Production" gives more insight on the immune response to inflammatory diseases, such as atherosclerosis or lung fibrosis.
“Getting to publish my work was the pinnacle of my involvement in research,” Phillips said. “As my first publication, it felt like validation of the three years of work it took to complete. I’m honored to be able to contribute to the forefront of our understanding of biochemistry and immunology, and I’m very grateful to Dr. Matthew Ross and the honors college for supporting and encouraging these endeavors. Although this manuscript is only a part of the accomplishment and growth that research has granted me, this work has already supplemented my application to medical school, where I am starting at the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Heersink School of Medicine,
and I anticipate it to strengthen my application to residency, even though that feels like a distant future.”
She authored the paper together with MSU College of Veterinary Medicine doctoral student Oluwabori Adekanye, Research Scientist Abdolsamad Borazjani, Associate Research Professor J. Allen Crow and Professor and faculty mentor Matthew K. Ross.
GUPTA'S RESEARCH ON COTTON SEED CULTIVARS PUBLISHED IN PLANT PHYSIOLOGY REPORTS
Plant Physiology Reports, the official publication of the Indian Society for Plant Physiology, recently published the research of Surabhi Gupta, a junior majoring in wildlife, fisheries and aquaculture.
The article “Resilience of cotton cultivars to chilling stress during germination” is an evaluation of chilling stress on commercially available cotton seed cultivars at the Mississippi State Plant Physiology Lab. The research also establishes the need to promote early planting which would prevent harvest frost and crop loss.
“I worked on this project in summer 2022 as a URSP
"This experience has been invaluable in shaping my future as a graduate student. Being published and presenting my work at various symposia and conferences has provided me with a solid foundation as I prepare for graduate school and a potential future in academia."
~ Surabhi Gupta
scholar,” Gupta said. “I subsequently wrote a manuscript draft and submitted it to my research mentor. A graduate student— first co-author on the paper—did the data analysis at the time and edited the manuscript. The paper went through the general process of reviewing and editing before being accepted into the Plant Physiology Reports journal in October 2023.
“This was a great learning experience and stepping stone in my research career as this is what my foreseeable future is going to revolve around as a graduate student,” she continued. “Since then, another paper I was co-author on has been published, and I am working on my manuscript for the current research project which aligns better with my research goals. I wish to work on something similar in grad school. Being published and having numerous poster presentations at symposia and conferences sets me up for graduate school and perhaps gives me a head start into academia.”
Gupta authored the paper together with MSU Department of Plant and Soil Sciences a postdoctoral researcher Lekshmy V. Sankarapillai, Research Professor K. Raja Reddy and Assistant Research Professor Raju Bheemanahalli, and Salliana R. Stetina of the USDA-ARS Crop Genetics Research Unit in Stoneville. This research was made possible through the support of the CALS/MAFEES Undergraduate Research Scholars Program.l
Embarking on the Journey
Shackouls Honors College
Undergraduate Research Student Ambassadors Lead the Way
In the bustling halls of the campus buildings, embarking on a research project can often feel like traversing through uncharted territory. Recognizing his peers’ need for guidance in this scholarly pursuit, David Heson, Heson, a Hassell Franklin Presidential Scholar majoring in physics, mathematics and computer science, with minors in statistics and German, had a bright idea: the Undergraduate Research Student Ambassadors program.
"Undergraduate research can be a very nebulous concept to many students—I know it was for me when I first started looking into research opportunities for after my freshman year,” Heson said. “I started talking with Dr. Anastasia Elder about our ambassadors because I wanted to help my peers navigate the best way to not only get into research, but also identify research that matches their academic and professional interests. While the program is currently very much in its infancy, I hope that we will be able to establish it as a reliable resource for MSU students.”
Designed to bridge the gap between seasoned researchers and aspiring scholars, this initiative enlists the expertise of undergraduate students to assist their peers in navigating the complexities of research projects in an informal and approachable manner.
Research ambassador Muneebah Umar, a senior from Starkville majoring in biological sciences with a pre-medicine concentration, said she uses the appointments to learn about the student and their goals, give the students the inside scoop on the research process and walk them through the initial phases of finding and contacting a faculty advisor.
The ambassadors currently accept walk-in appointments during office hours in Griffis Hall’s second-floor lobby.
The creation of the Undergraduate Student Research Ambassadors program aligns with the Shackouls Honors College's deep-rooted commitment to fostering academic excellence and nurturing a culture of collaboration in the honors community.
Whether they’re seasoned researchers or just dipping their toes into the world of academic exploration, students can reach out, ask questions and embark on their research journey with confidence knowing they have a dedicated team of peers cheering them on. l
"I wanted to help my peers navigate the best way to not only get into research, but also identify research that matches their academic and professional interests."
~ David Heson
CONTACT
ANASTASIA ELDER
For personalized guidance on your research journey, reach out to Dr. Anastasia Elder, the Director of Undergraduate Research. She is dedicated to helping students navigate research opportunities and achieve academic excellence. Feel free to schedule an appointment or drop by during office hours to get started on your research project.
EMAIL: AELDER@HONORS.MSSTATE.EDU
SPOTLIGHT ON GENEROSITY: DR. CLEVINGER AND THE IMPACT OF GIVING
Sitting on the desk of Donna Clevinger, Shackouls Honors College Senior Faculty Fellow and professor of communication and theatre, is a newspaper clipping of a quote by Pericles: “what you leave behind is not what is engraved on stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.”
For Clevinger, this quote is a reminder that the greatest part of leaving a legacy is not her own story, but the stories of those she passes the torch to—knowing her light will help to guide them as they embark on their own adventures.
“Dr. Clevinger is more than just a professor; she is a supporter, mentor and advocate for the students of the honors college,” said Christopher Jolivette, a Shackouls Honors student double majoring in English and psychology. “She has been my cheerleader since my second week on campus and has aided me in more ways than I can recount. I am proud to say that she has assisted me in creating Honors OnStage, the creative outlet for students of the Shackouls Honors College. This semester we successfully hosted our second annual Rites of Spring, showcasing the arts in honors,” he said.
Her office in Griffis Hall attests to her numerous awards and accolades. The walls and shelves are lined with many plaques and medals acknowledging her leadership, talent, and commitment to community service, including her recently awarded 2023 Shackouls Honor College Student Council Teaching Award. But just as numerous are the keepsakes,
playbooks and photographs that hold their weight in gold in sentimental value. She has built her celebrated career on her passion to empower students to take a gamble on themselves, explore their creative boundaries and fearlessly pursue their dreams; just like a professor did for her so long ago.
“My first week of freshmen year, my suitemate asked me to walk her across campus to the theatre auditions,” Clevinger said. “So, there I am in the back of the auditorium, my head buried in a chemistry textbook, when the professor running the auditions calls to me and says, ‘come down here and read with your friend.’ As bold as it sounds, I told him no. He then asks me again and says, ‘come down here and read with your friend, it will change your life forever.’ And, as cliché as it sounds, it did. The decision I made to walk down that auditorium aisle changed my life forever.”
“I want everyone to have that walk,” Clevinger said. “I implore my students to take the chance, to risk, and to find more of themselves in the process.”
Beyond the stage, Clevinger has contributed significantly to the literary world with two published books and numerous articles in newspapers and journals. Her creative pursuits extend to conference presentations, showcasing a commitment to both scholarly rigor and practical engagement in the field.
She has taken on many responsibilities at MSU, including running the yearly scholarly lecture series, The Orators; serving as the faculty advisor to the college’s student performing arts
club, OnStage; producing student-centered activities like the annual Rites of Spring Week; and teaching seminar courses in the honors curriculum.
In addition, her annual “Classical Week” program has garnered several distinguished awards. The program includes a two-night production of a classical play and a colloquium on day three. The event has been held for over 10 consecutive years and continues to be presented each September.
Clevinger’s career in theatre education spans over four decades, during which she has dedicated herself to promoting a love for the performing arts in her students. Her passion for the craft, coupled with her exceptional teaching, has earned her a reputation as a beloved mentor and a guiding light for aspiring actors, directors, and playwrights.
“Over the last four years, I have spent many hours working closely with Dr. Clevinger as a student worker in the Shackouls Honors College,” said Rylee Story, an honors senior majoring in biochemistry. “Her spirited personality and love for the arts
and her students is so evident in all that she does. Dr. C is truly one of a kind, and I am so thankful for the time I've spent working alongside her and the influence she has had on my college career.”
Over the years, Clevinger has created a variety of programs for diversity and inclusion, the arts and women’s leadership. Through competitive grants, she developed several summer arts programs for gifted and talented secondary school students.
Recognizing the importance of providing opportunities for young artists, she established the Dr. Donna L. Clevinger Endowed Scholarship for Creative and Performing Arts, a generous endowment that supports upcoming freshmen to follow their dreams of pursuing the performing arts, whether acting, singing, dancing or playwriting. This scholarship is a testament to her steadfast commitment to the arts and her unwavering belief in the power following of one’s dreams.
The Dr. Donna L. Clevinger Endowed Scholarship for Creative and Performing Arts is not just a financial award; it represents an investment in the next generation of artists who will, in turn, inspire others.
As we celebrate the remarkable career and enduring impact of Donna Clevinger, we are reminded of the power of passion, mentorship, and giving back to future generations. Her journey from the stage to the college classroom is a testament to the lasting impact that one can create through their dedication to their craft and the nurturing of future talent. The Dr. Donna L. Clevinger Endowed Scholarship for Creative and Performing Arts demonstrates that true success is not measured by personal achievements, but by the inspiration and support one passes to others.
Clevinger’s legacy is a beacon that will continue lighting the path for generations to come. l
A letter from the Clevinger Endowed Scholar HAYS ROMANO
The Dr. Donna L Clevinger Scholarship has given me so many great opportunities on MSU's campus that extend beyond the money the scholarship gave me. With all of the work I did with the arts in high school, it felt amazing to be recognized for it. After accepting the scholarship, I found out that I would have to audition for the honors college’s fall production, and I was very blessed when Dr. Clevinger gave me a large role. Being a part of that show was such a great experience, and I thought that production would likely be where my involvement in honors theatre would end. However, that was not the case. Dr. Clevinger approached me about directing a spring production for the honors college, and I was overjoyed to accept the offer. I have always had a passion for directing, and I was so grateful to have this opportunity. I also asked if I could write the spring production as well as direct it. Dr. Clevinger gave me her blessing, and I got to work. Now, months and months after receiving that scholarship, not only have I been in a production, but I have also created my own play and got the chance to put it on for all to see. Dr. Clevinger's scholarship gave me the chance to share my writing with the world through my play, Scipio, and, for that, I could not be more grateful.
Rylee Story, from
Hurley, Mississippi
Graduating senior, majoring in biochemistry with a premedicine concentration and a trauma-informed child advocacy endorsement.
Accepted to the University of Mississippi Medical Center to begin in fall 2024 as a Mississippi Rural Physicians Scholar.
Christopher Jolivette, from Birmingham, Alabama
Sophomore, double major in psychology and English and president of Honors OnStage.
Selected for the prestigious Fulbright UK Summer Institute, spending three weeks at the University of Bristol studying arts, race, and activism.
LEGACIES Through Student Support
Hail
State and all my sincere gratitude,
Brad Jones
Brad Jones Advisory Board President
Dear Alumni and Friends,
The Judy and Bobby Shackouls Honors College Alumni and Friends Advisory Board supports the college dean, staff, and students in a myriad of ways, including fundraising, student recruitment, and student mentorship. Accordingly, from my perspective, the advisory board provides opportunities for building legacies on multiple fronts. I would like to share an example from my tenure as board president to illustrate this point.
In January 2022, on behalf of the advisory board, two board members entered into a Charitable Gift Agreement with the MSU Foundation to establish the Dr. Christopher A. Snyder Study Abroad Fund for Excellence to build upon Dean Emeritus Chris Snyder’s legacy once he returned to faculty. This fund was established to support, enhance, and promote study-abroad opportunities for Shackouls Honors College students, giving preference to students from traditionally underrepresented groups as well as those with financial need.
Since the initial gift by the two board members, several other board members and friends of the honors college have contributed to the fund, such that it is now fully endowed. In spring 2024, Christopher Jolivette and Adriana Mays were named as the university’s first two Christopher Snyder Scholars and will be studying abroad this summer in Oxford and Spain, respectively. Accordingly, our board has built upon Dr. Snyder’s legacy as dean by ensuring that his love for study abroad and his passion to provide opportunities to students from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds will continue at Mississippi State into perpetuity. Moreover, this fund will offer Mr. Jolivette, Ms. Mays, and future Christopher Snyder Scholars the opportunities to establish and build their own legacies as Shackouls Honors College students and future Mississippi State alumni. For those who would like to support international opportunities by giving to the Christopher A. Snyder Study Abroad Fund for Excellence or to another honors college initiative, please contact Dean Tommy Anderson at tanderson@honors.msstate.edu.
As I conclude my tenure as board president, I am honored to have had the opportunity to serve my alma mater in this alumni leadership role. I look forward to continuing to work with my successor, Mandi Stanley, as she works to both build on the legacies our board has already helped to establish for honors college faculty, staff, and students and to facilitate future ones.
Since 2012, The Streetcar has been connecting Mississippi State students by providing them a place to share their written and visual art and connect with a larger and like-minded community.
As an extension of the Shackouls Honors College, the College of Arts & Sciences, and Mississippi State University, we are proud to be the first and only studentrun and student-produced creative arts journal on campus.
Honors OnStage provides Honors students, especially those in STEM, with a place to express themselves and explore the performing arts and like activities. We hope to foster creativity in our membership and provide ample opportunities for engagement throughout the academic year.
IGNITE YOUR PASSION FOR THE ARTS!
