From Audition to a National Stage in Portland

By Gary Hyatt, WSU Honors College, gary.hyatt1@wsu.edu

For Rey Howell, this summer was a moment she will remember for the rest of her life.

A fourth-year Washington State University Honors student studying music education, Rey was one of just 25 college students from across the country selected to perform in the National Flute Association Collegiate Flute Ensemble.

Her journey began with an audition. Encouraged by her professor to showcase her advanced knowledge of the bass flute, Rey submitted a complex audition recording in February. Because the ensemble was so competitive, she never expected to be selected. When she received the news, she was “extremely surprised and overjoyed.”

The experience in Portland was much more than performing. Throughout the National Flute Association convention, Rey attended workshops, masterclasses, concerts and speaking events focused on her instrument. She connected with musicians from around the world, learned new techniques and gained experiences she will carry into her future as a music educator.

The highlight came at the end of the convention, when Rey and the other 24 collegiate musicians performed a world premiere—a piece of music being performed for the very first time.

For Rey, it was a major milestone in her musical career, and a powerful reminder of how far her hard work has taken her.

Her growth extends beyond music. Through the WSU Honors College, Rey has begun her thesis research on incorporating music therapy into social-emotional learning. She also serves in a leadership role with Tau Beta Sigma and has developed a deep commitment to community service.

Rey hopes to earn her bachelor’s degree in music education and later pursue a master’s in music therapy. Her dream is to help young people grow through music and give back to her community through the knowledge and experiences she has gained.

The Honors College Fund for Experiential Learning helped give Rey access to an opportunity that might otherwise have been out of reach. More importantly, it gave her the chance to take everything she has worked toward at WSU and experience it on a national stage.

Her experience is a powerful example of what happens when talented students are given the opportunity to say yes to a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

From Florence to the Sahara: An Honors Education Without Borders

By Gary Hyatt, WSU Honors College, gary.hyatt1@wsu.edu

For Honors student Jordan Rowell, studying abroad in Florence, Italy, became much more than a semester in another country. It was an opportunity to step outside her comfort zone; experience new cultures and discover how much learning can happen beyond the classroom.

A marketing major with a psychology minor, Jordan studied through the SAI program at the Florence University of the Arts. One of her courses, Food, Culture, and Society, connected her studies with the world around her. Exploring local markets and learning about Tuscan cuisine, Renaissance history and Italian culture helped turn Florence itself into part of her education.

Jordan also made it a goal to explore beyond Florence. During her semester abroad, she traveled to 11 countries and more than 20 cities. A trip to Morocco became one of her most memorable experiences. Playing street soccer with locals, riding camels through the Sahara and sharing food and music around a campfire gave her a new perspective on connection and community. “Immersing myself in unfamiliar cultures taught me how to connect deeply, strip away superficial boundaries, and truly enjoy every single minute I have on this Earth,” Jordan reflected.

Over time, Florence went from an intimidating unknown to a place that felt like home. Jordan lived near Santo Spirito Market, where she practiced Italian with local vendors, explored the city’s piazzas and settled into the rhythms of everyday life. “Florence didn’t just host me for four months; it captured a piece of my heart,” she wrote.

Jordan’s experience was made possible in part through the Richard W. McKinney Education Abroad Fund, which supports Honors Business students with the opportunity to study abroad. The funding provided vital financial relief for Jordan and allowed her to focus on making the most of her academic and personal experience.

The semester also helped Jordan develop what she described as “a deep, unshakeable confidence” in herself. She returned to WSU with new perspectives, greater independence and a desire to encourage other Honors students to take advantage of opportunities that take them beyond what they already know.

For Jordan, some of the most important lessons were not found in a textbook or syllabus. They came from navigating unfamiliar places, meeting people from different backgrounds and learning to be comfortable in a world much bigger than the one she knew.

The Richard W. McKinney Education Abroad Fund and other experiential learning endowments established through The Honors College help make these transformative experiences possible, giving Honors students the opportunity to turn the world into their classroom.

A Legacy of People: Meet the 2026 Honors 198 Facilitators

By Gary Hyatt, WSU Honors College, gary.hyatt1@wsu.edu

For more than 60 years, The Honors College has entrusted students with an important leadership role: welcoming, encouraging and helping guide the next generation of Honors Cougs.

Each fall, that tradition continues through HONORS 198: Honors First-Year Experience, a one-credit course designed to help incoming students find their footing and begin building their WSU experience. What makes the course especially unique is that it is led by Honors students who have recently experienced that same transition themselves.

Dean M. Grant Norton believes that peer leadership brings an important perspective to the classroom. “The facilitators remember what it feels like to be new, making them more approachable than faculty,” Norton said. “They also build social connections with the first-year students, giving them an important resource on campus.”

Those connections can make a difference during the first few months of college. Facilitators can answer the questions that may feel too small to ask a professor, share their own experiences and help first-year students discover the clubs, programs, research opportunities and other experiences available to them through WSU and the Honors College.

The role is also an opportunity for the facilitators to grow as leaders. They are not simply sharing what they have learned. They are learning how to mentor, communicate and lead a classroom of their peers.

“While there are benefits for the first-year students to be part of Hon 198, the facilitators themselves gain valuable leadership, communication, and mentoring skills, which look great on a resume,” Norton said.

This year’s HONORS 198 Facilitators are Taylor Babb, Aarya Bajaj, Lily Becker, Parker Casey, Maura Castillo, Nicole Diefenbach, Audrey Elliot, Michael Fasci, Dylan Gray, Oliver Hart, Alice Higgins, Ethan Irish, Macie Koval, Tiana LaFollette, Rowan Manwaring, Taylor Page, Ani Rice, Katy Touretsky, Anita Valdez and Ari Wilson.

They join generations of Honors students who have stepped into this role, continuing a tradition that is bigger than a one-credit course. It is about students helping students feel connected, confident and ready to make WSU their own.

Mary Nam to serve on WSU Board of Regents

By Gary Hyatt, WSU Honors College, gary.hyatt1@wsu.edu

The Honors College are thrilled to congratulate Honors alumna Mary Nam on her appointment by Governor Bob Ferguson to the Washington State University Board of Regents.

Mary’s journey from Honors student to longtime Seattle news anchor and now WSU Regent is a wonderful example of the impact our Honors graduates can have when they take their experiences, curiosity, and commitment to others into the world.

For more than two decades, Mary was a familiar and trusted face in living rooms across the Puget Sound as a journalist with KOMO. Now, she is returning to WSU in a new capacity—bringing her professional experience, perspective, and deep Cougar Pride to help shape the future of her alma mater.

Mary has already identified opportunities to strengthen WSU’s presence across the west side of Washington, while remaining focused on the university she has always been passionate about. We are excited to see the perspective she will bring to the Board and the ways she will continue to serve the Cougar community.

Please join us in congratulating Regent Mary Nam on this tremendous honor and in celebrating another outstanding member of the Honors family who is stepping forward to lead.

Read more here: Seattle TV news icon looking forward to serving alma mater | WSU Insider | Washington State University

Student Highlight: Megha Keezhanjil

By Gary Hyatt, WSU Honors College, gary.hyatt1@wsu.edu

Name: Megha Keezhanjil

Year: Junior

Hometown: Kent, Washington

Major: MIS, Finance

Minor: Computer Science

How has The Honors College impacted your time at WSU?

Being part of the Honors College has made my time at WSU really enjoyable. I’ve loved taking interesting classes and meeting great people along the way.

Most impactful Involvement/Leadership/Research you have engaged in and what each entail:

One experience that has really shaped my time at WSU was studying abroad in Greece. It gave me the chance to experience a new culture, step outside my comfort zone, and make memories I’ll always remember. I’ve also been involved in a few student organizations, where I’ve met some of my closest friends. Together, these experiences have made my time at WSU feel more meaningful and memorable.

Career Goal/ Future education plans:

I’m hoping to build a career in the fintech space, especially in roles that let me work closely with people and solve problems through consulting. At some point, I’d also love to go back to school for my MBA so I can keep growing and open up more opportunities for myself.

Favorite Honors Course and why?

My favorite Honors course was Honors 290. I loved how we learned about the role of atoms in the universe. Learning about things like the life cycle of stars was super interesting and made the class feel really special to me.

Advice for an incoming Honors student?

My advice would be to really enjoy your classes and take advantage of how small they are. It’s so much easier to talk with your professors, ask questions, and get to know the people around you. You’ll meet a lot of great people and feel more connected because of it.

Have you ever received financial support from the Honors College? If so, how did that impact your academic journey?

The Honors College supported my study abroad with a scholarship award, which really helped take some pressure off the expenses. It made it easier for me to fully enjoy and learn from the experience.

What have you enjoyed about being a part of the H.A.B.I.L.E program?

I’ve really enjoyed being part of H.A.B.I.L.E. The classes mix business and Honors in a way that feels engaging and relevant. I’ve also appreciated the professional exposure and connections that have made the program feel even more worthwhile.

Lastly, what are some things outside of your academic journey you enjoy doing?

Outside of school, I love watching movies with my friends, going stargazing, and just walking around exploring new places.

From Honors Student to Industry Leader: A Conversation with Hayden Wieck

By Gary Hyatt, WSU Honors College, gary.hyatt1@wsu.edu

The Honors College recently welcomed alumnus Hayden Wieck (’14) back to campus during his visit for the National Board of Advisors meeting for the Carson College of Business. While in Pullman, Hayden generously offered his time to connect with students interested in institutional investment management and private wealth management, sharing insights from his professional journey and experiences since graduating from WSU.

Hayden’s path from Honors College student to Managing Director at Bessemer Trust reflects the transformative opportunities available to students who embrace academic challenges and pursue their passions. As a student, Hayden discovered his career path through the Cougar Investment Fund, where he helped manage a portion of the WSU Endowment. Today, he serves not only as a leader in the investment management industry but also as a member of WSU’s National Board of Advisors for the Carson College of Business.

In the following Q&A, Hayden reflects on the impact of his Honors College experience, the lessons he has learned throughout his career, and the advice he would offer current students as they prepare for life after graduation.

Question & Answer

Name: Hayden C. Wieck
WSU Grad Year and Major: 2014 / Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Business Finance
Current Residence: Seattle Washington

Brief History-

Pullman will forever feel like my home away from home. Like many before me, it’s where I discovered my career, formed lifelong friendships, and ingrained lasting values that set my foundation.

From early on, following in my dad’s footsteps and becoming a Coug was how I envisioned spending my undergraduate years. He always emphasized how a true college town, isolated from distractions, supports two of the most important parts of the undergraduate experience: exploring your passions and building friendships.

WSU provided a dynamic platform for exploring my educational interests across physics, Spanish, communications, and business through the Honors College and rich coursework across departments. Ultimately, I pursued Finance with a focus in Investment Management because it uniquely combines technical acumen, rigorous analysis, genuine relationships, and transparent communication. My keystone moment was serving as a portfolio manager for the Cougar Investment Fund, helping manage a portion of the WSU Endowment. I can’t say I knew what a portfolio manager was going into that class, but leaving it, I had full conviction it was the career path I wanted to pursue.

Today, I am a Managing Director at Bessemer Trust and serve on WSU’s National Board of Advisors for Carson College of Business. My motivation for supporting WSU as an alumnus is to help create similar keystone moments that can guide future students in their own careers.

How has your Honors experience impacted your life?

The Honors experience altered the trajectory of my undergraduate years in two ways.

First, it exposed me to a new way of approaching novel concepts through deep independent study, collaborative projects, and thoughtful debate. Engaging through these three mediums not only enhanced my academic experience, but also better prepared me to make meaningful contributions in the real world.

Second, the Honors experience bolstered my confidence by raising the bar. It helped me realize I was capable of conquering difficult academic challenges, and that pushing the envelope while committing to lifelong learning creates lifelong opportunities.

What advice would you give our students today when it comes to life after graduation?

While the journey leading up to undergraduate studies can be fairly structured, life after graduation cannot be scripted. You may not be able to map out your exact career journey, but you can create your own upward mobility by bringing a positive mindset, focusing on how you can be resourceful to your organization, and pursuing your genuine interests.
Building a career the right way creates richness in all aspects of life.

Do you have a Honors event, class, faculty member, assignment, or time on campus that you can reflect upon now as transformational in your life?

My Honors Thesis was one of the true highlights of my undergraduate experience because it brought together so much of what I valued at WSU: stretching myself academically, pursuing my passion for investment management, and collaborating with close friends in the Honors College. Preparing for and delivering my thesis presentation was transformational because it gave me the opportunity to synthesize what I had learned, communicate it clearly, and build confidence in a setting that felt both challenging and deeply rewarding. It was a fitting final chapter of my story on campus.

Honoring a Legacy of Service

By Gary Hyatt, WSU Honors College, gary.hyatt1@wsu.edu

The Honors College is proud to celebrate two extraordinary members of our community, former Dean Libby Walker and Honors College alumnus Lewis Lee, who were recognized with the Washington State University Foundation’s 2026 Outstanding Service Award. This prestigious honor recognizes individuals whose exceptional leadership, dedication, and commitment have made a lasting impact on Washington State University.

For decades, both Libby and Lewis have embodied the values of service, engagement, and philanthropy that define the Cougar spirit. Libby’s visionary leadership helped shape the Honors College into one of the nation’s premier honors programs, while her continued advocacy and volunteerism have enriched the experiences of countless students. Lewis has devoted his time and talents to WSU through numerous leadership roles across the university, including his service to the Honors College, helping advance opportunities for students and strengthen the university’s future.

Their recognition is a testament to the profound difference that dedicated volunteers can make in the lives of students, faculty, and alumni. We invite you to learn more about Libby and Lewis, their remarkable contributions to WSU, and the impact of the 2026 WSU Foundation Volunteer Award recipients.

Read more here: WSU Foundation honors volunteers at annual awards celebration in Seattle | WSU Foundation | Washington State University

Students from the Honors College at Washington State University traveled to Las Vegas to present their work at the 2026 Western Regional Honors Council Conference 2026, held April 9–11 at University of Nevada, Las Vegas. This year’s theme, “Battle Born: Crossroads and Opportunities,” highlighted resilience, growth, and the defining moments that shape academic and personal journeys.

A delegation of six Washington State Honors students and two faculty members attended the conference, joining peers from across the western United States to share ideas, connect across disciplines, and showcase high-level undergraduate scholarship.

•  Maya Nash presented “Top-Down Prelimbic Cortical Regulation of the Paraventricular Thalamus Gates Heroin Seeking in Rats.”
• Allison Mata presented “Searching for Supermassive Black Hole Binaries.”
•  Bruce Redden presented “Crossroads in Therapy: Developing Novel H. pylori Therapeutics.”
• April Witham, alongside faculty advisor Colin Criss, presented on Student Publishing in Honors: The Palouse Review.
•  Nicole Diefenbach presented “Pathological BDNF and TrkB Mutations Affect Synaptic Development.”
• Katy Touretsky presented “Cannabis Vapor in Adolescence: Effects on Behavior and Microglia.”

Together, these students represented the Honors College with professionalism and purpose, contributing to conversations that reflect the conference’s focus on navigating crossroads and embracing opportunity. Their presence at the Western Regional Honors Council Conference underscores Washington State University’s commitment to fostering student scholarship, collaboration, and leadership on a regional stage.