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Honors Fireside Chat with Craig Bomben

Honors Fireside Chat with Craig Bomben

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

The Honors College was honored to welcome Craig Bomben (’83, MBA, FRAeS) as the featured guest for the first Honors Fireside Chat of the year. As a leader and innovator at Boeing, Craig has spent his career at the intersection of technology, teamwork, and precision — lessons he was eager to share with Honors students. Dean M. Grant Norton led Craig through a series of questions that highlighted his time at WSU, his Military career, and Boeing.

During the conversation, Craig reflected on his journey from WSU to the flight decks of aircraft carriers and the leadership rooms of Boeing. He encouraged students to focus on what’s right in front of them, to be great teammates, and to pursue their passions with purpose. His stories of both challenge and achievement offered a unique glimpse into the mindset that drives excellence.

This event was made possible through a collaboration with WSU Corporate Engagement and The Honors College. Together, they helped create an inspiring evening of reflection and motivation for our students — one that exemplifies the power of learning directly from Cougs who continue to make an impact around the world.

Thank you, Craig, for sharing your insights and reminding us that leadership starts with curiosity, courage, and connection. Go Cougs!

LEAP! 2025: Building Confidence, Connections, and Careers

LEAP! 2025: Building Confidence, Connections, and Careers

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

On Tuesday, September 30, 2025, The Honors College hosted its annual LEAP! networking event in the Elmina White Honors Hall Lounge. Designed to help students strengthen their professional communication and networking skills, LEAP! brings together Honors alumni, faculty, and friends for an evening of mentorship, conversation, and connection.

This year’s event featured an outstanding group of alumni — Adam Peterson, Brady Cornelius, Marla Meyer, Marisa Hemingway, Colin Campbell, Ross Cook, Linda Nihoul, and Elijah Shoemake — who generously shared their time and expertise. Through rotating “speed networking” sessions, students practiced making introductions, giving elevator pitches, and sharing their personal stories with confidence and authenticity.

Following the rotations, alumni participated in a lively Q&A panel, offering insights into career preparation, professional growth, and the importance of building relationships.

Students were encouraged to step outside their comfort zones — to dress the part, engage meaningfully, and take risks in telling their stories. For many, the experience was transformative. As one participant shared, “It was inspiring to learn directly from people who once stood where we are now. Some of the questions really made me think about how I want to present my myself.”

Events like LEAP! reflect the Honors College’s commitment to preparing students not only for their careers but for the confidence and curiosity that drive lifelong success.
Thank you to our alumni mentors and to every student who took the leap — your enthusiasm and courage made this year’s event a success. Go Cougs!

Honors Students Discover Transformative Impact of Faculty-Led Travel

Honors Students Discover Transformative Impact of Faculty-Led Travel

By Phyllis Shier, WSU Honors College – peshier@wsu.edu

When Colin Criss designed his first faculty-led student trip five years ago, the concept was new to him. Not sure where to start, then English chair Donna Potts advised him to create an experience that would feel significant to him.

“The wheels start to turn, and you start to kind of develop an idea of what a trip could be and how you could make it meaningful with academic study,” Criss said.

Ultimately, his love of Irish poetry led him to Ireland, home to many poets he admires. Now a WSU Honors College faculty member, Criss has successfully led three trips to the Emerald Isle. His eyes twinkle when he says: “The well of Irish poetry is very deep.”

Criss and English faculty member Cameron McGill cohost the honors travel that provides students with firsthand experience of the land that inspires indelible poetry. The two-week summer trip juxtaposes centuries old Irish verse, which Criss identifies as integral to the island’s cultural tapestry, with spectacular scenery and visits with poets in the places they write about. Landscape becomes a point of contact shared between traveler and poet, Criss said.

“It felt like a good way into this larger question of traveling with a meaningful lens.”

Readings prior to the trip prepare students for travel and writing assignments post-trip offer opportunities for retrospection. “Students can think, ‘Okay, I’ve been to the Burren, in the west of Ireland; here’s a poem that’s rooted in the Burren— how does that understanding change my interaction with the landscape?’”

The seminal opportunity to visit with current Irish poets in the regions that influenced them, Criss notes, is invigorating for the poets as well. Discovering what strikes students as surprising and memorable, and discussing their travel experiences often results in conversations that border on magical.

“The base understanding for the trip is that it’s not a vacation. It’s meant to be an enriching, enlightening, meaningful experience and poetry is, I really believe, the tool to make that happen,” Criss said.

Back on campus, students share their creative writing and journaling assignments, recalling travel experiences. “I see how poetry and place have affected the students in the work they produce,” Criss said. The results surpass conventional classroom experience; poetry, Criss says, is the perfect vessel for examining and conveying those impressions.

“I’m trying to get the students to see their experience as a traveler and a tourist in a place they’ve never been before—in a landscape they’ve never been before—through the lens of poetry…it makes the visit very meaningful.”

Students who have been on the trip concur.

“I’ve never been overseas or out of the country so being able to just experience Irish culture… versus what it’s like here, I think that was really cool for me,” current senior Diego Alcaraz said. Even though he found Irish culture similar to American culture, the self-exploration aspect of the trip was most fun. “The thing that kind of made it was immersing myself in the rich history of Ireland and just being there…” he said.

Senior Maddie Eaves became interested in the trip after just one month in Criss’s 280 class. “I feel like this was a really spontaneous experience for me,” she said noting that the trip took her out of her comfort zone and provided unique experiences.

“Through this trip, I met a really close friend… we did everything together; we went swimming in the Irish sea which was seriously so cool,” she said.

The experience also gave Maddie the confidence to apply for a work abroad public relations and marketing internship in Paris.

“Overall, it was such a life-changing trip… to be able to take a 300-level Honors class in a country abroad… with Colin, who is by far the best professor I’ve had at WSU… It was just such a great opportunity,” she said.

Dillon Kamin (’25) also found the trip meant stepping out of his comfort zone. “It had a transformative effect on me, in large part because of the people who were there. We had amazing people,” he said, of the students, poets, faculty, and the grandfatherly bus driver. Going to places like the Cliffs of Moher, Slieve League, Newgrange, and Galway Bay provided lasting impressions.

“So many of these places you’d go to you’d feel such a strong emotion,” Kamin said.

Sometimes that made it difficult to fully process the experience immediately.

“It’s really fun to go and try to unpack it in writing and try to be like ‘What feelings am I feeling and why?’” Kamin said. Putting the trip in words helped to organize those feelings.

“That part was super fun to me—the writing afterward. You’re encouraged to journal and that’s a very valuable part of it. It disturbs your mind and makes you start thinking in new ways and you just want to share about it.”

Among Kamin’s core memories are staying out well into the night, sitting on a lawn deep in discussion for hours.

“It’s transformative; there’s no other way to put it…everything you’re doing is exciting.”

Travel for Criss also made a professional impact, informing his teaching of contemporary Irish poets in ways that keep his courses cutting-edge and unique.

“There are very few courses in contemporary Irish poetry that are focusing on the new Irish poets and it’s exciting to be able to teach that.”

Contemporary Irish poet Stephen Sexton reciprocated the student’s travel, visiting the Pullman campus in spring 2024 to give the Bhatia lecture. Eaves enjoyed reading Sexton’s poems about Super Mario which were actually a metaphor for his mother, who was passing away from cancer. Those works became the basis of her course final.

“There were themes of nostalgia that were really emotional and that’s the kind of material that you’re getting into when you go on this trip which is really neat.”

Three trips later and Criss finds choosing Ireland, its poetry, the inspiring landscape and people who hold poetry as a part of their culture a wise travel abroad choice. After being welcomed into that tradition, Criss said, you can relive the whole experience through language. “The tentacles of the trip are very long.”

Alumni Recognition: Nam Nguyen

Alumni Recognition: Nam Nguyen

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

Washington State University Honors College alumnus Nam Nguyen has made history as the first WSU graduate to be selected as a Schwarzman Scholar. This prestigious award provides a fully funded one-year master’s degree in global affairs at Tsinghua University in Beijing, China, and is designed to prepare the next generation of global leaders. Nam joins an elite cohort of 150 scholars from 38 countries as part of the Schwarzman Scholars program’s 10th class.

During his time at WSU, Nam earned a degree in business while embodying the spirit of exploration and academic excellence. Notably, he became the first student in WSU’s 127-year history to study abroad on all seven continents. His commitment to international education and leadership development has been a defining feature of his academic and professional journey. In addition to his studies, Nam interned with organizations such as NASA, the U.S. Department of State, and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, gaining invaluable experience in public service and global affairs.

After graduating from WSU, Nam pursued a master’s degree in educational technology at Johns Hopkins University. He currently works at BP, where he manages the gift card program across more than 7,000 gas stations nationwide and supports a $3 billion credit card portfolio. Beyond his professional achievements, Nam is also the founder of The Bach’s Wish Fund, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Vietnamese students in education.

The Schwarzman Scholars program is one of the most competitive and esteemed fellowships in the world. Scholars engage in a rigorous curriculum, cultural immersion, and professional development opportunities. Through mentorships, internships, and experiential learning, Nam and his fellow scholars will gain a deep understanding of China’s evolving role on the global stage—a crucial perspective for future leaders across industries.
Nam’s story serves as an inspiration for current and future WSU students, encouraging them to dream big and pursue opportunities on a global scale. His trailblazing achievement as WSU’s first Schwarzman Scholar exemplifies the university’s mission to develop leaders, innovators, and global citizens.
We caught up with Nam to get his thoughts on the Schwarzman Scholarship, his time at WSU, and the amazing opportunity ahead of him.

1. What inspired you to apply for the Schwarzman Scholars program, and what does being the first WSU recipient mean to you?

I was inspired to apply for the Schwarzman Scholars program because of its focus on global leadership and the opportunity to immerse myself in China’s role in shaping the geopolitical and economic landscape. Working at global energy company BP the last 5 years has given me firsthand insight into how energy markets, international relations, and sustainability efforts intersect. Also, my experiences interning with federal government agencies (NASA, State Dept, and ODNI) have further fueled my passion for understanding global affairs. I believe that navigating the future of energy and sustainability requires a deep understanding of international relations, particularly the evolving U.S.-China relationship.

This will be a transformative opportunity to build on my career and professional development and equip me with the knowledge and network to make a meaningful impact in the professional world. Being the first Schwarzman Scholar from Washington State University is truly an incredible honor. I hope to inspire other Cougs to pursue globally impactful opportunities like this. WSU instilled in me the curiosity and drive to push boundaries, and I see this as a chance to bring that spirit to a global stage. More importantly, I want to show that no matter where you come from or your backgrounds (for me, as an immigrant, first-generation, and low-income student), with resilience, ambition, and a commitment to lifelong learning, you can contribute to solving some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

2. How did your experiences at WSU and the Honors College shape your global perspective and prepare you for this opportunity?

WSU and the Honors College were instrumental in shaping my global perspective and preparing me for the Schwarzman Scholars journey. As an Honors student, I was challenged to think critically about global issues, engage in interdisciplinary learning, and embrace diverse perspectives. The rigorous coursework and thought-provoking discussions pushed me beyond my comfort zone as well as giving me the analytical skills and global awareness. Also, the mentorship I received at the Honors College was transformative. I still remember all my advising sessions with Dr. Bond, whose guidance and support played a pivotal role in my academic and personal growth. Without her, I would not be where I am today.

One of the most defining aspects of my WSU journey was the opportunity to study abroad on all seven continents. Experiencing different cultures firsthand broadened my understanding of global interconnectedness and reinforced my commitment to cross-cultural exchange. My Honors thesis, which explored the motivations behind study abroad participation, further deepened my appreciation for international education’s role in fostering mutual understanding.

3. Can you share a defining moment from your time at WSU that influenced your academic or professional path?

A defining moment in my journey at WSU that shaped my academic and professional path was attending the Career Fair, where I met Mike La Ha, the BP recruiter who would later offer me an internship. Walking into the Career Fair, I was nervous, but I approached the BP booth with curiosity and determination. My conversation with the recruiter was insightful and engaging. That initial connection led to an internship offer, which ultimately paved the way for my full-time career at BP.

That moment taught me the power of initiative, preparation, and meaningful conversations. I believe that opportunities don’t just come to you, but you have to seek them out and seize them. It also highlighted the impact of WSU’s strong industry connections and commitment to student success. That one conversation at the Career Fair set me on a trajectory that shaped my career in the energy sector as well as developing my interest in global affairs, which led to me being named a Schwarzman Scholar.

4. What are your goals during your time as a Schwarzman Scholar, and how do you plan to use this experience to make a global impact?

My goal is to deepen my understanding of China’s role in the global energy landscape while building meaningful, lifelong connections. As Stephen Schwarzman said, “Those who will lead the future must understand China today.” By traveling across China, engaging with leaders and policymakers, and exploring its energy innovations firsthand, I aim to gain insights that will shape my leadership in the sector. This experience will give me the knowledge and network to drive impactful global initiatives. By leveraging these connections over a lifetime, I hope to influence policies that promote a more sustainable and interconnected world.

5. What advice would you give to current WSU students who aspire to pursue competitive international fellowships like the Schwarzman Scholars program?

My advice to WSU students aspiring to competitive international fellowships like Schwarzman Scholars is to dream big, start early, and build meaningful relationships. Surround yourself with peers, mentors, and faculty who challenge and support you. A fun fact: one of my friends and fellow Honors College alum, Kristian Gubsch, actually wrote one of my recommendation letters to Schwarzman. Kristian received multiple distinguished scholarships while at WSU, including the Hollings, Goldwater, and Marshall scholarships, so he understood the high standards required and wrote, “I say with strong conviction that Nam will exceed expectations and bring his passion, resilience, and dedication to the Schwarzman Scholars community.” Strong connections are power. WSU provides incredible opportunities to form lasting relationships that can shape your future. Take advantage of them: engage in leadership, study abroad, and pursue experiences that align with your passions. Competitive fellowships seek individuals with vision, global awareness, and demonstrated impact, so be intentional about your journey. Lastly, rejections are part of the journey, but persistence and a willingness to learn will set you apart. Your background doesn’t define your potential, your ambition and determination do.

Student Perspective: Madeline Kennedy

Student Perspective: Madeline Kennedy

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

Name: Madeline Kennedy

Year: Senior

Hometown:  Mukilteo Washington

Major: Hospitality Business Management and Marketing

Minors: N/A

 

How has The Honors College impacted your time at WSU? 

The Honors College, specifically the Honors and Business Innovation and Leadership Experience (HABILE) program, has elevated my undergraduate experience beyond any other aspect of WSU. I have been blessed with the opportunity to take smaller classes, with excellent Honors and Business faculty who have taken the care to tailor their classes to our interests. I have taken every HABILE business class offered because of the incredibly positive history I have had in the classes. My opinion of WSU would not be the same had it not been for the program.

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

As an Honors student, I had the opportunity to teach an honors first year experience class alongside a Carson College of Business faculty member. Our class brought Freshman into the fold of the HABILE program; teaching resume building, networking, leading the students through setting up their LinkedIn profiles, and generally mentoring them through their first semester at WSU.

Career Goal/ Future education plans:

I would love to move into the hospitality sector because I love creating a comfortable space for people to connect with one another. I would love to work for a smaller company that leads adventures for their guests, one that loves everyone as a local, treating them like family.

Favorite Honors Course and why?

Honors 280 and 380 with Professor Colin Criss were my absolute favorite classes at WSU. Professor Criss (Colin) has the deepest care for his students. I remember him bringing in a TV tray to one of my friends because my friend needed it for a club that he was leading. It wasn’t just the professor that made the class, in the Honor’s College, faculty have the freedom to teach their classes in whatever manner will achieve the learning outcomes for the course. This meant an outstanding professor wasn’t hemmed into rigorous guidelines. I have found in all my honors classes that the room professors are given to breathe has made all my classes much more interesting.

Advice for an incoming Honors student?

The honors network of students and faculty is an asset that shouldn’t be forgotten. Make connections, invest in the people around you, they will be the ones to uplift you when you’re at your lowest. The professors are incredible, and they will do everything in their power to help you if you are willing to meet them with your best effort. Finally, joining the Honors College is the best decision you will make at WSU, especially if you are a business student.

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

I received scholarships to join the Honors program, the HABILE program, and I received a scholarship as a facilitator of the first-year experience course. All of these gave me breathing room to attend college without as heavy of a load to financially bear.

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

I am very involved with my local church, attending events and spending time with my friends. Chief among these is spending time with my fiancé, whom I met at church. We will be getting married in March. I also love crocheting, painting, and other small crafts. I love being outside, especially on my longboard. Finally, I have gotten into snowboarding during my time at WSU and have held a season pass for the past two seasons.

Student Perspective: Kendall Lyons

Student Perspective: Kendall Lyons

Name: Kendall Lyons

Year: Senior

Hometown: Black Diamond, WA

Major: Biomedical Engineering, Data Analytics

Minors: Mathematics

Career Goal/ Future education plans: I intend to continue my education next year at the University of Idaho in their Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Masters program! This program operates at the intersection of computer science, applied mathematics, and biology.

Involvement/ Leadership roles and what each entail:

I have several campus involvements as I deem these experiences to be integral to my college experience. This semester is my sixth serving as a teaching assistant for the Engineering 120 lecture and lab, a position that has allowed me to interact with countless undergraduate engineers. I have also spent three semesters working at the Student Recreation Center as a membership attendant and member of the Student Employee Advisory Council, which has further allowed me to connect with other students on campus. I have also been involved with the Data Analytics Club, presenting on resume making, past internship experiences, and mentorship.

How has the Honors College impacted your time at WSU? 

The Honors college has had a huge impact on my college experience, specifically in their willingness to fund my research endeavors. The Dean’s Notable Achievement Fund allowed me to travel to Paris, France in Summer 2023 to conduct ocular research at Universite Cite Paris’ MAP5 lab. The ability to travel to France for this project was not only instrumental in my own personal development but also led to the publication of my first scholarly article this fall.

Memorable honors experiences?

I have had several memorable honors experiences, with most originating from the outstanding professors that I have had the pleasure to be taught by within the college. I have found all my honors professors to have an infectious kind of enthusiasm about the topics they teach, a trait that I have not found to transcend the rest of my courses. One particularly special moment came last year in Dr. Sun’s class on memorialization when I learned that Dr. Sun had been my dad’s professor when he attended WSU as a student (class of 1997)!

Advice for an incoming Honors student?

The Honors College has allowed me to be involved with activities and experiences that I never thought were possible for me and has given me the support to feel confident in my ability to succeed in these things. My advice to an incoming student would be to connect with Honors professors and faculty as they have been some of the most valuable connections I have made throughout my college career.

Calculating Solutions: Eric and Jean Nelson’s Lasting Impact on The Honors College

Calculating Solutions: Eric and Jean Nelson’s Lasting Impact on The Honors College

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

Eric Nelson and Jean Sygitowicz Nelson’s story began in a calculus classroom at Washington State University in 1972. Both freshman math majors, they met during their second semester and forged a friendship that grew over study sessions and shared challenges. In 1976, they graduated with Bachelor of Science degrees in Mathematics and married just two weeks after graduation, embarking on a life together centered on service and community impact.

Careers Rooted in Service                                

For the next forty years, Eric and Jean pursued careers that reflected their shared dedication to mission-driven work. Eric spent his career with the YMCA, an organization focused on empowering youth and strengthening communities, while Jean worked in accounting departments for several mission-driven organizations. In retirement, Eric and Jean continue their dedication to service within their community. Eric volunteers with several local nonprofit organizations, while Jean has devoted more than 20 years of service to Bible Study Fellowship. She particularly enjoys her roles with children’s programs. Additionally, Jean volunteers as an accountant for a local nonprofit organization.

Honors Education’s Lasting Influence

Looking back, Eric and Jean credit The Honors College at WSU as a key influence on their lives. While they remember the challenges and rewards of their mathematics coursework, it was the Honors curriculum that broadened their perspectives and exposed them to subjects outside their major. Classes like Biology, Development of Eastern Civilization, and Domain of the Arts offered a window into worlds beyond differential equations and abstract linear algebra. Both recall their professors as gifted and humble teachers who inspired them to see life through a wider lens.

They believe the lessons they learned in The Honors College—curiosity, critical thinking, and a commitment to lifelong learning—have played a vital role in their personal and professional journeys. Eric and Jean emphasize how the Honors College experience goes beyond academics, encouraging students to engage deeply in their education. They value how Honors prepares students to be effective and impactful in their careers and communities, providing a foundation for success that reaches far beyond WSU.

Staying Connected to WSU and The Honors College

Over the years, Eric and Jean have stayed connected to The Honors College, attending several Open Houses when they come back to campus and keeping up with the program’s progress through its updates in the Honors College Newsletters. “Dr. Bhatia and the Honors Program had an office in Van Doren Hall when we attended WSU fifty years ago,” they recall fondly. “We are confident he would be pleased to see all of the changes that have occurred.”

Supporting Future Generations

“Our lives have been richly blessed. We feel it is important to give back to some of those institutions that have had an impact on us and that we believe will have an impact in the future. Certainly, the Honors College at WSU is one of those institutions. Our hope is that the Honors College will continue to evolve to meet the needs of future generations of students so they may have the kind of transformative education we experienced”

Through their endowment, Eric and Jean hope to give future students the chance to benefit from the kind of transformative education that they experienced. Their vision is to see The Honors College continue to inspire, educate, and connect generations of students for years to come.

Student Perspective: Kendall Browder

Student Perspective: Kendall Browder

Name: Kendall Browder

Year: Senior

Hometown: Blythe, California

Major: Political Science

Minors: Religious Studies, Criminal Justice and Criminology

Career Goal/ Future education plans: I recently submitted my application for a Fulbright Scholarship, which would allow me to pursue a master’s degree at the University of St. Andrews. Following this, I plan to pursue a Ph.D. in Political Science, with a focus on International Political Theory. My research will be an extension of my Honors Thesis, specifically examining political theology as a tool for conflict negotiation and resolution.

Involvement/ Leadership roles and what each entail:

I have been an active member of STAGE: Student Theatre for the entirety of my WSU experience. I am the founder and director of the workshops division of STAGE, which encourages independent work and provides students with the education and tools to produce their own plays. Since joining STAGE, I have written, directed, and acted in a multitude of plays and short films. Most recently, I wrote and performed a full length two-woman show called Post-Promethia, which is entered as a participating production at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. In addition to this, I am an Intern at the Foley Institute of Public Policy and Public Service, an Honors College Ambassador, an Honors 198 facilitator, a former member of the WSU Mock Trial team, and the former secretary of the French Club.

How has the Honors College impacted your time at WSU? 

The Honors College has been formative to my college experience. Through the Honors College I have been given a massive quantity of opportunities, support, and community. In the Spring of 2024, I had the incredible opportunity to study abroad in Aberystwyth, Wales—an experience that truly changed my life. This journey was made possible through funding and recommendations from the Honors College, for which I am immensely grateful. Facilitating Honors 198 for the past three years has been a wonderful opportunity for me to gain experience teaching and has provided me with skills that I know will be valuable throughout the pursuit of my Ph.D. Beyond academics, the Honors College has given me a fantastic group of peers whom I have grown close to in the past four years. Living in the Honors Hall freshman year, attending HSAC events, and taking Honors classes has allowed me to surround myself with motivated and kind individuals who I will forever cherish.

Memorable honors experiences?

My WSU experience has been impacted by the Honors College to such a degree, that I consider the entirety of the past four years an Honors experience. I met my best friend in my Honors 198 class freshman year, and since then we have studied abroad, taught 198 classes, applied for Fulbrights, and worked on a variety of artistic projects together. We often talk about how grateful we are to the Honors College for bringing us together and we hope our students will forge similar connections in the classes that we facilitate. Community is such an important part of making the most out of the college experience; I feel incredibly fortunate that the Honors College helped me find my place at WSU right from the start.

Advice for an incoming Honors student?

I always tell my freshman students that the best thing that they can do during their first year is to be present. Take the time to get to know your peers and the faculty within the Honors College. Dean Norton and Dr. Bond have been massive pillars of my college experience; their kindness and willingness to help has had a huge impact on my time at WSU. Everyone in the Honors College wants you to succeed, and they are willing to give you the time and tools to do so. Take advantage of every opportunity and shoot for the moon!

2024 LEAP! Networking Event Connects WSU Honors College Students with Alumni and Industry Professionals

2024 LEAP! Networking Event Connects WSU Honors College Students with Alumni and Industry Professionals

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

The Honors College at Washington State University hosted its annual LEAP! Networking Event, providing students with a unique opportunity to develop their professional skills ahead of the upcoming Fall Expo career fair. The event, held in an interactive and engaging format, was designed to help students practice networking with industry professionals, many of whom were Honors College alumni. Through conversations about career paths, goals, and accomplishments, students gained invaluable insights to prepare for their professional journeys.

The LEAP! event was structured as a series of rotating 12-minute sessions, where students worked in small groups and interacted with mentors from a wide range of industries. This allowed participants to experience different styles of professional engagement—whether through conversational interactions or more formal interview-style exchanges. “I really appreciated the variety of ways the interviewers engaged with us,” said one student. “It felt like real-world practice, and being in a group helped me feel more comfortable.”

The Honors College is deeply grateful to the industry professionals who took time out of their schedules to attend the event and share their expertise. Their contributions were instrumental in making the event a success, and many were Honors College alumni themselves, providing a relatable perspective for current students. “It was both inspiring and valuable,” shared one student. “I walked away feeling motivated and more prepared for my professional development journey.”

Following the speed networking sessions, the event featured a Q&A panel where the industry mentors shared career tips, discussed the challenges they’ve faced, and offered advice on navigating today’s competitive job market. Students asked questions about how to present themselves to future employers, stand out in interviews, and build lasting professional relationships.

LEAP! is not only an opportunity to build important networking skills but also serves as a practical stepping stone for students as they prepare for the Fall Expo career fair and other professional engagements. The event provided critical practice in delivering elevator pitches, making meaningful connections, and articulating career goals, helping students gain confidence in their abilities.

The LEAP! Networking Event exemplifies the Honors College’s mission of preparing students for leadership roles and professional success. By bringing together dedicated industry professionals, many of whom were once in the students’ shoes, the event fostered a collaborative and supportive environment for growth. The College sincerely thanks these professionals for their time, generosity, and commitment to helping the next generation of leaders at WSU.

Honors Scholar Wins WSU’s third National Portz Award in Four Years

Honors Scholar Wins WSU’s third National Portz Award in Four Years

By Phyllis Shier, WSU Honors College – peshier@wsu.edu

Clara Krause (’24) became the third WSU Honors College student in four years to be recognized with a National Collegiate Honors Council (NCHC) Portz Scholars award for her honors thesis “Into the Matrix: Unveiling a Story of Black Resilience in the Tri-Cities.” NCHC institutions can submit one student work per year from which the top four are selected.

Krause’s thesis challenged the idea that a building has to look significant to be deemed so, arguing that vernacular, or ordinary architecture, can fit the designation if its history and purpose are of notable value to the community. She focused on the Matrix, an 8,600 square foot, one-story, metal and steel building in East Pasco, WA that “played a crucial role” in the development of Black entrepreneurship during the late 20th century in racially segregated Tri-Cities. The building’s historical significance harkens to the Manhattan Project, which brought Black workers for Hanford’s plutonium production.

Established in 1970 by Black community leaders, the building offered “emblematic significance in the struggle for economic self-reliance and community empowerment…,” Krause wrote. Layered architectural and social history and cultural studies reveal the building’s story, first as “a beacon of hope and a source of essential services… at the ethos of ‘Black Capitalism,’” and then as “a symbol of continuity and adaptation” for the Latinx population it serves today, she said.

Portz awardees receive a $350 stipend and are recognized at an NCHC national conference plenary session where they discuss their work. Now a WSU graduate student, Krause credits thesis advisor and mentor, Architecture Professor Phil Gruen, whose guidance nurtured a passion for historic preservation.

“I learned so much by working with Clara on this project. From the outset, she was committed to looking for ways to elevate the built environment of underrepresented and marginalized people and communities,” Gruen said.

After identifying the Matrix as a potentially important site, Clara uncovered evidence that spoke to discrimination and resilience in the East Pasco community, he said, with the challenge being to maintain focus on the most poignant moments.

“As a faculty mentor, it was wonderful to receive drafts that kept expanding the story and compelled us to recognize that the building was even more significant than we originally thought.”

Krause’s interest in the project didn’t end with her honors thesis.

“Clara has done the research and hopes to nominate the Matrix to the National Register of Historic Places, even though it is no longer in its original condition,” Gruen said.

The designation would bring attention to an important historic community resource and raise public awareness about the discrimination accelerated by the Manhattan Project, Gruen added.

Krause’s thesis is WSU’s third Portz recognition in four years. Samantha King Shaw’s (’21) thesis examining the role of Black queer artists in 1920’s Harlem Renaissance, focused on the text Fire!!, bringing a fresh analysis to that period. Alicia Callahan (’23) was invited to the Norman D Memorial Park dedication ceremony in Golden, Colorado for her thesis on long-term combat effects and the Sixth Armored Division World War II soldiers who liberated the Buchenwald Nazi concentration camp in 1945.