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Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s largest academic unit, the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), recognized distinguished students and the profound impact of donor generosity during its annual Honors Day held Sunday, April 14 in the Morris University Center’s Meridian Ballroom.

More than 335 awards, valued at more than $186,000, were presented to nearly 280 outstanding students spanning the College’s 20 departments and more than 80 programs.

“Our diverse array of programs represents a beautiful tapestry of artistry and ideas that is the intellectual heart and soul of our University,” said CAS Dean Greg Budzban, PhD. “Today, we celebrate excellence. We also celebrate generosity, because it is through the generosity of our donors that these awards are possible. Many of these awards transform students’ lives, and there is no more important legacy than that.”

The opportunity for students to connect with their scholarship donors is one of the most special aspects of Honors Day, according to Chuck Harper, MFA, professor and chair of the Department of Theater and Dance.

“It’s easy for recipients of funding to lose sight of the meaning behind the money being provided to them,” Harper explained. “But, Honors Day allows students to learn more about and often meet the individuals and groups, who for various reasons decided to contribute money and make a distinct difference in another’s life. That’s pretty incredible.

“Honors Day also offers students from each of the College’s many programs the opportunity to connect with other outstanding students, who are working hard and constantly striving for excellence. It’s a wonderful celebration of student achievement and meaningful giving.”

Junior anthropology major Jennifer McBride, of Collinsville, was the featured student speaker. She described how she, with the support of her son and the faculty at SIUE, has persevered despite living much of her life under limiting circumstances.

“I had an unstable childhood, a broken family, and I mostly went through life figuring things out on my own,” McBride explained. “But, that all changed when I began the anthropology program at SIUE. I have been given opportunities to participate in phenomenal research and experiential learning programs. The experience I’ve gotten through lab work is invaluable to me.

“I am thankful to attend a school with opportunities like these and am even more grateful that my hard work, passion and dedication does not go unnoticed. Today, I am proud to be the outlier, the anomaly.”

McBride received the Department of Anthropology’s Dr. Laura McCullough Scholarship, sponsored by Dr. Thomas Foster and Ann Robertson, and the Mary Warren Bagley Rekas Memorial Scholarship, sponsored by Marion Nichols.

McBride is also among a group of STELLAR (STudent Excellence for Learning, Leadership and Achievement Recognition) Students. The STELLAR Student program recognizes, honors and develops star undergraduate student achievers in CAS. The students are nominated by their departments and programs, and approved by the dean’s office. They act as ambassadors for the College at various recruiting events.

Four CAS students are recipients of the STELLAR International Travel Awards, including Cora Dede, of Quincy, Kiley Hunt, of Camp Point, Kaleigh Raynaud, of Millstadt, and Hayley Smith, of Decatur.

Dede is a junior double-majoring in philosophy and Spanish, and is currently studying in Cusco, Peru through the travel award.

“As a Spanish major, I had planned to study abroad and receiving this travel award made that much more feasible,” Dede explained. “Being immersed in the culture of Peru, has helped improve my Spanish communication skills, and provided incredible, real-world experience interacting with different people and cultures, which will help not only during my academic career, but also throughout life.”

Dede hopes to join the Peace Corps after completing her degree, and later aspires to pursue law school or a graduate program while working for an organization that supports a worthy cause.

Hunt and Smith will travel to Ireland in May. Hunt is a sophomore criminal justice major, while Smith is a junior double-majoring in political science and philosophy.

“The STELLAR International Travel Award plays a huge role in funding my study abroad endeavor,” Smith said. “My trip to Ireland will reveal how another governmental system works in comparison to the U.S., which will greatly enhance my career goal of going into international law.”

Photos: SIUE CAS Dean Greg Budzban.

(L-R) CAS Honors Day student speaker Jennifer McBride stands alongside Dr. Laura McCullough and Dr. Tom Foster.