Honors Student Organization (HSO)

An Interview with the HSO President   

Stephanie Johnson, a forensic biochemistry major in her senior year, is a student who is dedicated to academic excellence.  In a recent interview, she said that her experience in the Honors Program has had a direct impact on her academic pursuits.  

Upon entering the Honors Program, Stephanie experienced the challenges of the Honors Program courses, and was unsure of herself as a student. However, upon completion of the first year honors courses, she became more confident in herself as a student in many ways, including writing and critical thinking. Stephanie stated that she believes that the academic rigor and nature of the honors classes helped her to develop the skills necessary to be a highly successful student.

As president of the HSO, Stephanie said that she desires to see the organization and the program continue to grow and have increased visibility on campus.  She believes that the Honors Program and the HSO have a great deal to offer students by enhancing their class experiences and challenging them to work and think in new ways.  In addition, she credits the close-knit honors classes for helping her to form some of her greatest friendships.

In the fall of 2008, Stephanie completed an internship at the Michigan State Police Crime Lab in Marquette through the forensic biochemistry program. During the internship, Stephanie said that she felt reassured the she had chosen the right academic path. The academic experience at NMU, especially the Honors Program, has put Stephanie in position to follow her passions and achieve her goals.

                                                               Written by Alicia Smith

HSO Receives Diversity Program Award

Members of the HSO were instrumental in arranging for Phan Thi Kim Phuc to speak at Northern Michigan University this spring.  Phan was the subject of a famous photo from the Viet Nam War that shows her at age 9 running naked on a street after her clothing was burned off by a napalm attack.  Now a mother and peace activist, she devotes her time to promoting peace through her presentations and the work of her foundation.  Her NMU presentation was well attended with an audience of over 350 students and community members.

The HSO, along with another student organization, Platform Personalities, who helped plan this presentation were honored at this spring's Leadership Recognition Banquet.  The two groups were named recipients of the prestigious Diversity Program/Project of the Year Award.  This award recognizes an outstanding effort by a student organization to promote an appreciation of diversity.