Honors Wednesday Memo: Volume 10, Issue 12, Wednesday, November 4, 2026
edited by Melanie Kershaw
Hello Honors College Students,
This week we’re highlighting physics alumna Sierra Focazio ‘26 and her Alternative Service Experience at The Elephant Sanctuary. I loved Sierra’s takeaway from the experience: "leadership doesn't always mean being the person in charge. It can also mean leading yourself into an unfamiliar environment and contributing where you are needed."
Sierra serves as such a great reminder that leadership often starts quietly, with listening, learning, and caring for those around us. As you look through this week's opportunities, I hope you'll take a moment to reflect on the many ways you already lead in your communities.
Warmly,
Vicky
Upcoming Opportunities
Dr. Klima is happy to help you apply; send her an email.
Honors College Virtual Thesis Workshop
Drop in for a virtual thesis workshop on Monday, Nov. 9. The session features a group workshop from 10:00 to 11:00 am and individual thesis support from 12:00 to 4:00 pm. Contact Honors Graduate Assistant Red Turner with any questions.
HON FLEAP: Meaning and Fantasy in Japan
Explore Japan with the Honors College Faculty-led Education Abroad Program (FLEAP) from June 1 to June 2027. Led by Drs. Jack Kwong and Cuong Mai, this program includes two three-credit courses, HON 2517/REL 3535 “Religion and Society of Contemporary Japan” and HON 3515/PHL 3535 “Meaning and Fantasy.” Visit iconic locations, including Tokyo, Kyoto, and Mount Fuji. Total cost is $7320, including airfare. Contact Drs. Kwong and Mai with any questions.
Blakemore Foundation Asian Language Fellowships
Apply for the 2027 Blakemore Asian Language Fellowships and Kingfisher Art History Language Fellowships by Saturday, Dec. 30 at 11:00 pm. Blakemore Freeman Fellowships are awarded to graduating seniors, college graduates, graduate students, and young/mid-career professionals for advanced study of Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Indonesian, Khmer, Thai, or Vietnamese in Asia. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree by the start of the grant in Fall 2027. Fellowships last 9 to 12 months and provide a stipend for living, travel, study expenses and full tuition for study. Applications include letters of recommendations and a current transcript. Contact the Blakemore Foundation for more information.
Student Submissions: UNCG Honors Symposium 2027
Submit a presentation abstract for the 27th Annual Undergraduate Honors Symposium at the University of North Carolina in Greensboro by Monday, Jan. 4, 2027. All Honors students and faculty are invited to attend the Symposium on Friday, March 26, 2027. The top three visiting student presenters will receive $500, $300, and $200. There is no registration fee to submit a presentation or to attend the Symposium. Contact the Lloyd International Honors College for more information.
Survey: Attitudes & Perception of AI Use at App State
Participate in a study sponsored by the University Writing Center aimed at assessing perceptions of AI among students, faculty, and staff. Fill out the short survey. Contact Sarah Zurhellen with any questions.
Stay in the Know
Theatre and Dance: Hamlet
Experience a film-noir style production of Hamlet, directed by Dr. Derek Davidson and performed by students from the Department of Theatre and Dance. Showtime is at 7:00 pm in IG Greer Hall on Nov. 4, Nov. 5, and Nov. 6. Tickets are $10 for students.
Brokers of Power: The Financialization of the US Electricity System
Join the Appalachian Energy Center and the Department of Geography and Planning for a talk by author Dr. Conor Harrison on Thursday, Nov. 5 at 3:30 pm in the Student Union. Dr. Harrison will discuss his latest book, Brokers of Power, and explore the relationship between financial firms and the electrical industry. This event is free and open to the public.
Percussion Ensemble Concerts
Visit the Broyhill Music Center for free performances on Thursday, Nov. 5 in the Rosen Concert Hall. Join the students of the Percussion Ensemble from 6:00 to 7:00 pm. Stay for the Advanced Percussion Ensemble from 8:00 to 9:00 pm. Check out the full line-up of events from the Hayes School of Music.
Upcoming Climate Events
Take part in November’s events from the QEP: Pathways to Resilience. Visit the Student Union for drop-in advising about the new Climate Studies Minor on Thursday, Nov. 5 from 9:00 to 11:30 am. Stop by King Street for a Community Listening Session about air quality on Monday, Nov. 9 from 6:30 to 8:00 pm at F.A.R.M. Cafe. Make warming stripes bracelets with the Craftivism Collective on Thursday, Nov. 17 from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm in Leon Levine Hall. View the full event line-up.
Guest Speaker Jordan LeVan
Stop by Leon Levine Hall on Friday, Nov. 6 at 12:30 pm for a presentation from Jordan LeVan, founder of Fighting for My Voice. LeVan will share his experiences with Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) and his career in helping children and families. No registration is required.
In the Honors Spotlight
Honors Student Sierra Focazio Explores Elephant Conservation through Alternative Service Experience
Sierra Focazio participating in an Alternative Service Experience with The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee. Photo submitted.
Honors College alumna Sierra Focazio ’26 explored elephant conservation during a service trip in Tennessee this past Spring Break. A physics major concentrating in astronomy with an English minor, Focazio participated in an Alternative Service Experience (ASE) at The Elephant Sanctuary to step outside her academic discipline. The program combined hands-on volunteer work with guided peer reflection, connecting local animal welfare to broader environmental challenges.
The project highlighted the importance of reciprocal learning. Working with sanctuary partners taught Focazio to listen actively and learn from community leaders. It also redefined her perspective on leadership, demonstrating that leading can mean stepping into unfamiliar environments to support community needs. Her journey illustrates the Honors College’s commitment to interdisciplinary learning and holistic development beyond the classroom.
Read the full story by Isabella Lebron.
Have announcements to share? Submissions can be made to honors@appstate.edu. Any content received by the prior Wednesday will be considered for the following week’s issue.
Have a story to share? Share what you have done, what you are doing, or what you will be doing by submitting a story here.
To stay in the know, learn about opportunities, and take part in the Honors community, find us below!