Set the world on fire: Schneller to Honors College Students
By Zion Banks, Agora Editor
With resounding themes of leadership and excellence, 27 Honors students received historic and ornate pins during the 11th annual Pinning Ceremony celebrating Honors education at Governors State University (GovState). Though the ceremony marks the University’s first celebration of the Honors College, silver pins marked the 25th year of the program founded by Dr. Larry Levinson, Professor Emeritus.
“This event is the welcoming of our new Honors students," said GovState Honors College Founding Dean David Rhea, who shepherded the transition from an Honors Program to an Honors College in 2021. “And, to connect some of those students to those who had been in the program throughout their time at GSU. We are thrilled that all of you are here to support our Honors students tonight.”
Dr. Rhea welcomed family and friends of Honors students before thanking President Cheryl Green for her vision to expand and elevate the program, which this year saw a record enrollment of students, among other historic milestones.
“Dr. Green worked tirelessly to help us grow,’’ Rhea said, adding the year also saw record faculty engagement, donations, and retention the college status has brought.
Beaming with pride, Dr. Green congratulated Honors students —about 40 of an estimated 150 in the college – and reflected on her upcoming retirement in 2025.
“I can leave knowing GovState is in good hands. We are fortunate that our talented students have a way to shine academically. When you are gifted and you work hard, you can change the world. I’m looking forward to your exceptional leadership,’’ Dr. Green said.
Alum Liam Kirschbaum graduated in 2024 with a bachelor's degree in Accounting and is now pursing a master's degree at GovState. A Student Associate at Forvis Mazars, a leading provider of audit & assurance, tax, advisory & consulting services worldwide, Kirschbaum encouraged incoming Honors students to take full advantage.
“Welcome every new experience, believe in yourself and accept challenge into your life because the sooner you do, the sooner you will know you are capable of success—not just capable but born for success.” Liam’s younger brother Ahren Kirschbaum is in the Honors College now.
Provost Beverly Schneller recognized the impact of Honors education and the symbolism of the academic flags and noted the symbolism.
“Tonight we celebrate how the flame of knowledge, depicted on the gonfalon, engages and transforms our world together. You are our flame, and the books of knowledge lie underneath you to hold you up. So carry that tradition forward as you set the world on fire.”
Receiving 2024 Honors College pins were:
Damian Alvarado
Crystal Ancira
Morgan Arnold
Angelika Babicz
Morenike Balogun
Rylee Bancsy
Kalani Collins
Paige Craig
Brenda Encinas
Ava Esparza
Rebecca Fassbender
Elaina Frieson
Jaqueline Franco
Ava Gordon
Atzihri Guido
Marissa Heironimus
Morgan Hokanson
Ahren Kirschbaum
Arianna Lynch
Jonathan Lloyd
Kanaijah McGee
Anna Mitchell
Isa Olugbile-Muhammad
Amy Rodriguez
Mariam Samara
Annalea Vehe
Nayeli Zambrano