The Honors Program is extremely active in service to the community, and, while we do not require it, we encourage all students to become involved in the various service opportunities offered through the program. The service opportunities in any given year vary, as they are often ideas that come from the students themselves, but below are some of the ways Honors students have been serving their community.
Many of you are familiar with this organization, which packs food for children in developing countries, to give them the nutrition necessary to survive. This particular organization is religious, so we should be clear here that the Honors Program’s involvement is based on the humanitarian aid the group provides, and not on supporting any particular religious view. The groups is quite welcoming to all and, while they pray a Christian prayer over the food, they are quite considerate in providing an opportunity for people uncomfortable with the prayer to step aside briefly. This outing is just a few miles away so people will get their on their own or via carpool, no transportation will be provided by the program.
Honors Students also participate in at least one cultural outing each semester. The Honors Program covers most of the cost of these outings for the students, so as to remove any barriers to participation.
We partnered up with the International Students Club to go to one of the free days at the Field Museum in downtown Chicago. We usually go by train, so students will need to buy their own ticket. We may also buy tickets to a special collection at the Field, but we will cover that cost for you.
This is our largest trip of the year, and we take more than thirty students down to see the play. We usually all travel by bus, and students will simply have to bring money to cover their own dinner (roughly $25 if you want to eat with the group in the restaurant; less if you just want to grab something in the food court next to the restaurant), as well as $10 to hold your spot. The $10 will be given back to you when you get on the bus
This is our big fundraiser for the Lydia Home, a group home for children who have been removed from their homes. This is your chance to shine and to cheer on your fellow students, alumni and community members as they strut their stuff. If you can sing, dance, do some magic, play an instrument, make with the funny, or have any other talent you want to put on display, or you know someone who does, make sure you contact Professor Tomasian to sign up. There will also be other volunteer opportunities related to the event – but most of all, we want to make sure we pack the house.
Thinking of transferring to an Ivy League or other highly competitive school? Come and learn some tips about creating a strong application. Think there is no way you could get into or afford such a school? Come and find out that Columbia and schools like it may be more possible than you think. (We even have a recent Harper Honors Program Grad there right now!)
The Honors Program is part of the HCIR, the Honors Council of the Illinois Region. Each Spring this group holds a student symposium, where students in the various Honors programs present their academic work. We encourage you to sign up right away by emailing honors@harpercollege.edu if you want o present some work from one of your classes or just to attend.
Many of you are in the Honors Program but will also be joining PTK. We encourage you to accept your invitation to become a member of PTK when you receive it. New members are invited to a fall Welcome Reception and a spring Induction Ceremony. Members receive a free gift a the fall reception and their complimentary stoles at spring induction. We encourage you to RSVP to the induction ceremony as your accomplishments are celebrated. Please remember to check your Harper email regularly and Blackboard for important information and rsvp links.
