Honors Conversations
THINK. FEEL. BE.
As a Reaud Honors College student, you are among the brightest students a university has to offer. Being a part of our community of scholars is an excellent way for you to meet new people and discuss ideas.
Our Honors Conversations series is a holistic journey of self-reflection, empowerment, and communication that will help you gain an appreciation for the mantra, “Think. Feel. Be.”
Upon completion of the reflection assignment, students will receive one hour of Non-Course Credit for each Honors Conversation attended, up to a maximum of three total.
FOSTERING MEANINGFUL DISCUSSIONS BETWEEN FACULTY & STUDENTS
Each Socratic discussion...begins with a professor speaking on a topic of interest for 15 minutes. Students will then engage in discussion for 45 minutes after, bouncing ideas, thoughts and opinions back and forth.
ALL CONVERSATIONS WILL BE HELD IN:
REAUD HONORS LOUNGE
Thurs, OCTOBER 16, 2025 @ 12:45 PM
Transitioning of American Economy from the "Dot-Com Bubble" Days
Our conversation will explore the transitioning of the American economy from the "dot-com bubble" days of the late 1990s until recent. Major events during this transition time will include the "dot-com bust," 9/11, the great recession of 2008, the COVID pandemic, the inflation years of 2022 to 2024, and the imposition of tariffs in 2025. Each event has impacts on the national unemployment rate and inflation rates. These impact all our lives either directly or indirectly.
– MENTOR: Dr. John McCollough
Tues, NOVEMBER 11, 2025 @ 12:45 PM
From Plagues to Policy: The History of Public Health and its Relevance Today
Public health’s history reflects evolving views on disease, government responsibility, ideas of personal liberty, and community well-being. From ancient sanitation to campaigns against epidemics, societies have long recognized how individual health depends on the health of the community. The modern field of public health, shaped by scientific research and preventive care, led to life-saving measures and debates about equity and the state’s role. Today’s challenges—climate change, pandemics, mental health, and health disparities—underscore that public health involves medicine, social justice, and collective action. Learning from history guides our response to present and future health crises with both urgency and shared responsibility.
– MENTOR: Dr. Tina Kibbe
Beginning in the late 16th century in France and Italy, artists, intellectuals, political figures and many more came together regularly to discuss the most influential works and ideas of their day. Participants entertained each other with new music, brief theatrical performances, sardonic letters, but more often than not these gatherings were opportunities to discuss important literary works, political rumblings, or consider the efficacy of scientific breakthroughs.
The mission of the Reaud Honors College is to integrate academic excellence, community involvement, research and scholarship, and civic leadership. The Honors Conversations series is a way to live that mission.