It's a Three-peat! (The View from 101)

What can you say about the growth of the Merrimack Honors community? Last year I called it incredible. And it was, with 66 members of the Class of 2017, one year after what had been the largest entering class at 44 freshmen. What do I say this year? Phenomenal? Unbelievable? Here are the numbers: 91(!) freshmen in the honors Class of 2018, and a total of 200 students across the Program. This after we saw our largest graduating class so far receive their Honors medallions and ribbons in May.

Growth brings challenges. Community is our First Pillar and our most important value, so addressing the challenges is particularly important. The Honors House and the new Monican Honors Living-Learning Community are one way we are responding. RAs who are themselves honors students will join with 18 volunteer Honors Mentors to make sure every Program student—resident and commuter—gets the information and the help they need. Another valuable contribution will be made by the Honors Student Council, which has grown from a tiny group of students my first year as director into a highly creative and energetic body of engaged students. The HSC will be hosting numerous Community-building events. (See the back for more details)

Then there’s the honors study lounge in Sullivan 101. This room, with its conference table, computers, printer, and coffee maker, is the physical crossroads for the Honors community. Here, to be honest, instead of incredible or phenomenal I would have to say “bursting at the seams.” Swipe access till midnight and free coffee and tea don’t make up for crowding that was already evident last year. Rest assured that I am doing everything I can to improve our space—and I don’t just mean buying extra K-cups. Returning students know that building projects have taken place all over campus the past few years. Improved space for Merrimack Honors is on the list and I’m working to make it happen as soon as possible.

In the meantime, stop by and say hi to Program Coordinator Lisa Cavallaro and our great new Higher Ed Fellow Laura Priest. After all, it’s our people who make our community.