Honors

Sharon McMahon to Keynote 91��Ƭ�� State’s Common Read Lecture Nov. 18

Desiree Kolb — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 15:51:21 +0000

Sharon McMahon to Keynote 91��Ƭ�� State’s Common Read Lecture Nov. 18

Desiree Kolb Tue, 02/17/2026 - 09:51

ABERDEEN, S.D. – 91��Ƭ�� State University will welcome No. 1 New York Times-bestselling author, award-winning educator, founder and philanthropist Sharon McMahon as the keynote speaker for the Larry and Julie Poeppel Family Common Read Lecture at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2026, in the Harvey and Cynthia Jewett Theater in the Johnson Fine Arts Center. The lecture is free and open to the public.

Sharon McMahon is a longtime government and law teacher who provides daily insights on current events, political misinformation, the history and function of the U.S. government, and ways to support democracy.

“I’m excited that The Small and the Mighty has been selected as 91��Ƭ�� State University’s next Common Read. Showcasing the everyday Americans whose actions shaped the course of our nation’s history, the book encourages reflection on perseverance, empathy, and the shared responsibility to do the next needed thing—something we all need to be reminded of, especially right now,” said Sharon McMahon.

“We are honored to invite Sharon McMahon to 91��Ƭ�� for this year’s Larry and Julie Poeppel Family Common Read Lecture,” said Dr. Hannah Walters, director of the NSU Honors Program. “Her remarkable ability to make complex civic and historical topics accessible and inspiring aligns perfectly with the goals of the Common Read program.”

McMahon, known as “America’s Government Teacher,” transitioned from public school government and law educator to nationally recognized author and podcast host. She simplifies contemporary civic issues and historical context for millions online, helping audiences replace confusion with clarity and division with understanding.

She is the author of the No. 1 New York Times bestselling book The Small and the Mighty: Twelve Unsung Americans Who Changed the Course of History, which highlights inspiring stories of ordinary people whose courage and action forged meaningful change. McMahon also hosts the award-winning podcast Here’s Where It Gets Interesting, where she brings history and civics to life with compelling narratives and interviews.

In addition to her educational work, McMahon is a respected voice in combating misinformation, fostering civil discourse, and empowering citizens to understand and engage with democratic processes.

The Larry and Julie Poeppel Family Common Read Lecture offers attendees the opportunity to hear McMahon share her insights on civic engagement, storytelling, and the power of ordinary people to shape history. A Q&A will follow.

Copies of "The Small and the Mighty: Twelve Unsung Americans Who Changed the Course of History" are available for purchase for $18 (tax included) at the NSU Wolf Shoppe, located on the first floor of the Student Center.

For more information, contact Dr. Hannah Walters at hannah.walters@91��Ƭ��.edu

About the 91��Ƭ�� State University’s Common Read

Now in its 17th year, the Common Read is 91��Ƭ�� State University’s largest academic event, promoting intellectual growth and meaningful dialogue within the campus and Aberdeen community. The Common Read culminates with the Larry and Julie Poeppel Family Lecture, funded in part by the Poeppel Family Endowment with additional support from the Marlene and Clayton Olson Endowment. The NSU Honors Program thanks all of the donors and supporters who help make the Common Read program successful.

NSU Honors Student Accepted into Honors Law Opportunity Program

Desiree Kolb — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 15:47:24 +0000

NSU Honors Student Accepted into Honors Law Opportunity Program

Desiree Kolb Thu, 12/18/2025 - 09:47

ABERDEEN, S.D. – Morgan Haselhorst, a member of the 91��Ƭ�� State University Honors Program, has been accepted into the Honors Law Opportunity Program (HLOP) at the University of South Dakota (USD) Knudson School of Law.

Through the HLOP, Haselhorst is guaranteed admission to the USD Knudson School of Law, regardless of LSAT score, and will receive a $2,500 scholarship for her first year of law school if she earns an LSAT score of 150 or higher and graduates in Honoribus from NSU.

“Being accepted into the HLOP is an incredible honor and a significant milestone in my journey toward a legal career,” Haselhorst said. “I am incredibly grateful for the support from the 91��Ƭ�� State University Honors Program and the USD Knudson School of Law. This opportunity provides me with a clear path forward as I finish my undergraduate studies at 91��Ƭ��.”

“Morgan brings a strong academic foundation and a clear commitment to ethical legal advocacy,” said Dr. Hannah Walters, director of the NSU Honors Program. “She has strengths in criminal justice, psychology and professional communication, and already has some hands-on legal experience, which makes her an excellent fit for law school.”

The Honors Law Opportunity Program supports high-achieving honors students as they prepare for and transition to law school, providing a clear pathway from undergraduate studies at 91��Ƭ�� to legal education at USD Knudson School of Law.

For more information, contact Dr. Hannah Walters, director of the NSU Honors Program, at hannah.walters@91��Ƭ��.edu.

91��Ƭ�� State University Honors student recognized at national conference for research on special education inclusion

Desiree Kolb — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 22:30:46 +0000

91��Ƭ�� State University Honors student recognized at national conference for research on special education inclusion

Desiree Kolb Mon, 12/01/2025 - 16:30

ABERDEEN, S.D. – 91��Ƭ�� State University Honors student Madison Park recently earned second place in the pedagogy and education category of the student poster competition at the National Collegiate Honors Council annual conference.

Park’s research project, “How Generations of Teacher Education Impact Special Education Inclusion,” explores how generational differences in teacher education, along with social, technological and policy changes, affect inclusive practices in special education.

“It was very exciting to present my research! It was a great experience to talk to other professors and students about my study and get their input on how I could improve my research and poster,” Park said.

“As a double major in Elementary and Special Education, I believe this topic is very important as it focuses on what is best for our students. Education is constantly evolving and changing and I believe this research can benefit all students,” she said.

“91��Ƭ�� students continue to shine at the National Collegiate Honors Council annual conference, a highly competitive event. Madison’s research offers valuable insights that could shape future teacher training. This recognition highlights both her dedication and the importance of her findings.” said Dr. Hannah Walters, associate professor of marketing and director of the NSU Honors Program.

Park completed her research under the guidance of her thesis and research advisor, Dr. Cheryl Wold, professor and graduate coordinator M.S.Ed. in Special Education.

“I have offered Madison suggestions and resources, but she has done all the hard work,” Wold said.

“Honors has taught me perseverance and grit, qualities that are very important to teaching, especially in the first few years,” Park said.

In addition to Park’s recognition, several other 91��Ƭ�� State University Honors students presented their research at the National Collegiate Honors Council annual conference:

Abiah George – “The Denial of ‘Homegrown Terrorism’: Bias, Rhetoric, and the Framing of Domestic Extremism”
Avery Kautz – “Evolving Culture through Community Cookbooks: The Americanization of South Dakota”
Chasity Lewis – “Breaking Barriers: Gender Stigma and Awareness in College Counseling Services”
Karli Klein – “Molecular Detection of Haemogregarina spp. from Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta) Blood”
Morgan Sheldon – “Testing Moccasin Creek Using ICP-OES Water Analysis for Heavy Metal Contamination”
Stella Meier – “Rhetorical Shields: The Shaping of Qualified Immunity by the United States Supreme Court”

For more information about the NSU Honors Program, contact Dr. Hannah Walters at hannah.walters@91��Ƭ��.edu

NSU Graduate Becomes First to Complete Honors Law Opportunity Program at USD

Desiree Kolb — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 16:33:59 +0000

NSU Graduate Becomes First to Complete Honors Law Opportunity Program at USD

Desiree Kolb Wed, 07/16/2025 - 11:33

Jakob Lund is the first University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law graduate to have participated in the 91��Ƭ�� State University Honors Law Opportunity Program.

Lund left Kansas City, Missouri, his hometown, to attend 91��Ƭ�� State University. The university, located in Aberdeen, South Dakota, partners with the law school through the program to provide five guaranteed admission spots to selected honors students upon completion of their undergraduate degree. The program is open to any NSU honors student regardless of their current field of study.

Throughout his academic studies, Lund was motivated by a love for debate and advocacy. The two passions, he says, explain why he always wanted to go to law school.

"It is a combination of debate and then reading books about topics like Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X," said Lund. "Reading those advocacy-type books built my passion for wanting to do a job where I can help people, and I think law school is the perfect opportunity to do that."

Lund's perfect opportunity became more accessible when Kristi Bockorny, director of the NSU honors program, introduced him to the program. After being accepted and graduating from the Knudson School of Law, Lund highlights six other impactful mentors and moments:

His high school debate coach, Adam Higgins, inspired him to attend college; his high school mock trial coach, Irene Downs, introduced him to advocacy in the courtroom; traveling and helping build a debate program with NSU professor Justin Foote; taking USD professor Laura Rose's trial technology course his second year of law school; discussing philosophy behind the law with USD professor Tyler Moore; and receiving experienced insight from USD professor emeritus Frank Pommersheim.

The choice to attend law school through the pathway the program provided was not the only decision in Lund's academic journey that felt right.

When asked about his decision to attend NSU, Lund said, "It was kind of last second, and I just thought it was quiet, it was beautiful," adding, "South Dakota was definitely a change of pace from Kansas City, and I fell in love with it."

He says the small-town culture of Aberdeen and NSU provided him with opportunities to get involved and participate in more events. Lund built community connections through working weekends at the local Buffalo Wild Wings, qualifying for the honors program and joining the debate team.

"Aberdeen is just a close-knit community, and I think it represents South Dakota," said Lund. "I joined debate when he was still trying to build it, so it was really fun. We had a small team, and I made a lot of memories and friends. With the honors program, I was able to do research and travel."

After earning a degree in sociology with minors in legal studies and criminal justice, Lund took the clear pathway to the Knudson School of Law. Once at USD's law school, he enjoyed the accessibility of the 8-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio.

"The faculty really care, and I don't think you can get that anywhere else," said Lund. "It is more enjoyable to be able to come into a classroom where your professor takes the time to talk to you."

While in law school, Lund refocused on his love for the courtroom setting. He was active on the trial team and was awarded best direct examination at USD's annual intramural trial team competition in spring 2025.

Lund spent his time at USD exploring and establishing a personal value system; he recommends aspiring lawyers do the same.

"In my first year, Professor Pommersheim asked us, 'What is justice?' Asking questions like these helped me find my foundation," said Lund. "Take time to answer these questions and determine why you want to be a lawyer."

After graduation, Lund is staying in South Dakota to be near his high school sweetheart and fiancee, Alexandria Arndt, as she finishes her third year at USD's Knudson School of Law. In accordance with his passions for advocacy and debate, especially in a courtroom setting, Lund is pursuing a career in trial work.

91��Ƭ�� students present research at Upper Midwest Honors Conference

Desiree Kolb — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 19:49:24 +0000

91��Ƭ�� students present research at Upper Midwest Honors Conference

Desiree Kolb Wed, 04/09/2025 - 14:49

ABERDEEN, S.D. – 91��Ƭ�� State University students recently attended the Upper Midwest Honors Conference, where several students presented research, and one earned recognition in a regional competition.

In the Three Minute Thesis Competition, Abiah George earned second place for their presentation, “The Denial of 'Homegrown Terrorism': Bias, Rhetoric, and the Framing of Domestic Extremism.”

Three students presented their Honors Thesis research during the poster sessions:

Stella Meier – “Rhetorical Shields: The Shaping of Qualified Immunity by the United States Supreme Court”
Triston Leidholdt – “Underage Gambling Exposure: Changing Societal Outlook on Sports Betting”
Morgan Sheldon – “Testing Moccasin Creek Using ICP-OES Water Analysis for Heavy Metal Contamination”

In addition, Evelynn Carlson and Avery Kautz attended the conference and represented 91��Ƭ�� State University.

“I’m so proud of our students—not just for the outstanding research they presented, but for the way they fully engaged with the conference experience,” said Dr. Hannah Walters, director of the NSU Honors Program. “Opportunities like this are about more than presenting—it’s about discovering who you are as a scholar and a leader.”

The Upper Midwest Honors Conference brings together honors students and faculty from colleges and universities across the region to share research, connect with peers and faculty, and engage in academic conversation.

Morgan Sheldon, a Biology major from Mandan, North Dakota, competes on the 91��Ƭ�� Women’s Track and Field team. She plans to graduate in three years and then pursue a degree in Nursing.

Sheldon reflected on her recent experience at the conference:

“Presenting my thesis project on ‘Testing Moccasin Creek Using ICP-OES Water Analysis for Heavy Metal Contamination’ was a rewarding opportunity to showcase the hard work I’ve poured into this research over the past year. Being a part of Honors has given me the chance to share why this topic is interesting to me, especially in terms of conservation and encouraging people to care about the biodiversity of the creek beyond its aesthetics.

This experience has opened doors to learning more about the history of the creek, the organisms that inhabit it, and the wildlife and aquatic plants that depend on it. The feedback I received sparked even more questions that I want to continue exploring. I’m incredibly grateful to my 91��Ƭ�� professors and Honors advisors who supported me throughout this challenging process. Writing a thesis was intimidating at times, but their guidance helped me push through even when I felt like giving up.”

For more information about 91��Ƭ��’s Honors Program, visit 91��Ƭ��.edu/honors.

Acclaimed author Loung Ung to speak at 91��Ƭ�� State University Common Read Lecture

Desiree Kolb — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 22:38:23 +0000

Acclaimed author Loung Ung to speak at 91��Ƭ�� State University Common Read Lecture

Desiree Kolb Mon, 01/27/2025 - 16:38

ABERDEEN, S.D. – 91��Ƭ�� State University will welcome internationally renowned author and advocate Loung Ung as the keynote speaker for the annual Larry and Julie Poeppel Family Common Read Lecture. The event will take place at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025, in the Harvey and Cynthia Jewett Theater at the Johnson Fine Arts Center. The lecture is free and open to the public.

“We are deeply honored to host Loung Ung for this year’s Common Read,” said Dr. Hannah Walters, director of the NSU Honors Program. “Her extraordinary journey of resilience and advocacy will inspire and enlighten our campus and community.”

Ung is the bestselling author of “First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers,” a memoir chronicling her survival of the Cambodian genocide. In 2017, the book was adapted into a Netflix Original Movie directed by Angelina Jolie, with Ung serving as co-writer for the screenplay.

“I am honored that ‘First They Killed My Father’ has been chosen as the Common Read at 91��Ƭ�� State University,” Ung said. “Sharing stories helps us connect, foster empathy, and better understand the struggles and resilience of others. I hope this book inspires meaningful conversations about history, humanity, and the power of perseverance.”

Loung Ung was born in Phnom Penh in 1970. At age 5, her family was forced to leave their home when the Khmer Rouge came to power in Cambodia. Over the next four years, she endured the tragic loss of her parents and two siblings. She and her older brother later escaped to Thailand and eventually resettled in the United States.

In addition to her first memoir, Ung wrote “Lucky Child” and “Lulu in the Sky,” which reflect on survival, family, and personal growth. Her books have been translated into 15 languages and are widely used in schools and universities worldwide.

Ung served as an advocate and spokesperson for the Campaign for a Landmine-Free World, which won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1997. She was also named one of the “100 Global Youth Leaders of Tomorrow” by the World Economic Forum. Ung speaks to audiences worldwide, sharing her story and encouraging others through her experiences.

The Larry and Julie Poeppel Family Common Read lecture gives attendees the chance to hear Ung reflect on her life, the power of storytelling, and the lessons she has learned along the way. A Q&A session will follow, providing attendees the opportunity to ask questions and connect with Ung.

Copies of “First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers” will be available for purchase for $16.00 plus tax in the NSU Wolf Shoppe, located on the first floor of the Student Center.

For more information, contact Dr. Hannah Walters at hannah.walters@91��Ƭ��.edu.

About the 91��Ƭ�� Common Read

Now in its 16th year, the Common Read is 91��Ƭ�� State University’s largest academic event, promoting intellectual growth and meaningful dialogue within the campus and Aberdeen community. The Common Read culminates with the Larry and Julie Poeppel Family Lecture, funded in part by the Poeppel Family endowment with additional support from the Marlene and Clayton Olson Endowment. The NSU Honors Program would like to thank all of the donors and supporters who help make the Common Read program successful.

Two 91��Ƭ�� students accepted into Honors Law Opportunity Program

Desiree Kolb — Tue, 03 Dec 2024 20:42:34 +0000

Two 91��Ƭ�� students accepted into Honors Law Opportunity Program Desiree Kolb Tue, 12/03/2024 - 14:42

ABERDEEN, S.D. – 91��Ƭ�� State University students and best friends Abiah George and Kayla Waltman have been accepted into the Honors Law Opportunity Program (HLOP). Both students were approved by the NSU review committee and the USD Knudson School of Law Committee.

The program, a partnership between 91��Ƭ�� State University and the University of South

Dakota, helps increase the number of talented and committed lawyers in northeast South Dakota. Each year, up to five students in the 91��Ƭ�� Honors Program are guaranteed admission into the USD Knudson School of Law through HLOP.

For George and Waltman, this opportunity is particularly meaningful. The pair have been inseparable since their high school years, where they competed in speech and debate together, graduated together, and now celebrate the chance to attend law school together.

"Growing up in America on a visa, being admitted to law school is more than just an opportunity to continue my education—it’s a chance to fight for the causes I care about and push for the reforms in the criminal justice system I have always hoped to see," George said. "I am especially thankful for my speech and debate background, which not only honed my voice but also unlocked my potential to turn vision into action."

"This is a step and an opportunity toward my goal of using my voice for others. I will never, ever take that for granted. I am so grateful to have been chosen," shared Kayla Waltman.

To qualify for HLOP, students must:

• Be admitted into the Honors Program.
• Maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 and achieve an ACT score in the 80th percentile (26 or above on the ACT or SAT equivalent).
• Demonstrate strong academic performance and a personal commitment to building South Dakota communities.

The Honors Program and HLOP are just two of the many ways 91��Ƭ�� prepares students for success in education and beyond.

Photo by Lily Tobin

91��Ƭ�� State University Student Wins National Honors for Research on Genocide Propaganda

Desiree Kolb — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 19:40:14 +0000

91��Ƭ�� State University Student Wins National Honors for Research on Genocide Propaganda Desiree Kolb Mon, 11/18/2024 - 13:40

ABERDEEN, S.D. – 91��Ƭ�� State University’s Nkemdilim Chibuko recently achieved a milestone, winning first place in the arts and humanities category at the National Collegiate Honors Conference in Kansas City, Missouri. Chibuko’s research project, titled “Dehumanizing Discourse: Rwanda’s Genocide-Inciting Propaganda,” earned top recognition, highlighting her powerful work and the strength of 91��Ƭ��’s Honors Program.

Chibuko’s journey to this accomplishment wasn’t easy. Originally from Nigeria, she arrived at 91��Ƭ�� feeling the weight of adjusting to a new country, culture, and community. "My first semester here, I struggled. I even thought about leaving the Honors Program multiple times," Chibuko shared. "But Dr. Kristi Bockorny encouraged me to stay, and her support really helped me find my footing."

Dr. Bockorny, a mentor to Chibuko, reflected on her growth: “As Nkem found her confidence in herself, she really started to excel here at 91��Ƭ��. Those first couple of months were full of adjustments, but I think she started to realize her potential and what was possible. Nkem is a talented student with a message to share through her research. I know she will do great things. It has been an absolute pleasure seeing Nkem flourish in the Honors Program.”

As she progressed in the program, Chibuko found mentors who guided her. In her junior year, she began the Honors Seminar and faced the challenge of selecting a thesis topic. She wanted her research to combine her interests in communication and psychology with today’s global landscape. Under the guidance of Dr. Daniel Shannahan, she developed her research proposal, exploring the role of rhetoric in dehumanizing discourse and leading to her focus on Rwanda’s genocide-inciting propaganda.

Dr. Shannahan encouraged Chibuko to submit her work to the conference. "I was shocked — and thrilled — when I was accepted," she said. Preparing her project was both exciting and challenging. Dr. Jeffrey Howard provided valuable support with statistical analysis, helping Chibuko deepen the psychological aspect of her research.

Reflecting on her experience at the Kansas City conference, held Oct. 30 to Nov. 3, Chibuko said, "Presenting my research and having judges recognize its relevance to current issues was deeply gratifying. I’m still in disbelief that I’m a national champion! I’m so grateful to everyone who supported me and saw potential in me when I didn’t see it myself."

This win marks the third time in recent years that 91��Ƭ�� State University Honors students have claimed top honors at the conference, a testament to the dedication and mentorship within 91��Ƭ��’s Honors Program. Chibuko was joined by fellow 91��Ƭ�� students Simon Bickford, Summer Carlson, Dante Casanova, Jacob Ebeling, Kendall Kelly, and Jessica Splichal, all representing 91��Ƭ�� at the conference.

Chibuko’s journey from self-doubt to national recognition illustrates the transformative power of education, mentorship, and persistence. Her success reflects the supportive 91��Ƭ�� community behind her.

‘I Must Betray You’ author to deliver 2024 Common Read Lecture

Katherine Haas — Tue, 06 Feb 2024 13:55:44 +0000

‘I Must Betray You’ author to deliver 2024 Common Read Lecture

Katherine Haas Tue, 02/06/2024 - 07:55

ABERDEEN, S.D. – Internationally acclaimed Ruta Sepetys will return to campus for 91��Ƭ�� State University’s annual Larry and Julie Poeppel Family Common Read Lecture on Sept. 25 at 7:30 p.m. In 2017, Sepetys delivered the lecture on her novel “Salt to the Sea.”

The lecture will be held in Harvey and Cynthia Jewett Theater in the Johnson Fine Arts Center. It is open to the public and free to attend.

“We are very excited to welcome Ruta Sepetys back to 91��Ƭ�� for our 15th annual Common Read! Ruta was here in 2017 and we’re fortunate that she’s returning to speak again,” said Dan Shannahan, assistant professor of management and interim Honors Program director.

This year, Sepetys will present her latest historical fiction novel “I Must Betray You,” which was awarded the Yoto Carnegie Shadowers’ Choice Medal. She won the Carnegie Medal in 2017 for “Salt to the Sea.”

“I Must Betray You” is set in Romania in 1989, during the dictatorship of Nicolae Ceausescu, who uses isolation and fear to keep the citizens under control. When Cristian Florescu, a 17-year-old with dreams of becoming a writer, is blackmailed by the secret police to become an informer, he’s left with two choices: betray everyone or undermine an evil dictator.

Sepetys is a No. 1 New York Times bestselling author of historical fiction and has been published in over 60 countries and 40 languages. Her novels are enjoyed by students and adults. Born in Michigan, she is the daughter of a Lithuanian refugee raised in a family of artists, readers and music lovers. Sepetys is renowned for giving voice to underrepresented people in history.

“Faculty, staff, and students worked together to select “I Must Betray You” for the Common Read, and we can’t wait for the 91��Ƭ�� and Aberdeen communities to hear about the work directly from its author,” said Shannahan.

About the 91��Ƭ�� Common Read

Now in its 15th year, 91��Ƭ��’s annual Common Read program has grown into the largest academic event on 91��Ƭ��’s campus, attracting internationally recognized authors. The event is hosted by the 91��Ƭ�� Honors Program and supported through a generous endowment by the Larry and Julie Poeppel family. To learn more, contact Shannahan at daniel.shannahan@91��Ƭ��.edu.

91��Ƭ�� Honors student accepted to law school through collaboration program

Katherine Haas — Fri, 12 Jan 2024 17:41:55 +0000

91��Ƭ�� Honors student accepted to law school through collaboration program

Katherine Haas Fri, 01/12/2024 - 11:41

ABERDEEN, S.D. – 91��Ƭ�� State University student Kara Sinar has been accepted to law school through the Honors Law Opportunity Program (HLOP). Sinar will graduate in May 2024 with a major in English and a double minor in theatre and philosophy. Originally from Casper, Wyoming, Sinar has been an Aberdeen resident for over a decade.

The program is a collaboration between 91��Ƭ�� and the University of South Dakota, with the intent to help grow the number of committed, talented lawyers in northeast South Dakota.
HLOP guarantees admission for up to five 91��Ƭ�� Honors Program students into the USD Knudson School of Law.

Sinar did not originally plan to have a career as a lawyer.

“I originally planned to edit professionally, and I found that contract law gave me a narrower focus to do a similar thing. Choosing the right words–expressing oneself clearly and effectively–is incredibly important for legal writings and communications, and I believe that I will be well equipped to help people and businesses navigate the realm of contracts when I become a practicing attorney,” Sinar said.

Sinar became interested in law after a semester studying abroad.

“When an English language class I had originally intended to take was cancelled, I ended up taking a class in international law at Dankook University in Yongin, South Korea. The professor was amazing; I found that I really enjoyed the material and that I had a knack for it,” Sinar said.

The partnership with USD is in its third year and seven students have been accepted in the program.

“HLOP is a great opportunity for our students who are interested in law school. Through this program, 91��Ƭ�� Honors alumni are creating a nice cohort at the USD Knudson School of Law, and we look forward to seeing more 91��Ƭ�� students utilize this program,” said Kristi Bockorny, director of the Honors program and associate professor of management.

To qualify for HLOP, 91��Ƭ�� students must:

Be admitted into the Honors Program.
Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 and ACT score in the 80th percentile (26 or above on the ACT or SAT equivalent).
Demonstrate strong academic achievement and a personal commitment to building South Dakota communities.

HLOP and Honors are just a couple of the opportunities 91��Ƭ�� provides students.

“My time at 91��Ƭ�� and with the Honors Program has given me opportunities beyond 91��Ƭ�� itself,” Sinar said. “I am incredibly grateful for the time I have spent here and for the unique ways in which it has prepared me to further my education and to pursue a career in law.”

Honors Program

The 91��Ƭ�� Honors Program began in 1983 and has risen to national recognition. To graduate In Honoribus, students are required to complete an original Honors thesis and pass an oral defense in front of faculty. 91��Ƭ�� Honors students have had success presenting their thesis research nationally, with students placing highly at the National Collegiate Honors Conference three years in a row.

For more information about the HLOP and Honors Program, contact Bockorny at Kristi.Bockorny@91��Ƭ��.edu.