Students and Faculty Connect at Honors Institute Luncheon

Publish Date: Nov. 19, 2025

The College Honors Institute hosted a faculty and student luncheon on Nov 19, 2025. Over 90 students and faculty members filled the Barbara L. Smith Event Center for food and networking opportunities. 

The Honors Institute supports high-achieving students through enriched coursework, academic exploration, and a strong sense of community. The luncheon is one of the program’s signature events, designed to help students and faculty build relationships outside of the classroom. 

Attendees enjoyed a taco bar for lunch while the faculty members rotated among tables every few minutes, responding to questions from students.  

Students described the event as a valuable opportunity to connect more personally with faculty. “I think this is a mutually beneficial event in that professors can connect with students and understand their perspectives,” said student Ethan Flores. “Meanwhile, students are able to humanize their professors and connect on a more even plane.” 

Sarah Brown, another student attendee, appreciated the chance to meet instructors she has not yet taken classes from. “It’s nice to get to know professors even from classes you haven’t taken,” she said. “You get the general vibe of the campus and get the gist of a faculty member you might want to take a class from.” 

Learn more about the College Honors Institute