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Student Testimonials

"The classes are what the Honors College is all about. They give students the practical and developmental aspects of college that aren't readily found in the average classroom. The classes have further reinforced my perception of the educational and professional value of being a member of the Pierre Laclede Honors College." Elizabeth Lee-Accounting graduate

"Throughout my entire college experience, all of my favorite classes have been in the Honors College. Courses were more unique and in-depth, at the same time being fun and challenging. Each semester I tried to design my course schedule with as many Honors courses as possible. I think that I have not only walked away with a deeper understanding for the world around me but an increased appreciation for many subject I would have never previously considered." Ian Fairless - Interdisciplinary Studies graduate

"Being a member of the Pierre Laclede Honors College means that each new semester, I don't have to walk into a lecture hall of 500 people and worry if I will know anyone; I can walk into a new Honors class knowing that it will be an intimate atmosphere where I will get to know my classmates and feel comfortable sharing my ideas and beliefs. In the Honors College, the professors don't teach you how to think, or tell you what to think; there is no memorization or regurgitation of facts. The Honors College staff encourages you to think outside the box and helps guide you in your pursuit of knowledge, whatever that path may be. The Honors College truly is a comfort zone where ideas can be exchanged and issues debated without the fear of repercussion or chastisement; it truly is a home away from home for its students." Christine Eccleston- English and Economics

“Being a mathematics major, many of my required classes were within my subject.  I found this disappointing, for I believe it is important for a person to obtain a broad knowledge of all the disciplines. The Pierre Laclede Honors College gave me the opportunity to obtain the well-rounded education I craved.  The combination of a
small-class setting with a stellar faculty makes the Honors College an ideal place for students to further their intellectual development.  In addition, attending the Honors College provides a substantial boost in an individual’s credentials.  This enhancement can prove itself extremely valuable, given today’s competitive job market.  I highly recommend taking courses in the Pierre Laclede Honors College, for it will be an experience you will never forget.” Jeff DeWitt- Mathematics graduate

“We are all products of our limited experiences.  As a politically conservative business major, I entered the Honor's College with many of the same opinions that I was raised with- and had accepted blindly.  After taking several courses in the ‘Inquiries in...’ series, and having been exposed to both sides of many contemporary issues, I am able to choose my own positions with confidence.  The small, roundtable discussion format of these classes is unparalleled.” Tom Tella-Finance and Accounting graduate

"Today's employers and graduate schools are looking for qualities that make an applicant stand out from the crowd. Graduating from the Pierre Laclede Honors College at UM-Saint Louis has given me that extra edge. It proves that I am an individual who challenges herself and is willing to go the extra mile. The Pierre Laclede Honors College staff is dedicated to student development during and after enrollment in the program. The recommendation Dean Bliss provided me undoubtedly played a large role in Iowa University's decision to offer me a full scholarship to their College of Law. As a Pierre Laclede Honors College graduate, I have increased my marketability in the workforce and strengthened my academic and professional credentials." Lisa R. Jones-Hall- Political science graduate (now at University of Iowa College of Law studying real estate law).

"You're making my degree worth more every day!" Sonia Hacker-International Business graduate

"The Honors College's sole purpose has been enriching the lives of students through challenging classes. It provides that extra class not offered on the main campus and a chance for students to go in depth on topics with independent study. The Pierre Laclede Honors College is giving extra educational opportunities to the students who are craving them the most..." Sarah Barcheck-Marketing Graduate

"I needed a comfort zone to discover my own potential. The Honors College helped me establish myself; I can't necessarily get this anywhere else." Samuel Andemariam, Senior Political Science graduate, courtesy of the St. Louis American Newspaper, September 4, 2003.

"The best part about the HC for me, maybe even UMSL, was Nancy Gleason. Not only did she help me understand (finally!) the many glories of the semi-colon, but she helped me understand that I was a writer, primarily through the 472 drafts of my law school admissions essay. I simply could not have taken on all the challenges in student government, applying to law school, and my course work without her. Nancy exemplifies what is best and most necessary in a teacher; she teaches the important "rules" needed and then allows her students to flaunt them to their most creative advantage." Courtney Stirrat, Political Science graduate.

"The Pierre Laclede Honors College experience leaves a lasting impression. The lessons I learned, contacts I made, and experiences I had were crucial in my development. The Honors College provided exceptional exposure to diversity in the classroom. The opportunity to learn with and from others outside your current discipline is one of the distinguishing characteristics of the Honors College and highlights the intrinsic benefits available for students."