Honors Program

With its motto, “Excellence through Community,” North Central’s
College Scholars Honors Program is a unique, rigorous, and prestigious program that brings together high-achieving undergraduates pursuing any major.

The College Scholars Honors Program complements a student’s major studies and connects all members of the program through a network of peers, faculty, and honors alumni, forming a community of excellence.

College Scholars Synergy Retreat Fall 2012

Students in College Scholars have the opportunity to:

• Learn from each other in small, discussion-based honors courses
• Conduct and present independent research
• Receive one-on-one advising for prestigious national scholarships like Rhodes, Fulbright, Truman, & Goldwater awards
• Lead and participate in a variety of social events
• Study abroad, complete internships in foreign countries or in other parts of the U.S

In addition to their academic excellence, most honors students are deeply involved with extra-curricular activities including the arts, Division III athletics, and numerous campus organizations. Learn more about these students' activities through "Aristeia" - Excellence", the newsletter of the College Scholars Honors program.

Are you eager to pursue excellence through community and be a member of a community of excellence? The College Scholars Honors Program at North Central may be just the place for you.

College Scholars in the News

College Scholars and student athletes, Travis Morrison '15 and Frank Wleklinski '13 qualified to compete at the D-III Outdoor Track and Field Championships held in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

College Scholars Abbi Van Hook ’16 and Emily Johnson '16 participated in National Forensic Tournaments during Spring Term. The College had one of its most successful campaigns in school history.

College Scholars Colin Loeffler '14 and Tyler Ward '16 traveled to Washington D.C. to attend Ecumenical Advocacy Days (EAD) 2013 National Gathering. They were able to speak with legislators on important issues such as nutrition assistance and conservation programs.

The following College Scholars presented at the 2013 National Conference on Undergraduate Research at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse: Samantha DeWerff '13, Andrew Dubois '13, Amber Dvorak '13, Madison Henry '13, Colin Loeffler '13, Trevor Magnotti '13, Anna McGreal '13, Kelly Rasmussen '14, Carissa Rosine '13, Tyler Schroeder '13, Kristen Soforic '13, Kelsey VandenBerg '14, and Louis Waldmeir '13. Find out more about NCUR.

College Scholar Amber Dvorak '13 is featured in a digitial art exhibition during April and May in the Oesterle Library Gallery. There is an artist reception on April 9th.

College Scholars Emily Johnson ’16, Jillian Laumbacher ’14, and Abbi Van Hook ’16 competed for North Central’s forensics team in the State Championship tournament in March 2013.

College Scholar Christina Richardson '14 participated in Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) through North Central College and Loaves and Fishes. She took a rigorous exam and was able to help low income families file their taxes for free.

College Scholar Jocelyn Redlinski '14 was awarded the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) Athletes of the Week for Feb. 11-17. She recently set the North Central College record for 60-meter hurdles and qualified for the NCAA Division III Nationals held at North Central College.

College Scholar Kristen Soforic '13 has been selected to present at the 2013 Midwestern Psychological Association (MPA). Her project (along with North Central alum, Nicholas Petkunas) was also awarded a Regional Research Award from Psi Chi.

College Scholar Todd Tabor '13 is the chapter president of the newly formed student organization, Society of Human Resource Management. The organization will allow students to network with other HR professionals as well as provide access to many valuable tools in the industry.

Nine College Scholar students were named Academic All-College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) selections for the 2012 fall season. Athletes are: Men's Cross Country-David Janet '14. Women's Cross Country- Katelyn Zumpf '15. Football- John Hosey '15, William Sayer '15, Richard Zirngibl '16. Men's Soccer- Lucas Habeeb '15. Women's Soccer- Amy Gerald '16, Mackenzie Wenger '14. Women's Tennis-Reynolds Cross '15.

College Scholar Tiffany Tindell '15  helped research and design a display for the Naper Settlement Cup of Cheer holiday event in December. The display is being showcased  in the lobby of Naperville Bank and Trust through January. Her ambitions to work as a museum curator helped her earn an exciting internship with Naper Settlement and the Cup of Cheer exhibit.

College Scholar Louis Waldmeir ’13, majoring in German and minoring in history of ideas, presented research from his senior honors thesis at Heidelberg University in Tiffin, Ohio, on Oct. 27.

College Scholars Brandon Sarkauskas '15 and Rachel Foy '15 won Outstanding Attorney honors at Quincy University’s annual Riverside Classic Mock Trial Tournament on October 20 and helped their team take home first place. Also participating on the team is College Scholar Katie Madel '16 and former College Scholar Josh Bailey '11 as assistant coach. Congratulations! Learn more.

College Scholar Maria Gommel '13, an actuarial science and math major, received a 2012 Goldwater Scholarship, which is the highest national undergraduate award for achievement in math, science and engineering. In the last four years, North Central students have earned four Goldwater full scholarships or honorable mentions. She also was named North Central College’s 2012 Lincoln Laureate.