College is often described as a place to discover who you are. At William Paterson University's Honors College, students say they discover something else as well: a community that helps them become who they want to be. Ask Honors students about their experience, and most won't begin by talking about challenging coursework. Instead, they'll talk about the friendships they've formed, the professors who mentored them, the research they pursued, and the opportunities that shaped them as scholars, leaders and people. With the Honors program celebrating its 50th anniversary this fall and the current Honors College marking its 20th, generations of alumni, faculty and students are reflecting on what has become much more than an academic distinction. For many, Honors has been a close-knit community that has shaped careers, inspired lifelong friendships, and opened doors to leadership opportunities, graduate school and research. Today, more than 500 students participate in William Paterson's Honors College, pursuing majors that range from biology to music and business. What unites them is not a single discipline, but a shared commitment to scholarship, leadership and service—the three pillars that have defined the Honors experience. The Honors Experience "The Honors College faculty and staff are committed to creating a dynamic learning environment where students build meaningful relationships with one another and with their professors. Our students' commitment to scholarship, leadership and civic engagement helps them grow into thoughtful professionals while building the confidence, experiences and connections that prepare them for whatever comes next." — Barbara Andrew, Dean, Honors College One hallmark of the Honors experience is undergraduate research. Working alongside faculty mentors, students complete original research or creative thesis projects across eleven academic tracks before presenting their work during Honors Research Week. Anna Segelken '24, now pursuing her master's degree in speech-language pathology at William Paterson, says her Honors research examining how book club participation affects people with aphasia continues to shape her work as a clinician. "My Honors College research has had a tremendous impact on my career," she says. "It taught me how important it is to make speech therapy functional for each individual and tailor treatment to the client's personal goals." Honors students in the cognitive science track participate in the Eastern Psychological Association Conference in Boston in Spring 2026. Beyond the classroom, Honors students participate in civic engagement initiatives, faculty-led travel experiences, educational excursions throughout the region, and social programs that foster a strong sense of belonging. During Spring Break this year, students enrolled in the Honors course Hidden Histories and Artistic Expressions of Italy traveled to Rome, Florence and Pisa, exploring the country's art, history and culture firsthand while strengthening relationships with classmates and professors. The Honors group visits the Colosseum in Rome in Spring 2026. Business management major Preston Nieuwenhuis '28 says the Honors College provides an "immersive experience" through "so many different opportunities." "College is all about finding who you are and who you want to be—on a social, academic, and career level—and Honors helps guide students toward those goals while also providing a strong support system," he says. Nieuwenhuis pairs his business studies with the Honors College's social sciences research track, examining business issues through a broader interdisciplinary lens. Students continue building community through Honors housing, research collaborations, club activities and service projects, including the annual Honors Coat Drive and "Saturday Service" at a local food pantry. Donated coats are piled in the windows of Raubinger Hall during the Honors College Coat Drive in Fall 2018. The "Slices of Service" event in Spring 2026 had students making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches as well as notes of encouragement for unhoused individuals in Paterson. "The result is a community where students are empowered to develop intellectually, professionally and personally," Andrew says. "That sense of connection continues long after graduation, as alumni return to mentor students and remain engaged with the University." The Honors College also creates opportunities for students to develop the communication and leadership skills needed in an increasingly diverse world. Last spring, students participated in "Bridging the Gap," a four-hour interactive program featuring discussions, debates and collaborative activities designed to help participants engage thoughtfully across cultural and personal differences. Nieuwenhuis, one of six Honors students who helped lead the program, says it was among the most meaningful experiences of his University career. "In a time of so much division, it was really amazing to see how we were able to come together as a group, regardless of our differences. I found that to be very powerful and it really stuck with me." — Preston Nieuwenhuis '28 Nieuwenhuis adds, "Honors has given me so many amazing opportunities as a student, a leader, and just as a person." The Honors College also offers practical advantages that support student success, including priority course registration and a $5,000 annual Honors College Scholarship for incoming first-year students admitted to the program. This September's anniversary celebration will honor five decades of student achievement while looking toward the future of Honors education at William Paterson. "Honors is a place where students discover just how much they're capable of accomplishing," Andrew says.
