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More than 100 alumni, current and former faculty, students, and friends of William Paterson University gathered last month to celebrate 50 years of Honors education on campus, reconnecting across generations and reflecting on the experiences, relationships, and opportunities that have shaped their lives. Guests traveled from near and far, including several from across the country, to commemorate the milestone.
The celebration marked the 50th anniversary of the University's Honors program and the 20th anniversary of the Honors College, which today serves more than 500 students across a wide range of academic disciplines.
"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," says Honors College Dean Barbara Andrew. "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."
During the anniversary celebration, guests heard updates from current faculty and students involved in the Honors College's research and creative performance tracks, offering a glimpse into the work today's Honors students are pursuing. The event also provided opportunities for alumni to reconnect with former classmates and professors, while a dinner program featured remarks from University President Richard J. Helldobler and Interim Provost Amy Ginsberg, along with a look back at the history of Honors at William Paterson presented by Dean Andrew.
One of the evening's most memorable moments came as former students and faculty shared personal stories about the lasting influence of the Honors experience, from meaningful mentorships and lifelong friendships to academic and professional opportunities that helped shape their futures.
For Honors College graduate Chiamaka "Chia" Anyanwu '21, who studied nursing and now works as a medical-surgical oncology nurse at St. Joseph's University Medical Center in Paterson, hearing those reflections was especially moving.
"You could see how much each person was impacted by their track director or just getting into the Honors College in the first place, and how it changed their perspective and the trajectory of where they are," Anyanwu says. "It was very inspiring."
Anyanwu describes her own Honors experience as personalized, rigorous, and supportive. As a nursing student, she gained early exposure to research and opportunities to collaborate with faculty and professionals across disciplines—experiences she says she might not otherwise have encountered until graduate school. Additionally, she valued the close-knit environment, where students from different majors shared a common drive to learn, challenge themselves, and grow.
The anniversary celebration also included a fundraising effort to support current and future Honors students. Anyanwu was among those who contributed.
"It's giving back to that community that has given me the opportunity," Anyanwu explains. "If I have the means to, even if it's a minimum, why not? It's going to help somebody."
For Andrew, the celebration reflected the lasting relationships that have defined Honors at William Paterson for five decades.
"That sense of connection continues long after graduation, as alumni return to mentor students and remain engaged with the University," she says.
The Honors College offers students an enriched academic experience that extends beyond traditional coursework. Through 11 specialized academic tracks, students work closely with faculty mentors to conduct original research or complete creative thesis projects, culminating in presentations during the University's annual Honors Research Week.
Beyond their academic work, students participate in civic engagement initiatives, educational travel, and leadership development opportunities. Recent experiences have ranged from exploring the art and history of Italy during a faculty-led trip to participating in community service projects and programs designed to foster dialogue across differences.
Explore more moments from the celebration! View the photo gallery →
