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Honors Day 2024

by Steven Ramey

Last Friday, April 5, was Honors Day at UA, meaning the annual REL Honors reception on the balcony of Presidents Hall. Whether you want to relive the thrills or see all that you missed, here are a few photos of the action that day.

Man in brown jacket talking to audience on balcony of Presidents Hall

Prof. Steven Ramey, department chair in REL, welcomed friends, family, students, and faculty and kicked off Honors Day, describing it as one of his favorite days of the academic year.

Composite photo of seven students receiving award and photo of white banner listing their names.

Prof. Richard Newton, REL Undergraduate Director, and Prof. Edith Szanto, REL Undergraduate Advisor, presented Silverstein Scholars with a book and their award. Pictured here are Taylor Lech, Jonas Posey, Noah Saunders, Katelyn Rials, Savannah McGrory, Hayle Singleton, and Caden Philley. Not pictured are Westin Bowman, Kadence Jackson, Drake Jones, Chris Mullen, and Camaryn Reynolds. Their names will be recognized each year on the Silverstein plaque in the REL lounge and the new banner, which we have added to the banners gracing our balcony each Honors Day.

Composite image of two students receiving Asian Studies awards

Prof. Nathan Loewen presented the Asian Studies Awards for Outstanding Student and two Research Awards. Abigail Brewer and Haley Tew, pictured above, both received the Asian Studies Research Award. Prof. Doris Sung from Art History advised Abigail on her research and joined Prof. Loewen in presenting her award. Victoria Crane (not pictured) received the Asian Studies Outstanding Student Award.

Photo of student receiving a book from a professor

Ellie Dilworth received the Outstanding Student in the Academic Study of Religion award, which Prof. Ted Trost presented. Ellie is continuing research with Prof. Trost on leadership and presented multiple projects in the REL Research Symposium the day before.

Photo of a student receiving a button award from a professor

Julianne Losacco, an REL major, received a special award, presented by Prof. Steve Jacobs, for her excellent creativity designing buttons for the department to give to students and friends.

Photo of black mugs and white buttons on a black tablecloth

Some of the buttons made by students in the REL main office commemorated Honors Day 2024, along with the. newest version of the department mug for parents and friends to take as a souvenir.

Photo of two students receiving an award from a professor

Second year MA students Casey A’Hearn and Aidan Nuttall shared the Goodwyn Award this year, presented by Prof. Vaia Touna, who is the department’s Graduate Director.

Photo of two professors being honored by a colleague

Prof. Ted Trost read comments from students and colleagues praising Profs. Vaia Touna and Nathan Loewen, whom the department nominated for the Outstanding Commitment to Teach Award (Prof. Touna) and the President’s Research Award (Prof. Loewen).

Photo of a professor receiving a framed set of photographs from another professor

Prof. Richard Newton was recognized by Prof. Steven Ramey for receiving the Distinguished Teaching Fellow award from the College of Arts & Sciences in the fall.

Photo of a professor receiving a framed set of photographs recognizing 25 years of teaching from another professor

Prof. Merinda Simmons recognized Prof. Ted Trost for 25 years of contributions to REL through his teaching, research, and leadership, adding some personal anecdotes about his generosity and openness early during her academic career.

people talking and eating on the second floor balcony of a brick building with black iron railings

After recognizing student and faculty excellence, everyone enjoyed some refreshment on a beautiful April day on the balcony of Presidents Hall. If you couldn’t make it this year, please join us next time.