Winter Gala Held by English Honors Program
The English Honors Program at Holy Cross College, a prestigious programme for seniors interested in exploring a project related to English, recently presented their theses at the annual academic conference on April 26th, 2024.
The conference, held towards the end of April, provided an opportunity for seniors to see the work of their classmates and gain insights into the diverse perspectives and creativity within the programme. This year's event was particularly special, as it marked the 25th anniversary of the English Honors Program, which was established by Professor Susan Sweeney in 1998.
The English Honors Program unites students from multiple disciplines who have demonstrated academic excellence at the College. The presentations, attended by families, friends, and members of the English Department, included a variety of thought-provoking topics. Some of the project titles presented at the Winter Celebration included "Boethius's Paradox of Poetry and Philosophy," "The Eternal Deaths of Emily Dickinson," and "Escaping Expectations: How Irish Women's Contemporary Novels Inspire Young Women."
Matt Nickerson '24, who served as the Chief Features Editor for the 2024 Academic Conference coverage, shared his experience, stating, "The conference provided a unique platform for seniors to showcase their hard work and learn from their peers."
Ben Lepper '25, one of the students who presented, expressed his admiration for his fellow students, stating, "I was inspired by my classmates, and I hope my thesis will be half as good as theirs."
The 2024 Academic Conference image was courtesy of College of the Holy Cross. The first group of students graduated from the English Honors Program in 2000, and since then, the programme has continued to flourish, with invitations for eligible juniors sent out early in their spring semester.
For those interested in applying for the English Honors Program, the eligibility criteria include a minimum overall GPA of 3.0, a minimum upper-division major GPA of 3.5 for English majors, and the completion of required lower-division English courses and at least two upper-division English non-workshop courses for English majors. Students must also be enrolled in or have completed ENGL-491 or ENGL-492 with a grade of A- or better.
The application process involves identifying potential supervisors, preparing a detailed project proposal, submitting the application to the English Department, and maintaining GPA and course requirements throughout the undergraduate studies. Students must also discuss their proposed project with two faculty members who agree to serve as supervisors, at least one of whom must be tenure-track.
As Professor Sweeney looks forward to a 25th-anniversary celebration for the English Honors Program in the spring, she encourages students to apply and become a part of this esteemed programme. For more information about the application process, visit the English Department's website or speak with an academic advisor.
- The English Honors Program, established by Professor Susan Sweeney in 1998, offers education-and-self-development opportunities for students who have demonstrated academic excellence at Holy Cross College.
- Students in the English Honors Program engage in personal-growth experiences through research projects, as evidenced by the diverse perspectives presented at annual events such as the Academic Conference.
- The English Honors Program is not just limited to English majors; it unites students from multiple disciplines, fostering learning and collaboration among them during the project presentations.
- To apply for the English Honors Program, students must meet certain criteria, including a minimum GPA, completion of required courses, and the identification of potential supervisors, signifying commitment to the program and the willingness to engage in rigorous research.
