Honors College
Take Learning to a Higher level
While all students are urged to take an active role in their education, Honors College students lead the way. Not satisfied with high GPAs, they are driven to understand the whys and hows and strive to make the world a better place.
Support the Honors College
FGCU’s Honors College is an epicenter of excellence, a place for recognitions, in all senses of that word. The Honors College offers common ground for uncommon minds. Our commitment to in-depth mentoring reflects our common cause: ensuring access to excellence in public higher education.”
Advance
Whether you are an incoming freshman, a current FGCU student, or a transfer student, the Honors College welcomes you to join our community of dedicated students.
Evolve
Honors Student of the Year
Dominique (Dom) Berette is the Honors Student of the Year'24 award recipient. In addition to this distinction, Dom was inducted into the Hall of Fame'24. During her time in the Honors College, she served as the Vice President of the Global Medical Brigades (GMB) chapter at Florida Gulf Coast University, an Honors Ambassador, and an Honors Mentor.
Engage
Approximately 1,200 FGCU students call the Honors College home. Our students come from all undergraduate degree programs across FGCU, as well as students who are undeclared or undecided about their majors.
Celebrate
Say Hi to Nerdy Bird!
Academics
Honoring Sustainability Through Creativity and Mathematics
Working with Dr. Alberto Condori (Honors Faculty Fellow) in Precalculus
Our brilliant first-year students from FGCU's Honors College, have creatively illustrated the university's commitment to sustainability through mathematical artwork. Their innovative projects featured over 1,500 mathematical equations, and each perspective highlights the beauty and importance of protecting our planet for future generations.
The image below highlights FGCU's commitment to sustainability, showcasing the campus boardwalks that allow students to explore and engage with the local environment while reducing the campus's carbon footprint. The addition of birds and a beach to the graph reflects both aesthetic appeal and sustainability, aligning with FGCU's efforts to keep the oceans and skies clean through various student organizations.
—Allie Frame and Claire Herring
Boardwalks as Pathways to Sustainability
The campus boardwalks, crafted with sustainability in mind, promote walking and biking while minimizing environmental disruption. Students recognized the significance of these pathways as tools for reducing carbon footprints and fostering an appreciation for nature
The boardwalk on campus was chosen to demonstrate sustainability by promoting walking and active transportation, like scooters, while fostering an appreciation for nature. It allows students to enjoy the scenery without disturbing wildlife, encouraging them to engage in environmentally responsible actions like picking up trash and using recycling bins
—Rocio Cruz and Jessica Esparza
The Lakefront and Recycling
One student group depicted the lakefront—a vital habitat and stormwater management system—as a place of recreation and education. They reminded us of recycling efforts, encouraging everyone to contribute to the conservation of our precious resources..
The image below depicts the FGCU Water School with an eagle soaring above, symbolizing the university's dedication to sustainability and environmental research. The eagle, as both FGCU's mascot and a native species, represents the university's commitment to preserving local ecosystems.
—Eva Gaudette and Julia Jurca
Symbolism of the Eagle
FGCU’s eagle mascot was creatively integrated into students' artwork as a symbol of both the university's identity and the call to action for protecting endangered species, particularly the bald eagle. This powerful symbol serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of all life and the responsibility we share in preserving it.
The following image depicts a softshell turtle basking in the sun near a campus boardwalk, symbolizing the beauty of nature and the importance of preserving natural ecosystems. This simple yet meaningful moment highlights the peace and tranquility of the environment, serving as a reminder of the need to protect and cherish the world around us.0
—Ryleigh Braz and Jayden Nelson
Protecting Wildlife and Natural Habitats
With images like a sea turtle basking on the beach and an eagle soaring over the Water School, the students emphasized the importance of preserving local ecosystems. They highlighted the importance of maintaining clean beaches, protecting wildlife, and supporting biodiversity through hands-on learning and research.
Office of Competitive Fellowships
The Office of Competitive Fellowships' mission is to serve the FGCU student body by fostering intellectual and personal growth through the competitive application process. We provide support and guidance including recruitment, advising, campus endorsements, practice interviews, and post-application mentorship. Our goal is to empower students to pursue their dreams and passions.
The office is housed within the Honors College and serves all students at the University. Please make an appointment with Dr. Hilal Peker (hpeker@fgcu.edu) or stop by the Honors College for more information.
Please note that the office is for external awards and scholarships only. If you need more information, please also visit the OCF website.
Honors Junior of the Year'24
Josephina (Josie) Ansell received the Honors Junior of the Year Award for 2024. She is majoring in Psychology with a concentration in Neuroscience and Cognition and minoring in Forensic Studies. Josie serves as an Honors Ambassador, a member of the Forensic Science Student Association, and a member of FGCU RUF. Josie also completed an international internship and an Honors Thesis focusing on Police Mental Health policies. In addition to her research, she has a strong passion for community service and has served over 100 service-learning hours.
Student Awards and Recognition
Fulbright'24
Casandra Casadevalle is a Fulbright Scholar for 2024. With tremendous support from Dr. Hilal Peker, Director of the Office of Competitive Fellowships (OCF), she was one of two students to get the award for 2024. Hannalori Thress is a Fulbright semi-finalist.
Portz'22
Kea was named a 2022 NCHC Portz Scholar for having written the best paper/senior honors thesis in the category of Arts and Humanities in the 2021-2022 academic year. With the other three 2022 NCHC Portz Scholars (in the categories of Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, etc.), Kea presented her work at a special session at the conference.
NCHC SoY'22
Josie was named the 2022 NCHC Student of the Year (SoY), the highest honor that NCHC
can confer on an honors student. Josie succeeded Katey Ryan, the 2021 NCHC Student
of the Year, who graduated from the FGCU Honors College in May 2022.
Meet the Staff
Stop by our office to meet our staff, take a stroll with the Dean every Thursday morning at 8:00 AM, or to simply say hello.
Contact Us
The Honors College is located in Reed Hall 155. You can reach us by phone at 239-590-7490 or send an email to honors@fgcu.edu
