The National Collegiate Honors Council (NCHC) conference held in Washington, D.C., featured 23 Columbia College Honors students, as well as Dr. John Zubizarreta, Dr. Joyce Fields, and President Caroline Whitson.  The students and faculty made a variety of presentations in general sessions, workshops, roundtable discussions, and panels at NCHC conference, and Dr. Whitson was a featured speaker.
 
The NCHC is the professional association of undergraduate honors programs and colleges including  directors, deans and honors faculty, staff, and students. The 1200 NCHC members represent honors programs and colleges in private and public, two- and four-year institutions, including international universities.  The annual conference was attended by approximately 2,000 participants from across the United States and other countries.
 
“It was a joy to attend multiple sessions in which Columbia College Honors students were presenters.  They were articulate and poised as they shared insights on everything from international culture, interdisciplinary studies, the art of teaching writing to their peers, and the qualities of art by American Muslim women and more,” said Dr. Whitson.
 
“Enriched with a global focus, the content of the sessions this year pointed out how Honors programs across the nation understand the importance of cross-cultural interaction, broadening of horizons, and respect and understanding of the unknown,” said senior honors student, Homa Hassan. Hassan is the recipient of the 2009 NCHC National Honors Student of the Year award.
 
Dr. John Zubizarreta served as 2009 president-elect and conference chair of the NCHC, and was installed as president of the organization during the convention. Zubizarreta is director of the Columbia College Honors Program, which is currently celebrating its 25th anniversary.