Eastern Honors Student Alexis Kurtz of Andover Recognized at Senior Reception

2016 May 17

Many of Eastern Connecticut State University's highest-achieving students were recognized at the Honors Program Senior Reception on May 14. In addition to taking honors level courses and maintaining a high GPA, students admitted to Eastern's competitive Honors Program must complete an honors thesis, an in-depth, original work of scholarship.

Alexis Kurtz '16 of Andover, who majors in Theatre, was recognized at the event. Kurtz's senior thesis is titled "I Have an Accent: Modules to Assist Nutmeggers in Performing Six Major American English Dialects for the Stage and Screen." Upon graduating from Eastern, Kurtz plans to gain work experience in the industry before pursuing a Master's in Fine Arts in Acting.

William Salka, director of the Honors Program and professor of political science, mentioned how this group of Honors students is special to him, as they are the first he has seen grow from freshman to graduation since taking the role as director. Salka said that in this role he has learned much beyond his field of political science, reading students' theses and mentoring them through their studies. "Life is quite long, and day to day life can become monotonous," he frankly told the students. "I urge you all to continue to learn, to be lifelong learners," suggesting that through living curiously and passionately, one can make the most of life.

The ceremony's keynote speaker was Phillip Elliott, former director of the Honors Program and professor emeritus of the Biology Department.

"When I retired, I embarked on a similar transition as you," he told the group of soon to-be-graduates. "Only you all have long futures ahead of you, and I have an extensive past behind me." Since his retirement, Elliott has become more involved with the community, particularly the homeless population in Willimantic. He told the students to withhold judgment of those less fortunate, suggesting that some people simply have more life challenges and barriers to success than others.

"Sometimes bad things do happen to good people," he said. "Some people, by virtue of biology or circumstance, are destined to have a tougher road ahead." When he first started volunteering, he added, "I felt guilty, thinking back on how easy I've had it." Elliott concluded his talk by urging the students to remain compassionate toward those less fortunate and, also, to not be ashamed of their own success.

Founded in 1973 and recognized regionally and nationally, The University Honors Program at Eastern is among the most active in New England. It offers full in-state tuition scholarships to freshmen entering the program.