By: Derek Hottenstein
The Honors Program at St. Norbert College has always been a group with a lot to talk about. Coming here from far and wide, every one of us has set out to make a mark on this campus. This year’s newly minted class of Honors Freshmen is no different. The Class of 2029 is really shaping up to be something special. But don’t just take my word for it. The numbers don’t lie, and there are plenty of them to shed a little light on what our newest students are all about.
Bergstrom is welcoming a remarkable 57 students into its walls. Imagine it, three floors, three lounges, one kitchen, and 57 unique students growing together in chaotic harmony. I remember my time in Bergstrom last year with the utmost fondness, and I wish its current residents all the best in finding new adventures there.
Speaking of new adventures unfolding, we college students need to have a major that sparks passion and drives us forward. And this year’s Honors program first-year students have a wide array of majors. 17 students are pursuing Biology/Biomedical Science majors; 7 are Psychology majors; 3 are Education majors; 2 are Chemistry majors, and many more majors include the likes of Economics, Nursing, Data Analytics, Physics, Creative Writing, and Sports Medicine. It’s like seeing our future unfolding right in front of our eyes! Future doctors, psychologists, teachers, authors, and the list goes on; I just can’t wait to see what everyone accomplishes in the coming years.
Our newest honors students come from all over the world. Of course, 40 of the 57 Honors Program first-years are from right here in Wisconsin. Meanwhile, another 13 of them are from our southern neighbor, Illinois. Two Minnesota students also call Bergstrom home, but this year, it’s not just the best and brightest of the Upper Midwest that have made their way to the St. Norbert College Honors Program. This year, we have students from California and even as far away as Brazil.
The new Class of 2029 Honors students are on the path to greatness. College is all about living life to the fullest and savoring every moment. With 57 students pursuing a variety of interests from music to sports (31 of the 57 are student athletes), I know they’ll fill these next years on campus with an unforgettable journey.
If I could give one piece of advice to the new students, coming from someone who had stood in their exact position a year ago, it’s this: make sure to look around once in a while. Whether it’s truly seeing the people around you, realizing the numerous opportunities that surround you, or simply admiring the beautiful campus that has become home, it never hurts to keep your eyes and heart open. That’s something amazing that no simple number can capture.
