The ULM Honors Program welcomed their students back last Thursday with the traditional pizza ocial on the seventh floor of the library. 

Students were invited to take the back elevator to the top floor of the ULM Library for a breathtaking view, a buffet of assorted pizzas and a night full of games with new friends. 

“I got to meet a lot of new people and catch up with some of my classmates,” freshman pre-pharmacy and chemistry major Emileigh Kavanagh said. “I didn’t know that there was such a large group of diverse people in the honors program!”

The social was an opportunity for members of the Honors Program, primarily incoming freshman, to meet new friends and become familiar with the council. 

While the attendees played cards and got to know one another, the council members introduced themselves and spoke about the program.

Honors Program President Caitlyn Cullen was happy with the outcome of the event.

“This was our annual pizza social that we have every year to welcome our freshman onto campus,” Cullen said. “We had a really great turnout this time, and I think it went very well.” 

The event set the tone for an exciting new year for the ULM Honors Program, with plans for a newly renovated lounge and many more social events to come. 

Joshua Stockley, the director for the program, also announced opportunities for honors involvement with faculty members, research projects, as well as a new look and date for his morning coffee get together “Joe with Josh.”

A record number of students applied for the program this year, with more freshman interested in joining than ever before. 

With so many new faces, students were given the great opportunity to establish new friendships and get to know their academically involved peers. Many members expressed their excitement for their future at the university as an honors student.  

“I have been able to build relationships and connect with different people,” freshman biology major Amaya West said. “I think it’s going to be a great experience for the rest of my time here at ULM.”

The night ended with students taking photos on the beautiful terrace of the library at sunset. With a successful turnout for their first event and big plans for the coming semester, the Honors Program is set up for an exciting year.