Honors Program
The Honors Program at Saint Mary’s College brings together students who want to challenge themselves and transform the lives of others.
Interested in joining the Honors Program? Complete the form linked below!
SMC Student Research Conference & Showcase
Present at the Next Spring Conference
The SMC Student Research Conference & Showcase is an opportunity for students in all academic fields to present their work - whether it be scientific, creative, or both!
This event is organized by the Honors Program, with support from the Dean of the Core.
Monday, May 13, 2024
3:00-6:00 pm
SMC Soda Activity Center
Honors Program Benefits
Why join the Honors Program?
Honors students study together, earn honors course credits, develop leadership skills, complete service projects and contribute to scholarly research under the direction of expert faculty. Benefits include early registration, mentorship, social events, special trainings, and scholarship opportunities.
Learn moreOur Program is designed to help you identify your particular talents, interests, strengths, and edges, and learn how to activate them for yourself and others.
Honors Requirements
Academic Requirements
- Maintain a 3.5 GPA
- Complete several advanced First-year courses
Program Requirements
Honors Program members come from majors and departments all across campus and represent diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Meet our cohorts
Scholarship, Grant, & Research Opportunities
Looking to explore the professional opportunities in your career field? We’ve assembled a number of different grants, fellowships, awards, and research projects, both here in California and around the country, for you to browse and see what fits your interests.
We believe that every student has unique gifts, and that our diversity is a critical strength that increases creativity, innovation, and learning multiple paths for excellence.
Living Learning Community
The special Honors Living-Learning Community in Aquinas is a phenomenal way to get to know other Honors students. If you have met certain qualifications, and/or have received a Presidential or Honors at Entrance Scholarship, we encourage you to join us in Aquinas.
Aquinas is a suite style dorm close to the library and classrooms, with laundry, lounge, and special Honors tutors and programs. Honors students can choose non-Honors students as roommates, and you can remain in Aquinas even if you withdraw from the Honors Program.
Present at Conferences
Around the Country & Here at Saint Mary's
Honors Students must present research at least one time and are welcome to present any one of their Honors Contracts in any semester.
Every spring, the SMC Student Research Conference & Showcase is a great opportunity to present research.
Other options include national and regional conferences or another avenue of the student's choosing. Read our newsletters to find scholarships to national and regional conferences!
Learn moreThe Honors Student Commission
The Honors Student Commission is the student governing body of the Saint Mary’s College Honors Program. The Commission affords students the unique opportunity of helping to make decisions about how the Honors Program should function as well as overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Program. In keeping with the Program's student-driven focus, Commissioners work as a team to produce a variety of events and oversee the academic and social well-being of fellow Honors Program students.
2023-24 Commissioners
Emily Dratva, Executive Commissioner
Emily is an Integral Major, a Dance Minor, and a current Junior. She has wanted to serve on the Commission since the beginning of her Saint Mary’s journey, as she believes the Honors Program is the ideal resource for students who want to further deepen their education. As a sophomore on the Events Commission, Emily loved being able to plan her own fundraisers, social events, and service events. Now she is extremely honored to be the Executive Commissioner and oversee the functions and status of the Commission as a whole.
Jazmine Cortez, Public Relations Commissioner
Jazmine is a second year Integral major. She is currently beginning a minor in Law and Society, and serves as a Lasallian Peer Mentor for Interfaith and Religious Diversity at the MMC. Jazmine is also part of the Exec Team for La Hermandad, the Latino/Hispanic Club on campus. She loves to read, go on walks, and hang out with friends, and is interested in Law with the hope to become a lawyer one day.
Cali Engel-Dempsey, Public Relations Commissioner
Cali is one of the new PR Commissioners for the Honors Program. She decided to become a commissioner because of the wonderful experience she had in the Honors Program and wanted to contribute in a creative way. Cali is an Art major, enjoys reading and gardening in her free time, and wishes to pursue a career in graphic design. She looks forward to getting to know you all!
Rose Du Pont, Social and Service Events Commissioner
Rose is a sophomore with a split major in Business and Music (singing) and a minor in French and has significant work experience in the construction industry. Her hobbies include watching reality TV, thrifting, and getting tacos. Originally from Brentwood, CA (corn town about 45 minutes away from SMC), Rose is very excited to bring more event opportunities to the Honors Program, because as someone with a busy schedule, she can appreciate the necessity for worthwhile events that bring value to the community.
Olivia Eukel, Social and Service Events Commissioner
Olivia studies chemistry, biology, vocal music, and dance. She has extensive experience in childcare, including serving children with special needs, service and volunteer work, performing arts, leadership, and year-round swimming. She chose to join the Commission as an events specialist after organizing the Spring 2023 Student Research Conference. Olivia is passionate about serving underrepresented and underserved communities as a future physician.
Keiko Muraoka, Academic Events and Conferences Commissioner
Keiko is a second-year Biology major, Business Admin minor. In her free time, Keiko enjoys being outdoors and going on hikes, beach trips, or shopping. She decided to serve on this year's Commission so that she could be a part of the amazing team that brings Honors Students together to help instill a sense of community within the cohort. Keiko is excited for the new school year and looks forward to meeting all of you.
Stavroula Psefteas, Colloquium Commissioner
Stavroula is a second year Psychology major, SSTE minor from Danville, California. She is very excited to be the Colloquium Commissioner this year and to help bring in some new and fun colloquiums. She loves to read, watch movies, swim, and hang out with friends. Stavroula decided to become a Commissioner this year because she had a great time being part of Honors last year and wanted to be a part of planning events and making sure that everyone enjoys being a member of the Honors Program.
Demetri Papageorge, Academic Events and Conferences & Contract and Career Commissioner
Demetri is a senior Politics major with two minors in Economics and Law & Society, as well as an Honors student who is finishing his last Honors Contract this semester. He serves as the President of the Macken Speech & Debate Club, Showing Up for Racial Justice, and the Fishing Club. This year Demetri will be a research desk worker at the Library and is the Resident Advisor for the Honors Program Living Learning Community in Aquinas Hall.
Student Experience
Contact us
Honors Program
Dr. Helga Lenart-Cheng, Program Director