For 50 years, honors education at The University of Akron (UA) has been a powerhouse of academic excellence - nurturing bright minds, bold leaders and boundary-pushing thinkers. What began as a small, ambitious initiative in 1975 has grown into a thriving community where high-achieving students unlock extraordinary opportunities intellectually, professionally and personally.
Honors programming at UA began in 1975 and, thirty years later, it grew into a full-fledged college. Then, in 2015, thanks to the vision and generosity of Drs. Gary B. and Pamela S. Williams, it was renamed the Williams Honors College (WHC), further solidifying its mission to enrich scholars and changemakers ready to leave their mark on the world.
Now, as the WHC marks its 50th anniversary, a number of special events are being planned to bring together students, alumni and faculty, culminating in a grand gala celebration in October. The lineup includes an Emerging Leaders breakfast, a special guest lecture and complimentary tickets to the Homecoming football game. More information will be released as the celebration is planned.
In the meantime, as this milestone draws near, current Williams Honors Scholars take a moment to reflect on their journeys — how their experiences shape them and how they contribute to the 50-year legacy they will soon carry forward as part of a proud network of 8,000 and growing Honors alumni.
Opportunities That Shape Futures
From research projects and networking events to Honors Colloquia and the Emerging Leaders program, the WHC offers its students a wealth of opportunities to enhance their academic and professional journeys. Research opportunities, student clubs and learning from expert faculty drive these students forward, laying the groundwork for future success.
For Honors Scholar Rhea Mahajan, a third-year biomedical science major from Orange, Ohio, that means gaining critical experience to be ready for medical school.
"As a pre-med student, the Honors College has provided me with opportunities to engage in research, develop critical thinking skills and gain leadership experience — key elements for a future in medicine,” she said. “And alongside the pre-med peers I met within the WHC community, I’m able to foster a strong sense of partnership as we push each other to achieve our dreams.”
Inspiring Each Other
Beyond academics, the WHC cultivates a sense of belonging among students. Living in the Honors Complex and engaging in exclusive events has empowered them to form meaningful connections with like-minded peers.
“Being a part of the Williams Honors College has offered me many opportunities for success and relationship building at UA,” said Tate Miller, a second-year biomedical science major from Canal Fulton, Ohio.
Honors Scholars are able to participate in a number of Honors clubs and organizations, including groups for students interested in engineering, education, nursing, business, community service and more.
“The Honors College has become a safe place for me on campus,” Miller added. “I have lived in the Honors Complex for both of my years at Akron and because of this, I have made many friends of both similar and different backgrounds.”
Marking a Legacy of Excellence
As the WHC marks the 50-year milestone, these students are keenly aware of their role in its ongoing legacy.
For Nicholas Michael, a second-year chemistry major from Akron, “it feels great to be a part of the WHC during such a big milestone.”
“Being an Honors Scholar means that you come to UA with more than a degree in mind,” he said. “I think that being an Honors Scholar means that you have a desire to become a well-rounded individual who is involved in campus life, creates a sense of community and is always looking for ways to improve themselves.
Looking Back, Moving Forward
Reflecting on the past, students appreciate the advancements that have shaped the WHC into the dynamic institution it is today. While early Honors Scholars navigated their academic journeys without modern technology and global resources, today’s students benefit from a wealth of digital tools and international connections.
“We sometimes take for granted the ease with which we can access an infinite amount of information, connect with experts across the world and collaborate on research in realtime,” said Mahajan.
Students gather information about campus events and news in ways that were not available in 1975.
“The UA Mobile app is a big help,” Michael said, “as well as having My Akron to navigate my degree progress, register for classes and housing, and stay informed onthe latest events and news via Zipmail.”
It’s clear that the WHC continues to ignite curiosity, challenge boundaries and inspire scholars to embrace new opportunities.
“Today, the Honors College has an incredible number of opportunities and resources offered to students that assist them in reaching for their goals,” said Miller. “It has grown to be a very diverse institution as it is reflective of the world we live in.”
By Alex Knisely