To Contact an Honors Student Ambassador:
Please email [email protected] and put the name of Ambassador you are attempting to reach in the subject line.
Honors Student Ambassadors
What is an Honors Student Ambassador?
Ambassadors are charged with supporting recruitment and retention efforts. These student leaders among the Honors community are passionate about the program, are a welcoming resource for prospective and current CSU students. They lead tours and informaitional sessions in Academic Village during the school year and during the summer. They promote Honors at various large-scale Admissions events such as “Choose CSU,” “Scholars Day,” and themed game-day events. In addition to answering questions prospective students may have about the program, they also work to create community-building events such as Nerd Prom and Spring Carnival.
Connect with an Ambassador
Honors Ambassadors would be happy to answer additional questions from prospective students about the program and how to apply. Ambassadors have different majors and interests, and they are in different points in their educational journey. Here is some information about each ambassador. If someone is on a similar path to the one you are considering, you may reach out to them specifically and ask questions.
Mikayla Boles
Major: Biological Science
Minor: Biomedical Sciences
How Honors has helped you at CSU/what is your favorite part about Honors?
The Honors Program has helped me reach my goals by inspiring me to do better each and every day. When I toured the Honors Program as a junior in high school, I immediately knew this was the place for me because of the encouraging can-do attitude of all the students and professors, which was highly inspirational to me then and continues to inspire me in my academic journey here at CSU.
What are some of your areas of interest or cool things you get to do?
Outside of the Honors Program, I am involved in a few different organizations. I am the Public Relations Officer for MEDLIFE, a non-profit humanitarian organization that aims to provide medical care to low-income communities around the world. This summer, we are going to San Jose, Costa Rica and I cannot wait! Additionally, I volunteer in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Poudre Valley Hospital, and I am a member of Greek life.
Sidney Newbold
Major: Communication Studies
Minor: Music, Stage, and Sports Production
How Honors has helped you at CSU/what is your favorite part about Honors?
I feel that the Honors approach to learning has shaped me into the independent person I am today. I understand the value in a challenge, not because of the academic success or validation it may provide, but because of the way it may push me as an individual. My favorite part of Honors is rooted in the people and support that is cultivated in the classroom and through faculty and staff.
What advice do you have for prospective, new students?
My adivce for prospective students is simpe: risk it for the biscuit! As an out of state student I know college is scary, let alone getting involved once you get to campus. However, it is all worth the risk, I can promise you that. The abilty and willingness to put yourself out there will be more rewarding that you know.
Allie Seibel
Major: Journalism and Media Communication
Minor: Business Administration
Minor: Legal Studies Interdisciplinary Minor
What made you come to CSU?
I choose to come to CSU partly because of Honors! I toured CSU in the spring of my senior year of high school, and I toured Academic Village and the Honors program, and I felt right at home. I knew CSU was the right place for me. When I was touring CSU, I saw CAM the Ram walking out on the sidewalk by Moby within 30 seconds of being on campus. When telling tour guides about this experience, they all said that was so rare, seeing CAM just out for a walk! It definitely felt like a sign that CSU was the place for me.
What advice do you have for prospective, new students?
My biggest advice for new students is to give yourself time to adjust. There is so much put on new students to love your life at college every day, and that simply is not true. Everyone will have bad days, and that first semester and year can be difficult at times as you adjust to a whole different environment and way of living. My biggest piece of advice is to take care of yourself and give yourself time to adjust to this very new, strange way of life your first semester. Remember honors is here for you with anything you need.
Emilie Matthews
Major: Sociology with a concentration in Criminology and Criminal Justice
Minors: Interdisciplinary Legal Studies and History
How Honors has helped you at CSU/what is your favorite part about Honors?
My favorite part about Honors is its ability to connect students from different disciplines and majors. As someone who is entirely involved in the College of Liberal Arts but who has friends in different majors/colleges, Honors is a way for us to stay connected.
What advice do you have for prospective, new students?
My best advice for new students is to get to know the people around you, including your professors, advisers, and peers. Not only can talking to people around you help with your academics, but it can make the transition into college a lot smoother. Who knows, you may have future classes with your peers and it is always nice to see a familiar face!
Tristin Astbury
Majors: English and Psychology
Minors: Film Studies Interdisciplinary Minor
How Honors has helped you at CSU/what is your favorite part about Honors?
What are some of your areas of interest or cool things you get to do?
Tobey Autele-Acera
Major: Biomedical Sciences with a concentration in Microbiology and Infectious Disease.
Minor: Leadership Studies
What made you come to CSU?
When I first toured CSU as a 7th grader, I immediately fell in love with the campus and knew I would thrive here. As a high school junior, I was able to attend the CSU Sci-Vet Camp, and that experience furthered my interest in choosing CSU. Opportunities are limited back home in Hawai'i, especially in Veterinary Medicine. CSU has opened a wide range of possibilities where I can freely explore my passion for animals while getting involved with various extracurriculars and meeting diverse groups of people. Plus, the campus is beautiful, especially during the fall!
What is your favorite part about Honors?
My favorite part about Honors is being an active member of a like-minded community made up of academically devoted students like myself! I have been able to meet such great people, and professors, who I can connect with on a personal level. I would not have been able to build such great connections here at CSU without the Honors program. I love being part of the Honors 'Ohana!
Mia Chavez
Year: 3rd year
Major: Biomedical and Mechanical Engineering
Minors: Business Administration
Other: Scott Scholar, Honors Student Association President
How Honors has helped you at CSU/what is your favorite part about Honors?
The CSU Honors Program gives me numerous opportunities and allows me to engage in my education in a deeper way. It helps me by providing smaller, discussion-based seminars that make learning more immersive and allow for closer interactions with faculty and peers. My favorite part is the strong sense of community, both in classes and through the Honors Student Association, where I have formed meaningful connections and developed leadership skills. Priority registration has also been a huge benefit, giving me flexibility in planning my schedule. The program offers unique opportunities like interdisciplinary seminars, study abroad experiences, and leadership roles, and I have enjoyed exploring my interests in a supportive community where teachers and faculty truly care about your development as an individual.
What are some of your areas of interest or cool things you get to do?
One of the most valuable aspects of the CSU Honors Program is the opportunity to form close relationships with faculty and staff due to the tight-knit and supportive community filled with individuals who are here to support student growth and well-being. I have built meaningful connections with other Honors students through events like Nerd Prom, Spring Carnival, and various HSA activities such as game nights, cooking classes, and craft sessions. These events provide a fun and engaging way to interact with peers outside of an academic setting, fostering friendships and a sense of belonging. This balance between academic rigor and social connection has contributed to my personal growth, well-being, and overall success in college.
Ethan McGuiness
Major: Political Science
Minors: Political Communications and Business Administration
Blake Scholar
Intent to pursue an Accelerated Master of Public Policy and Administration degree
What made you come to CSU?
I chose CSU not only because of its commitment to academic excellence but because of its principles of community, which I believe strongly contribute to the culture of the University and the City of Fort Collins as a whole. From the minute that I stepped on campus I knew that I belonged here. That feeling has remained with me, giving me confidence that I really am in the right place. My mom, dad, aunt and uncle are all proud alumni of CSU, and I couldn’t be more excited to be able to call myself a Ram.
What are some of your areas of interest or cool things you get to do?
In addition to Honors, I am also a member of the Blake Leadership Scholars Program. This is a program exclusive to Honors and the College of Liberal Arts and is focused on interdisciplinary learning. I’ve had many incredible experiences in the program and have made lifelong friendships. Outside of Honors, I work as a Democracy Fellow for the Straayer Center for Public Service Leadership with the Political Science Department. As a Democracy Fellow, I have the opportunity to help organize campus-wide events to help engage students in the civic process.
Isabella Hamner
Major: Biomedical Sciences with a Concentration in Microbiology and Infectious Disease
Minor: Agricultural Literacy
How Honors has helped you at CSU/what is your favorite part about Honors?
As a STEM student, Honors is a great opportunity to explore ideas outside of the sciences and get a break from the content-heavy stuff. Instead, you can chat with your peers and learn weird (but VERY cool) fun facts!
What are some of your areas of interest or cool things you get to do?
Pre-Vet Club, CSU Equestrian Team, Community Theatre, and an avid romantasy reader!