Heidelberg Senior Ryan Smith to Give Honors Presentation

2013 Apr 16

Ryan Smith of Gallatin, Tenn., who is enrolled in the Honors Program at Heidelberg University, is scheduled to present his senior Honors project next week.

Smith, who is majoring in political science, will present his research on the topic "What Makes People Vote?: Comparing Age and Interest to Analyze Voting Behavior"as the culmination of Honors Program requirements before graduation.

Each Honors student, during the senior year, works with a faculty mentor to complete a capstone project that derives from their major field of study. The research project is designed to individualize and deepen their understanding of a topic of compelling interest in his major.

Honors students work with their faculty mentor on research and writing for the project. The final project is presented in writing and all Honors student also are required to present their projects before the campus community.

This year, a total of 15 students will be presenting their senior Honors projects from April 23-25. Heidelberg's Honors Program, titled "The Life of the Mind," empowers the most outstanding students to explore their abilities within a supportive community of scholars and learners. The program is comprised of four intellectual areas: the Scholar, the Scientist, the Artist and the Citizen.

Founded in 1850, Heidelberg offers 32 majors, 29 minors and nine pre-professional programs, awarding the bachelor of arts, bachelor of science and bachelor of music degrees , as well as master's degrees in education, counseling, business administration and music. Affiliated with the United Church of Christ, Heidelberg has been ranked for 25 consecutive years as one of the top colleges in the Midwest by U.S. News and World Report.

For more information visit the web site at www.heidelberg.edu.