“For 50 years, the Admissions Tour has supported Florida’s high school students in achieving their higher education goals by providing … vital admissions information and resources.” — SUS Chancellor Ray Rodrigues

�鶹ӳ����ý is the third stop on the tour, welcoming counselors to campus Friday, Sept. 5, to showcase its highly successful programs, student success initiatives and vibrant community. The visit offers counselors a firsthand look at the opportunities awaiting Florida students at a university boldly inventing the future — in a city that’s one of the nation’s fastest-growing tech hubs.

“For 50 years, the Admissions Tour has supported Florida’s high school students in achieving their higher education goals by providing high schools with vital admissions information and resources,” says SUS Chancellor Ray Rodrigues. “Through this collaborative approach across the entire SUS, we demonstrate our commitment to a transparent and accessible admissions process, affording all potential students the same opportunity to earn their seat within the nation’s No. 1 higher education system.”

This informational tour is free to all high school counselors and focuses on uplifting the future higher education students of Florida. All 12 public universities will be represented at each tour stop, prompting counselors’ easy access to ask questions, learn more about the universities and better guide Florida’s students. Counselors can learn more about the latest changes to admissions, financial aid and even post-secondary testing.

“The Admissions Tour is an important part of the SUS’s relationship with Florida’s students and education professionals. By providing an opportunity to connect with high school counselors and leaders in Florida, we help strengthen the connection between our students and our universities,” says SUS Director of Admissions and Special Projects Diego Fermin. “These interactions, presentations and questionnaires are an invaluable resource that allow Florida’s high schools to be in the know about the latest news regarding student admissions to the SUS.”

Universities proudly host each stop on the two-week tour. The 2025 SUS Admissions Tour dates are:

• Wednesday, September 3 – Florida State University, Tallahassee
• Thursday, September 4 – University of North Florida, Jacksonville
• Friday, September 5 – �鶹ӳ����ý, Orlando
• Tuesday, September 9 – University of South Florida, Tampa
• Wednesday, September 10 – New College of Florida and University of South Florida, Sarasota
• Thursday, September 11 – Florida International University, Miami
• Friday, September 12 – Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton

About the State University System of Florida and the Board of Governors

The State University System of Florida is a constitutional body led by the 17-member Board of Governors. The system has 12 universities and more than 430,000 students, making it the second-largest public university system in the nation. Florida has held the top spot in U.S. News & World Report for higher education since the inception of the rankings in 2017. Responsibilities include defining the distinctive mission of each institution and managing the system’s coordination and operation. The Board appoints a chancellor who serves as the system’s chief executive.

“�鶹ӳ����ý has established a date by which we prefer that students complete the FAFSA for maximum consideration for financial aid. By filing by the priority filing date, students increase their likelihood of getting the most comprehensive financial aid package available,” says Karemah Manselle, interim director of the Office of Student Financial Assistance. “While FAFSA availability was delayed, students can and should now complete and submit the 2025-26 FAFSA.”

Important FAFSA Deadlines

The FAFSA application for the 2025-26 academic year is now open, and �鶹ӳ����ý students are encouraged to complete their application by Feb. 15, 2025. Students must submit a new or renewal FAFSA for every academic year in which they are enrolled.

Why Complete Your FAFSA?

Completing the FAFSA is free, and it’s the only way to apply for federal financial aid. Submitting your FAFSA on time ensures you are considered for the widest range of financial aid opportunities, helping to make your education at �鶹ӳ����ý affordable. .

What Determines Financial Aid Eligibility?

Eligibility for financial aid is based on several factors, including:

• Your Student Aid Index (SAI)
• Academic classification
• Enrollment status (e.g., full-time, part-time)
• Cost of attendance

How Financial Aid Is Awarded

Once your FAFSA is processed, �鶹ӳ����ý’s Office of Student Financial Assistance will use your SAI and other information to determine your financial aid package. Aid packages may include a combination of grants, scholarships, work-study opportunities and loans.

The initial award assumes full-time enrollment (12 credits per semester for undergraduates). If your enrollment status changes, your financial aid package may be adjusted accordingly.

For more information or to begin your FAFSA application, visit the Office of Student Financial Assistance FAFSA landing page.

Earning your degree is a big step, and doing so far from your hometown is an even bigger one. Get ready for a college journey filled with new adventures while attending �鶹ӳ����ý as an out-of-state student. The first step: preparing for life in another state. Here’s five helpful tips to ensure you have a smooth transition.

1. Discover What Life is Like in Orlando

Before you make your way to one of the most popular travel destinations in the U.S., you’ll want to know how best to live like a local in Orlando.

This vibrant metropolitan city in the heart of Central Florida has it all — from some of the world’s most-visited theme parks, including Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando, to tons of restaurants serving every kind of cuisine, to more than 100 annual festivals, fairs, and markets celebrating music, food, culture, the arts and more. (Just wait until you attend your first �鶹ӳ����ý Celebrates the Arts.) You’ll also find some of the best natural springs to go tubing and camping, plenty of lakes including �鶹ӳ����ý’s Lake Claire for kayaking and fishing, and gorgeous botanical gardens, trails and the �鶹ӳ����ý Arboretum where you can walk and bike.

Plus, �鶹ӳ����ý’s four campuses are strategically located in the heart of flourishing regions within Orlando. You’ll thrive in the environment with access to industries like hospitality, healthcare, entertainment and technology, as well as experiences that are connected to your coursework. You’ll be in the best place to learn from industry experts, get real-world experience and start your career.

Living in Orlando has all the perks you can imagine and plenty of hidden gems you’ll love as a local. There are so many spectacular entertainment venues, a lively downtown and endless eclectic neighborhoods to explore. It’s no surprise that Orlando is ranked No. 1 Best College City among midsize cities and No. 3 among all cities by WalletHub.

2. Prepare for Florida Weather

Researching the weather before packing is half the battle. With being called the Sunshine State comes 237 days of signature Florida sunshine every year. �鶹ӳ����ý’s campuses are in the humid, subtropical climate of Orlando, where the summers are long (from May to September), and the winters are short (from December to February). Expect temperature highs to be in the range of 80-99 degrees Fahrenheit, so don’t forget your sunscreen and drink plenty of water. Staying alert for severe weather warnings are also a big part of living like a Floridian. For example, if you’ll be starting classes in the fall, that’s during the annual Atlantic Hurricane Season. You’ll need to know how to stay safe during a storm — which �鶹ӳ����ý is experienced in as a StormReady designated campus.

Check out these other items you may want to bring with you to O-Town:

• Comfortable, Lightweight Clothes: You’ll be a true Floridian once you come to class in your favorite �鶹ӳ����ý T-shirt, shorts and flip-flops.
• Swimwear: The region is about 45 minutes away from 360 miles of coastline where more than 189 beautiful beaches are located. So, swimsuits are a wardrobe staple, along with sunglasses, hats and a great tan.
• Winter Clothes: Average temperature lows do reach 40-59 degrees Fahrenheit in the wintertime. You won’t get any use out of your snow boots, but warm coats, hats and gloves will come in handy.
• Business Clothes: �鶹ӳ����ý’s annual and are just two examples of the many career fairs, internship opportunities and networking events for students to participate in on campus. Prepare for these opportunities by packing a professional outfit that you’ll feel confident in (or find one on campus — more about this later).
• Essentials for Your dorm or Off-campus Housing: Bedding, towels and washcloths, laundry supplies, your electronic devices — these items and more are things you’ll need for your room. Refer to this for additional move-in essentials.

3. Plan Out Your Daily Routine

Moving to Orlando and finding your way around �鶹ӳ����ý as an out-of-state student will require a switch up in your daily routine. Keep these things in mind to make daily life a lot easier:

• Find Your Home Away From Home

Make the most of life as a Knight by living on campus where you’ll be in the center of all the action. Being on the main campus makes it easy to get around quickly and meet up with friends at the Student Union, study at the John C. Hitt Library or relax by the Reflecting Pond. You’ll also never be far from one of our recreation facilities or a place to grab a bite to eat.

Whether you decide to live on or off campus, you’re sure to find your second home. Our eight offer over 20 different floorplans — from shared suites to apartment style. University-affiliated and off-campus housing options are also available.

• Choose Your Meal Plan

No matter what you’re craving, you’re sure to find it on campus. �鶹ӳ����ý Dining Services provides a variety of delicious and healthy options with meal plans that nourish your campus experience. As a �鶹ӳ����ý student, you can to gain access to all-you-can-eat dining halls across campus. Each location has a range of chef-developed menus and offerings, including vegan, vegetarian and plant-forward options available daily. Dig into other dining favorites like Panda Express, Steak ‘n Shake, Smoothie King, Jimmy John’s and more on campus.

• Locate the Nearest Grocery Store

You’ll want to stock up on some snacks for those late-night study sessions. �鶹ӳ����ý has your back with that take you to the nearest Publix Super Market for all of your grocery needs.

The is available to �鶹ӳ����ý students in need of basic items such as food, clothing (including professional attire that you may need for job and internship interviews), toiletries, home goods and school supplies. With a valid �鶹ӳ����ý ID, students can visit the pantry at our main campus once per day. Branch pantries are also located at �鶹ӳ����ý’s Downtown, Rosen and Lake Nona campuses.

• Determine Your Mode of Transportation

There are several ways to get to, from and around �鶹ӳ����ý. As a �鶹ӳ����ý student, you’re able to ride all Central Florida LYNX public transportation buses, on and off campus, for free with your �鶹ӳ����ý student ID.

Bringing your car with you to campus? There are over 20,000 parking spaces among our four campuses. Be sure to to avoid any parking citations. No worries if you don’t have your own set of wheels. Getting around campus has never been easier with free �鶹ӳ����ý shuttle buses that service all �鶹ӳ����ý campuses and off-campus student communities. Stay up to date on all shuttle routes using the .

If you’re feeling adventurous, ride from �鶹ӳ����ý to Tallahassee, Gainesville and Miami on a RedCoach bus to see what these other Florida cities have to offer. The is located at our main campus.

Find out more information about �鶹ӳ����ý transportation and parking.

• Get Established with a Primary Care Doctor

Even if you’re in good health, it’s still important to have a physician you can rely on to help keep you at your optimum health. will provide you with a network of health providers who are committed to helping you be at your best mentally and physically. You’ll have access to doctors, dentists, dieticians and a full-service pharmacy on the main campus, with satellite clinics on our other campuses.

Learn more about the and discover additional wellness resources.

4. Solidify Your Support System

The transition to going to college in another state is just as much mental as it is physical. You may feel homesick at some point during your first semester, which is expected. (After all, it’s your freshman year and you’re living in a whole new state.) The key to avoiding a complete meltdown is to prepare for an emotional transition using these tips:

• When you’re missing home, get the support you need from therapists, self-help resources and workshops through our free . You’ll have a safe space to express your feelings and learn skills to cope with your emotions.

• Get involved with more than at �鶹ӳ����ý. Who knows; you may meet lifelong friends at a Zumba class at the or at a dance rehearsal with the Latin Rhythm Club.

• Seek help with navigating �鶹ӳ����ý from a mentor such as a resident assistant who can help get you settled into your dorm, or one of our who can connect you with campus resources, provide guidance in major exploration, share their �鶹ӳ����ý experiences and answer your questions.

• Thrive at �鶹ӳ����ý both personally and academically with the — your go-to source for high-quality academic support programs. Visit the Math Lab, the University Writing Center, tutoring sessions and more to get the support you need to reach your goals in the classroom and beyond.

5. Calculate Out-of-State College Costs

Earning your degree means more at �鶹ӳ����ý. The knowledge you’ll gain, discoveries you’ll make, passionate faculty who’ll inspire you and personal growth you’ll achieve over the next four years will benefit you for a lifetime. It’s no wonder Forbes, Kiplinger and The Princeton Review rank a �鶹ӳ����ý education among the nation’s best values.

Florida is among the top five states with the lowest out-of-state tuition. The direct annual cost to attend �鶹ӳ����ý as an out-of-state student includes tuition and fees as well as housing and food. Indirect costs include books and supplies, transportation and personal expenses, which may vary by student. To begin estimating your expenses, try this:

• Determine Your New Cost of Living

The cost of essential items — such as groceries, transportation and health care — will vary from state to state. Research the comparison between living costs in Florida versus your hometown. Also, use our net price calculator to get an accurate estimate of what it will cost you to attend �鶹ӳ����ý. Knowing costs beforehand can help inform your financial decisions.

• Plan for Travel Expenses

Orlando makes trips home convenient with two international airports, local and national train service, and multiple bus lines. If you plan on returning home often, then you’ll want to consider the price of your plane ticket, bus or train fare.

• Calculate Additional Move-in Costs

Find out all the amenities that are provided by your housing community. This will help you determine if you’ll need to bring other essentials — like cooking utensils — or buy them when you arrive at �鶹ӳ����ý.

• Explore Financial Aid Options

A financial assistance counselor in the Office of Student Financial Assistance can help determine your total cost of attendance and financial aid status. Remember, scholarship funds and financial aid — like the Need Based Non-resident Waiver — can help offset some of your out-of-state college expenses. Given that 72% of �鶹ӳ����ý undergraduate students receive some form of financial aid, use to search for scholarships and automatically match with certain �鶹ӳ����ý or external awards. Also, learn to spend wisely, build your credit and save for the future with Centsible Knights, �鶹ӳ����ý’s free financial literacy program.

It’s your turn to start a journey that will change your world. Learn more about the �鶹ӳ����ý experience and attending college out of state.

This event’s focused on potential FTIC’s who will be entering �鶹ӳ����ý with 30+ college credit hours completed by means of test credits (AP, IB, CLEP, AICE) and/or Dual Enrollment credits by the start of fall or spring. There were over 160 students and parents in attendance.

Rita Simpson said, “Based on the information provided, our collaboration with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and the Student Financial Aid Office was a success.” Presenters included: SSYC-Rita Simpson and Joshua Clemmons; SFA-Vilma Ramos; and UA- Christie Hasegawa.

Students and parents who attended this outreach received information concerning �鶹ӳ����ý admission process, how to secure financial assistance, strategies for a smooth transition, and successful tips from a student perspective.

Based on the survey results, 98 percent of students and parents who attended were very satisfied with the information they received, and 100 percent stated that �鶹ӳ����ý staff was friendly and approachable. Some positive feedback received was: “Great presentation” and “Can’t wait to be a Knight!”

The June 4th visit marked the second consecutive year that �鶹ӳ����ý was selected as a stop during a weeklong tour of institutions in Florida and Georgia. As part of the �鶹ӳ����ý visit, guidance counselors were treated to an information session in the Duke Energy-�鶹ӳ����ý Welcome Center, a photo-op with Knightro, and a lecture on beer entitled “The History of Civilization in a Six Pack.” The lecture, which included a tasting and pairing course, was presented by �鶹ӳ����ý faculty member, Ed Measom, Rosen College of Hospitality Management’s Anheuser-Busch Beer & Wine Lab. Guests were then joined by Abraham Pizam, dean of Rosen College, along with several faculty and staff for a banquet dinner in the Disney Dining Room.

Eddie Lavigne, president of AutopistaAmericas, is no stranger to �鶹ӳ����ý. He’s worked alongside representatives from the Office of Undergraduate Admissions before and called �鶹ӳ����ý a “big school with personal charm.” �鶹ӳ����ý will join forces with Autopista again in August when a member of the admissions recruitment team will travel to Puerto Rico for 10 days of college fairs, high school visits and outreach.

Events like the “Reverse Tour” are just one part of our strategic efforts to build brand awareness, promote �鶹ӳ����ý’s academic opportunities, educate students and parents, and develop relationships with key  influential members to continue to recruit the best and brightest students to the �鶹ӳ����ý.

As part of its corporate social responsibility initiative, Discover Tourism, Visit Orlando partnered with the Preserve Eatonville Community to incorporate behind-the-scenes tours at various hospitality venues for the organization’s STEM Summer Camp program. Students visited the Orange County Convention Center to learn more about the meetings aspect of the tourism industry and walked the expansive building floor. Their journey continued at Rosen College where they took part in a hands-on napkin folding activity and food science demonstration.

“These types of programs open youth’s eyes to the variety of careers available in travel and tourism,” said Kristin Rothbauer, community relations manager for Visit Orlando. “The interactive experiences leave lasting impressions and help the students find a potential niche within an industry that they might not have known otherwise. Rosen College is a perfect fit to show the importance of pursuing a degree in hospitality management and how it can lead to future success.”

Although the connection between STEM – science, technology, engineering and math – and hospitality may not seem obvious, these technical disciplines are essential in building and maintaining the facilities where guests stay, dine, relax and create lasting memories.

“…The hospitality industry [includes] theme parks, hotels, restaurants, cruises and event planning,” said Dr. Anne Albright, on-site coordinator for the ZORA! STEM Summer Camp who accompanied the students during their visit. “When we look at these places, we have an opportunity to also consider the STEM professionals who helped build and work in these places [like the] engineers and architects who build these structures, food scientists, etc.”

Rosen College frequently hosts young student groups like the ZORA! STEM Summer Camp to introduce them to hospitality-related careers and encourage them to take positive steps as they continue through school.

“It’s important to get young students excited about hospitality because the career options are abundant in Florida, especially Orlando,” said Genyth Travis, senior assistant director, �鶹ӳ����ý Undergraduate Admissions. “It’s our hope that when students visit [our] campus that we’ve encouraged them to get good grades, stay out of trouble, inspired future careers in the hospitality industry and encouraged them to return to �鶹ӳ����ý to earn a college degree.”

to view more photos from the ZORA! STEM Summer Camp’s visit to Rosen College.

The new initiative, Top 10 Knights, was developed to recognize academic achievement in high school. Top 10 Knights also protects against budget uncertainty and potential legislative changes by providing Florida residents with guaranteed access to an affordable, quality college education.

The first class of Top 10 Knights will start at �鶹ӳ����ý in summer 2014.

“This effort, among the few of its kind in the nation, rewards academic success, streamlines the university selection process and promises to attract more of Florida’s best and brightest students to �鶹ӳ����ý,” said �鶹ӳ����ý President John C. Hitt. “Top 10 Knights is a winner for high-achieving students, for their families and for �鶹ӳ����ý.”

Top 10 Knights will have an impact upon Florida high schoolers like Rosa Elena Alcantar, who ranks second out of 430 seniors in her class at Evans High School in Orange County. Alcantar, a would-be first-generation college student, is a native of Mexico who grew up in Orlando and hopes to one day go on to �鶹ӳ����ý’s College of Medicine.

“Most people say that what you do in high school doesn’t have the same rigor as college,” said Alcantar. “When I heard about Top 10 Knights, it shows that everything I’ve done so far means something. I’m happy there’s an opportunity to be recognized for what I’ve done in high school.”

To become a Top 10 Knight, students must first apply for admission into �鶹ӳ����ý. To qualify for the program, applications must be completed by Dec. 31 of students’ senior years.

Students also must meet criteria such as a top 10 percent ranking in their high school class or a GPA of 3.9 or above if the high school does not rank; the completion of high-level math courses; and a minimum of 1010 (1500-3 score) on the SAT or 21 on the ACT.

�鶹ӳ����ý Undergraduate Admissions will determine which students qualify as Top 10 Knights, and students who meet the criteria will be notified by Feb. 15.

“As admission into Florida universities becomes more competitive, we’re responding to the students and families seeking a quality education by making admission to �鶹ӳ����ý certain for the state’s top students,” said Gordon Chavis, associate vice president for Undergraduate Admissions. “The Top 10 Knights are among the best students at �鶹ӳ����ý, and we’re excited to see what they will contribute here.”

Top 10 Knights is �鶹ӳ����ý’s latest effort to expand college access and opportunity. More than 31,000 students have been admitted to �鶹ӳ����ý since 2006 through the DirectConnect partnership with regional state colleges, which helps students smoothly transition to �鶹ӳ����ý to complete their bachelor’s degrees.

California and Texas offer similar initiatives to their highest-achieving high schoolers, but Top 10 Knights is among the first of its kind in Florida.

�鶹ӳ����ý hopes to announce scholarship opportunities for Top 10 Knights in the near future. Earlier this semester, representatives from Undergraduate Admissions met with high school counselors from across the state to explain Top 10 Knights and provide guidance on acceptance into �鶹ӳ����ý.

Trustees learned that the freshman class includes 67 National Merit Scholars, 14 National Hispanic Scholars, four National Achievement Scholars and 53 high school valedictorians.

“We are continuing to attract top-notch students from across the country,” said Al Harms, vice president of Strategy, Marketing, Communications and Admissions.

Eighteen percent of freshmen are the first in their families to attend a four-year college or university. That figure rises to 26 percent for the entire �鶹ӳ����ý student body.

“This is great for them, but also for their children,” President John C. Hitt said during the State of the University Address on Tuesday. “Data show that children of college graduates are 12 times more likely to go to college than children of parents who have not attended college.”

Other key statistics for the fall freshman class of 3,640 students include:

In other action Thursday, the Board of Trustees:

Learned that �鶹ӳ����ý’s purchase of the WMFE TV broadcast license and production equipment is now final. The sale ensures that, through , public broadcasting will remain in Central Florida and will lead to a stronger broadcast signal, meaning PBS will be accessible to more people in Central Florida and others will enjoy better viewing reception. Additionally, more educational opportunities will be available for �鶹ӳ����ý students in broadcast engineering, digital film and media, communications and other fields.

Discussed the success of �鶹ӳ����ý’s online learning initiatives, including the university’s emphasis on providing the resources faculty members need to develop highly effective online courses. The Sloan Consortium, a higher-education association that promotes online learning, recognized �鶹ӳ����ý this year with its top institution-wide award for creating and delivering high-quality courses online.

Approved naming the presentation room in the Graduate Student Center in Colbourn Hall after Patricia Bishop, who retired in January as vice provost and dean of the College of Graduate Studies.

Remembered Al Burnett, a highly respected entrepreneur and one of the university’s most generous supporters. Burnett, who passed away this month, and his wife Nancy, who died last year, donated $12.8 million over more than 30 years to support �鶹ӳ����ý students and programs, and the impact of their gifts plus state matching funds totaled nearly $25 million. The university president’s home, honors college and school of biomedical sciences are named in their honor. Trustees watched a video tribute created by Burnett Honors College students.

Learned that the U.S. Department of Education has awarded a $1.1 million grant to continue the �鶹ӳ����ý , which prepares juniors and seniors for a doctoral education. Participants are low-income or first-generation students or are from underrepresented groups.

Honored Physics Professor Dan Britt for developing the technology that allowed scientists and the public to get close-up views of Mars’ minerals and textures with the proper color.

Applauded the women’s soccer team for ranking as high as No. 6 in the nation this fall. The team has been ranked in the top 10 for six consecutive weeks.

Over 210 guests attended the free event that included tours of the Rosen College campus and apartments.  Prospective students benefited from sample classroom lectures, a showcase of student services, admissions and financial aid presentation, and an application and admission question-and-answer session.  Lunch was provided in the new Courtyard Café and families took advantage of the opportunity to buy exclusive merchandise from the Rosen College bookstore.

Senior Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions, Genyth Travis, shares, “Open House is a day dedicated to showcasing the best Rosen College has to offer students that want to study at �鶹ӳ����ý and pursue a career in the hospitality industry.”  Travis coordinates with various departments to pull off the event and ensure that guests understand what makes Rosen College a great choice.  “It’s not just about our Orlando location,” she adds,  “but the faculty and staff that are so dedicated to our programs and helping students meet their educational and career goals.”

Rosen College currently instructs 3,000 students, many of whom are pursuing undergraduate degrees in restaurant and foodservice management, event management and hospitality management.

The next open house will be Feb. 10, 2012.  To register or for more information, students can visit or call the Rosen College Undergraduate Admissions Office at 407-903-8166.

Barham is one of 79 outstanding freshmen who make up the inaugural class of Provost Scholars, a new program that recognizes incoming students’ academic excellence and boundless potential.

“I’m looking forward to getting more involved with research, and I think the Provost Scholars program can help with that,” he said. “The scholarship really makes a difference.”

Barham is among the 69 students enrolled in the Burnett Honors College through the program, which is a partnership among the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President, the Honors College and Undergraduate Admissions.

Students were selected for the invitation-only recognition because of their soaring academic records and outstanding extracurricular activities. The group has an average SAT score of 1435 and an average high school GPA of 4.37.

Among the top 10 percent of students at �鶹ӳ����ý, Provost Scholars are encouraged to get involved with research and establish connections with faculty members and other students. Through the program, they’ll be offered academic enrichment and opportunities to excel on campus and beyond.

As Provost Scholars, students also receive a generous scholarship each year for up to four years.

“The intent of the Provost Scholars was to attract the highest-achieving students to �鶹ӳ����ý,” said �鶹ӳ����ý Provost and Executive Vice President Tony G. Waldrop. “This inaugural class has the stellar credentials we desire in our honors students and future leaders.”