Every fall, the Ohio Northern University Honors Program kicks off the academic year with a beloved tradition: a Trike-a-Thon for youngsters in the Early Childhood Development Center.
From designing the obstacle course to handling marketing and fundraising, ONU honors students lead every aspect of the event. It’s a fun break from coursework and a meaningful way to give back by supporting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
The Trike-a-Thon is just one of many opportunities the Honors Program offers outside the classroom, said Jennifer Moore, professor of creative writing and Honors Program director. The program is known for its blend of academic rigor, leadership development, and hands-on engagement, she added.
This year marks the Honors Program’s 25th anniversary. Since its founding, more than 700 students have graduated from the program.
And the interest continues to grow. According to Moore, applications to the Honors Program increased 20% for the 2025-26 academic year, resulting in 63 first-year students and one sophomore entering the program this fall.
“I’m so proud of our students and the program,” she said. “It’s enlivening to work with these incredible students and the faculty who create the specialized academic courses and opportunities to challenge them.”
A community of thinkers and doers
From the moment they arrive on campus, ONU honors students are immersed in a supportive, interdisciplinary program.
First-year students take a one-credit hour orientation course and live together in a learning community. “Rather than just sharing ideas in a curricular space, living together lets them get to know each other as people, not just students,” said Moore.
In their first two years, students complete three intensive, discussion-based honors seminars on innovative and timely topics suggested by students and faculty.
This fall, one seminar honors the late professor and former Honors Program director Dr. Forrest Clingerman. Taught by religion professor Ray Person, the course, Clingerman on Environmental Issues, explores his environmental scholarship and legacy.
In addition to the seminars, honors students commit to special projects in upper-level major courses. This allows them to take a “deeper dive” into an area of interest and work with faculty mentors.
Students present their research and work at an annual Honors Project Showcase, and often follow up with published papers or presentations at academic conferences.
In their last year, honors students tackle an enhancement to their senior capstone, often building on work they started with their major course projects, according to Moore.
Encouraging depth, balance, and leadership
While the Honors Program tends to attract hard working, high-achieving students, Moore emphasizes the importance of life balance.
At orientation, she explained, “we talk about not putting too much on your plate at one time. You don’t need to do everything every year. Let’s make it manageable and do-able.”
Cadence Carpenter, third-year pharmacy student, has taken that message to heart. Despite holding four leadership positions and being involved in several different organizations, she stays grounded and organized.
“Google Calendar is my best friend,” she laughed.
For an honors project, she is researching ways that pharmacists can better help patients who don’t speak English as their first language.
Outside academics, the Honors Program offers students the chance to take leadership roles on campus and in the community. In addition to the Trike-a-Thon, students organize events like trick-or-treat at Ada Elementary School and Valentine crafts with senior citizens.
Mechanical engineering student Solomon Lumb even donated a venturimeter with attached manometer he developed for an honors project to Ada High School’s science program.
Honors beyond graduation
According to alumni, the Honors Program’s emphasis on community and interdisciplinary thinking pays off far beyond graduation.
Zach Toth, BSME ’25, now pursuing graduate studies at the University of Notre Dame, credits the program for shaping his approach to learning and collaboration.
“Within the honors community, there was a focus on community and working together. That experience in teamwork and networking has been valuable,” he said.
