Honors Dinner Kicks Off First-Year Experience

  

On October 8, 2024, the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s College of Letters & Science Honors Program hosted its annual First-Year Dinner at the Alumni Lounge in the Pyle Center. The event attracted over 100 first-year students and nearly 40 faculty members from an array of academic disciplines.

The evening commenced with a buffet dinner, offering students and faculty the opportunity to mingle and discuss various topics. At approximately 6:00 PM, L&S Dean Eric Wilcots (pictured below) delivered remarks, followed by the recognition of the 2023–2024 Distinguished Honors Faculty. Subsequently, faculty members facilitated themed discussions at various tables, covering subjects such as leadership, global cultures, and undergraduate research. Students were encouraged to rotate between tables, engaging in conversations with multiple faculty members throughout the evening.

The First-Year Dinner serves as a cornerstone event for the Honors Program, fostering early connections between students and faculty and helping to build a supportive academic community. This tradition continues to play a pivotal role in enriching the undergraduate experience at UW–Madison.

Honors Director Dan Kapust and L&S Dean Eric Wilcots address the audience.

Students and faculty engage in conversation!

Students and faculty wrap up their buffet dinners and begin to discuss a host of topics.