Orientation, recruiting and advising are duties for so many around campus. For the University as a whole, the LSU Ambassadors are the face of recruiting and orientation. But, within the walls of the French House is another organization dedicated to doing the same for the Honors College.
The Honors College Advocates were established in 1999 to assist the Honors College in attracting and recruiting new students as well as orienting them to college life.
Since then, the Advocates have been participating in events around campus such as Tiger Day and Spring Testing, as well as taking road trips to high
schools and other venues, all looking for the best and brightest to join the Honors College.
Erin Hough, a psychology and pre-occupational therapy senior, said the Advocates were the face of the Honors College.
“We’re basically the Ambassadors for the Honors College,” Hough said.
Hough said Spring Testing is her favorite part about being an Honors College Advocate.
“I wouldn’t even be here at LSU if it wasn’t for Spring Testing,” she said. “LSU is a much better school than most people give it credit for, we have to help them see that.”
Jody Kennard, the adviser for the Honors College Advocates, said the organization is essential to the Honors College recruiting process.
“They have a pretty big job description,” Kennard said. “It’s not just recruiting, it’s recruiting and orienting the students to recruit the motivated high schoolers and help with their transition.”
Monty Aghazadeh, a biological sciences sophomore, said he joined the Advocates because of the recruiters at Spring Testing.
“I think that the Honors College is a great experience,” Aghazadeh said. “I want people to have the same opportunities I had.”
Aghazadeh said the advocates were dedicated and active Honors College students.
“They are some very dedicated people who really want to make the Honors College a better place for everyone,” Aghazadeh said.
Kennard said the Honors College Advocates go on road trips and participate in local events such as the Greater Baton Rouge Scholars Reception.
Jeremy Greenwald, a computer science senior, said he has been an Advocate since his freshman year.
Serving as the Secretary/Treasurer, Greenwald is in charge of all the money matters for the Advocates, who have a council of six co-chairs as their
leading body.
“I like to make sure that people know the Honors College exists,” Greenwald said. “I didn’t know about the Honors College until I came for Spring Testing.”
The Advocates, who have about 50 to 60 members during the school year, begin recruiting next week. Hough said the Advocates usually gain 20 to 30 members each year, depending on the number of applicants.
To apply for the Honors College Advocates, attend one of their informational meetings in the Grand Salon of the French House Monday, Sept. 29 at 7 p.m. or Tuesday, Sept. 30 at 7 p.m.