Monmouth College honors excellence at Honors Convocation
Izzy Gimm - Website and Social Media Manager
As a signature event during Scholars Day, the Honors Convocation recognizes top-performing students with departmental awards, membership in national honor societies, and recognition made possible through the generosity of the college's philanthropic supporters.
Held in the Dahl Chapel and Auditorium , the ceremony began with a bagpipe-led processional, followed by a performance of the Monmouth College Hymn. President Patricia H. Draves welcomed the audience and set the tone for the day of reflection, celebration, and pride.
Among the anticipated moments of the ceremony was the announcement of the college's annual student honors. Freshman Woman of the Year, Isabella D'Incognito, was honored for her extraordinary academic record and early contributions to undergraduate research in both majors.
“I was so surprised and excited when I found out about the award,” said D’Incognito, psychology and classics double major, who’s focused her research primarily on the effects dark romance has on young women's perspectives of toxic behaviors in relationships.
D’Incognito raved about her experience in the psychology department and attests her successes to her supportive professors. “Professor Stinnett nominated me for this award, and I am so grateful. He's a wonderful professor and mentor and is a huge part of what has made my time at this college so amazing and enriching. He's really taught me a lot.”
She plans to continue working just as hard throughout the rest of her college experience. “I just want to keep working my hardest and getting the most out of my time here. I would like to maintain my GPA and get even more involved in campus life, of course, but I know that I'll be happy with my time here as long as I've put my all into this experience.”
Freshman Man of the Year, Xavier Kemp, was celebrated for his involvement and leadership across campus. Senior Woman of the Year, Madelyn Henry, and Senior Man of the Year, Jeff Schnetzler, were recognized for their years of scholarship, service, and dedication to Monmouth College.
Each academic department recognized students for their outstanding contributions in the classroom and beyond. Every accolade, from the William McKinley English Prize to the Physics and Engineering Department Award, reflected Monmouth's commitment to intellectual dedication and creative exploration. Scholarships like the Olive Barrett Memorial Scholarship and Tom Johnson Scholarship were awarded to students who demonstrate academic achievement and community engagement.
Students inducted into prominent honor societies, Blue Key, which acknowledges service, leadership, and scholarship, and Mortar Board, which honors senior students for distinguished academic, leadership, and service contributions, were recognized. Academic honor societies like Alpha Lambda Delta (First-Year Academic Excellence), Alpha Psi Omega (Theatre), and Psi Chi (Psychology) welcomed new inductees.
In recognizing its students' achievements, Monmouth College also honors the power of philanthropy in action. Many awards and scholarships distributed during the convocation are made possible by the college's generous alumni and friends whose legacies help sustain opportunities for current and future scholars.
As the recessional closed the formal portion of the event, applause echoed through the chapel, not just for the names called but for the spirit of excellence, leadership, and service.