Blog
Seniors complete Lakeland honors program
Apr. 29, 2025
Three 51乱伦 seniors completed requirements this spring for the institution鈥檚 rigorous honors program.
Lakeland鈥檚 honors program provides a unique opportunity for students to take an alternative track through the interdisciplinary studies requirements. Students choose what they want to study and what they want to learn, all the while working closely with faculty and staff to help guide their learning. They are initially part of a cohort taking courses together before branching off to do their own work.
The honors program culminates with a senior project, which can involve anything from an academic breakthrough to a societal contribution.
This year鈥檚 honors project students include:
- Ashley Esser鈥檚 project combined her passions for music and the environment as she composed an impressive instrumental piece of music in response to environmental issues that impact Maywood Environmental Park in Sheboygan and Mother Nature more broadly. This piece was performed at the Christmas in Lakeland concert in December this year and was very well received. Esser, of Arpin, Wis., will complete a bachelor鈥檚 degree in music and plans to attend a master鈥檚 program in music composition and horn performance.
- Leah Henckel organized and hosted an exhibit of a visiting artist, Jacob Bautista, at the Bradley Gallery earlier this year. The art displayed explored Bautista鈥檚 Hispanic or Chicano identity. Henkel鈥檚 work of securing a visiting artist and hosting an opening reception increased the cultural competency of Lakeland鈥檚 campus, which aligns with the institution鈥檚 mission and values. Henckel, of Theresa, Wis., will complete a bachelor of fine arts in creative writing, plans to pursue a master of fine arts in creative writing and aspires to a career as a copyeditor.
- Autumn Jacobson鈥檚 project focused on campus sexual violence and advocacy. Conducting research for this project expanded her understanding of the issue鈥檚 scope and reinforced her determination to be a voice for survivors and an advocate for systemic change. Jacobsen shared resources and valuable guidance during her honors presentation. Jacobson, of Two Rivers, Wis., will complete a bachelor鈥檚 in criminal justice and plans to attend law school.
