Honors College empowers students to reach new heights

When Leah Collidge first joined the Honors College, she wanted to get involved in any way she could.

“Right from orientation, the faculty got us to think about research and the importance of it,” Collidge says. “I did my first research project during my freshman year and presented at the Maryland Collegiate Honors Council Conference. That's not something a lot of freshmen have access to without the Honors College.”

She is a senior honors student in the College of Liberal Arts, majoring in international studies and minoring in political science and history. Collidge is passionate about research and has presented at many esteemed conferences.

In 2023, she won the Mary Leeper Emerging Leader Award for strong leadership potential and engagement in campus life. Collidge was also the recipient of the University System of Maryland Langenberg Legacy Fellowship in 2024 for her contributions to student-led campus initiatives.

At TU, she has been involved in the TIGURS Research Program, the Honors College’s Not Your Granny’s Book Club, the Undergraduate Research Club, the Honors College Leadership Council and the Honors College Civic Engagement Initiative, which she founded.

“We already have a civic engagement office within TU, but we didn't have any program specifically for honors students,” Collidge says. “I wanted to create a safe space for [honors] students who are interested in civic engagement and the democratic process.”

For her work in civic engagement, Collidge was awarded the Raft Woodus Social Activist Award. It is given to a student who has demonstrated the ability to organize, lead, engage and advocate for social justice issues that impact the lives of students and the community as a whole.

In March, she was named Student of the Year by the Northeast Regional Honors Council. It is an organization of students, faculty and administrators dedicated to undergraduate honors learning. This award recognizes Collidge’s leadership, dedication and passion for research.

Honors College Dean Alison Rios Millett McCartney spoke about Leah’s impact on campus and beyond.

“Leah has been an extraordinary leader and researcher in her time at TU Honors. Her work as a peer mentor to students across all majors will have a positive impact long after she graduates,” McCartney says.

After graduating this spring, she hopes to continue researching, in any form she can.

“Right now, I'm looking into research positions, and I feel the Honors College has prepared me by building my leadership development, communication, organization and research skills,” Collidge says.

Collidge urges those just starting their college journeys to get involved in whatever way they can.

“My advice for students is to try everything once. Join a club, make a study group, go to that event, connect with your peers and professors. Even if you find something is not for you, don't stunt yourself by not trying.”

Leah has been an extraordinary leader and researcher in her time at TU Honors. Her work as a peer mentor to students across all majors will have a positive impact long after she graduates.

Dean Alison Rios Millett McCartney