In September 1967, the College of Charleston decided to create a new course of study designed to attract the best and brightest students.
According to the College’s Bulletin for the Academic Year 1967-1968, the program was described as “a new course of study designed to attract superior students irrespective of their departmental majors and to guide them toward a fuller, more substantial liberal arts education.”
That year, 26 students enrolled in the six courses that made up the new College of Charleston Honors Program.
Fast forward 50 years: The small Honors Program has evolved into the College of Charleston Honors College. The program that started with just a couple dozen students has now blossomed into a college with close to 700 students from across the nation and around the world, and over 80 honors courses within a fully developed honors curriculum.
Times may change, but the mission is still the same. The Honors College continues to provide bright, motivated students with the opportunity to take responsibility for their learning through class discussions, interaction between students and professors and through independent scholarly pursuits.
As a result of educational opportunities made available by the Honors College, scores of alumni and current students have achieved professional success in a wide variety of fields. In fact, two Honors College alumni – Steve Swanson ’89 and Stephanie Wheeler ’03 – will be honored for their achievements at the Alumni Awards Reception and Gala on Nov. 18, 2017.
The Honors College will celebrate its 50th anniversary by holding a series of events in October and November honoring Honors College alumni.
The 50th anniversary will culminate with a celebration at Butcher & Bee restaurant on Nov. 2, 2017. Tickets for the event are available now.
