The University of Dayton’s academic programs promote an interdisciplinary approach to education, encouraging students to think critically and develop well-rounded, holistic perspectives. The Honors Program allows students to think deeper about the topics in their classes, as well as have opportunities for special experiential learning experiences.
The program also provides numerous opportunities for students to discover their personal vocation and deepen their commitment to applying their education for the common good — both inside and outside of engineering.
While engineering classes present their own challenges, students have consistently demonstrated success in elevating their education and expertise through their participation in Honors classes and programs.
Hear from four engineering students who share their different perspectives on how Honors has supported their education and career goals.
Jamie Burenga - Chemical Engineering
The Honors Program has provided her with a unique and enriching education, offering access to exceptional professors and a supportive community that instills academic and personal growth.
As a first-year student, Burenga joined the Chaminade Scholars Program through the Honors Program, offering an opportunity to explore Christian leadership and faith vocation through interdisciplinary education. Through the Chaminade Scholars Program, Burenga had the opportunity to join her classmates on a pilgrimage to Hawaii, where she immersed herself in the rich culture and religious history of the Marianist tradition.
“I love having the opportunity to benefit from a well-rounded education through the Honors Program at UD,” Burenga said.
Beginning in her junior year, Burenga has had the opportunity to reside in the Honors Special Interest House, creating a space for growth and supporting students with shared interests. The house organizes bonding events for Honors students, creating a welcoming environment that promotes both academic success and social engagement.
“Living in the Honors house has been a great experience because, not only do I get to live with my best friends, but I get to live in a community with like-minded people from several disciplines who are also dedicated to their academic success,” shared Burenga.
Following graduation, Burenga will begin her role as an associate engineer in operations management at Cargill’s Hammond, Indiana Starches and Sweeteners Plant.
Isabella Fowler - Industrial Engineering Technology
The program provides a tailored education, helping students structure an engineering schedule effectively and offering incentives to maintain academic excellence, along with opportunities to participate in signature programs such as the Global Flyers.
This summer, Fowler will be participating in the Dublin Flyers program. In Dublin, Fowler will complete a supply chain management and analysis internship with an emphasis on manufacturing process engineering. The Dublin Flyers program allows students to build a global community by connecting with UD peers, alumni and students from other universities. It provides opportunities to develop professional networks, explore future career options and strengthen candidacy for prestigious fellowships.
“I have always wanted to take my education abroad in a new environment and experience a new company culture,” Fowler said. “The UD Honors Program allows me to do so.”
Fowler also had the opportunity to participate in an ethics course that helped her identify her strengths and passions in effective leadership. The completion of this course inspired Fowler to pursue a certificate in Ethics and Leadership and serve as the current president of the Ethics Club.
“My participation in the ethics programing has made me more well-rounded and communicate more effectively as an engineer,” Fowler said.
Following graduation, Fowler plans to work in Europe, where she aims to immerse herself in intercultural experiences while pursuing a career in engineering.
“This program is a step towards what I want to do post graduation. It is unique to have this student experience and would prepare me for this in my future,” Fowler said.
Clark Bennett - Mechanical Engineering
Choosing Honors has offered Bennett an excellent opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who share similar interests and academic goals. In his first year at UD, Bennett lived in an Integrated Learning and Living Community (ILLC) with Honors and CORE program students. UD's CORE Program offers an interdisciplinary learning experience, integrating coursework, co-curricular activities and a diverse cohort of students from all four undergraduate schools to deepen academic and personal growth and earn Honors credits.
“I believe the CORE Program has shaped me as an engineer by giving me a deeper understanding of ethical decision-making and logical reasoning,” said Bennet. “It has helped me become a more well-rounded and thoughtful engineer.”
The Honors Program has played a significant role in helping Bennett secure a position at the University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI) and gain valuable experiential learning opportunities. Bennett works as a student research assistant and engineering technician, testing components and collecting data for companies in the Dayton region.
“It has been rewarding to see the connection between classroom concepts and real-world applications, particularly as I explore co-op and internship opportunities,” Bennett said.
Nicholas Beltran - Civil Engineering
As a first-generation college student, Beltran sought to challenge himself academically and connect with like-minded individuals. The Honors Program offers him a close-knit community that creates meaningful friendships.
“The honors classes provided clear direction on what I needed to achieve and challenged me in ways I hadn’t encountered before,” Beltran said. “ The Honors Program helped me find like-minded individuals from the moment I stepped on campus, creating a supportive community that made my transition to college much smoother.”
The academically rigorous courses have pushed Beltran to new intellectual levels through helping develop essential interpersonal skills through discussion-based learning.
“The honors courses challenged me in ways I hadn’t experienced before at UD. Throughout my college career, I took several humanities honors classes, with philosophy being the most memorable,” Beltran recalls.
“These courses pushed me to think beyond engineering, engaging different parts of my mind to explore human culture, society, history, and my personal values.”
Following graduation, Beltran will be joining Trotter & Associates, an engineering consulting and design firm, specializing in water distribution and wastewater management. This opportunity will allow him to apply his engineering knowledge in a practical setting while contributing to impactful projects in the field.
