University Honors Program

By Kaitlin Lewis

The Chaminade Scholars program, one of the several signature programs of the University Honors Program, offers students the chance to dive deeper than just academics during their time at UD. At its core, the program focuses on the intersection of faith and vocation within a variety of career paths and fosters conversation through seminar-style courses. It can be hard to define what it means to be a “Chami,” but a few students who are a part of the program shared with the UHP how their experiences have shaped their lives both in and outside of the classroom. 

Around 15 students, give or take a few, make up a cohort of Chaminade Scholars each year. First-year honors students can apply to the program during their first semester. After the application and group-interview process, the Chamis are invited to join the program early in the spring semester.

First-year student Katie Crump recently joined the program after first learning about Chaminade Scholars through a few of her friends at UD, who just happen to also be Chamis themselves. Crump said she grew immensely in her faith during her first semester, and wanted the chance to continue to do so in a purpose-driven community. 

“The most appealing part of this to me was that the program offered a chance to join a supportive community in which this growth and understanding was a shared value,” Crump said. 

Each cohort of Chamis grows in deeper connection to one another in several different ways, from taking the same classes to attending retreats together. Junior John Sheehan told the UHP that he recently attended a retreat with his cohort and the sophomore Chamis at the St. Meinrad Monastery in St. Meinrad, Indiana. During the retreat, Sheehan said the group had the opportunity to join the brothers in prayer throughout the day, and even had the chance to speak to a few Flyer alumni that live at the monastery. 

“Beyond retreats, we have enjoyed spending time with each other at Art Street Café listening to a few of the musically-inclined Chaminade Scholars,” Sheehan added as a way his cohort helps one another grow outside of the classroom. 

Classes a part of the Chaminade Scholar curriculum range from interfaith studies to Christian spirituality and are open to students of all majors. Sheehan said that the variety of classes have enriched his learning at UD because they cover topics he would otherwise not have the chance to study.

“Since I am a Computer Engineering major, many of my classes are very technical and do not allow for much expression of creativity,” Sheehan said. “Being a Chaminade Scholar gives me the opportunity to take classes that I would not normally take and with like minded people that want to be present and are excited to learn.” 

Crump anticipates that her Chami classes, which begin during her second year at UD, will allow her to grow deeper with peers that she would have most likely not have otherwise met.

“I feel as if through being a member of a Chaminade cohort I will be able to challenge myself academically and spiritually as well, which is a very unique opportunity,” Crump said.