University of Utah Honors College Alumni

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08/20/2026

✨ Honors Spotlight: Nandhini Ramanathan

“[Honors] attracts students who genuinely want to do good, academically, and beyond…”

For Nandhini, Honors is a place where curiosity is celebrated, new doors open, and students are encouraged to push beyond their limits. ❤️

We’re proud to celebrate the students who make the Honors community so vibrant, curious, and inspiring!

08/14/2026

Alumni Spotlight: John Bossard, Ph.D.

From the University of Utah Honors College to advanced rocket propulsion research with NASA, John Bossard’s journey has been driven by curiosity, exploration, and a lifelong love of learning.
A 1984 U graduate, John credits Honors with expanding his intellectual world and inspiring him to explore ideas far beyond his major in Mechanical Engineering.

Today, he continues his work in aerospace engineering while sharing his knowledge and experience with the next generation.

His advice to Honors students? Don’t be afraid to take courses that challenge you or fall outside your field—you never know where they might lead. 🚀

08/05/2026

"Congrats on graduating!!! You've done something that most people only dream of, so props to you!!

The question now becomes... are you unsure about the next steps?... Good! That means you have the opportunity of starting from scratch. You have the chance to reevaluate your life, goals, career choices, desires, and passions. You get to sit down and think about what you want, and why you think you want it. You're in a good spot, trust! Now, don't get me wrong, it might be scary thinking about what's next (more school, work, family, traveling until you run out of money, or whatever it is you might want to do haha). But, the flipside would be you having it all figured out, doing what you need to, and you never having the time to meditate on what it is you truly want, or why you do what you do.

Yeah, it might feel like a weird spot to be in if you're unsure about what to do next, but take this time to think about what you want to try. Then... go out and try it! Plan/think about it, and then TRY SOMETHING! Grad school, a job, an entrepreneurial venture, traveling, learning a new language, starting a family, Whatever!

If you're unsure about what to do next, plan out the pros and cons of all your options (because trust me, now you have options), and then go out and try to do what seems like the best option. Don't stress too much over "having it all figured out". No one who's truly successful has it all figured out. They're always searching, thinking, planning, and weighing out their options and looking for their next opportunity. So take a day or 2 to really sit down with your thoughts, plan your next move, then... move!"
Eric Jara, BS'21

08/04/2026

"Embrace your community! Whether that is a new community at a new job you are starting, a group of friends all going to graduate school, or a community gardening/volunteering gig to do outside of work. There is power in community and using your education and knowledge to help contribute to the people around you. Best of luck, grads!"
Naveen Rathi, HBO'18

07/30/2026

"Focusing on my strengths and interests has gotten me on several great paths that have influenced my future for the better. Of course, that doesn't mean ignore your weaknesses, but the biggest decisions in life seem to work best if they play off your strengths.

When looking at college degrees, I was strong in math and really enjoyed chemistry, so I ended up studying chemical engineering. When considering what I wanted to do with my degree, I found myself fascinated with semiconductor engineering topics (despite not knowing what a semiconductor was until sophomore year), so I dedicated myself towards those courses and an emphasis. All that led to having a strong background and intrinsic passion that ended up landing me an internship and job offer at Micron Technology!"
Misha Bekeris, HCH '20

07/27/2026

"Uncertainty right now is a gift, even if it doesn't feel like it, because you can do whatever you want with your career whenever you want. I promise it doesn't have to be linear! You will get there. I had no uncertainty; instead, I had a ten-year plan when I graduated: become a trial attorney.

I concocted a strict schedule to keep me moving toward that goal. It only took about a year working as a paralegal for me to realize that College Me and Graduate Me had wildly different visions of what we wanted our life to look like. I took a huge career risk, deviated from the path I'd set for myself, and embraced the uncertainty of not knowing what would come next.

I went from being a paralegal at a respected firm preparing to take the LSAT to an international ski travel agent (when I took the job, I didn't even know how to ski!). I loved it, but it wasn't sustainable.

I continued to leapfrog, doing everything walking dogs to recruiting to essay editing. Finally, I found a job that reignited the career spark I'd been missing: a paralegal gig for a solo legal practioner. Working there reignited College Me's aspirations - I realized I could be a different kind of lawyer working to be a force for good in the world. That realization led me to where I am now, twelve years after graduation: in my career as an attorney (but NOT a trial one) at an incredible workplace with a supportive team and the perfect work-life balance for me to feel fulfilled, both in my career and in my personal life.

Take the risk. If something doesn't feel right, listen to yourself - don't force a job that makes you miserable. Put yourself first and seek experiences that make you feel fulfilled, in work and otherwise. Embrace the uncertainty and know that you can make your life what you want it to be. You're not on anyone's timeline but your own."
Niki Crabtree, HBA'14

07/23/2026

"Stop and take a deep breath. You've made it! With these next steps you embark on, remember that you don’t need to have everything figured out right away. The first year after graduation can feel disorienting because the structure you’ve always had is suddenly gone. That’s normal.

Progress at this stage may look messy, indirect, and slower than expected, but remember that it’s still progress. Don’t waste time measuring your life against other people’s timelines. Some peers will seem far ahead, but you’re only seeing a snapshot, not the full story. Stay consistent, stay curious, and be willing to adjust. Long-term success is much more about persistence and passion than early perfection. And don't forget to have fun!"
Kari Stoddard, HNU'22

07/16/2026

What an incredible start to our Honors College 7 Cities: Civil Society and Human Rights course at the University of Utah Asia Campus!

Our students have already explored three remarkable Korean cities through immersive, hands-on learning.

Seoul introduced us to Korea's living cultural heritage with a traditional Buddhist vegetarian meal, a hanbok experience, visits to Gyeongbokgung Palace and the National Palace Museum, and an unforgettable overnight stay at JustBe Temple in Hongdae, where students practiced meditation and experienced modern urban temple life.

In Gyeongju, the ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom, we traced nearly 1,000 years of Korean history at the Gyeongju National Museum before visiting the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto. We concluded the day with a walk through historic Gyochon Village and across the beautifully restored Woljeonggyo Bridge.

The following weekend, we traveled to Busan, where breathtaking coastal scenery met powerful historical reflection. Highlights included Haedong Yonggungsa Temple overlooking the East Sea, a ride on the famous Sky Capsule, a seaside grilled shellfish lunch, the United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Korea, the National Memorial Museum of Forced Mobilization under Japanese Occupation, and the colorful streets of Gamcheon Culture Village.

These field experiences bring our classroom discussions on history, religion, civil society, memory, and human rights to life in ways that simply aren't possible within four walls.

We're excited to continue the journey with four more cities before the summer session comes to a close!

07/15/2026

"You are going to have no trouble learning the 'tools of the trade' in your first job out of school. You're smart, can ask good questions, and know how to learn quickly. Make sure to prioritize the relationships--find mentors to teach you the soft skills and create champions to support you at the critical moments in your career."
Ben Caine, HBS'19

07/14/2026

Week 1 of the Honors Integrated Minor in Health learning abroad program in South Africa is in the books!

This week we laid foundation for the weeks ahead - immersing ourselves in South Africa’s history and the forces that continue to shape health and society today. Our students explored Johannesburg on foot, gaining firsthand insight into the city’s past and present, and spent a powerful day at the Apartheid Museum reflecting on the enduring impacts of apartheid on health, opportunity, and human rights.

As we continue our journey across South Africa, we’ll explore how health and ecology intersect across diverse landscapes: from vibrant cities to rural communities and remarkable natural environments. We can’t wait to see how these experiences challenge our perspectives and deepen our understanding of global health.

Address

Salt Lake City, UT
84113

Telephone

(801) 581-7383

Website

http://www.honors.utah.edu/

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