ATLANTA—A few weeks ago, the Georgia State University Honors College Class of 2025 crossed the graduation stage—marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of countless new ones. Their impact on campus and in the community will be felt for years to come.
This year’s graduates represent a wide range of majors, passions, and post-grad plans, but they all share one thing in common: they made the most of their time in the Honors College. Whether through research, internships, study abroad, or late-night debates, these students leaned into every opportunity to grow.
Though the Class of 2025 started their college experience during Covid, they did not let that prevent them from taking advantage of every opportunity that came their way. The resillience these students showed is a strong testament to their their dedication and desire to make an impact on the world.
Accolades abound for this graduating class—just to name a few: Emma Alamgir (B.A. ’25) won first place in GSU’s Thesis Pitch competition for her research on internet-era sexuality. Marvin Center (B.S. ’25) was awarded both the Beckman Scholarship and the Gilman International Scholarship. Saumini Shah (B.S. ’25) earned the Panther’s Pantry Leadership Award and is headed to Columbia University for her Master's of Public Health.
A Launchpad for Big Dreams
For many, the Honors College was more than a place to take challenging classes—it was a launchpad. Students like Tiffany Iriogbe (B.S. ’25)—who will join Microsoft as a Software Engineer—credit the Honors College for helping them discover their passions. “Through the University Assistantship Program, I found my love for research and innovation,” she shared.
Others—like Cheick Kouyate (B.A. ’25), a Thomas R. Pickering Fellow and Fulbright Semi-Finalist—found support while applying for prestigious national awards. He’ll be heading to graduate school this fall to become a U.S. diplomat.
Next Steps: From Google to Grad School
The Class of 2025 is heading in every direction imaginable. Some are jumping into careers at top companies like Google, Goldman Sachs, AT&T, and Deloitte. Others are pursuing graduate degrees in fields ranging from neuroscience and law to global communications and public health at institutions like Columbia, Arizona State, and Georgia Tech.
For those taking a gap year—like Tiara Missey (B.S. ’25)—she’s gaining hands-on experience before applying to medical school. “I’ll be working in a clinical setting and volunteering with a health equity nonprofit,” she said. “The Honors College helped me navigate challenges as a first-gen student. It gave me the confidence to keep going.”
Learning That Sticks
Honors seminars were a highlight for many students—small, discussion-based classes that often took learning outside the classroom. These courses tackled real-world issues and encouraged students to think deeply and act boldly. Claire Atchison (B.A. ’25) recalled visiting Hancock State Prison as part of a seminar on punishment and justice. “It was eye-opening,” she said. “It changed how I think about the world.”
Emma Alamgir (B.A. ’25) found inspiration in a seminar that explored poetry and politics. “It sparked some of the most meaningful conversations I’ve ever had,” she said. “We weren’t just learning—we were connecting.”
From popsicle socials and thesis celebrations to study sessions in the Honors College, the recent Honors alums report they found a sense of belonging that made a big university feel personal.
These seminars fostered courageous conversations—about race, justice, inequality, and identity—challenging students to listen, reflect, and speak with empathy. That kind of intellectual bravery became a hallmark of the Honors experience. These seminars were often led by standout GSU faculty like Peter Lindsay (Ph.D. 1997), whose expertise in political theory and democratic education helped students explore justice, ownership and the role of education in society.
Faculty Who Made a Difference
Behind every student is a professor who made an impact. From Anu Bourgeois (Ph.D. 2000), whose expertise in health informatics and cybersecurity inspired future tech leaders—to Maurice Hobson (Ph.D. 2009), whose specialization in Africana Studies brought Atlanta’s history to life—GSU faculty are known for their passion and mentorship.
Jeannie Grussendorf (Ph.D. 1998), Associate Chair of Political Science, left a lasting impression on students like Jasmeen Kaur (B.A. ’25), who said, “[Professor Grussendorf] is truly awesome and caring of her students and only wants everyone to succeed. Each class she taught was always interesting to be in and left me with so much knowledge that gives me a better understanding of the world around us.”
A Community That Feels Like Home
For many, the Honors College was where students grew their communities. Nkkezi George (B.S. ’25)—who completed three study abroad programs and will start medical school this summer—said, “The friends I made [living] in my Honors LLC freshman year are still my biggest encouragers.”
The Honors College strives to be a destination for high-achieving students; a community where students' intellectual curiosity as well as their dreams, passions and goals are supported and celebrated.
Allen Brooks (B.A. ’25) shared how the Honors College helped him feel seen and supported as a transfer student. “I was nervous about fitting in, but the community welcomed me right away. It made all the difference.”
Izabella Sara (B.B.A. ’25)—who’s heading to New York to work at EY—said, “I met some of my best friends through Honors events. We pushed each other to succeed—and had a lot of fun along the way.”
Looking Ahead
As these graduates step into the next chapter, they carry with them more than academic accolades. They carry the spirit of the Honors College—a place where curiosity is celebrated, community is cultivated, and students are empowered to lead with purpose.
The Honors College at Georgia State University is a destination for high-achieving students who embody curiosity, take pride in their work and dream about how they can make an impact through their studies and careers. Its mission is to serve students in a welcoming space by engaging students’ curiosity, empowering them to achieve their highest potential and inspiring them to find their place in the world. Its students form life-long friendships, participate in community service, perform research, excel academically, explore their interests and chart their career paths.