Honors Program
The Honors Program at Saint Mary’s College brings together students who want to challenge themselves and transform the lives of others.
Applications open twice a year, in January and June.
Interested in joining? Our interest forms are open year-round, so submit now to learn more and receive reminders about applying.
Current SMC students are welcome to complete the "SMC students" form linked below, and for any students not yet enrolled or recently admitted to SMC, please complete the "High school" form.
Our Program is designed to help you identify your particular talents, interests, strengths, and edges, and learn how to activate them for yourself and others.
Honors Program Benefits
Why join the Honors Program?
Honors students study together, earn honors course credits, develop leadership skills, complete service projects and contribute to scholarly research under the direction of expert faculty. Benefits include early registration, mentorship, social events, special trainings, and scholarship opportunities.
Learn moreWe believe that every student has unique gifts, and that our diversity is a critical strength that increases creativity, innovation, and learning multiple paths for excellence.
Honors Requirements
Academic Requirements
- Maintain a 3.5 GPA
Program Requirements
Honors Program members come from majors and departments all across campus and represent diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Meet our cohorts
Scholarship, Grant, & Research Opportunities
Looking to explore the professional opportunities in your career field? We’ve assembled a number of different grants, fellowships, awards, and research projects, both here in California and around the country, for you to browse and see what fits your interests.
Living Learning Community
The special Honors Living-Learning Community in Aquinas is a phenomenal way to get to know other Honors students. If you have met certain qualifications, and/or have received a Presidential or Trustees Scholarship, we encourage you to join us in Aquinas.
Aquinas is a suite style dorm close to the library and classrooms, with laundry, lounge, and special Honors tutors and programs. Honors students can choose non-Honors students as roommates, and you can remain in Aquinas even if you withdraw from the Honors Program.
Present at Conferences
Around the Country & Here at Saint Mary's
Honors Students must present research at least one time and are welcome to present any one of their Honors Contracts in any semester.
Every spring, the SMC Student Research Conference & Showcase is a great opportunity to present research.
Other options include national and regional conferences or another avenue of the student's choosing. Read our newsletters to find scholarships to national and regional conferences!
Learn moreThe Honors Student Commission
The Honors Student Commission is the student governing body of the Saint Mary’s College Honors Program. The Commission affords students the unique opportunity of helping to make decisions about how the Honors Program should function as well as overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Program. In keeping with the Program's student-driven focus, Commissioners work as a team to produce a variety of events and oversee the academic and social well-being of fellow Honors Program students.
2024-25 Commissioners
Emily Dratva, Executive Commissioner
Emily is a fourth-year Integral Major and a Dance Minor. She has wanted to serve on the Commission since the beginning of her Saint Mary’s journey, as she believes the Honors Program is the ideal resource for students who want to further deepen their education. As a sophomore on the Events Commission, Emily loved being able to plan her own fundraisers, social events, and service events. Now she is extremely honored to be the Executive Commissioner and oversee the functions and status of the Commission as a whole.
Jazmine Cortez, Public Relations Commissioner
Jazmine is a third-year Integral Major, Law and Society/Politics double minor, from Fresno, California. She is the PR Commissioner for Honors and on the Exec Team for La Hermandad (the Latino/a and Hispanic club on campus). Jazmine also works on the Faith Formation team at the Mission and Ministry Center. Jazmine looks forward to all the upcoming Honors events and cannot wait to continue to build our honors community!
Rose Du Pont, Academic Events & Contracts Commissioner
Rose is a third-year student majoring in Finance and Music, with a French Minor. She is from Brentwood, CA. On campus, in addition to serving as the Academic Commissioner with the Honors Program, Rose serves as the Operations Exec for the Gael Women in Business Club and as part of the Faith Formation team for the Mission and Ministry Center. Additionally, she is part of the SMC Chamber, Glee, and Jazz Choirs. Rose is excited to be a part of the Honors Program leadership team because she is passionate about learning and growing in community.
Olivia Eukel, Social and Service Events Commissioner
Olivia studies chemistry, biology, and vocal music. She has extensive experience in childcare, including serving children with special needs, service and volunteer work, performing arts, leadership, and year-round swimming. She chose to join the Commission as an events specialist after organizing the Spring 2023 Student Research Conference. Olivia is passionate about serving underrepresented and underserved communities as a future physician.
Keiko Muraoka, Social & Service Events Commissioner
Keiko is a third-year Biology major, Business Admin minor. In her free time, Keiko enjoys being outdoors and going on hikes, beach trips, or shopping. She decided to serve on this year's Commission so that she could be a part of the amazing team that brings Honors Students together to help instill a sense of community within the cohort. Keiko is excited for the new school year and looks forward to meeting all of you.
Stavroula Psefteas, Colloquium Commissioner
Stavroula is a third-year Psychology major with a minor in SSTE and a Resident Advisor in Aquinas Hall and the Events Coordinator of the Psychology Club. She has been in the Honors Program for three years now and has had a great time meeting new people and working behind the scenes to continue to improve the Honors Program! Stavroula looks forward to meeting and working with you all!
Jared Thomas, Public Relations Commissioner
Jared is a Creative-Writing major who is interested in Design and is of African and Jewish descent. He grew up in Alameda, CA, and is trying to catch as many SMC events as possible!
Aidan Silva, Public Relations Commissioner
Aidan is a Biochemistry major from Sunnyvale, CA, who wants to work in pediatrics. He loves to workout, play basketball, travel to new places, try new foods, and go out with his friends.
Student Experience
