December 20, 2025

OSU Honors College Celebrates Graduates

News Summary

Oklahoma State University recognized 58 dedicated students during its Fall Honors College Hooding and Cording Ceremony. The event, which took place in the Student Union Ballroom, celebrated graduates receiving prestigious honors such as the General Honors Award and the Honors College Degree. This distinction highlights the commitment to academic excellence and prepares graduates for impactful roles in their careers and communities.

OSU Honors College Celebrates Fall 2025 Graduates

Fostering Academic Excellence and Community Leadership

Oklahoma city, OK — On December 12, 2025, Oklahoma State University (OSU) proudly recognized the academic accomplishments of 58 dedicated students during its Fall Honors College Hooding and Cording Ceremony. Held in the Student Union Ballroom, this event celebrated graduates achieving the General Honors Award, the Departmental or College Honors Award, and the prestigious Honors College Degree. These distinctions reflect OSU’s commitment to fostering academic excellence and preparing students for impactful roles in both their careers and communities.

The Honors College Degree represents the highest academic achievement available at OSU, awarded to students who uphold rigorous standards of scholarship, completing extensive coursework and projects that enhance their intellectual development. With a growing emphasis on innovation and community service, this program not only recognizes individual achievement but also contributes to the greater economic and academic vitality of Oklahoma city.

Honors College Degree Recipients

The Honors College Degree is bestowed upon students who complete both the General Honors Award and a College or Departmental Honors Award. This requires them to complete a minimum of 36 honors credit hours, achieve grades of “A” or “B,” and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher. The following students were honored with this distinction in the Fall 2025 ceremony:

Marisa Jackson – Ferguson College of Agriculture – Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Olivia Hoff – Ferguson College of Agriculture – Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Lily Hill – College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology – Architectural Engineering
Casey Cruzan – College of Education and Human Sciences – Aerospace Administration and Operations
Christian Hill – Spears School of Business – Management Information Systems
Ronald Walker – College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology – Mechanical Engineering
Addy Irwin – Spears School of Business – Entrepreneurship
Emily Black – College of Arts and Sciences – Biology
Gillian Struble – Ferguson College of Agriculture – Entomology
Olivia Clark – Ferguson College of Agriculture – Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Erika Schwisow – Ferguson College of Agriculture – Agricultural Business
Kristine Branch – College of Arts and Sciences – Zoology: Ecology and Conservation Biology

A Broader Recognition of Achievement

Beyond the Honors College Degree, OSU celebrated students receiving the General Honors Award and the Departmental or College Honors Award during the ceremony. These honors serve to recognize students for their successful completion of specialized honors coursework and significant projects tailored to their fields of study. This comprehensive structure exemplifies OSU’s commitment to rigorous academic standards and student success.

The Significance of the Hooding Ceremony

The hooding ceremony is a cherished tradition that symbolizes the academic achievements of graduates. At OSU, students awarded the Honors College Degree uniquely don a baccalaureate hood during commencement ceremonies, showcasing their dedication and the high standards they have met throughout their academic journeys. This ceremonial honor highlights not only individual success but also OSU’s investment in cultivating a culture of scholarly excellence.

Commitment to Excellence and Future Opportunities

The emphasis on academic rigor and personal responsibility in the OSU Honors College aligns with the broader goals of higher education in Oklahoma city. By nurturing leadership skills and instilling a sense of community impact, the Honors College prepares students to tackle real-world challenges effectively. Graduates with these honors are well-equipped to lead in various sectors, bolstering Oklahoma’s economy through innovation and critical thinking.

Explore the OSU Honors College

For those interested in learning more about the programs and potential opportunities available at the OSU Honors College, further information can be obtained through their website. The focus on academic excellence not only benefits the students directly involved but also contributes positively to the institution’s reputation and the local community’s growth.

As we celebrate the achievements of these graduates, we invite readers to stay engaged with the dynamic offerings and campus events that highlight the vibrant educational landscape of Oklahoma city’s institutions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Honors College Degree at OSU?

The Honors College Degree is the highest academic distinction at Oklahoma State University, awarded to students who complete both the General Honors Award and the College or Departmental Honors Award, totaling a minimum of 36 honors credit hours with grades of “A” or “B,” and maintaining a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher. This distinction is reflected on students’ transcripts, and they receive a special honors diploma.

Who are the recipients of the Honors College Degree for Fall 2025?

The following students received the Honors College Degree: Marisa Jackson, Olivia Hoff, Lily Hill, Casey Cruzan, Christian Hill, Ronald Walker, Addy Irwin, Emily Black, Gillian Struble, Olivia Clark, Erika Schwisow, and Kristine Branch.

What is the significance of the hooding ceremony?

The hooding ceremony is a traditional event where graduates are presented with a hood as a symbol of their academic accomplishments. At OSU, students earning the Honors College Degree are the only undergraduates who wear a baccalaureate hood at commencement ceremonies.