SC State Honors College students attend prestigious graduate recruitment event at the University of Notre Dame
ORANGEBURG, S.C. – Three exceptional students from South Carolina State University’s Dr. Emily England Clyburn Honors College attended the Our Futures Weekend at the University of Notre Dame Jan. 30-Feb. 2.
Shadae Rembert, Lataye Walker, and Tanashi Leonard traveled to the Notre Dame campus in South Bend, Indiana, with all expenses fully covered by Notre Dame. This included airfare, lodging, and meals, ensuring they could focus entirely on the invaluable experiences ahead.
Our Futures Weekend is an annual recruitment event designed to introduce highly talented and driven undergraduates from historically underrepresented backgrounds to the world of graduate education at one of the nation's top research institutions. It aims to provide students with the knowledge, resources, and connections needed to successfully apply for and thrive in graduate school.
The opportunity was made possible through the leadership of Dr. William Whitaker, Clyburn Honors College dean, who leveraged his professional network to connect the SC State scholars with this elite experience. One of Whitaker’s Michigan State University classmates, Dr. Jamila Lee-Johnson, Notre Dame’s assistant dean for inclusive excellence, played a key role in extending the invitation. Their collaboration underscores the power of strategic partnerships in expanding academic and professional opportunities for SC State’s honors students.
During Our Futures Weekend, the students:
- Explored Notre Dame’s graduate school programs. The students engaged with faculty, staff, and current graduate students in their academic fields of interest.
- Gained insider knowledge on the graduate admissions process. The students learned directly from the university’s admissions team about application strategies and funding opportunities.
- Visited research facilities and labs. They toured cutting-edge facilities and interacted with potential mentors.
- Networked with like-minded peers. The SC State students connected with other high-achieving students from across the country who share their passion for academic excellence.
- Experienced Notre Dame’s rich history and traditions. They immersed themselves in the culture and academic rigor of one of the nation’s leading research institutions.
Student reflections on the experience:
- "Attending Our Futures Weekend was a transformative experience. Engaging with Notre Dame's faculty and exploring their state-of-the-art research facilities has inspired me to pursue advanced studies in biomedical research,” said Rembert, a junior political science/pre-law major.
- "The opportunity to connect with like-minded peers and learn about the graduate admissions process firsthand was invaluable. This experience has broadened my horizons and solidified my aspirations for graduate education,” said Walker, a junior history education major.
- "Immersing myself in Notre Dame's rich academic environment and networking with potential mentors has been enlightening. I now feel more prepared and motivated to take the next steps toward my graduate studies,” said Leonard, a junior psychology major.
A groundbreaking initiative for SC State Honors Scholars
“This experience has opened new doors for our students, reinforcing that their ambitions are limitless when supported by the right opportunities and networks. I am incredibly proud of Shadae, Lataye, and Tanashi for representing SC State with excellence and for taking full advantage of this transformative experience,” the dean said.
The students’ participation in Our Futures Weekend marked a significant first for the Honors College under Whitaker’s administration. By fostering relationships with leading institutions like Notre Dame and leveraging connections with fellow Big 10 and Research 1 universities, SC State continues to elevate its reputation as a pipeline for top-tier graduate school candidates.
Dr. Windy Stephenson, the Honors College’s executive director, expressed her enthusiasm for the students’ experiences.
"We were beyond thrilled that our students had the opportunity to participate in this prestigious program at Notre Dame,” Stephenson said. “This experience aligns perfectly with our mission of exposing our scholars to elite academic and professional opportunities that prepare them for leadership roles in their fields. We are deeply grateful to Dr. Whitaker for his strategic vision and for leveraging key partnerships that provide transformative experiences like this for our students."
About the Dr. Emily England Clyburn Honors College
The Dr. Emily England Clyburn Honors College is committed to fostering academic excellence, leadership, and professional development among high-achieving students at South Carolina State University. The Honors College provides unique opportunities for research, internships, and graduate school preparation, ensuring students are well-equipped to excel in their future careers.
For more information about SC State’s Dr. Emily England Clyburn Honors College and future opportunities, contact Dr. William Whitaker, Honors College dean, at wwhitak3@scsu.edu or 803-533-3710.