University Honors Program

Did you see the Olympic flame encased in a beautiful blown glass piece that was carried into the 2026 Winter Olympics closing ceremonies arena by Italian gold medalists from the 1994 Lillehammer Games? Master glassblower and sculptor Lino Tagliapietra designed and crafted that piece! His 70+ years of work as a Murano glass artist, teacher, and mentor has influenced an entire generation of glass artists around the world.

Last spring break, University Honors students participating in the "Urban History and Sustainability in Venice, Italy" Study Abroad program had the honor of meeting and getting to speak with Signor at his Murano studio and gallery.

Read more at the link in bio!

For a select group of University Honors Program students, the summer of 2025 became more than just a break from classes. Through the CMI–UHP Undergraduate Research Fellowship, a partnership between the University Honors Program and the Comparative Medicine Institute, students immersed themselves in full-time, hands-on research that challenged assumptions, sharpened skills, and helped clarify future academic and career paths.

Read more at the link in bio!

Isaac Paolino (pictured first) was selected by UHP staff as the student speaker for the 2025 fall semester’s University Honors Program (UHP) Senior Recognition Ceremony on Tuesday, Dec. 9.

Paolino, Jennie Buckley (second picture), Andrew Hoyek (third picture), and several other fall 2025 graduates are quoted in “University Honors Seniors Reflect on Lessons Learned” (link in bio) with some of their favorite takeaways and memories from participating in this program.

Best of luck to all of our most recent graduates! 🎓 🐺 ❤️

🌍 Taking history out of the classroom and into the streets of Venice! ✈️

Dr. Holly Hurlburt’s passion project, Italy: Urban History, Tourism, and Sustainability, gave NC State students the chance to explore Venetian innovation, sustainability, and culture firsthand. This short-term, high-impact study abroad program proves that transformative global learning doesn’t always require a full semester abroad.

Read more at the link in our bio!