MALTA — The Kishwaukee College Honors Program held its fourth annual Honors Research Awards presentations on May 2 at the college. Three students received awards for Excellence in Honors Research: Carley Ackland, Rochelle; Russell Heibel, Genoa; and Sydney Webster, Sycamore.
Ackland’s presentation titled “Who was Emily Dickinson?” explored the rich history of Emily Dickinson and her poetry. Ackland claims Dickinson’s death was “a happy beginning for poetry” as the poet’s influence grew posthumously. Ackland composed a poetry chapbook of original work influenced by the late poet’s distinct style. Once she graduates from Kish, Ackland plans to transfer to a four-year institution to study English with a focus in writing.
Heibel presented “Variances in Influence of Eastern and Western Africa in Relation to the Americas, Europe, and Asia” in which he explored the complex relationships between the U.S., Ghana, China, and Kenya. He explored motivations of the U.S. and China to enter Africa and the influence the two countries have had. Heibel graduated this semester, and he plans to transfer to NIU where he is considering a major in History. His career goal is to work as a professional researcher in the federal government or military.
Webster’s presentation “Das Konzept des Völkermord” translates into “the concept of genocide.” Webster examined genocide and various proposed definitions offered, including Article 2 of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (1948) and the 10 stages of genocide as proposed by Dr. Greg Stanton. Webster analyzed The Holocaust and the Rwandan genocide in regards to the formal definitions. Webster graduated this semester, and she plans to transfer to NIU to study organizational/corporate communications.
Former President of Kishwaukee College Dr. Dave Louis and his wife, Mary Anne Louis, sponsor the Excellence in Honors Research Awards through the Kishwaukee College Foundation. The presenting students received a financial award for their extensive work on the semester-long research project. Assistant Professor of History and Coordinator of the Honors Program Branden McCullough believes presenting academic work publicly is a valuable experience for students.

The Honors Program is dedicated to providing Kish College’s most exceptional, highly motivated and forward-thinking students with opportunities for intellectual growth, academic challenge, and greater competitiveness when transferring or entering the workforce.
The program connects the expertise of faculty with a select group of students who are eager to demonstrate their own abilities and their willingness to learn at deeper levels.
For more information on the Honors Program at Kishwaukee College, visit www.kish.edu/honors or contact Coordinator of the Honors Program Branden McCullough at bmccullough3@kish.edu or 815-825-9474.