Honors Program Alumni

Brett Berquist, Trustee 2008-2009 Honors Alumni Society Executive BoardTrustee, 2007-2008 Honors Alumni Society Executive Board

Degree earned from BGSU: Bachelor of Science with a Major in Psychology and a Science Cognate Minor in Mathematics, Biology, and Economics. Graudated Magna Cum Laude (1994). Bachelor of Arts with a Major in English and a Sociology Minor. Graudated Magna Cum Laude and with University Honors (1994)

Additional degrees earned: Western Michigan University (April 1997) - Master of Arts in Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology with a Specialization in Administration of Student Affairs Services. Clarion University of Pennsylvania (May 2007) - Master of Arts in English.

BGSU Involvement: Honors Student Association (Freshman Representative to Council & Assistant Fundraising Chairperson-1989/1990 and Honors Recruitment Chairperson-1991/1992), Phi Eta Sigma Freshman Honor Society (President-1992 & Treasurer-1991), Mortarboard National Honor Society (Vice President of Selections and Tapping-1993/1994), Alpha Lambda Delta Freshman Honor Society (Vice President-1990/1991 & Tutoring Chairperson-1992), Phi Beta Kappa Arts & Sciences Honorary Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Honor Society

Hometown: Massillon, Ohio

Currently reside: Clarion, Pennsylvania

Current Occupation: I have worked as an Area Coordinator for the Office of Residence Life Services at Clarion University since 2001. I supervise the running of three residence halls on campus, which includes supervision of graduate and undergraduate students, mediation of roommate conflicts, discipline, advising of hall council, and programming events for the hall

Other occupations: Residence Coordinator at Wittenberg University (1998/2001)
Residence Life Coordinator and Assistant Greek Affairs Advisor at Ohio Wesleyan University (1997/1998), Assistant Hall Director at Western Michigan University (1996/1997), Facility Supervisor and Student Employee Tutorial Planner and Module Facilitator for the Student Recreation Center at Western Michigan University (1995/1996. I have taught multiple classes for first-year students and Resident Advisors at the collegiate level.

Significant Accomplishments: I was awarded the Michigan College Personnel Association's Les Carlin Award in 1997 as the Outstanding New Student Affairs Professional. I was given a Distinguished Service Award in 1994 from BGSU. I was a Finalist for Student Leader of the Year in 1993 at BGSU.
Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges in 1994. Listed in the National Dean's List for Three Years (1993-1994, 2007), Qualified for the Dean's List every semester of my schooling at Bowling Green

Interests and Hobbies: I greatly enjoy singing. In fact, I sang in the BGSU Men's Chorus for five years and continue to sing with the BGSU Alumni Men's Chorus. I have season tickets to the Pittsburgh Broadway Series as well as The Pittsburgh Pops Symphony, and attend live theatre/music whenever I can. I also enjoy collecting coins (both American and Special Event). I am an avid reader and watcher of both television and movies. Lastly, I am addicted to the internet and spend too much time surfing the web.

Fond Memories of BGSU Honors: I remember spending many hours in and around the Honors Office when Hazel Meeker was secretary. We would talk, go to lunch together, and discuss life in general. I was greatly saddened to hear of her recent passing. I remember the "unique" experience which was Evaluating Social Controversies, a 5-Credit Course that kicked my butt. Finally, I had great times serving as a rep on HSA Council. It truly prepared me for working with people in a group setting, however frustrating at times.

Impact of BGSU Honors Program on your life: It is really impossible for me to say what direct impact the Honors Program had on my life. Because of the various honors courses I took, I was exposed to many new and enriching avenues of thinking. The world opened up to me in a way it hadn't before.
While I remain haunted by aspects of the course "Literature of the Holocaust," it taught me the importance of introspection and having empathy. Had I not participated in the Honors Program, my life's blessings would have been diminished.

Additional Info: My years at Bowling Green have remained a highlight of my life. Despite all the new and exciting things I have experienced, my college years are special. I took advantage of every opportunity that was available and feel all the richer for it. Looking back, I cannot imagine going to any other higher education institution. In fact, it is likely because of my wonderful experience at BG that I chose Student Affairs as a profession. It allows me to remain in college for the rest of my life

You can email Brett at bberquist@clarion.edu