"This program was once described to me as a hidden gem in the Central Valley and I could not agree more."
- Sommer Sehkon (Senior, B.S. in Biology)
The Smittcamp Family Honors College
When applying to colleges, I knew that no matter what pathway I chose, I wanted to ensure a culture of learning and humility was at its core. The Smittcamp Family Honors College embodies this culture, and inspires outside communities to do the same. The program challenges me to be the best 'me' possible, and I can say this holds true for other scholars as well.
Being offered admission to the Smittcamp Family Honors College is one of the greatest privileges I have ever been granted. As a senior in high school, I was unsure of where my path would take me; I only knew that I wanted to be part of a school filled with opportunities, a well-rounded education, and individuals who would help me reach my full potential. The Smittcamp Family Honors College is that and more. Every day I feel as though a new door opens for me, and I am surrounded by people who can help guide me through it. As someone with very few family members who have attended college right out of high school, I find the extra assistance with planning my future, both inside and outside of undergrad, to be extremely beneficial. My fellow cohort and the individuals who have dutifully dedicated their time to this program constantly push me to reach new heights I had never thought possible. Words cannot express how grateful I am to be part of such an important and beautiful legacy that continually works to improve the Central Valley.
The Smittcamp Family Honors College is a crown jewel in California higher education. The small class sizes, thought-provoking discussions, and camaraderie among cohorts are all unmatched. The end result is alchemy: rigor and opportunity on par with the Ivies, generous support that demands scholars serve their communities as well, all within one of the nation's leading social mobility engines, Fresno State. What's not to love?
Being part of the Smittcamp Family Honors College has truly shaped me as someone who moved here to pursue my education. Coming from outside of Fresno, and from a completely different country, I started college feeling unsure of the unfamiliarity that will come. But meeting my cohort changed that quickly. I found myself surrounded by driven and diverse individuals who share the same ambition, and over time, that turned into more of a familial connection. Within that community, I felt encouraged to embrace my culture even more, holding onto Filipino values like resilience and bayanihan—communal unity. I know I can count on Smittcamp for any guidance and support, whether it’d be through job opportunities or just the typical academic struggles. Through late-night study sessions and conversations about shared long-term goals, Smittcamp hasn’t just strengthened me academically—it has deepened my pride in my identity and given me a stronger sense of purpose.
My experience with Smittcamp has been great, and I have witnessed firsthand a community that supports and encourages one another. During my first week at Fresno State, I was met with many students in Smittcamp who genuinely cared about making me feel welcome and included. The Smittcamp community is full of students who want to give back and help others succeed in their own, unique journeys.
Choosing the Smittcamp Family Honors College to pursue my undergraduate degree has easily been the best decision I have made in my twenty years of life. In my senior year of high school, I wanted to choose a university that prioritized community, mentorship, and preparation for graduate school. However, Smittcamp has given me that and everything more. I remember walking into our first day of welcome week and looking at 49 unfamiliar faces that were in my cohort. These 49 faces quickly grew into my best friends, roommates, and support I will have for far longer than my bachelor’s degree. Within a college of 200 driven, motivated, and exceptional students, I have always been inspired and challenged to exceed beyond what I thought was my potential. This community has given me someone to study with me late into the night, someone to answer my plethora of questions about anything, someone who celebrated every small win and encouraged me when I doubted myself. This program was once described to me as a hidden gem in the Central Valley and I could not agree more. A local choice which was once overlooked has given me the best and truly unique undergraduate experience. From the President’s scholarship that has allowed me to save for graduate school, honors faculty and courses which challenge and guide you, to a community which is truly irreplaceable, everyday I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this program and for everything it has given me!
The Smittcamp Family Honors College has awarded me much more than just a scholarship. It has led me to life-long friendships through Smitty Buddies, meet like-minded people throughout the cohorts, and provided me with an honorable education that I will never be stripped of. This program reminds me that education is a privilege; a sensitive and critical matter. I am beyond grateful for the Smittcamp family and their selfless contributions to further generations' careers. Without this program, I would probably not have had the same doors opened to jobs, internships, leadership opportunities, research experience, etc. Thank you to Dr. Attar, Caleigh Camara, and the Smittcamp Office for making my time at Fresno State so enjoyable!