John Martinson Honors College celebrates student achievement at inaugural Level Up pinning celebration

A group of people posing with a certificate in front of a Purdue University backdrop.

Purdue student Nate Albin stands with his parents, sister and Felisa Higgins, dean of the John Martinson Honors College, in honor of his Outstanding Senior Award. (Purdue University photo)

The John Martinson Honors College hosted its first Level Up pinning celebration in West Lafayette on April 12 and in Indianapolis on April 24. The college welcomed students, faculty and staff in recognizing academic progress and achievement among 2,764 honors students from both locations.

The event highlighted the college’s Level Up program, an initiative developed by Dean Felisa Higgins to celebrate students’ continued growth on their path toward earning the honors laureate distinction. This event marks a new tradition for the Honors College, reinforcing its commitment to recognizing student excellence at every stage of the undergraduate experience.

During the celebration, students received pins marking key stages of achievement, including Pathfinder, Rising Scholar and Honors Scholar levels. Those who complete all three levels will be awarded the honors medallion at a ceremony May 13.

More information about the Level Up program is available on the Honors College website.

Two women with a student holding a Rising Scholar sign in front of a Purdue University backdrop.
Dean Felisa Higgins recognizes fourth-year student Jude Reynolds as a Rising Scholar. (Purdue University photo)
Three students playing instruments.
Students from Jason Ware’s jazz course perform at the pinning celebration. (Purdue University photo)
Two people hold an “Honors Scholar” sign in front of a John Martinson Honors College backdrop with gold and black balloons.
Student Aditya Pawar, left, poses with Dean Felisa Higgins, right, as an honors scholar in Indianapolis. (Purdue University photo)

Faculty-Staff News

In Print: ‘Teaching the Arthurian Tradition’

September 24, 2026

Undergraduate Research Expo accepting research talk and poster abstract submissions

September 24, 2026

Two adults using a laptop together at a kitchen table, with papers, eyeglasses and a smartphone nearby.

Road to Retirement continues through Friday – there’s still time to participate

September 24, 2026

John Martinson Honors College seeks faculty applicants for 2027-28 teaching opportunities

September 24, 2026

All Faculty-Staff News