It takes more than just a high GPA to be an honors student.

It was on that note that Jay Wagle, director of the University Honors Program, began a weekend ceremony to honor excellence on the part of NIU professors and honors students.

After introductions by Wagle and NIU President John Peters, Lesli Groth, a senior journalism major, spoke briefly about being part of the honors program.

“Today we should be proud not only that we came to college but that we came to college and again chose to challenge ourselves by joining the honors program,” she said.

Groth took the opportunity to recognize former honors program director James Massey, who died of cancer last fall. She also praised the achievements of her peers.

Wagle described the activities that five honors students participated in outside of academics & jobs, internships, volunteering and membership in service organizations.

“These represent the paths of only five honors students at NIU,” he said. “They help dispel the honor student myth.”

Awards were given to alumni Sadiya Khan and Earl Rachowicz. Awards were given in several other categories, including outstanding students; outstanding capstones, which are final projects culminating honors studies; lower division honors; upper division honors and university honors.

Students doing independent studies projects also were recognized. Their projects ranged from portraiture in Italian Renaissance art to Web site creation, running the gamut of the arts and sciences.

The evening was highlighted with the Great Professor Award, a new addition, given to a recipient chosen by the honors program staff. Interim Associate Provost Robert Wheeler presented the award to C. Daniel Dillman, a geography professor at NIU since 1966.

Wagle said Dillman’s commitment to excellence in teaching as well as his contributions to the honors program make him a unique contributor to NIU.

Dillman gave a brief speech, saying he accepted the award in memory of former honors director Massey, the program’s first director.

The 2001 awards for excellence in undergraduate teaching were next, with recognition of music professor William Koehler, marketing professor Rick Ridnour and retired art history professor Judith Testa.

Koehler said he considers teaching a privilege, recognizing the work of his colleagues in the music department.

Testa said she always has loved teaching undergraduates.

“Maybe it’s their freshness, their enthusiasm or their lack of preconceptions,” she said.

Testa said her success in teaching undergrads can be attributed to her ability to tell a good story.

Groth said the work she had to accomplish as an honors student enriched her experience at NIU.

“It shows that I didn’t just slide through college,” she said. “There were a lot of other projects and assignments you have to go through to be an honors student. It’s hard to juggle a lot of activities.”

“It’s a good way to supplement your education. You get to have deeper relationships with faculty members,” she added.