"I enjoy teaching Honors College students because they are not only smart, but interesting people. They usually have something to say in class, have often had interesting experiences, and bring new perspectives to class discussion. I have learned a great deal from them, especially the scientists. When I was in High School, the intellectual students never had fun — nowadays they seem to have plenty of fun, as the Honors College students have demonstrated many times. They are my favorites!"
Professor Wilbur Miller, History
"It was so much fun sitting around a table with a small group of such very active minds that I feel the need to keep in touch by returning on occasion to teach mini-courses. One that I particularly enjoy is on observational astronomy ( 'stargazing' ), which involves meeting on the roof of the ESS Building with telescopes and (on particularly cold nights) hot chocolate. Stony Brook has changed quite a bit during my 25 years at the university, and one of the biggest changes has been the constant strengthening of our undergraduate programs. The Honors College has led the way, setting a high standard for academic excellence and intellectual vitality. That vitality is why I have so enjoyed my involvement with the Honors College and plan to remain involved in the future."
Dan Davis, Department of Geosciences, with research interests in tectonics and geophysics. For a number of years, he was also the faculty director of the Honors College, a position he has described as the best job on campus because it offers the opportunity to interact on a daily basis with such bright, enthusiastic, and interesting students. While in the Honors College, he taught the freshman seminar.