Central College honors program students recently presented capstone projects completed during the Fall 2025 semester.
Valerie Billing, associate professor of English and faculty director of Central’s honors program, welcomed faculty and students to the presentation. Billing praised the students, saying, “We celebrate three outstanding seniors who have worked extremely hard over the past two semesters, and who have successfully completed our rigorous program to graduate with honors.”
Billing provided a brief summary of the honors program requirements, explaining that each of these young scholars produced a large-scale research or creative project that took at least a year to complete. While honors students work closely with a faculty mentor, most of the effort stems from independent research. This effort involves hours spent reading books, contemplating primary texts, collecting and analyzing data or practicing an instrument while researching its historical techniques.
The three seniors were recognized during the program and presented with a medallion.
Luci Laidlaw, music education instrumental major from Pella, Iowa, presented “The Interpretation of Solo Bach Violin Music in Modern Society.” Her thesis was directed by Sean Stephenson, assistant professor of music, and the second reader was Charles Miranda, music lesson instructor.
William Flug, religious studies major with a minor in Spanish from Waukee, Iowa, who will graduate in December, presented “Paul’s Account of Law and Justification in the Epistle to the Romans.” His thesis was directed by Terry Kleven, professor of religion, and the second reader was Elena Vishnevskaya, professor of religion.
Tessa Bly, sociology major with a psychology minor from Johnstown, Colorado, who will graduate in December, presented “Navigating Complexities in Youth Substance Use Counseling.” Her thesis was directed by Shawn Wick, professor of sociology, and the second reader was Randy Renstrom, professor of psychology.
Billing concluded by emphasizing the students’ dedication: “These students are truly special — they are our top scholars and achievers, students capable of sophisticated critical thinking and creativity and possessed of the strong work ethic, enthusiasm and passion for knowledge and creative achievement needed to see a project of this scale through to completion.”
