CLAY STADLER

Class: Senior

Major: Finance & Marketing

Hometown: South Brunswick, NJ

Clay (right) pictured with his sister, who graduated from the Honors College in 2020

Why did you choose to join the Honors College?

My sister graduated from the Honors College in 2020 so, throughout high school, I already had an idea of what the Honors College was like.  Initially, I wanted to choose my own path and not follow in my sister’s footsteps, but after going on a visit and meeting with an Honors College Ambassador, my decision was made.  He sat down with me 1 on 1, described all of the perks of the Honors College, and answered every question I had.  It really made me feel at home.”

What is your favorite class you have taken in the Honors College?

“My favorite class that I have taken in the Honors College is UH 210: Analyzing Stanley Kubrick Film with Alan Lazer.  It was a three-hour class once a week, but he made the time fly by engaging us in interesting discussions about the mindset Stanley Kubrick had while he produced these films.”

What has been your favorite part of being in the Honors College?

My favorite part of being in the Honors College is the individualized experience that it provides.  At a school with over 30,000 students, it can be rather easy to feel like “just another student.”  What I like about the Honors College is that instead of 300-person lectures, there are usually only about 40 people in each class.  This makes it far easier to actually be engaged and ask questions without feeling embarrassed.”

What advice would you give to those who want to join the Honors College?

Make the most out of your experience here.  You can get as much out of the Honors College as you put in.  Nothing will be handed out, but if you apply yourself and put in the effort necessary, there are countless opportunities in the Honors College.”

Are you involved in anything special within the honors college?

“After my tour with the Honors College Ambassadors cemented my decision to go to Alabama, I decided I wanted to provide that same help to prospective students.  In the Spring of my Freshman year, I applied as an Ambassador and after several rounds of interviews, I was selected.  I have continued to serve as an Ambassador all four years, and I have loved every minute of it.”