Honors Spotlight

Name: Mauricio G. Morales
Major: Latin American Studies
Graduation: August 2025
Instagram: maumo.10

I'm from Bolivia and I am senior studying Latin American Studies. I love to travel, learn about different cultures, and enjoy authentic food. I enjoy watercolor painting, finding good deals, and helping people find their community here at BYU. This year I’m hoping to help students find their refuge in the Honors program, and help them feel included, loved and supported. A book I’ve read recently that I would recommend is Gratitude by Amelia Riedler. Follow along with Mauricio on Instagram TODAY and learn more about his Honors experiences!

Name: Elisabeth Scoffield
Major: Communications Major with Public Relations Emphasis
Graduation: April 2027
Instagram: elisabethscoffield

Hi, I'm Elisabeth Scoffield from Boston, MA and I'm a sophomore in the Honors Program. I'm currently taking the Unexpected Connections courses, which are some of my favorite classes. In my free time I enjoy skiing, hiking, spending time with friends and family, reading, TV and BYU sports camps! Follow along with Elisabeth on Instagram TODAY and learn more about her Honors experiences!

Name: Rosemary Ashby
Major: Experience Design and Management
Graduation: December 2024

Hi, I'm Rosemary! I'm from Virginia; some of my hobbies include baking/cooking, art, being outside, swimming, reading, and throwing parties. I am a senior studying Experience Design & Management and plan to graduate this December! With this being my last semester, I'm in the thick of finishing my thesis and hope to defend in a few weeks. I've been studying the effect of different components of a major on students' feelings of belonging, specifically in the Marriott Business School. I am passionate about making sure everyone feels included and hope that my research will enable faculty/staff to provide opportunities that will increase students' sense of belonging within their majors. After graduation, my husband and I are going to travel Europe for a few months (my parents and siblings moved to Italy last summer), which is something that I am really looking forward to. I love the Honors program and am so grateful for the opportunity that I have had to be a part of it! Follow along with Rosemary on Instagram today and learn more about her research!

Name: Nicole Savage
Major: Ancient Near Eastern Studies and Classical Studies with a Greek Emphasis
Graduation: April 2027
Instagram: @nickel_savage

Nicole is a sophomore in the Honors Program currently in the process of changing her major to Ancient Near Eastern Studies. She's also hoping to double-major in Classical Studies. She's grateful she joined Honors because she has met a lot of great friends and appreciates the chance to build bonds that will last a lifetime! See Nicole's Student Spotlight takeover on the Honors Instagram account and learn more about what Nicole is currently working on!

Name: Landon Shumway
Major: Applied and Computational Mathematics (ACME)
Graduation: April 2027Instagram: @shumwaylandon

Landon is a sophomore in the Honors Program studying applied math in the ACME program and dance. In his words, "the Honors Program is the place to be!" Follow along with Landon today on Instagram as he traverses campus between the RB and Maeser building!

Name: Gigi Avery
Major: Biology
Graduation: 2026

Why did you decide to join the Honors Program?

When my mom and I toured BYU during my freshman year, we talked to an advisor. She told us all about the unexpected connections courses and the thesis and as my mom and I were walking out of the Maeser building, we looked at each other and said at the same time "I have to do this!" I've never looked back since! [Read more about Gigi]

Name: Yali Zegarra Calderon
Major: Political Science
Graduation: 2027

I come from immigrant parents from Peru. My father is from the beautiful small port town of Matarani in Arequipa and my mother is from Lima Peru in Santiago de Surco. Growing up I learned about my parent's culture and traditions, and we spoke Spanish and ate amazing authentic food. I'm very proud of my culture and I have tried to follow what my ancestor had done. My goal is become an immigration lawyer so I can help other immigrant families. In my spare time I enjoy trying new things. [Read more about Yali]

Name: Josh Clawson
Major: Marketing
Minor: History
Graduation: April 2026
Instagram: @ Joshclawson_

Why did you decide to join the Honors Program?

I thought that the Honors program would be a great place for me to push myself to be a better student. The Honors program has helped me find opportunities to take classes that I am interested in and classes that I would have otherwise not taken. [Read more about Josh]

Name: Catherine Howard
Major: Art History and Curatorial Studies
Minor: French
Graduation Date: Winter 2026
Instagram: @catherinequinn_howard

I grew up in Orem, but I'm actually Australian-American! I'm a bookworm and a foodie and a cinephile and a major dog person. I love movies and the work that goes into making them -- I actually seriously considered majoring in Film Studies for a bit. I love to travel and explore the world, especially other cultures' art and food. My favorite food is a falafel I got from a street vendor in Paris once. [Read more about Catherine]

Name: Moses Esplin
Major: Physics
Minor: Math
Graduation: 2029
Instagram: @mosesesplin

I love skiing and board games and would consider myself a social butterfly. I love hanging out with people and making new friends! I also recently received my mission call to the Thailand, Bangkok mission! [Read more about Moses]