More Than a Minor: How the Honors College Shaped My UW Journey
Allie Robert | Majors: Business Management & Music | Minors: Honors and Leadership (Certificate in Music Entrepreneurship)
Published April 22, 2026
I’ve been fortunate to be highly involved
within the University of Wyoming as I prepare to graduate this spring with a dual degree, while remaining an active violinist in the symphony orchestra and a student-athlete. I’m honored to have served as a captain for the cheer team this past year and to have developed my leadership skills as I step into the next season of my life. While learning how to balance all of my commitments, staying in the Honors Program at the University of Wyoming has been one of the best decisions I’ve made during my undergraduate experience. Having the opportunity to take classes outside of my majors and to meet students and professors from different fields has been extremely enriching—and, honestly, has served as a break in my busy schedule. Some of my favorite classes I’ve taken include Neuroscience and Law with Dr. Brummond and Judge Kricken, and Water, taught by Dr. Pilkerton. In these courses, I was challenged to delve deeply into topics I’m not typically involved in day to day, and I had the opportunity to engage with some of the brightest minds across campus.
One of the most impactful experiences I’ve had with the Honors College was completing my capstone project: Hoops for Little Lives. I partnered with the University of Wyoming Men’s Basketball Team to dedicate one of their pre-conference games to raising awareness and education around prematurity and the March of Dimes. My brother was born three weeks premature and, as a result, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. If my parents had been aware of the signs and symptoms of premature birth, they may have been able to get to the hospital sooner and possibly prevent some of the challenges my brother and family have endured over the past 26 years. If I could help just one family—one mother, one baby—it would make all the work worthwhile.
At the end of the semester, Dr. Pilkerton made an exciting announcement to the class: she was expecting a baby girl! In a conversation after class, she told me that because of my project and outreach efforts, she went home and researched the signs and symptoms of premature birth to ensure the safety of both herself and her baby. That moment is one I will remember forever. I know pursuing an Honors minor at the University of Wyoming can feel intimidating and adds to an already demanding course load, but the opportunities and connections it provides make it more than worthwhile. If it weren’t for Neuroscience and Law, I may never have decided to pursue law school. If it weren’t for my capstone, I wouldn’t have had such a meaningful platform to educate the community on an issue that has deeply affected my family and me. To current Honors students: stay the course, read the weekly newsletters, and take full advantage of the opportunities the Honors College provides—they are truly one of a kind
