Sanctuary Literary Arts Journal Call for Submissions

Calling all poets, writers, artists, photographers!

Sanctuary Literary Magazine, the official journal of the SRHC, is thrilled to announce our open submissions period! We're looking for excellent creative work from students at SRHC institutions—check out our guidelines for more information. Submissions close on January 31, 2025. Send all questions, comments and concerns to us at honorsprogram@uab.edu!

SRHC Notice of Proposed Individual Membership Dues Increase

The SRHC Executive Committee is responsible for managing the SRHC’s finances and ensuring the financial health of the organization. This includes setting recommendations for annual membership dues.

Current Individual Memberships do not offset the cost of the discounted conference registration for members. This will bring it more in line with our registration fee structure, and these dues have not been increased in more than 10 years. We also have fewer than 10 individual members per year on average.
The Executive Committee has recommended the following increases to Individual Membership Dues beginning in fiscal year 2026:

• Individual Student Membership: Increase from $10 to $25.

• Individual Faculty/Staff Membership: Increase from $25 to $50.

The dues increase will be presented to the full SRHC Membership for a vote at the Annual Business Meeting to be held in conjunction with the SRHC Annual Conference on March 28, 2025 in Chattanooga, TN.

Notice of Proposed Changes to the SRHC Constitution and Bylaws

Presented to the Membership of the Southern Regional Honors Council,

At the recommendation of the Executive Committee, the Southern Regional Honors Council is recommending several amendments and revisions the organization’s Constitution and Bylaws.

The proposed changes are outlined below for review and will be presented to the Membership for a vote at the Annual Business Meeting to be held March 28, 2025 at the Annual Conference in Chattanooga, TN.

Members are advised to review the proposed changes prior to the Annual Business Meeting.

The following is a summary of the PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS OF THE SOUTHERN REGIONAL HONORS COUNCIL.

The following are posted on the SRHC website for reference.

1. Notice of vote to amend the Constitution and Bylaws.

2. The existing Constitution any Bylaws.

3. A summary of proposed changes.

4. A red-text strikethrough version of the document showing the proposed changes to the existing Constitution and Bylaws.

Summary of Proposed Changes

• Constitutional Changes

  • Amend Article 3, Section 1 to include an Organizational Associate Membership Category.

  • Amend Article 6, Section 1 to remove Past Student-Vice President and Immediate Past-Past President from the Executive Committee.

• Bylaws Changes

  • Amend Article 3 to add a Support Staff section.

A Spirit of Adventure

Fritz Vogel at Glacier National Park

Fritz Vogel, The Citadel

My trip to Montana this summer, as part of the NCHC Partners in the Park program, was exactly what I hoped it would be: an adventure. In the preparatory emails, we–nine students from across the country–were tasked with learning bear safety, huckleberry phenology, and invasive weed identification. As soon as the group arrived, we started the implicit and tantamount task of becoming friends and a team. The tight seating arrangements during the car ride to the campsite, encouraged by the overloaded trunks, made this process effortless. 

As our two cars navigated the mountainous switchbacks, the beauty of the landscape seized our conversations and thoughts. With the windows down, we were engulfed in the cool glacier air and butterscotch sweetness of the ponderosa pines’ scent. We knew Montana would be beautiful, but I wasn’t expecting a contagious, tangible, and vivid wonder to be known to our whole group. 

We entered the park to be greeted by Emma and Jenny, two park rangers. With their easy and enthusiastic instruction, we became experts in the important ecological details that would make our trip successful. We sprayed inert bear spray at the unsuspecting asphalt, assembled a puzzle of the park in less than two minutes, and learned that if you could identify a bear by its claws you were way too close.We left the ranger station educated and excited to set up our campsite. Despite the fire ban, our campsite could not have felt more homey. The tarps and clothing lines, the meals we cooked together, the thimbleberries we picked and ate gave our campsites a bohemian charm. 

In the mornings, we would make our lunches together, preparing to gorge on baby carrots, fruit snacks, and loaded sandwiches when we reached the summit of our hikes. Over the course of our hikes, we saw a grizzly bear with her cubs, a moose, and a bald eagle–it was very patriotic. In addition to the wildlife, we saw the different groups of people who commonly frequent national parks. These groups together showed us how the National Park Service balances enjoyment and the preservation of nature. 

For our service project, we conducted a huckleberry phenology study and picked invasive weeds as we trekked across the park. The study’s purpose was to track when huckleberries were ripening and available for the grizzly and black bears to forage. Researchers are concerned that climate change may be causing the huckleberries to ripen earlier, eliminating an important food source for bears before they enter winter torpor. It was awesome to feel a part of a park project so important to one of North America's last megafauna. 

With all that I learned from my Partners in the Park trip, what I think will last with me longest is not the names of various weeds or even the immaculate views of the park’s unadulterated wilderness but rather the need to pause in nature with a genuine group of people. During the trip, the pollution and noise of modern life dissolved among the friends I had made. Even with my disheveled appearances at the week’s end, I felt clean in spirit. I am ready to carry this spirit of adventure, curiosity, and peace with me when I share in nature’s wonder with those I meet in the future.

Illuminating Mammoth Cave

Vienne Geren at Mammoth Cave National Park

Vienne Geren, Columbia College (SC)

We were led into the cave when it was well lit, when we could see the people and formations of rock besides us. Then it all went dark. The lead ranger took out his lighter. He told us to imagine we were the first people to discover this cave. Back when there was no LED stage lighting, only you and your torch, and you could barely see five feet in front of you. By the glow of his lighter, I could barely make out the students I had made my way into the cave with, I had even less view of the cave walls, and no clue what might lie beyond the light. Thanks to modern technology and the work of the National Park Management, with the flip of a switch, the ranger lit up the cave in front of us. Illuminated was a ginormous round room that gave Mammoth Cave its name, and this was only the beginning of our trek into the longest cave in the world. This summer I had the opportunity to explore and learn about Mammoth Cave for an entire week, walking, hiking, and crawling through 10 miles of cave trail with an incredible group of honors students. We got to learn about the cave from every angle, how it was formed, what lives inside, its rich history, the people that contributed to the legend of Mammoth Cave, and how the National Parks continue to preserve and tell their stories. 

We were incredibly lucky to have an amazing trip facilitator with us who knew a lot of the geology and history of the cave. As we walked throughout the cave, we looked closer at the ceiling and walls to learn how each part of the cave had been formed. We learned how different cave features are formed based on the shale cap rock above them; how broken cap rock results in beautiful calcite formations in the cave below, and completely eroded cap rock will result in vertical shafts. We learned how gypsum will not occur in humid areas of the cave, and whether the gypsum is “ugly” or not (brown flatter gypsum vs whiter crystalline gypsum) any change in humidity levels in the cave could affect its presence. We were really lucky to learn from our trip facilitator in the cave, and to learn from him and his vast expanse of knowledge outside the cave as well. 

Our trip facilitator and many members of the Mammoth Cave Interpretation and Science Resource Management (SRM) departments gave us insight to the life inside the cave and its history. Because caves are low energy environments and most trails receive a lot of foot traffic, we didn’t see much cave life other than the occasional bat and far too many cave crickets. However, we were constantly learning about the role Mammoth Cave has played in Kentucky’s history and the many things that have taken place inside. There is a story about the cave's discovery featuring a young man chasing a bear and embarking upon the same large round room our group did, exclaiming “What a Mammoth Cave!” and giving the cave its name. Although this story is popular, it was not the first discovery of the cave, and there is evidence of indigenous communities using the cave before this event. We were told many stories of indigenous presence in the cave, many of which end mysteriously. Mammoth Cave has also been used to mine saltpeter (an ingredient of gunpowder) for wars, and this resource in Kentucky offered a valuable advantage in these battles. After the wars passed and Mammoth Cave was not anymore a military resource, it became a public resource. During this time there were several guides and map makers making history, including Stephen Bishop, Max Kemper, Nick and Mat Bransford. These guides were crucial to the exploration and progression of Mammoth Cave and are remembered for their contributions long after they have passed. 

In addition to exploring and learning about the cave, our group was able to experience part of the research being done by Mammoth Cave’s SRM. SRM routinely tests the radon levels in the cave to ensure the safety of tourists and guides who spend lots of their time inside the cave. The tests performed were nothing unusual, they showed safe levels of radon for all cave visitors, and we got to learn about the process of testing, data collecting, and why it is so important to test accurately for everyone’s safety.

In conclusion, Partners in the Parks: Mammoth Cave was an absolute success. Every day was spent learning about Mammoth Cave and the area around it, all while being with an incredible group of people who were excited about learning as well. Although we only traveled a small fraction of Mammoth Cave, it was an incredible adventure, and I can’t wait for the next one.

A Deeper Appreciation for Nature

Kate Rains at Glacier National Park

Kate Rains, University of South Alabama

My experience at Glacier National Park was the best seven days I've ever spent, even with just one shower! Having only experienced snow twice in my life, I had no concept of how beautifully cold and pristine the natural, protected landscapes of Glacier could be. The snow in my Alabama hometown paled in comparison to the breathtaking lake and forest views on our seven-mile hike to Iceberg Lake where the tall trees reflected in the icy blue water. The random rain and hail storms we encountered throughout the week added an element of surprise to each day.

As honors students, we all gracefully excel in academic capacities, but I was anxious about spending so much time in close quarters with everyone, from morning until night. However, as I gazed out the airplane window at the night sky on the way home, tears in my eyes, I thought to myself, “What a small-minded worry that was.” The students, faculty, and everyone else were warm, generous, patient, and genuinely kind-hearted. The connections I made during that week became unbelievably and overwhelmingly close to my heart. I never imagined I could bond so deeply with people from different parts of the country in such a short time.

I had never camped in the backwoods before, so I leaned heavily on Brian, Karen, and my fellow campers for support. I had to borrow many things, and if I were to give advice to someone going on this trip next, it would be to bring extra gear and a good insulated rain jacket to keep you warm. Growing up in the South, I was used to summers that were always sunny and 90 degrees, so the 45-degree temperatures and low humidity at the beginning of August in Glacier took me by surprise. This trip left a lasting impression on me, from the glacier lake that was too cold to swim in to the realization that I am stronger and more resilient than I ever thought. It tested my limits and showed me that I could adapt to new environments, push through discomfort, and find joy in the unexpected.

Every moment, from visiting the native plant garden to the training sessions led by rangers, was an enriching learning experience. Volunteering alongside a fantastic group of people—who began as strangers but quickly became a team—was truly rewarding. We pulled invasive weeds and logged huckleberry phenology, applying everything we learned on the trails each day. Being part of that citizen science effort was inspiring, and it’s motivated me to seek out opportunities in Alabama. I wholeheartedly recommend this trip to anyone who asks, and I'll carry the knowledge and experiences from Glacier with me, using them to help observe and combat climate change wherever I am. I will always cherish the memories and friendships I made, reminding me of the strength, resilience, and connection we can find in nature and each other if we just get off our phones and look around. I left Glacier not just with new skills and knowledge, but with new friends and a deeper appreciation for the power of nature and the importance of preserving it.

Venturing into the Vast Wilderness

Liz Eroshenko at Glacier National Park

Liz Eroshenko, Virginia Tech

Participating in the Partners in the Park program in Glacier National Park was an experience that I will cherish for a lifetime. Before the trip began, I was filled with a mix of excitement and anxiety. The idea of venturing into the vast wilderness of Montana with a group of strangers was daunting. I didn't know anyone going on the trip, and the thought of tackling challenging hikes in unfamiliar terrain made me nervous. I wondered whether I would be able to keep up with the group or if I would make any friends.

However, from the moment we all gathered on the first day, my fears began to melt away. The camaraderie among the group members was instantaneous. Despite our being from different parts of the country and a variety of majors, we quickly found common ground. The initial awkwardness faded as we bonded over our shared adventure. Conversations flowed easily, songs filled the forest, and laughter echoed through the campsite. It was clear that this group of strangers would be lifelong friends.

The hikes, as expected, were difficult. Glacier’s rugged landscapes and varying altitudes presented challenges that tested our endurance. Yet, what made these challenges more manageable was the unwavering support we provided each other. Every steep incline and rocky path was made easier by the simple acts of kindness shared among the group. We checked in with one another constantly, making sure everyone was staying hydrated and taking care of any blisters or sore muscles. It was these small gestures that made the difference, reminding me that I wasn’t alone in this journey.

Even when we returned to camp after a long day of hiking, the spirit of cooperation didn’t wane. Despite our exhaustion, everyone pitched in to help with setting up tents and preparing dinner. It was a true testament to the sense of community we had built in such a short time. The shared responsibilities made the work feel less burdensome, and it was heartwarming to see how we all came together, even when we were worn out from a long day.

I also really enjoyed the opportunity to participate in meaningful volunteer work. We took part in a huckleberry phenology survey, contributing to research that will have a real impact on the ongoing studies in the park. Moreover, we helped with invasive weed control, removing any that we saw along the hiking paths. It was incredibly rewarding to know that our efforts were making a difference, helping to preserve the natural beauty and ecological health of the park for future generations. 

By the end of the trip, I had not only conquered my fears but also forged friendships that I know will last a lifetime. The experience pushed me out of my comfort zone, both physically and emotionally, and it was all worth it. I am deeply grateful to the Southern Regional Honors Council for the support that made this unforgettable adventure possible. This trip to Glacier National Park has left an indelible mark on me, reminding me of the importance of community, resilience, and the beauty of our natural world.

Exploring the Appalachian Trail

Dylan Rogers, NCHC Partners in the Parks Appalachian Trail Experience, 2024

Dylan Rogers, Valencia College

When I signed up for the Partners in the Parks Appalachian Trail trip earlier this year, I had little idea of what to expect. I did know that I wanted to spend my summer well, which is why the trip piqued my interest in the first place. I figured that meeting other honors students from around the country and spending time outdoors with them learning new things and gaining new experiences would be pretty meaningful and educational. I was right.

Before this trip, I had never visited the Appalachian Trail (AT) or even been camping in the backcountry before. I had only ever been to campgrounds with water, electricity, and bathrooms, which are certainly nice amenities. But, as I would learn on this trip, certain of these comforts must be given up to experience nature in a truer and fuller way.

After arriving at the hotel we were staying at for the first night of the trip, I began meeting other students. There was an interesting mix of majors among our company, from psychology to health, environmental science to English. We all had different backgrounds, but what we held in common was an appreciation for being outside and exploring. While some of us were more familiar with camping and backpacking than others, we all had things to learn from Christina McIntyre, our trip facilitator, and Derick Lugo, our resident author. Both had extensively hiked the AT before, and so became inexhaustible springs of fascinating knowledge regarding the trail and its culture.

While the trip contained many highlights, one of my favorite parts (aside from being on the trail itself, of course) was staying at the Len Foote Hike Inn, a LEED-certified backcountry inn, complete with solar panels, a composting toilet system, a family-style dining room, interesting history, and, of course, incredible views. Here we got to meet and talk to other inn guests, including people from the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club, who were able to give us more insight into how they, as one of the 30 trail maintaining organizations, work together to maintain the entire ~2,190-mile trail.

Earlier in our trip we also got to hear from Sarah Adams, the manager of the Georgia and Nantahala regions of the trail, who told us about the other major organization responsible for the trail and its continued existence: the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC). We learned about how the ATC, along with the 30 local trail-maintaining organizations and the government (specifically the National Park Service and Forest Service) come together to make the trail possible through "cooperative management."

While I've so far recalled a few enjoyable parts of my trip which taught me much, I don't believe I can ever properly capture in words the memories made in our group this summer. What really made the trip special was being around like-minded people who were able to simply learn and live. We didn't have to worry about our complicated lives off the trail for an entire week and could just enjoy each other's company.

I'll close this reflection by mentioning that by the end of our trip, me and two other students decided that we enjoyed the experience so much and could time our school/life schedules right to plan a thru-hike of the entire trail together next spring/summer. What made such a plan possible, I think, was the combination of expertise and guidance from Christina and Derick paired with the amazing memories and experiences we were so fortunate to have. Who knew bringing a group of strangers together to learn and explore nature could be so incredible!

While I don't think I'll ever be able to put into words how meaningful the experience was as a whole, I hope this reflection at least makes clear that it has been personally impactful, deeply formative, and is something I will cherish for the rest of my life.

Lessons from the Appalachian Trail

Jenna Barlage and NCHC Partners in the Parks Appalachian Trail Participants, 2024

Jenna Barlage, Eastern Kentucky University

When I applied for the Partners in the Parks Appalachian Trail backpacking trip, I knew it would be a fun outdoor adventure that would challenge me to learn new skills and push myself physically. What I did not know was that through this program I would also gain community, peace of mind, and confidence in myself.

The community built on this trip start right away when I stepped off the plane and was greeted by other students a buzz with life and excitement about the week ahead. On the first night Dr.McIntyre, our trip leader, gathered us to cook a delicious meal together. This bonded the group and made me feel welcomed and at home. While on the trail I was pleasantly surprised by how friendly the other hikers were.

Every day was a chance to have conversations with individuals from all over the states and even other countries. Individuals that I would never have met otherwise bonded together by the Appalachian Trail. The other hikers brought encouragements, funny stories, and tales of their lives outside of the trail. The time spent walking was filled with deep conversations and sounds of the forest. The night spent at Len Foote Hike Inn was truly special. I will never forget watching fireflies with my newfound friends and sharing the sunrise with strangers. The people truly make the trail so special and keep the AT as pristine as it is. Through this trip I learned how important volunteer groups are in protecting and maintaining the trail. The trail crosses state borders, connects people to one another, and means so much to so many. It was truly a gift to share in the community that the trail creates.

A key factor that forges the incredible AT community together is the love of the outdoors. Since this trip was spent backpacking, wifi was not always available. This allowed me to take a serious break from my phone, something I do not do often, to fully be engaged in our activities. The lack of phones on the trip, while at first strange, quickly became one of my favorite aspects of our time together. Getting offline allowed me to soak up the company, wildlife, sights, and sounds of the AT. I left my old life behind and truly embraced the outdoors, watching sunrises and sunsets, spotting different flowers or fungi, and making friends with the inchworms on Springer Mountain. Unplugging from the crazy of everyday life to take in the fresh air and just be for a week was truly a gift.

In the end, the biggest gift the Partners in the Parks program left me with was belief in myself and my outdoor survival skills. Everyday I learned new insights into outdoor living and overcame new challenges that fortified my confidence. Skills like packing a backpack properly, cooking in the woods, hanging bear bags, and filtering water in streams will all come in handy in my future outdoor pursuits. Learning about the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and the seven leave no trace principles gave me the knowledge it takes to be a respectful caretaker of outdoor spaces when I put my newfound skills to use.

In conclusion, the Partners in the Parks program taught me invaluable lessons that I will carry with me in my future endeavors. The Appalachian Trail is a crash course in perseverance, building community, and appreciating beauty that I was blessed to walk upon.

A Trip Full of Firsts

Jordan Sanders at Mammoth Cave National Park, NCHC Partners in the Parks 2024

Jordan Sanders, Queens University of Charlotte

“A trip full of firsts” is how I would describe my Partners in the Park experience. A trip that was miles outside of my comfort zone, and I didn’t know if it would be something I could do on my own. I had never even taken a plane before, and certainly not much about cave exploration!

Nevertheless, the trip was exhilarating and bolstered my interest in the natural sciences. I attended the trip to Mammoth Cave National Park, home to the longest cave system in the world. I’ve visited various caverns in North Carolina, but none of them amounted to the grand 426 miles of cave we explored on the trip. The first day there was exciting but equally as nerve-racking. Once we arrived on-site, we began exploring the Historic entrance of the cave. This consisted of most of the sights that standard cave tours in the park view.

At this point in the trip, we started learning about the complex history of the cave. We learned mainly about the role of the cave during the War of 1812 as it was the biggest source of saltpeter for America at the time. It was also where we learned of the cave’s complicated history with slavery, as African American labor is what contributed to the successes of saltpeter production and cave tourism.

Later in the week we visited some of the surface sites in the park to understand both the geology and hydrology of the cave system, as well as the relationship it has with wildlife in the area. A day on the trip that I really enjoyed was the day that we went kayaking down the Green river, a major body of water in the park. This would be my very first-time kayaking, and I was more than elated to give it a try. On our ride, we spotted a lot of local wildlife like turtles and otters, and even a bald eagle. The Green River is not only a habitat for many of these animals, but for some species it’s essential. Various species of freshwater mussels depend on the currents in the river to reproduce, and without it, they would become endangered. We also got to experience “wild caving” where we suited up in pads and helmets to delve into deeper parts of the cave system. I was a bit hesitant to embark on the journey, but so were the other honors students. We all encouraged each other to try new things and challenge ourselves on this trip. It’s a component that made everything worthwhile throughout the trip. Collaborating and connecting with other honors student across the country and doing these experiences for the first time together fostered bonds that made the journey more invigorating. I could not have asked for a better group of honors students.

This Partners in the Park experience will always be something that I remember not only for the things that I learned and the experiences that I earned, but the friendships I made also.