NSU Horizons Spring 2013

10 HORIZONS through NSU’s Undergraduate Honors Program. During the 2010 summer, she worked as a Capitol Hill intern for Lincoln Diaz-Balart of the U.S. House of Representatives. “The opportunity permitted me to become part of historical moments, such as the confirmation hearing of Sonia Sotomayor to the United States Supreme Court,” said Sanchez, who also traveled to Eastern Europe as part of NSU’s Travel Study Program. Sanchez is part of the Dual Admission Program, which is for high-achieving students who have maintained a focus on their career goals from an early age. For those who qualify, and as long as good grades are maintained, a seat is reserved in one of NSU’s graduate schools while the student earns a bachelor’s degree. When Sanchez graduates, she will enroll at NSU’s Shepard Broad Law Center. “The Dual Admission Program brings the best and brightest to the university, which elevates the institution’s reputation,” said Don Rosenblum, Ph.D., dean of the Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences. DEVELOPING LEADERS The Dual Admission, Honors, and Razor’s Edge programs, which stress academic excellence and leadership, are among the undergraduate calling cards that put NSU at the top of the list when undergraduates are shopping for colleges. “The Dual Admission and Razor’s Edge programs are unique to this university,” said Brad Williams, Ed.D., vice president of student affairs. “At NSU, we tie our leadership programs to the classroom, with both a curricular and extracurricular component to them.” High school student leaders are actively sought to be a part of the Razor’s Edge scholarship program, which was founded in 2009 by Ray Ferrero, Jr., J.D., who was then NSU’s president and chief executive officer. Razor’s Edge is for students who have demonstrated a commitment to making an impact at their schools and in their communities. The recipients follow a curriculum that focuses on leadership. They apply those lessons by taking leadership roles on campus and beyond. Razor’s Edge partici- pants receive an annual scholarship package valued at $10,000. “Growing global leaders is one of the most important things a uni- versity can do,” said George Hanbury, NSU president and chief executive officer. New this year is the second-year Dual Admission Program for undergraduates who may not have met the requirements as incoming freshmen. “Maybe you weren’t at the top of your class in high school, but you can apply to Dual Admission in your second year,” said Rosenblum. “Call it a second chance or self-discovery— the discovery that took place during freshman year can still get a student into an NSU graduate school.” As a research university, undergraduates are given the chance to explore science and technology to enhance their educational experience. The Clinic Exploration Program affords several opportunities for undergraduates. “This program gives students a perspective about how medical fields are interrelated,” said Rosenblum. Undergraduate students shadow medical professionals and graduate students on the job in many of NSU’s health care clinics. The annual Undergraduate Student Symposium is another research-based oppor- tunity, offering students the chance to share their academic work and win awards. Yineth Sanchez, who is enrolled in the Dual Admission Program, says the undergraduate experience at NSU has surpassed her highest expectations.