The Student Center Dining Hall was transformed from a bare cafeteria to a swank banquet hall for yesterday morning’s 20th Annual Honors College Brunch.

Friends, family, and former and current students and faculty gathered to recognize this year’s Distinguished Honors Faculty Award winners, Distinguished Honors Alumnus Award winner and graduating Honors College seniors.

Honors College Dean Larry Andrews opened the brunch by saying, “I am eager to honor these distinguished faculty and alumni, as well as Honors students today.”

President Carol Cartwright presented the 2006 Distinguished Honors Faculty Awards.

“The brunch was established 20 years ago to celebrate achievement,” Cartwright said before introducing the first award recipient.

Political science professor Richard Craig said he was honored to be a recipient.

“I am standing here among people I honestly respect; respect is a big word for me,” Craig said. “I stand here with people who represent the very best of this university.”

Next Cartwright introduced the second award winner, E. Timothy Moore, associate dean in the College of Arts and Sciences.

“He has been a mentor and more to students who need advice,” Cartwright said.

In his speech, Moore jokingly thanked “The Academy” before he said, “This really does seem like my Oscar though; it is one of the greatest awards of my teaching career.”

Marc S. Vincent, president of the Honors College Alumni Chapter, introduced Hugh B. Stewart, winner of the 2006 Distinguished Honors Alumnus Award.

Stewart graduated from Kent State in 1938 with a degree in physics. He went on to earn a master’s in nuclear physics from the Ohio State University in 1939 and eventually earned his doctorate. He was unable to attend the brunch, but sent a video message.

“I consider myself one of the luckiest people on the planet Earth today,” Stewart said in the message.

After the awards ceremony, brunch was served. The room buzzed with chatter and the sounds of people enjoying their bacon and eggs.

Following the brunch, Andrews honored Fred DuBois of DuBois Bookstore with a plaque for his support and generosity towards the Honors College for so many years.

The final recognitions of the morning were given to graduating seniors within the Honors College.

After each senior’s name had been called and he or she had received a carnation, Andrews closed the brunch by having them recite the Honors Senior Oath.

“It’s a secret oath and must not be repeated!” he said semi-seriously as he asked them to hold their flowers above their heads and repeat after him.

Contact undergraduate studies and Honors College reporter Elise Franco at [email protected].