ST. PAUL, Minn., October 10, 2025 – The Northwestern community will gather on Friday, October 10 to unveil the newly constructed Honors Commons as part of Homecoming and Family Weekend celebrations. The space hosts classrooms and community areas for the newly launched Classical Christian Honors College (CCHC) including a kitchen and fireplace lounge.
Launched this fall, the CCHC is part of Northwestern’s strategic investment in the future of classical learning and the growing demand for this model in the Midwest. The CCHC is designed for students who want to challenge themselves academically and spiritually through rigorous reading, lively discussion, and focused writing.
“The Honors Commons provides a beautiful and functional common space where worship, study, discussion, and friendship are brought together. We’re profoundly grateful to have such an inspiring space to prepare students for a meaningful life” says Dr. Ryan Griffith, Dean of the Classical Christian Honors College.
The CCHC’s inaugural cohort started classes this fall semester with their first course, “The Ancient World and the Hebrew Scriptures.” The course explores ancient texts and literature as well as the Hebrew Old Testament. The course is taught in a Socratic format that prioritizes student discussion alongside faculty facilitation.
John Wedel (’29) reflected, “I chose the Honors College because I want to really get out of my comfort zone. I’ve always been one who loves thinking deeply—here, I knew I would be challenged to grow intellectually through plentiful reading and insightful discussions with my peers.”
The cohort is comprised of students from homeschool, public, private, and classical backgrounds. Alongside their secondary major in Great Books & Ideas, students primary majors span STEM and the humanities with degrees in Theatre, Engineering, Nursing, Biology, English, and Computer Science.
“One of my favorite parts of the CCHC culture is how diverse but connected we are. Our backgrounds, experiences, and personalities make for fun discussions and activities even outside of class time, said Anna Gerbrandt (’29),
“My parents keep telling me that university is meant to stretch a person’s capabilities. The CCHC definitely does this, and I am excited to see what the future holds!”
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University of Northwestern – St. Paul (UNW) is a nondenominational, Christian university in St. Paul, Minn. With a Biblical worldview integrated into all programs, UNW provides a unique educational experience for students who want to combine faith and education. Northwestern offers more than 50 areas of study, including five master’s degrees, and online and early college programs. Northwestern Media, a ministry of the university, owns and operates 105 radio signals throughout the Midwest across 13 states with a total listenership of more than 2 million listeners. Visit unwsp.edu for more information.
