What makes Taryn Okuma tick?
In her 17 years at The Catholic University of America, she’s spent her time creating community around a love of learning, particularly English literature. She’s excited to build on her service to students as the new director for the Honors Program, which boasts record enrollment this year. Over tea, she discussed what’s in store for the Class of 2030.
This is the largest ever Honors Program cohort. What is the secret to its success?
My predecessor, Jennifer Paxton, has done an amazing job cultivating a strong sense of community in the program, and I hope to continue that. It’s core to what makes our program strong — these bonds among students and faculty that extend beyond the classroom. It’s so important to have kindred spirits.
What makes Catholic University’s Honors Program distinct?
Our Honors Program is deeply invested in interdisciplinary study – a core curriculum in the humanities, especially philosophy, theology, the social sciences. Students benefit from that formation, smaller class sizes with highly motivated students, and faculty who love to serve as mentors. A key advantage is studying at a research university in the nation’s capital. One day they may read the work of a noted expert in their field and the next day meet them in person.
Students have unparalleled opportunities to build skill sets, habits, and connections that will make them stand out from their peers, which is especially in the AI age.
You’re new to this role, but not to the Honors Program.
My first three years at Catholic University I lived in Regan Hall, then the Honors dorm. That was such an amazing introduction to the University — living alongside students, planning events, hosting tea every other week, taking them to the opera and to plays.
I’ve taught in the Honors humanities track. I’ve also taught Inventio, the undergraduate research journal class, which counts toward the liberal studies track in the honors program. So I’d been working with the program for a long time, but I never thought I would be director.
What stands out about the Class of 2030?
It always strikes me how friendly and open Catholic University students are. The first days on campus can be overwhelming— they’ve just moved into their dorms with their families — but they were so excited and so bright even at the end of a long day of meetings and moving. There’s a palpable energy to the class. They’re ready to go!
What are you hearing from students and their families about why they chose Catholic University?
One conversation that stuck with me was at the end of Honors Orientation — I was talking with two groups of parents whose kids, engineering majors, had become friends on Move-In Day. A father said many of his classmates at an elite university struggle to find meaning and purpose outside of their successful careers. He’s glad his son recognized Catholic University as a place to grow as a whole person through friendships rooted in a shared faith, pursuit of knowledge, and commitment to excellence. We talked as we watched his son make new friends in front of us. These people might be his son’s friends for the rest of their lives – a connection based on deeper values than shared professional ambition.
In what ways are you taking learning outside of the classroom?
There are so many opportunities in Washington, D.C., for unique learning experiences. Jennifer Paxton established a tradition to take the students on a Library of Congress rare books collection tour. We also arrange outings to the Washington National Opera every year, among other things.
