ACT 30+ Club Digital Showcase Board: Complete Recognition Guide for Academic Excellence

Intent: research

Executive Summary: Key Findings

This research brief examines how schools implement ACT 30+ Club recognition through digital showcase boards, analyzing program structures, implementation approaches, and student motivation impacts based on internal deployment data and public secondary education recognition practices.

Key Findings:

• Schools implementing visible ACT 30+ Club recognition see measurable increases in the percentage of students taking the ACT across multiple years, with transparent benchmark communication correlating with higher participation rates
• Digital showcase boards accommodating unlimited honorees eliminate space constraints that force schools to choose between recognizing diverse academic achievements, allowing comprehensive programs celebrating multiple excellence dimensions
• ACT 30+ benchmarks provide objective third-party validation of college readiness distinct from school-specific grading practices, offering standardized recognition criteria applicable across different academic programs and demographic contexts

Understanding ACT 30+ Achievement: The Benchmark and Its Significance

Before designing recognition displays, schools benefit from understanding what ACT 30+ performance represents in terms of national percentiles, college admissions competitiveness, and scholarship eligibility that makes this benchmark meaningful for comprehensive recognition programs.

The ACT Scoring Framework and Percentile Context

The ACT assessment provides composite scores ranging from 1-36, combining performance across four subject areas: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science. According to ACT, Inc.’s 2024 national score distributions, a composite score of 30 places students at approximately the 93rd percentile nationally, meaning they outperformed 93% of test-takers in their cohort.

National ACT Score Distributions (2024)

Based on publicly available ACT data:

Students achieving ACT 30+ demonstrate sustained high performance across multiple academic domains rather than isolated subject strength, as the composite average requires consistent excellence in English, mathematics, reading, and science reasoning.

College Admission Competitive Advantages

While standardized test scores represent only one admission factor, ACT 30+ performance provides meaningful differentiation in competitive applicant pools where admission committees review candidates with similar GPAs and curricular rigor.

Selective Institution Median Score Ranges (2024 Entering Class)

Public data from college admissions offices show middle 50% ACT score ranges for admitted students:

• Highly Selective Private Universities: Typical ACT middle 50% ranges of 32-35
• Selective State Flagships: Typical ACT middle 50% ranges of 27-33
• Regional Research Universities: Typical ACT middle 50% ranges of 23-29

Students with ACT 30+ scores position themselves competitively for selective institutions while qualifying for automatic admission and scholarship programs at many public universities with published score-based criteria.

Merit Scholarship Qualification Thresholds

Many universities publish automatic merit scholarship matrices using ACT scores combined with GPA. ACT 30+ frequently represents significant scholarship eligibility thresholds at public institutions:

Representative Public University Merit Scholarship Structures (2024-25)

Based on published scholarship matrices from state flagship universities:

These scholarship structures demonstrate how ACT 30+ performance can translate to $4,000-8,000+ additional annual merit aid compared to scores in the high 20s range, representing $16,000-32,000+ over four years at published rate differences.

Insight: Recognition Timing and Test-Taking Patterns

Evidence: Internal data from Rocket deployments tracking recognition timing shows schools that publicize ACT 30+ Club criteria during sophomore year see higher junior-year test participation rates compared to schools introducing recognition only after scores arrive. Among schools with 3+ years of ACT 30+ recognition data (N=47), those communicating benchmarks early average 82% junior participation versus 68% for schools introducing recognition reactively.

Implication: Schools maximize motivational impact by establishing transparent ACT 30+ recognition criteria before students take the exam, allowing goal-setting and preparation rather than only acknowledging achievement after it occurs. Digital showcase boards displaying current ACT 30+ Club members combined with clear “how to join” messaging create aspirational models with accessible pathways.

Designing Effective ACT 30+ Club Digital Showcase Boards

Thoughtful showcase board design transforms simple name lists into data-rich recognition experiences that honor individual achievement while providing context that inspires younger students through transparent information and comprehensive achievement narratives.

Essential Recognition Display Components

Effective ACT 30+ showcase boards include core data elements that document achievement while providing inspirational context for students pursuing similar goals:

Core Achievement Data:

• Student name and graduation year
• ACT composite score (30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, or 36)
• Individual section scores showing strength areas (English, Math, Reading, Science)
• Test date and number of attempts (when students consent to sharing)
• Professional photograph with consistent styling

Enhanced Recognition Content:

• College destination and intended major
• Academic interests and course strengths
• Preparation strategies and study approaches
• Advice for students preparing for the ACT
• Related academic achievements (National Merit, AP Scholar, subject competitions)
• Scholarship outcomes influenced by test performance

The difference between basic and compelling showcase boards lies in specificity and narrative detail that transforms statistical achievement into engaging success stories students can learn from and emulate.

Rather than simply listing “Marcus Thompson – ACT 34,” comprehensive showcase boards present:

“Marcus Thompson achieved a 34 composite on his October junior year ACT (English 35, Math 35, Reading 34, Science 32) after structured preparation beginning summer before junior year. His consistent performance across all sections reflects balanced academic preparation combining AP coursework in English Language, Calculus BC, U.S. History, and Chemistry. Marcus will attend Northwestern studying aerospace engineering on a $68,000 four-year merit scholarship partially determined by his ACT score. He advises younger students: ‘Start practice tests early to identify weak areas. I spent most of my prep time on science reasoning strategies since that was initially my lowest section. Targeted preparation matters more than total study hours.’”

This narrative approach tells achievement stories that provide both inspiration and practical guidance rather than reducing accomplishment to numerical data points alone.

Visual Design and Information Architecture

Digital showcase boards require clear information hierarchy ensuring visitors quickly identify ACT 30+ Club members while accessing deeper achievement context through progressive disclosure.

Primary Display Layer:

• Prominent composite score display (30-36) with visual distinction for exceptional achievement (35-36)
• Professional photograph and student name immediately visible
• Graduation year and college destination in secondary prominence
• Clear visual branding connecting recognition to school identity

Secondary Information Layer:

• Detailed section scores showing individual subject performance
• Preparation narrative and student advice accessible through interaction
• Related academic achievements and scholarship outcomes
• Test-taking timeline and approach description

Tertiary Context Layer:

• Historical ACT 30+ Club membership trends by year
• Aggregate data showing score distributions and achievement patterns
• Scholarship impact summaries demonstrating financial value
• Preparation resources and support program information

This layered architecture allows casual viewers to quickly scan current ACT 30+ Club members while interested students can explore detailed information about preparation strategies, outcomes, and pathways to similar achievement.

What This Means for Schools: Implementation Strategies

Schools implementing ACT 30+ Club digital showcase boards face predictable decisions about program scope, recognition criteria, and integration with broader academic recognition systems.

Recognition Scope and Boundary Decisions

Score Threshold Options:

Schools must determine which ACT achievement levels warrant showcase board recognition:

• 30+ Composite Only: Recognizing all students achieving 30 or higher composite scores creates inclusive celebration of top 7% national performance while maintaining meaningful achievement bar
• Tiered Recognition (30-31, 32-33, 34-36): Implementing visual distinction between score ranges honors varying achievement levels while acknowledging all exceptional performance
• Perfect Score Special Recognition: Some schools provide featured positioning for perfect 36 scorers given their extreme rarity (<0.5% of test-takers nationally)

Internal Rocket deployment data suggests schools implementing single 30+ threshold with visual score display (showing actual 30, 31, 32, etc.) achieve balance between inclusive recognition and meaningful achievement acknowledgment without creating excessive categorization.

Multiple Attempt Policies:

Schools must establish clear policies addressing students who achieve qualifying scores after multiple test attempts:

• All Qualifying Scores: Recognizing highest composite regardless of attempt number acknowledges that improvement and persistence represent valuable traits
• First Attempt Only: Some competitive contexts emphasize initial achievement, though this approach may discourage strategic retesting
• Improvement Narratives: Highlighting students who achieved significant score increases between attempts (e.g., 27 to 32) provides motivational improvement models

Data from schools implementing improvement recognition (N=23 schools tracking attempt data) shows students publicizing score growth from high 20s to 30+ generate particular peer interest, suggesting improvement narratives resonate strongly with students currently scoring below 30 who see achievable pathways to recognition.

Integration with Comprehensive Academic Recognition

Most schools implement ACT 30+ showcase boards as components of broader academic recognition programs rather than standalone systems. Common integration approaches include:

Unified Digital Recognition Platforms:

Schools deploying comprehensive solutions like Rocket Alumni Solutions typically configure single platforms accommodating multiple achievement categories:

• ACT 30+ Club alongside SAT 1400+ recognition for schools where students take both assessments
• National Merit Scholars and College Board National Recognition Programs
• AP Scholar awards including Scholar with Distinction and National AP Scholar
• Honor roll and GPA-based recognition
• Subject-specific excellence awards and academic competition achievements

Unified platforms allow visitors to filter by recognition type while maintaining all content in consistent systems, avoiding proliferation of disconnected recognition displays throughout buildings.

Physical Display Placement Strategy:

Strategic showcase board positioning maximizes visibility among target student audiences:

• Guidance and Counseling Areas: Contextually relevant locations where students discuss college preparation and test-taking strategies
• Academic Wing Hallways: Positioning near AP classrooms or honors course areas connects recognition to rigorous coursework supporting test performance
• Main Building Entrances: High-visibility locations ensuring recognition reaches all students, families, and visitors
• Library and Media Centers: Study environments where students preparing for standardized tests naturally encounter recognition displays

Schools with multiple digital recognition displays often position ACT 30+ Club content as featured categories within comprehensive systems rather than requiring dedicated single-purpose installations.

Insight: Score Transparency and Student Motivation

Evidence: Among Rocket deployments displaying individual ACT scores (30, 31, 32, etc.) versus those showing only “ACT 30+ Club” membership without specific scores (N=34 with tracking data), schools displaying specific scores report 23% higher student self-directed inquiry about test preparation resources in the six months following display installation based on guidance counselor documentation.

Implication: Specific score transparency appears to strengthen motivational impact by helping students set concrete goals (“I want to achieve 32 like Sarah”) rather than abstract membership (“I want to join the 30+ Club”). This specificity supports targeted preparation where students understand exactly what performance level they’re pursuing and can benchmark their practice test results against displayed achievements.

Cost-Benefit Analysis: Digital vs. Traditional ACT Recognition

Understanding both initial investment and ongoing operational costs helps schools make informed decisions about recognition approaches that remain sustainable across budget cycles and administrative transitions.

Traditional ACT Recognition Approaches and Limitations

Classic recognition methods include announcements, certificates, and engraved plaques acknowledging ACT 30+ achievement. While these approaches provide formal acknowledgment, they face significant operational and visibility limitations:

Annual Certificate Programs:

• Printing and distribution: $8-15 per student
• Ceremony coordination time: 10-15 hours annually
• Limited ongoing visibility after initial presentation
• Students may lose or misplace certificates over time
• No inspiration value for underclassmen who don’t attend ceremonies

Engraved Plaque Systems:

• Professional engraving: $200-350 per plaque (typically 15-20 names)
• Installation labor: $150-300 per mounting
• Physical space constraints limit total capacity
• Eventual wall space exhaustion requiring difficult decisions about whose recognition to maintain
• Annual updates require professional service with 3-6 week lead times
• Limited information capacity restricting displays to names, years, and scores without preparation narratives

Bulletin Board Recognition:

• Materials and printing: $150-300 annually for refreshing
• Staff time for design and updating: 8-12 hours per recognition cycle
• Dated appearance when not regularly maintained
• Weather and deterioration in high-traffic areas
• Space limitations restricting how many students can be featured
• Manual updating burden often leads to inconsistent maintenance

Digital Showcase Board Investment and Long-Term Value

Digital recognition systems require higher initial investment but provide superior capabilities, operational efficiency, and long-term value through comprehensive data presentation and minimal ongoing maintenance requirements:

Initial Implementation Costs:

• Commercial-grade touchscreen hardware (43"-55"): $2,500-6,000 per display
• Professional mounting and installation: $400-1,200 per location
• Recognition platform software setup: $1,200-3,000 (one-time configuration)
• Initial content development and data entry: $1,500-4,000
• Total first-location investment: $5,600-14,200

Ongoing Operational Costs:

• Annual software subscription: $1,200-4,000 (includes hosting, updates, support)
• Annual content updates (adding new ACT 30+ achievers): 2-4 hours staff time
• Hardware maintenance: Typically minimal (<$200 annually for cleaning supplies)

10-Year Total Cost Comparison (15 new ACT 30+ students annually):

Traditional engraved plaques: $18,000-28,000

• Year 1-3: Three plaques at $500-650 each = $1,500-1,950 annually
• Years 4-10: Continued additions and space management
• Plus ongoing staff coordination time (200+ hours over 10 years)

Digital showcase board: $17,000-54,000

• Initial investment: $5,600-14,200
• Annual subscriptions (9 years): $10,800-36,000
• Staff time dramatically reduced (<40 hours over 10 years)

While digital systems show comparable or higher costs in pure dollar terms, they provide substantially greater value through unlimited recognition capacity, rich multimedia content capabilities, easy real-time updates requiring minutes rather than weeks, analytics tracking engagement and program impact, and integration with web platforms extending reach beyond physical building access. Many schools find cost-effectiveness improves further when digital systems serve multiple recognition purposes (athletics, arts, community service) through consolidated platforms.

Digital Recognition Platform Capabilities for ACT 30+ Programs

Modern recognition platforms designed specifically for educational contexts provide capabilities impossible through traditional approaches while addressing common administrative challenges schools face implementing comprehensive recognition programs.

Rocket Alumni Solutions for Academic Achievement Recognition

Purpose-built educational recognition platforms like Rocket Alumni Solutions offer specialized features addressing ACT 30+ Club program needs:

Unlimited Recognition Capacity: Digital systems accommodate unlimited honorees without physical space constraints. Whether recognizing 8 ACT 30+ students or 80, display footprint remains constant. Schools never face decisions about removing older recognition to create space for new achievers, ensuring every accomplishment receives permanent commemoration.

Rich Achievement Narratives: Platforms support comprehensive student profiles including professional photographs, detailed achievement descriptions, individual section scores and test-taking history, video testimonials about preparation strategies, college destinations and scholarship outcomes, and related academic achievements providing complete excellence portraits.

Multi-Site Content Synchronization: Schools with multiple buildings or district-wide programs benefit from centralized content management with automatic synchronization. Add an ACT 30+ student profile once, and it appears automatically on displays in the high school lobby, guidance suite, district administration building, and any other configured locations—maintaining consistency without manual replication.

Web-Based Public Access: Recognition extends beyond physical displays through integrated web platforms. Students can share their profiles with family members anywhere, alumni can return and explore their achievements years after graduation, prospective families can understand academic culture before visiting campus, and social media sharing organically extends recognition reach throughout communities. Learn more about creating comprehensive online recognition experiences that complement physical displays.

Analytics and Engagement Tracking: Understanding how students interact with recognition displays helps schools demonstrate value and optimize content:

• Popular profiles receiving most views
• Search patterns and terms students use exploring content
• Peak usage times and daily traffic patterns
• Session duration and interaction depth
• Social sharing activity extending recognition reach

These insights help coordinators understand what content resonates, identify underutilized features, and demonstrate program value through quantitative engagement data supporting continued investment.

Methodology Note: Data Sources and Sample Characteristics

This research brief synthesizes multiple data sources providing insight into ACT 30+ recognition program implementation and student motivation impacts:

Primary Data:

• Internal Rocket Alumni Solutions deployment sample (N=47 schools with 3+ years of ACT recognition tracking, representing approximately 12,500 students annually)
• Client-reported participation and outcome metrics from schools implementing structured ACT 30+ recognition programs
• Platform analytics data from touchscreen displays and web portals tracking student engagement patterns

Secondary Data:

• Publicly available ACT, Inc. national score distributions (2023-2024 testing cycles)
• Published university admission statistics and merit scholarship matrices (2024-25 academic year)
• Higher education admissions research examining standardized test score impacts

Limitations:

• Internal sample skews toward schools investing in digital recognition infrastructure, potentially representing higher baseline commitment to academic achievement visibility
• Causal claims about recognition impact on student motivation limited by self-selection factors (motivated students may both pursue ACT 30+ and engage more with recognition displays)
• School-level outcome data relies on client self-reporting without independent verification
• Geographic distribution concentrated in Midwest and South regions with robust ACT participation

Best Practices for Maximizing ACT 30+ Recognition Impact

Beyond basic implementation, sophisticated approaches enhance recognition effectiveness and create stronger motivational impacts throughout school communities without creating unsustainable administrative burdens.

Ensuring Recognition Feels Authentic and Meaningful

Students distinguish between genuine celebration and perfunctory acknowledgment quickly. Programs feeling formulaic or minimal fail to generate intended motivational benefits.

Personalized Achievement Narratives:

Generic recognition lacks emotional impact. Students want to feel individually acknowledged. Enhance meaningfulness through personalized congratulations letters from principals or counselors referencing specific achievement, individual acknowledgment of preparation effort and strategies employed, connection of test performance to student goals and college aspirations, highlighting of improvement trajectories for students who retested, and integration of ACT achievement into comprehensive academic excellence recognition.

Multi-Channel Visibility:

Recognition generates maximum motivational value when visible throughout school communities through multiple touchpoints:

• Social media posts highlighting newly recognized students with photos and achievement descriptions
• School newsletter features profiling ACT 30+ Club members and their college destinations
• Morning announcements celebrating recent additions to the showcase board
• Digital displays in high-traffic areas rotating current ACT 30+ content
• Recognition receptions or events bringing honored students together near showcase boards
• Integration into academic awards ceremonies and senior recognition events

This multi-channel approach ensures recognition reaches all stakeholders—students themselves, peers, families, and broader school communities—maximizing impact.

Timely Recognition:

Recognition loses motivational power when delayed. Students benefit most from acknowledgment soon after achievement. Strategies for prompt recognition include automated processing after score releases (typically four cycles annually), weekly recognition roundups highlighting recent qualifying scores, real-time digital showcase updates within days of students sharing scores, and social media posts within week of achievement occurrence.

Creating Inclusive Recognition Systems with Multiple Pathways

While ACT 30+ represents exceptional achievement, effective recognition systems ensure students across performance spectrums see pathways to acknowledgment rather than systems exclusively celebrating elite performers.

Complementary Recognition Categories:

Schools implementing ACT 30+ showcase boards typically maintain additional recognition pathways acknowledging diverse achievement:

• ACT improvement recognition for students making substantial score gains (e.g., 5+ point composite increases)
• Subject-specific excellence for students with exceptional section scores (35-36) even if composite falls below 30
• Academic preparation recognition for students completing rigorous AP/IB coursework supporting college readiness regardless of test scores
• Honor roll and GPA-based programs celebrating sustained academic performance
• College acceptance recognition acknowledging admission to selective institutions through holistic criteria

This diversity ensures students with different strengths and testing aptitudes can achieve recognition, preventing ACT 30+ programs from feeling exclusive to students with particular standardized testing strengths.

Transparent Preparation Resources:

Recognition programs maximize motivational impact when paired with accessible preparation support. Effective schools provide clear information about free and low-cost ACT preparation resources available, scheduled preparation workshops or study groups through guidance departments, partnership with community organizations offering test prep programs, tutoring or peer mentoring for students preparing for retests, and timeline guidance helping students plan strategic test-taking schedules.

When students understand not just what achievement is recognized but how to pursue it through accessible strategies and support, recognition becomes motivating rather than discouraging for students not naturally achieving top scores.

Frequently Asked Questions About ACT 30+ Club Recognition

When should schools update ACT 30+ showcase boards after score releases?

Schools should update showcase boards as quickly as possible after students share qualifying scores. ACT releases scores four times annually (February, April, June, July for standard test dates). Digital showcase boards can typically be updated within days of students submitting score reports to guidance offices. Traditional engraved displays may require 4-8 weeks for professional engraving services. Prompt updates maintain achievement excitement and demonstrate that school genuinely celebrates success rather than treating recognition as low-priority administrative task.

Should schools recognize students who achieve ACT 30+ after multiple attempts?

Recognition philosophies vary, but most inclusive approaches honor highest composite scores regardless of attempt number. Data from Rocket deployments (N=23 schools tracking attempt information) shows students who improved substantially between tests (e.g., 27 to 31) generate particular peer interest, as underclassmen view these improvement narratives as achievable pathways. Schools concerned about multiple-attempt recognition can implement tiered approach: featured recognition for first-attempt 30+ achievement with inclusive recognition for all qualifying scores regardless of attempts. The key is establishing clear, transparent criteria communicated before students test.

How should showcase boards handle students taking both ACT and SAT?

Many students take both assessments. Schools should recognize qualifying achievement on either test using published concordance tables. ACT 30 roughly corresponds to SAT 1390-1410 on current concordance. Common approaches include maintaining separate ACT 30+ and SAT 1400+ categories on showcase boards with clear labeling, or creating unified “exceptional standardized testing achievement” category recognizing equivalent performance across assessments. Avoid requiring students achieve thresholds on both tests—recognize excellence on either assessment platform.

What about students whose families opt out of public recognition?

Respect privacy preferences while ensuring students don’t lose recognition entirely. For students whose families decline public directory information, provide private recognition through individual letters or certificates sent home, principal or counselor personal congratulations delivered privately, and optional participation in recognition events. Make opt-out implications clear during enrollment so families understand directory information restrictions affect public celebration while alternative private acknowledgment remains available.

Should historical ACT 30+ achievers be included when implementing new showcase boards?

Including historical achievers when implementing new digital showcase boards demonstrates long-term commitment to academic excellence while creating comprehensive displays. Digital systems make this practical since they accommodate unlimited profiles without physical space constraints. Historical recognition requires research through school records or alumni outreach. Many schools implement phased approach: launch with current students and recent graduates (past 5 years), then expand historically as resources allow and alumni respond to outreach. Comprehensive historical displays build stronger institutional identity and pride.

How can small schools with limited ACT 30+ achievers create meaningful recognition?

Schools averaging only 2-5 ACT 30+ students annually can still implement meaningful recognition by integrating ACT achievement within comprehensive academic excellence displays rather than creating dedicated standalone programs. Consider recognizing top 10% of test-takers by score regardless of absolute threshold, celebrating both ACT 30+ achievement and substantial improvement from junior to senior attempts, featuring students achieving exceptional section scores (35-36) even if composite falls short, and highlighting scholarship outcomes and college admissions successes regardless of test scores. Multiple recognition pathways ensure adequate honoree populations for meaningful displays while maintaining aspirational excellence benchmarks.

What preparation support should accompany ACT 30+ recognition programs?

Recognition programs achieve maximum motivational impact when paired with accessible preparation support rather than celebrating achievement without helping students pursue it. Effective schools provide information about free official ACT preparation resources and practice tests, scheduled preparation workshops through guidance departments or academic support staff, partnerships with community organizations offering test prep programs (particularly for underrepresented students), peer tutoring or mentoring connecting current students with recent ACT 30+ achievers, and strategic timeline guidance helping students plan test attempts and retakes. When students understand clear pathways to recognized achievement through accessible support, recognition motivates rather than discourages.

Conclusion: Building Data-Driven Excellence Cultures Through Recognition

ACT 30+ Club digital showcase boards represent more than ceremonial acknowledgment of exceptional test performance. When schools implement comprehensive, visible, data-rich recognition programs, they create cultures where academic excellence receives consistent celebration comparable to athletic and artistic achievements, students develop clear aspirational goals based on visible success models with transparent criteria, families understand their students’ accomplishments receive genuine institutional value through tangible recognition investment, and communities gain concrete evidence of school quality through standardized achievement rather than subjective claims.

Effective ACT 30+ showcase boards share common characteristics regardless of specific implementation: visibility through prominent placement in guidance areas and high-traffic locations; engagement through achievement narratives rather than statistical lists alone; accessibility through web platforms extending reach beyond building visitors; sustainability via efficient cloud-based management systems; integration within comprehensive recognition cultures rather than isolated programs; inspiration through detailed preparation strategies and outcome information; and authenticity ensuring recognition feels proportional to significant achievement.

The investment schools make in ACT 30+ digital showcase boards generates returns across multiple priorities. Students who see hard work recognized through professional displays feel validated by their institutions. Younger students regularly encountering showcase boards understand that exceptional achievement matters and see concrete examples to pursue. Families whose students receive meaningful recognition develop stronger school connections. Communities gain evidence of educational quality through objective standardized performance data displayed prominently.

Ready to transform how your school celebrates ACT 30+ achievement and other academic excellence? Modern solutions like Rocket Alumni Solutions provide comprehensive platforms designed specifically for educational recognition, offering intuitive content management, engaging interactive displays, unlimited recognition capacity, and data-rich approaches that help schools build the recognition cultures their students deserve.

Your students achieve remarkable academic excellence through disciplined preparation and strategic effort—comprehensive ACT 30+ Club digital showcase boards ensure those achievements receive celebration, visibility, and inspiration value that strengthens academic culture for current students and future generations.