He wanted to attract top students with an "honors college" within the university.

"The honors college is a radical departure from what we had before," he said.

"The honors college gives local students a great opportunity to grow without having to leave Long Island."

As of 2011, there are 231 students residing on-campus at the honors college.

The honors college remains small and relies on expensive scholarships to attract students.

The university has added several schools and programs in recent years, including an honors college and a graduate journalism school.

The university recently broke ground on a new residence hall that will also house students in the Honors College.

These include the Honors College, study abroad, service learning, and undergraduate research.

All students admitted to the new honors college will receive a scholarship covering half of their tuition.

And that effort has led to more than just new dorms and an honors college.