Paige Wassel
Editor-in-Chief
On September 30, Milligan’s Alpha Chi honor society inducted 21 new members into its Tennessee Nu chapter.
During the ceremony, each new inductees introduced a faculty member that had influenced them the most during their time at Milligan. The evening concluded with a candle-lighting service.
“I really appreciated the opportunity that I had to thank my teacher for doing such a great job,” junior Claire Miller said. “We don’t get the opportunity to do that enough at Milligan.”
Lori Mills, associate professor of psychology and faculty sponsor, said that she thinks that asking inductees to write a letter and speak about a faculty member has contributed towards an increased interest in Alpha Chi. This practice has been a part of the induction ceremony since 2001.
“I think that’s been a very positive change,” Mills said.
She said that this practice gives faculty added incentive to attend the ceremony. Alpha Chi has also recently started sending letters announcing the ceremony to parents and family of the inductee.
Mills estimated that in the past three years, approximately 90 percent of those students eligible have joined Alpha Chi. Alpha Chi members must be in the top ten percent of the junior or senior class, have a GPA of 3.5 or higher and demonstrate good character. She said she sends a list of the students that meet the academic requirements to faculty and staff for feedback. This year 21 of the 23 students who were eligible joined the honors society.
This year’s inductees include: Amanda Aubrey, Carrie Baker, Kelly Becker, Danisha Bethune, Erin Blasinski, Crystal Craigo, Rachel Cunningham, Michael Douty, Craig Emmert, Sara Fowler, Elizabeth Jackson, Katurah Leonard, Dawn Loughry, T.J. Marr, Bethany Mayes, Sarah McPeak, Claire Miller, Holt Scott, Jessica Shotwell, Samantha Silver and Stresa White.
According to Harding University’s website, “Since 1922 (Alpha Chi’s) purpose has been to promote academic excellence and exemplary character among college and university students and to honor those who achieve such distinction.”
Last year, Milligan’s chapter hosted a movie night and invited Dr. Craig Farmer to speak about the film “Places of the Heart,” Mills said. Alpha Chi also volunteered at an Easter egg hunt at Sycamore Shoals, and had four students give presentations at the national convention in Washington D.C. Senior Laura Jones also won one of the national scholarships that are available to Alpha Chi members.
This year, Mills said she hopes that Milligan members will participate in the regional convention held at Nashville.
“I’d like to raise awareness of Alpha Chi on campus,” Mills said.
Alpha Chi held its first meeting of the year this past Tuesday and elected officers for the 2003 to 2004 academic year. Carrie Baker will serve as president, Laura Jones as vice president, Paige Wassel as secretary and Beth Jackson as treasurer.