SWU inducts 10 in 2005 Alpha Chi ceremony
Participants in Southern Wesleyan University’s Alpha Chi induction ceremony are, from left, Nathan Moore, Elizabeth Payseur, Jennifer White, Erin Woodbury, Dr. Laura Black, Megan Woodworth, Tasha Howard, Elizabeth Dennis and Scott Bryson. Not pictured are inductees Alisa Ellenburg and Christin Eubanks.
Truth and character are the focus for 10 Southern Wesleyan University students inducted into Alpha Chi National Collegiate honor society.
The students, representing the top five percent of the junior class and the top 10 percent of the senior class, were inducted into the honor society Feb. 11.
Alpha Chi inductees include Scott Bryson of Pisgah Forest, N.C, a music education major; Elizabeth Dennis of Bessemer City, N.C., religion; Alisa Ellenburg of Williamston, elementary education; Christin Eubanks of North Augusta, religion; Tasha Howard of Trinity, N.C., accounting; Nathan Moore of Birmingham, Ala., English; Elizabeth Payseur of Lincolnton, N.C., elementary education; Jennifer White of Townville, accounting; Erin Woodbury of Carmel, Ind., elementary education; and Megan Woodworth of New Brunswick, Canada, music.
Current Alpha Chi members include Julieta Barcaglioni of Central, accounting; Ashlee Houser of Denver, N.C., biology; Carmen Hughey of Conyers, Ga., history; Ashley McCall of Pickens, elementary education; Jake Neal of Asheboro, N.C., religion; Jennifer Potts of Fair Play, biology; Cary Rodriquez of Roanoke, Va., elementary education; Jessica Smith of Pickens, elementary education; and Aaron Tolan of Central, pre-medicine.
Alpha Chi’s purpose is to promote academic excellence and exemplary character among college and university students. The name comes from the initial letters of the Greek words for “truth” and “character.”
While its membership requirements are the same as those of Phi Beta Kappa honor society, Alpha Chi encourages not only scholarship, but also service and faithfulness to the religious ideals of Southern Wesleyan University. Recommendations for membership come from the registrar and the academic dean. The university’s academic council approves candidates. Those who are inducted take a solemn pledge of membership to “guard with due diligence the scholarship of this university, the honesty and integrity of its scholars and the moral and religious ideals of their alma mater.”
Founded in 1915, Alpha Chi came to Southern Wesleyan in 1981, becoming the fourth chapter in South Carolina. Dr. James Schmutz, chemistry professor, founded the chapter and served as its first sponsor. Dr. Gloria Bell, academic dean, served as the next sponsor. The current sponsor is Dr. Laura Black, division chair of Modern Languages. Dr. Brad Fipps, religion professor, and Bell are the assistant sponsors. Other faculty and staff who are Alpha Chi members are Jane Dill, division chair and professor of music, and Michael Keaton, adjunct professor of history.
Dr. David Spittal, president of Southern Wesleyan University, hosted a luncheon in honor of the inductees after the ceremony.