SWU inducts five into Alpha Chi
SWU Alpha Chi inductees, from left, are Cody Thomas, Austin Porter, Erica Smith, Marina Barcaglioni and Kent Ellison.
Five Southern Wesleyan University students, representing the top five percent of the junior class and the top ten percent of the senior class, were inducted into the Alpha Chi National collegiate honor society on Feb. 10.
A presidential luncheon in honor of the inductees was hosted by Dr. David Spittal after the ceremony.
Marina Barcaglioni, Kent Ellison, Austin Porter, Erica Smith and Cody Thomas joined Scott Bryson, Elizabeth Dennis, Christin Eubanks, Ashlee Houser, Nathan Moore, Elizabeth Payseur, Erin Woodbury and Megan Woodworth, who represent the current members.
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 Phi Beta Kappa, Alpha Chi is unique among honor societies because it encourages not only scholarship but also service and faithfulness to the religious ideals of Southern Wesleyan. Recommendations for membership come from the registrar and the academic dean. 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. Chemistry professor Dr. James Schmutz founded the chapter and served as its first sponsor. Academic Dean Dr. Gloria Bell served as the next sponsor, followed by the current sponsor, Dr. Laura Black. Dr. Brad Fipps and Dean Bell are the assistant sponsors. Other faculty and staff who are Alpha Chi members are Prof. Jane Dill and Prof. Michael Keaton.