The Phi Eta Sigma National Freshman Honor Society welcomed its latest group of inductees in a ceremony at Pollak Theatre on Friday, March 11. The honor society is a leadership organization based on students’ scholarly performance, rewarding academic excellence specifically among freshmen in institutions of higher education. The ceremony was hosted by the Honors School Induction Ceremony Committee, honoring the membership of about 100 undergraduate students.
Pamela Scott-Johnson, Ph.D., Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs delivered the keynote address, stressing the importance of talented students taking charge to lead initiatives for change. “To make a difference depends on our ability to think critically and lead…We cannot assume others will do the work we are made for,” said Scott-Johnson.
Since the organization’s founding in 1923, more than 1,300,000 scholarly leaders have been inducted. Following Scott-Johnson was Honors School Dean and Professor of Sociology, Nancy Mezey, Ph.D. Mezey said, “Everyone present is eligible to join the Honors School if they are not already an honors student,” a bonus credential for some students in attendance. Both speakers applauded the inductees for their hard work and perseverance towards academic excellence.
After Scott-Johnson and Mezey, congratulatory speeches were made by the chapter’s executive board. Treasurer, Emily Pawelek, emphasized the personal qualities each member is expected to possess as newly minted representatives of Phi Eta Sigma’s mission. She stated, “Vigor and discipline of mind; care and respect for the body; and above all, nobility and generosity of character.” Pawelek reflected on the inductees’ response to their new responsibility, saying, “They were taking in every moment of their induction ceremony. They enjoyed listening to the keynote speaker, Provost Scott-Johnson, as well as Dean Mezey. Both speakers offered great advice that the inductees are able to keep with them through the remainder of their college years.”
As the ceremony continued and the members’ certificates were passed out, the organization’s faculty advisor, Professor of Social Work, Golam Mathbor, MSW, Ph.D., offered some closing thoughts. “Out of approximately 950 students in the class of 2025, you are one of the 268 outstanding students who qualified for this achievement. You have already demonstrated your leadership qualities in combination with competence and character by achieving an excellent GPA in your first semester at Monmouth,” started Mathbor. “I hope that you will continue maintaining this level of academic excellence in your future career here at Monmouth and beyond.” Mathbor also noted to The Outlook that interested students who have maintained a 3.5 GPA or above can still visit www.phietasigma.org to join the society.
Mathbor has served as the advisor for Monmouth’s chapter since 2005. He explained that since students’ first year at a university can be challenging, he appreciates working with individuals who have proven themselves despite all odds. “I enjoy working with students who like to go above and beyond in their academic career,” said Mathbor, “The students of Phi Eta Sigma serve as role models to their peers by helping to promote scholastic success across campus.”
The chapter’s president, Nathan Heisey, concluded the ceremony, saying, “It has been a true pleasure, honor, and privilege serving in various roles in the society…I would like to thank Dr. Golam Mathbor for not only making this event possible, but also making it so special and memorable, despite the global COVID-19 pandemic.”
Heisey went on to thank the rest of the executive board and congratulate the new inductees. Heisey told The Outlook, “The recent group of inductees has shown a great drive to succeed in their academics at Monmouth University. These students possess the qualities needed to be young leaders at Monmouth University and in their future careers.”