Monmouth University’s chapter of Phi Eta Sigma (PES) National Honor Society participated in the centennial convention that took place in Cleveland, Ohio, from Nov. 3-5, 2023. Universities from across the nation gathered to engage in activities to make connections, enhance leadership skills, reward excellence, and celebrate the 100th year of the chapter’s legacy.
Golam Mathbor, MSS, MSW, Ph.D., RSW, Professor of the Department of Social Work and advisor to PES, was accompanied in Cleveland by Monmouth students on the PES Executive Board. He explained, “This Honor Society encourages and rewards academic excellence, assisting students in their academic pursuits and career aspirations.” President Lauren Lentino, Vice President Kaitlyn Welsh, and Secretary Lyndsey Buren had the opportunity to listen, engage, and learn about the successful journey of PES members throughout the course of this event.
Mathbor has served as an advisor since 2005 and also served as a Member of Phi Eta Sigma National Executive Board from 2018-2022. He has led many Monmouth students to these annual conventions that have provided them with an opportunity to learn from other student delegates and a chance to enhance their resumes.
Buren said, “I had many wonderful experiences when I attended the national convention. I met many kind students from across the country who are all committed to furthering Phi Eta Sigma’s core values of mind, health, and character.”
Previously, six Monmouth students received scholarships from PES headquarters in various categories in addition to providing the opportunity for one of the chapter’s previous presidents to serve on the National Executive Committee. The chapter at MU has also awarded book prizes to many members over the years.
Lentino said, “Since becoming a member and the President of the PES Honor Society, it has influenced my college experience by promoting academic recognition and a sense of community, and [it] has offered opportunities for leadership, networking, scholarships, and personal development.”
The three-day convention began with all delegates coming together to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Honor Society. On Friday, Nov. 3, students attended the opening ceremony of the Eras Convention introducing their new motto, “Elevate with Honor.” Students additionally participated in team bonding experiences such as game night, a 5K run to fundraise for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, and activities such as stacking the highest tower of cups.
On Saturday morning, PES delegates participated in a service project at the Cleveland Public Library to promote their philanthropic mission of literacy. Each student was given a free book and asked to read for ten minutes. On the business front, students discussed their involvement in the Honor Society and how to create more opportunities for chapters around the nation. That night, delegates had the opportunity to celebrate a private centennial celebration dinner at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, after their recent induction ceremony.
Sunday morning, the final day of the convention, attendees toasted to the next 100 years of Phi Eta Sigma at the awards brunch hosted by the keynote speaker, Miss North Dakota,
Sydney Helgeson. The PES Members of Distinction and Chapter Philanthropy Award winners were celebrated.
Monmouth University formed the 272nd chapter of the PES National Freshman Honor Society in 1997. What makes the Monmouth University chapter so prestigious is the qualifications one must meet while attending the University. It restricts eligibility to join specifically as a first-year student. MU has had annual induction ceremonies since 1997, inducting roughly 160 students who achieved a GPA of 3.5 or above during their first semester.
Welsh encouraged students to meet the requirements of such an Honors Society. She said, “Students are encouraged to work hard, and being in the Honors Society acknowledges that hard work and looks good for students’ future endeavors.”
