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Club & Greek

219 Freshmen Inducted Into Phi Eta Sigma Honors Society

National Honor Society Induction Took Place on Campus This Past Sunday


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The University’s chapter of Phi Eta Sigma, the freshmen honor society, held its induction Sunday, March 25, at 3:00 pm in Pollak Theatre. Fresh- men and their families filled the theatre in anticipation of being rec- ognized for their academic success. Cameras flashed as names were called and honor students made their way to the stage to receive a certifi- cate of induction. Guest speaker Dr. Thomas Pearson, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs said that the 2012 induction has brought in the largest amount of students to Phi Eta Sigma yet.

Induction organizer, Pattiann Heimbuch of first year advising, said that 219 students were inducted at the 2012 ceremony. This year was Heim- buch’s first year organizing the Phi Eta Sigma induction. According to Heimbuch here is much more to the freshmen honor society than a formal ceremony in Pollak Theatre, however, and Phi Eta Sigma makes it easy for its members to participate in.

“There are several projects that are offered to our inductees and they will be able to join the ones that they want to partake in. There is no ob- ligation. [They] do whatever is good for their schedule,” said Heimbuch. To be inducted into Phi Eta Sigma, first-year students must achieve a 3.5 grade point average in their first se- mester. Though students do not have to maintain a 3.5 GPA through their entire college career to keep their membership, they are expected to continue their hard work. “I expect [the inductees] to be more involved, I expect them to keep up with their academic standards, I expect them to continue to achieve. Just because we are inducting them today doesn’t mean that they are going to fall down to below a 3.0 GPA tomorrow, so we expect them to keep the same level of academic standards,” said Mercy Azeke, Dean of the Center for Stu- dent Success.

Some students even exceeded their own expectations by becoming members of Phi Eta Sigma, over- coming any fears or expectations prior to entering college. “I proved to myself that I could be successful even though college is a whole new experience and can sometimes be difficult to adjust to,” says inductee, Olivia Caruso. Student Candace Grande also expresses the positive reinforcement that comes with be- ing inducted into Phi Eta Sigma. “Becoming a part of Phi Eta Sigma symbolizes the hard work first year students accomplish during their first semester at Monmouth Univer- sity. It has made me feel great know- ing working hard pays off,” she said.

Meeting the criteria to get into Phi Eta Sigma was not an easy accom- plishment. Adjusting to college life as a first year student and maintain- ing excellent grades is something to be proud of explained inductee Kris- tina Woung-Fallon.

“I worked really hard my first se- mester to achieve good grades and establish a high GPA. Of course, this required even more effort while trying to adjust to living away from home and challenging college courses. However, I worked a lot on time management so that I was able to successfully reach my goals of good grades and a high GPA,” said Woung-Fallon. She also says it was an honor to be recognized.

Speakers at the induction cer- emony included members of the Phi Eta Sigma committee President Mathew-Donald Sangster, Vice President Lori Mueller, Secretary Amanda Kruzynski, Treasurer So- nya Shah and Historian Oscar San- chez. Also at the podium was facul- ty advisors Dr. Golam Mathbor and Dr. Pearson. Pearson was presented with a plaque as well.

After the ceremony, President Paul G. Gaffney II joined the students for a group photo. All inductees crowded together after their families left the theatre for a few group photos after the event. Parents had their turn at memorable photo opportunities after the professional photos were taken.

The 2012 ceremony was an overall success with over 200 new inductees and eloquent speeches from well accredited staff and committee members.

“The formal induction ceremony is to celebrate the students and their achievements,” says Heimbuch. “It is a day for them and their families to celebrate the achievement that they’ve earned.”

PHOTO COURTESY of Blaze Nowara