Thursday, March 3, 2016

Nota Bene: Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society Induction

March 3, 2016

On Tuesday I attended the spring 2016 induction ceremony of select Virginia Wesleyan College freshmen into Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society, the nation's oldest and largest honor society for first-year college and university students in all disciplines.

This was a very special pleasure for me because the inductees and I arrived here at Virginia Wesleyan at the same time. Together, we are First-Year Marlins. These 29 candidates join an exemplary group of students because of their stellar academic achievements during their first year here.

Phi Eta Sigma was founded in 1923 at the University of Illinois. Inspired by the past and dedicated to the future, the Society's mission is to encourage and reward academic excellence among freshmen in institutions of higher learning. Since its founding, more than 1.1 million scholars have been inducted into Phi Eta Sigma at one of 378 campuses across the United States. The Virginia Wesleyan Chapter was founded in 1983, with approximately 100 members on campus today.

I’d like to thank Jason Seward, Dean of Freshmen, and the many faculty and staff who have supported this society. You have generously shared your time and energy to advance this organization, and we value your contributions.  

Congratulations to the newest Phi Eta Sigma members (listed below), and warmest wishes for continued success during your time at Virginia Wesleyan. I look forward to that time 3 ½ years from now when I will be congratulating you as you walk across the stage at graduation. Until then, may you benefit from all that our campus has to offer, and may you always remember to enjoy your journey through this life-defining experience called college.

Brianna Brunk
                Mary Kelley
Emilee Caldbeck           Julie Manning
Edwin Campos              Stephanie Mathieu

Tiffany Cariker               Genesis McDaniels
Madalyn Chevalier         Caleb Mercer
Luke Chiasson               Valerie Miller
Meghan Fentress           Kevin Murray
Bayli Foley                     Kirsten Powell
Brandon Foster              Kristina Scott
Kathryn Grainer             Justin Smith
Hayley Heath                 Madeline Snyder
Kerstin Holman              Jake Stokke
Nicole Holmes                Alexis Washington
Abigail Horgan               Gracelyn Willard
Ann Johnson