By Anna Ostmann and Mia Tebbe

On October 28, 2021, the Lindenwood chapter of the Alpha Chi National College Honor Society inducted 114 students into the organization, a record-high number of inductees for the University.

The ceremony took place on the Lindenwood campus in Harmon Hall’s Dunseth Auditorium and was significant not only to the record number of inductees, but also to the fact that it was the first in-person ceremony since Spring 2020. The induction ceremony had a large turnout that included students, their families and faculty.

The ceremony was led by Dean of the College of Arts and Humanities, Co-sponsor of Lindenwood’s Alpha Chi chapter, and Vice President of the Executive Council of the Alpha Chi National Honors Society Dr. Kathi Vosevich. She was joined by her Alpha Chi Co-sponsor, professor of English, faculty sponsor of the Lindenwood Honors Academy, and Alpha Chi Region IV Vice President, Dr. Justine Pas. Together, the two faculty members are a large part of the driving force behind Lindenwood’s growing Alpha Chi involvement.

Student officers from Lindenwood’s Alpha Chi chapter were also in attendance. President Dr. Elaine Ragland, and Vice President and Region IV student representative to the National Alpha Chi Council Abigail Manis joined the ceremony. Lindenwood University President Dr. John Porter, an honorary Alpha Chi Member was also present; and Provost Dr. Bethany Alden-Rivers. Both spoke to the group, congratulating the new inductees and highlighting some of the chapter’s most recent accomplishments.

Lindenwood’s Alpha Chi chapter has grown exponentially over the past few years, welcoming more students than ever before and becoming one of the largest Alpha Chi chapters in the region. Two years ago, they won the society’s most prestigious award, the President’s Cup, for their contributions to the university and local community. As the Lindenwood chapter continues to grow, they hope there will be many more success stories from members.

Alpha Chi was founded to “recognize and promote academic excellence among college and university students of all disciplines, to encourage a spirit of service and leadership, and to nurture the elements of character that make scholarship effective for good,” their website explains. Only students in the top ten percent of their universities are accepted, and members receive access to several benefits including scholarships and financial aid, academic and professional development opportunities, and the chance to be published in their scholarly, peer-reviewed undergraduate publication, Aletheia. Students in Alpha Chi can also participate in the society’s national convention and present their research to scholars from around the country.  

“Alpha Chi gives the most gifted students a place to thrive in the national spotlight,” Vosevich said, “Our students are now part of an honors organization that promotes academic excellence and exemplary character—and offers many opportunities for real success. We are planning for the March national convention in Texas now, and we encourage new members to participate.”