By Kimberly Prather, Student Reporter
Pi Sigma Alpha and Mu Phi Epsilon are just two of the diverse Honor Societies that are reaching out and doing things outside of their particular field.
Every department at ACU has a National Honor Society, which students are inducted into yearly. Honor Societies recognize the accomplishments of ACU students for exemplary knowledge in a certain study.
Pi Sigma Alpha, the Political Science Honor Society, has a primary purpose to recognize the accomplishments of those students who have achieved distinction in the field of Political Science.
To become a member of Pi Sigma Alpha, one must be a junior or a senior taking 12 or more political science hours and hold a B average in departmental courses. He or she must also be in the top third of their class.
In the 2007-08 school year, six members were inducted into Pi Sigma Alpha. Members of Pi Sigma Alpha are excelling in the political science field by reaching out to the community.
Members of Pi Sigma Alpha showcased superior role-model skills when members recently took a trip to Austin with fourth grade students from Fannin Elementary School.
“Dr. Mel Hailey, [chair of the Department of Political Science,] applied and received a grant from the national organization to help fund the trip to Austin,” said Rhonda Holder, administrative coordinator in the Department of Political Science.
Today, Pi Sigma Alpha is recognized in the educational world and in political science for the effective accomplishment of its objective. Its objective is to bring persons interested in the study of government into closer association with one another and the community.
Mu Phi Epsilon, the Music Honor Society, aims to recognize students of scholarship and musicianship, developing a bond of friendship among its members, according to the society’s mission statement.
Members of Mu Phi Epsilon are doing special things outside of the music field by volunteering their time to many organizations.
“We do so much as a group there is always something in the works,” said Sarah Gomez, senior music major from Grande Prairie.
“We have lots of benefits and concerts to raise money, but we also volunteer our time at local nursing homes,” Gomez said.
In its own words, Mu Phi Epsilon’s aim is the advancement of music in the community, in the nation and in the world through promotion of musicianship, scholarship, and music education, with an emphasis on service through music.
“Around 10 years ago, Mu Phi had kinda died around ACU and is now coming back to life, with this last year having 15 members,” Gomez said. “The excitement of the organization is coming back to the department and we are excited about that.”
Membership in Mu Phi Epsilon is limited to music majors and minors. Members are drawn from a diverse range of musical fields. Those seeking membership must meet the academic requirements.
“We love to have fun, rather that is with music or volunteering. We all have a great sense of humor and there is always something entertaining going on,” Gomez said.
