"alpha chi " In the spotlight of candles, Patty Barrett, director of residence life, Dr. Ken Cam– eron, associate professor of psychology, and Dr. Dennis Matlock, assistant professor of biochemistry, welcome new members into the Alpha Chi honor society Oct. 19. The organization inducted 63 students in the fall and 76 in the spring. (Photo by Jeff Montgomery) a1tt'l.1' 212 1/ organizations students establish academic excellence Alpha Chi involved students from different backgrounds and cultures who shared a commongoal - academic achlevment. The national honor society had chapters located on more than 300 campuses around the nation. Membership was granted to the top 10 percent of juniors and seniors in all majors. The individuals considered needed to exhibit the character traits defined by the name of the organization: truth (alpha) and character (chi). Dr. Ken Cameron, associate professor of psychology, who was in charge of organizing and guiding the members, led the local chapter. "Our organization is W1.ique in the fact that we involve students from all different cultures and types of life," Cameron said. "The tie that connects them all is their ability to strive toward academic success." Senior Maria Rodriguez, a Honduras native, enjoyed being a part of a society that recognized her efforts and helped to provide motivation. Doing well in school was not a new concept to Rodriguez because ever since she was a child, her mother encouraged excellence. "My mom always gave me a good example; she showed me the way to achieve your goals was through trying over and over again until you were perfect," Rodriguez said. After Rodriguez received her degree in human resources, she planned to return to Honduras to help improve the country's labor practices. Rodriguez hoped her involvement in Alpha Chi would help others see her knowledge to make changes. Rodriguez said Cameron was an encouraging voice she could turn to when faced with school struggles. "Dr. Cameron is very understanding and a great motivational speaker," Rodriguez said. "Sometimes when I didn't think I would be able to get it all done, he would remind me I had done it before and could do it again." Other students also found support and encouragement from Cameron and their families. "My family always expected me to do well in [everything] I do," senior Autumn Riley said. "At home our motto is, 'As long as you tried your hardest and gave it your best, then we are proud of you. IN Riley said time managment was another key component of her academic success. "I am a prime example of the positive benefits of time management," Riley said. "Many people think you can't be concerned with anything else if you want to make A's; they often assume we spend our lives in the library. That definitely was not the case for me. I was always very involved on campus. In fact, this fall 1was vice president for Zeta Rho." - Lori Limillg
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