Celebrating 50 years on the University of Arkansas at Monticello’s campus, the Arkansas Zeta Chapter of Alpha Chi held their initiation ceremony Tuesday evening, Nov. 14 in the Fine Arts Center Auditorium. 

   A national college honor scholarship society, Alpha Chi accepts students from all disciplines.  However, students must have completed at least 62 hours of course work and maintain a grade point average within the top 10 percent of the junior and senior classes, usually above a 3.6. 

   The 2006 ceremony included the initiation of 35 new members and the installation of new officers.  Kate Stewart, professor of English and Honor Sponsor of Alpha Chi, opened the occasion with introductions and remarks. 

   “It takes a truly cooperative effort of a number of people to pull off a program like this,” Stewart said. 

   Following Stewart, Chancellor Jack Lassiter offered the welcome and Vice President of Alpha Chi Maranda Henley gave a short speech on the purpose of the honor society. 

   President Amanda Haught, Instructor of Speech Communications Scott Kuttenkuler and Stewart led the initiation of new members.  This year, the society offered a new tradition in which inductees can name a sponsor to light their candle.  This signifies the passing on of knowledge from professor to student. 

   The initiates sealed their induction by reciting the society’s motto:  “Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.” 

   Stewart and Assistant Sponsor Christine Bryant led the installation of new officers, which included:  President Amanda Haught, Vice President Maranda Henley, Secretary Josh Tooke, Treasurer Jennifer Mann and Historian Sarah Reed. 

   Following the initiation and installation of officers, former Honor Sponsor of the Zeta Chapter Joe Guenter led the audience in the singing of “Hail to Alpha Chi,” with Associate Professor of Music Stephen Trana on piano. 

   Provost David Ray ended the ceremony with some reflections.  He ended by saying, “I do salute you for your commitment for making academics the center of your college experience.” 

   After the ceremony, the group moved to the Spencer Gallery for refreshments, which Aramark provided. 

   Justin Anders, a music major and new member, said, “I feel very honored to finally be recognized for the hard work I put towards my scholastic achievement.” 

The fall 2006 Initiates of the Arkansas Zeta Chapter of Alpha Chi include: