Newman University’s Kansas Theta Chapter of Pi Gamma Mu welcomed 18 new members during its annual induction ceremony on Sunday, March 30, at the Sister Tarsicia Roths, ASC, Alumni Center. Pi Gamma Mu is an international social science honor society.
The Newman event drew a larger-than-expected crowd of 62 attendees, including family members and significant others of the inductees, requiring additional seating to accommodate everyone.
“One of the best feelings as a president is needing more seating as you have more attendees than expected,” said Emily Pachta, chapter president. “I think this showed to the new members that they now have an additional community and support system within Newman University that is vast.”
Celebrating academic excellence
The ceremony highlighted the academic achievements of the inductees, who are required to complete at least 21 social science credit hours and maintain a B average or higher in their coursework. This year, 13 of the 18 new members attended the ceremony.
Larry Heck, chapter advisor and professor emeritus, noted that this year’s ceremony placed “a little greater focus on the academic accomplishments of our new members, providing the greatest consistency with our Pi Gamma Mu mission.”
Diverse interests and career goals
New inductees were asked to share not only their names and areas of study but also their aspirations after graduating from Newman. The inductees represent diverse academic interests and career goals within the social sciences.
Among the new members are Master of Social Work program students Rachel Breaux and Grace Blair, who were recently featured in Newman Today. Gabriel Trevino, another new inductee, is running for president of the Student Government Association. Junior members Kinleigh Andrews and Kassidy Miller aspire to attend law school after graduation.
Special guests and a legacy of leadership
Special guests at the ceremony included Sister Tarcisia Roths, ASC, the first sponsor of the chapter, and Suzanne Rupp, executive director of Pi Gamma Mu, who highlighted the achievements of the Newman chapter in her presentation.
“Through Sister Tarcisia’s participation, comments and prayer, all present could see that she appreciates being a member of the society and being the first sponsor of the chapter,” Heck said. “Her continued support of the social sciences and the chapter through these many years makes her a role model for our members.”
Looking to the future
Pachta expressed satisfaction with the large turnout and confidence in the future of the organization.
“As a senior, it gave me peace of mind to know that (Newman’s chapter of) Pi Gamma Mu is in great hands for the up coming years,” she said.
Five of the new members will continue their studies at Newman next year, and Heck hopes they will take on leadership roles within the chapter.
“I expect their academic skills will continue, bolstered by the knowledge of their recognition for their academic accomplishments,” he said.
Continuing the mission
The Kansas Theta Chapter follows a specific induction script that outlines the organization’s mission, which Pachta believes helped new members feel connected to the purpose of Pi Gamma Mu.
In November, Pachta attended the 2024 Pi Gamma Mu Centennial International Conference in Philadelphia, which provided her with “great information on where to go from here and helped me build long-lasting connections.”
Looking ahead, the chapter will focus on helping the new inductees understand their roles as lifelong members and will hold elections for next year’s executive board.
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